AFFILIATES:
Health
The goal of SECOM’s Health division is to help its clients avoid catastrophic health issues through healthy lifestyles and early detection of health issues. The high cost of health care leaves many of the individuals SECOM serves vulnerable to medical bills well beyond their resources.
Aerobics
While there are many opportunities in Kent County for people to join health clubs and gyms, there are few opportunities for low-income and undocumented community members to engage in health and fitness activities. The community that SECOM serves is predominately low income with 99% of the children attending the nearby elementary school receiving free or reduced lunch. In addition, a majority of homes are Hispanic with many people having limited or no English proficiency. Those factors, combined with a low self esteem and body image, deter women from attending traditional workout programs.
Whether a person wants to lose weight or just be healthier, SECOM’s aerobics classes are designed to fit the needs and fitness level of anyone. We also offer special sessions on nutrition and health issues at no cost.
Up to 30 people can enroll in each monthly aerobic session with no limits on residency or income. Biannual health screenings by Spectrum Health nurses alert participants to their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and other illnesses.
To sign up for evening Aerobics classes, contact Sherry.
sit, get fit, have fun
A new program opening at SECOM!
To encourage older persons and those with some mobility limitations to come and work out in our spacious All Purpose Room, we are starting a program that does not require jumping or climbing steps. Our "sit, get fit, have fun" classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 10:45 until 11:30. Classes will begin as soon as we have a handful of people who want to join, perhaps the first of December.
To sign up for daytime Aerobics classes, contact Jonatan.
Nutrition Classes
There is a paradox of hunger and obesity in the United States. According to Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “Households without money to buy enough food often rely on cheaper, high calorie foods to cope with limited money for food.” Food insecurity is a predictor of being overweight. Women with mild food insecurity were 30% more likely to be overweight than those without food insecurity according to the Journal of Nutrition.
Through the Michigan State University extension Program, SECOM is able to provide nutrition classes for its patrons. Classes focus on healthy foods and healthy cooking and stress the benefits of a balanced diet. These class sessions are offered during the Infant and Child Pantry and during the NOW pantry. Individuals who would like to attend should contact Mildred regarding a place in the next class.
Health Screening
In partnership with Calvin College's Medical Programs, student nurses offer screenings at SECOM every Wednesday morning (during each school term except for holidays and exam week). Student nurses check blood pressure and blood glucose levels and recommend follow up with a doctor where appropriate.
Other health screening opportunities are scheduled through both our Aerobics programs and pantry programs. Please, call for more information.