Lakewood, NJ -- May is Older Americans Month, a great
time to help older Americans improve their quality of life.
This year’s theme is “Living Today For a Better
Tomorrow.”
By 2030, one in every five Americans will be age 65 or older.
Although the risk of disease increases with advancing age,
poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Many
illnesses, disabilities and even death associated with chronic
disease are preventable. Nearly 40% of deaths in America
can be attributed to poor health habits including lack of
physical exercise.
The benefits of regular physical activity include weight
control; healthy bones, muscles and joints; arthritis relief;
reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; and more. Exercise
does not have to be strenuous and is safe for people of all
age groups. Studies have shown that engaging in social activities
within the community can keep the body moving and can also
greatly improve mental health.
In fact, volunteering is a great way for older Americans
to stay active and improve mental health. According
to Angela Ashley, Manager of Development for the Kimball
Medical Center Foundation, “There are many volunteering
opportunities here at Kimball in both our Volunteer Resource
Center and in our Auxiliaries.”
According to Donna Salin, director of the Volunteer Resource
Center at Kimball, the volunteers fulfill a broad range of
services throughout the hospital including patient contact,
clerical services, cashiering, managing and staffing our
three Thrift shops, transporting patients, reception, as
well as many other responsibilities. “There are
565 active volunteers who have provided 91,000 hours of service
during 2008. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated
and committed group of volunteers here at Kimball,” says
Salin.
The Kimball Auxiliary work to enhance the community’s
healthcare by organizing and coordinating fundraising efforts. The
Kimball Medical Center Foundation oversees the Kimball Medical
Center Auxiliary Council, which currently has more than 1500
active members – and includes seven distinct Auxiliary
units and three thrift shop units.
“Each of the Auxiliary units – including Original
Leisure Village, Leisure Village East, Renaissance, Fairways,
Lake Ridge, Westlake, Lakewood-Jackson, Lots for Little,
Treasure Chest and Kimball Closet – is involved in
different programs and activities,” explains Ashley. “Fundraising
activities include an array of fun-filled social events such
as bus trips, theatre parties, fashion shows, craft fairs
and bake sales held throughout the community. These Auxiliary
units also sponsor periodic vendor sales that take place
in the hospital’s conference rooms and offer the opportunity
for staff and visitors to find quality products at an affordable
price – all while benefiting the hospital,” she
says.
In addition to sponsoring fundraising activities, the Auxiliary
hosts health education programs and screenings throughout
the year and serve as good will ambassadors in the community.
Auxiliary members maintain the day-to-day operation of the
three thrift shops that support Kimball Medical Center; Lots
for Little in Lakewood, The Treasure Chest in Lakehurst and
The Kimball Closet in Jackson – with each store maintaining
its own Auxiliary unit as well.
If you’d like more information about joining one of
the Kimball Medical Center Auxiliary units, please contact
the Kimball Medical Center Foundation at 732.886.GIFT (4438). If
you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call the
Volunteer Resource Center at 732-886-4650.
Date: May 20, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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