Minds in Motion is a fitness and social program created for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia.
The program has been in place at the Family Y for the last three years and is presented by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. out of the Northern Interior, Skeena & Peace Region office, located in Prince George.
"I've been coming here since it started and I always have a wonderful time," said Iris Vhal, 78, who's lived in Prince George since 1956 and is originally from Saskatchewan. "I really look forward to it because it's a nice break. You never know what you're going to do or what anybody's going to say but you know it's going to add spice to your week."
The first 45 minutes offers gentle exercise led by a certified fitness instructor and after that there's 45 minutes of social time, offering the participants some refreshments as well as the chance to chat, and play a game, like a bean bag toss - the twist is you have to bounce the bean bag off a mini trampoline to up the risk of a wild landing, increasing the odds for some great belly laughs and bonding with team mates.
As Vhal, who worked as a health records administrator at the hospital for 30 years, takes her turn at the game, there are many cheers as she racks up the points with her three tosses. She's one of the best scorers this week and takes her accolades like a champ - both arms raised in victory and a mile-wide smile on her face.
"We have so much fun," said Vhal, who has six children with husband, Roland. "It's a marvelous place to come. It breaks up the week and gives you something else to think about besides how your life is going along."
New participants are welcome at any time if space is available. The current sessions go until Thursday, Dec. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and will resume in January.
For more information call Leanne Jones at 250-564-7533 or e-mail [email protected].
