Senior Wellness Day is a hit

The Houlton Recreation Department, which is usually filled with the sounds of squeaky basketball shoes on the hardwood and bouncing balls was transformed into an educational center at the end of March.
Staffs of the Houlton Parks and Recreation and Healthy Aroostook combined for its annual Senior Wellness Day on March 29.
    Throughout the day, area seniors could visit booths set up around the gymnasium filled with valuable information on their health and long-term care.
“More than 75 individuals attended the day,” said Marie Carmichael, program director at the Houlton Recreational Department. “There were a variety of informational wellness displays from area agencies.”
Those agencies included: Houlton Regional Hospital, ACAP, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Cyr Bus Tours, Community Living Association, Southern Aroostook Cultural Arts Project, Acadia Medical Supplies, American Red Cross, Katahdin Valley Health Center, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Houlton Higher Education Center, Cary Library, Local Spinners/Knitters, Visiting Nurses, Madigan Home Health and the Houlton Police Department.
“As a member of Visiting Nurses of Aroostook, the Wellness Day was an opportunity to connect with area seniors and share with them what services we provide,” said Debbie Jacques. “As an added bonus, it was great to network with other service providers.”
In addition, demonstrations in yoga from The Mindful Way Yoga and Zumba were given to participants.
“We wanted to let the senior citizen population in our area know that we value their health and wanted to provide a day just for them,” said Carmichael.
People had a chance to have their blood pressure checked, find out about everything from medical supplies to assisted living. They also could ask any questions they might have on programs, activities or services offered to seniors in the area.
Several giveaways were sponsored by Dunkin Donuts, Healthy Aroostook, Chadwicks Florist, Daniels Florist, Kevin Carmichael Masonry, Madigan Health Care as well as a light refreshment provided by Andy’s IGA, Paradis Shop N’ Save and Tim Hortons.
“Our hope is that this event will continue to grow in the future years,” said Carmichael. “We are very grateful to the participants, area agencies and our sponsors who donated the many prizes and food for this event.”