Pioneer Memorial

A couple dozen Turner County citizens didn’t wait until the New Year to focus on their health. They have been meeting each week at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg to participate in the facility’s senior wellness program.

According to Betty Jensen, wellness assistant, the program involves group exercises, blood pressure checks, and a monthly fun night that includes a light supper, educational sessions or games. Betty and Gil Gjere, also a wellness assistant, lead the group in their exercises which might include lifting weights, performing bending routines, shoulder rolls, butterflies or tube exercises. Betty explains that it only costs $2 a session to join and members are typically retired individuals interested in participating in a structured exercise program led by staff, and socializing with others. The group meets to exercise every Tuesday and Thursday, and has a lot of fun in the process. They encourage others interested to call (605) 326-5161, extension 3009 for more information.

Robin Stockland, Director of Therapy/Rehab, adds, “In addition to our senior wellness program, we offer open wellness and rehab wellness programs. Both senior and open wellness programs utilize equipment in our wellness room located in the lower level of our facility. Rehab wellness is held in the same room and includes the benefit of having a therapist available during the sessions. Linda Cabalka, PTA, physical therapist assistant, is in charge of Rehab Wellness. She supervises all of the participant’s exercises, takes blood pressures and helps to set up an appropriate exercise program for each individual member. Rehab wellness members pay $4 per session to help offset cost of the supervision provided.

” Anyone who can exercise independently can join the open wellness program, and exercise in the facility. The gym is open from 5:00 to 8:00 a.m. and from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. Open wellness is also available during daytime hours depending on availability of the wellness center. A monthly calendar shows when the gym will be closed for other activities. Open wellness membership fees are $75 for three months, $140 for six months and $270 dollars for twelve months and are paid at the therapy department. Members have complete access to a wide array of exercise equipment, including treadmills, weights, bicycles and elliptical machines, and more. A television is provided for entertainment while working out.

For more information on any of the wellness programs, call (605) 326-5161 and ask for the therapy department.

Members of Pioneer Memorial’s senior wellness group include, left to right, Back Row: Gil Gjere, Helen Glish, Viborg; Adeline Jans, Bonnie Hansen, Parker; Myrna Van Ede, Centerville; Alice Simon, Parker; Mary Rist, Viborg. Middle Row: Edna Vik, Cecilia Dean, Esther Hybertson, Ardis Lunning, Centerville, and Lois Tenquist, Viborg. Front Row: Betty Jensen, Viborg, Marjorie Skotvold, Centerville, Lois Borman, Parker, Joyce Jensen, and Wilhelmina Jorgensen, Viborg.