Spaulding Offers New Winter Schedule For Wellness
Classes to Improve Health and Enhance the Recovery Process
Sandwich – Spaulding Cape Cod is proud to announce a new winter class schedule for Wellness Programs. Beginning January 24th, new wellness offerings will include Yoga for Back Care, Yoga for Every Body, and Sun Style Tai Chi. Small classes led by experienced instructors are designed for patients and open to the public. Cost per class is $10 or less, and anyone can try a class for free before signing up. Online pre-registration is required.
Spaulding’s Wellness Programs began in January 2017, made possible by hospital expansion. “Our beautiful new exercise space has been so well received,” says Laurie Crocker PT, Outpatient Supervisor in Sandwich. “Small class sizes allow for personal attention and modification to accommodate individual differences. We’ve made wellness programming as inclusive as possible.”
Yoga for Every Body, led by exercise physiologist Neil Sullivan, is offered Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 pm. Sullivan is experienced in helping people with a wide range of conditions and has taught Yoga and Movement Therapy in a variety of settings.
In his new offering, Yoga for Back Care, Sullivan focuses on teaching poses that address back and other musculoskeletal issues by increasing core strength, stamina and flexibility. The class, which meets Thursdays, 1:45 – 2:45 pm, is suitable for beginners recovering from illness or injury (with minimal flexibility) as well as for those just wanting to maintain good back health.
“My yoga classes are designed to help relieve the effects of stress, soothe the nervous system and alleviate chronic tension,” says Sullivan. “Yoga can provide an opportunity to experience freedom from your condition.”
Also new this winter is Sun Style Tai Chi, led by certified instructor Debra Shelley, is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 – 11:45 am. According to Shelley, “Sun Style incorporates gentle flowing movements that strengthen muscles, foster healing and increase our awareness of the mind-bod connection.” Sun Style Tai Chi is evidence-based and recommended by the Center for Disease Control. It is suitable for all individuals including those living with chronic illness, balance problems, MS, arthritis, hypertension and other cardiac conditions.
Meditation and Relaxation for All is a mindfulness class led by Craig Bautz, Director of Therapeutic Activities. Bautz, a paraplegic and active participant in adaptive sports and recreation, has practiced drumming and meditation for more than fifteen years. His class is now available Wednesdays, 12:00 -1:00 pm and Thursdays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm.
“Meditation can create a more positive state of mind and increase feelings of gratitude, kindness, joy and compassion,” says Bautz.
Ongoing classes include: BoneStrong (Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:45 – 11:45 am), an osteoporosis prevention exercise program designed to build and maintain strong bones and prevent falls -- led by Bing Harty, rehabilitation aide; Gentle Strength and Stretch (Tuesdays, 2:00 – 3:00 pm) – led by Deb Szpond, rehabilitation aide; and Modified Chair Yoga (Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 am) – led by certified instructor Sherill Dykeman, E-RYT.
To participate, individuals must register online at www.spauldingrehab.org/SCCWellness. All classes take place in the multi-purpose “wellness” room at the main hospital. A full description of each class is available on the registration site listed above. For additional information, call (508) 833 – 4078.
Spaulding is a member of Partners Health Care, Partners Continuing Care and Spaulding Rehabilitation. Spaulding Cape Cod is located at 311 Service Road, East Sandwich. For additional information about Spaulding’s programs and services, visit www.spauldingrehab.org .