Registration On Now For Senior Health Summit Next Thursday

A full day of workshops, exercise classes, meals and information on senior citizen health are scheduled for the annual Senior Health Summit, group, set to be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. next Thursday at the county'sin Basking Ridge. Registration is underway.

Keynote speaker Dr. Deborah Neiman, will present "Prescription Exercise" as part of the line-up at the county center at 202 Mount Airy Road. A $10 non-refundable fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, workshops and exercise classes. 

The event has been developed to empower, educate and engage seniors in the Somerset Hills area on the use of local health and community resources to promote optimal health and well-being, according to information from the Somerset Hills YMCA, one of the sponsors.

The health summit is jointly sponsored by Bernards Township Health Department, Bernards Township Recreation, Somerset County Office on Aging, Somerset Hills YMCA, and the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills. It is also supported by Atlantic Health Systems, the Somerset Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center, according to an announcement on the event.

Registration forms are available at those listed local organizations and government offices. More information may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Office at (908) 704 6346.

Registering beforehand guarantees a spot at the event, which has filled up during previous years, Andrea Williams, in charge of marketing for the Somerset Hills YMCA, said on Thursday.

Referring to the YMCA's involvement, Kate Russo, Senior Director of Membership Services at the Somerset Hills facility, said, "Seniors make up a large portion of our population which is why learning about the latest health trends and resources is so important. We welcome everyone as they pursue a healthy and rewarding lifestyle."

Morning and afternoon workshop topics at the Senior Health Summit include balance and fall prevention; gentle yoga for strength and flexibility; Internet 101; exercise for mental health; back care; nutrition for diabetes; healthy aging brain; guided imagery for stress reduction; ‘choosing the Medicare plan that works best For me;’ travel and safety for seniors; and the It’s 21 For a Reason program — how to educate your grandchildren on the proper age for drinking.

Participants may also participate in five health screenings: balance; respiratory; hearing; bone density; and flu shots.

Linda Sadlouskos contributed to this article.