The Healthy Hearts program, based on the Well Step program offered at Danville Regional Medical Center, offers participants hearts for each healthy activity. The hearts are then redeemed quarterly for prizes.

After kicking off the wellness program of the week, 35 residents develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Kathy Gray, Stratford House marketing director.

"The Healthy Hearts program helps residents develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Kathy Gray, Stratford House marketing director.

Gray said residents are given a heart for attending daily exercise classes, walking or swimming at the YMCA.

"If they choose healthy foods on the menu, they get hearts for that," Gray said.

Healthy Hearts participants also are given hearts for blood pressure and weight checkups given once a month and for receiving routine checkups from their doctors.

Participants who earn 50-75 hearts are given a free lunch or breakfast from the deli menu.

Other prizes based on the number of hearts earned include $10, $15, and $25 gift certificates and a gift basket.

Gray also said there will an annual drawing for a larger prize.

Gray said the program is based on sound heart healthy information.

"We checked to see what other communities have offered and we investigated what seniors should be doing," Gray said.

Rhonda Hollie, Stratford House activities director, who leads the daily exercise class, said all seniors should strive to take care of themselves.

"We're promoting extending their quality of life," Hollie said. "We want that to be their goal as well."

Gray said many seniors are beginning to see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

"The trend nationwide is to see seniors more health conscience and trying to lead healthy lifestyles," Gray said.

Stratford House resident Gene Wilmarth, 81, is participating in the Healthy Hearts program. She earns one heart for each exercise class she attends.

"I need it for my shoulders, my arthritic knees, and the general good feeling from doing something for yourself," Wilmarth said.

Margaret Ogburn, 87, also is a participant of the Healthy Hearts program and attends exercise classes.

"This is good. It keeps you mobile," Ogburn said. "I feel better after I do (the exercise class."

Ogburn and Wilmarth said the exercise class allows residents to go at their own pace without competition.

"Those not coming to exercise don't know what they are missing," Wilmarth said. "It's definitely indicated you go at your own pace. If it hurts, stop, if not, keep going." Hollie said the Healthy Hearts program will be ongoing and there are plans to expand.

Contact Meredith Nicoletti at (434) 793 2311, Ext. 3022 or mnicoletti@registerbee.com.

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