Learn More About the Get Fit! Program
A Program Aimed at Improving the Health Status of Adult Clients of Frank D. Lanterman and Harbor Regional Centers

Lanterman Regional Center and Harbor Regional Center, working together, have been awarded a $300,000 Wellness Initiative grant from the Department of Developmental Services. These funds will be used to develop and implement a project aimed at improving the health status of adult regional center clients by focusing on nutrition and exercise. The objectives of the multifaceted approach to improving health are:

• To educate adult regional center clients about how to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle that emphasizes exercise and nutrition.
  
  
• To provide education on these same topics to independent living skills/supported living services (ILS/SLS), day program and residential staff to enable them to support and motivate clients to improve their health.
  
  
• To enable regional center service coordinators to help clients incorporate appropriate fitness-related objectives into their Individual Program Plans (IPPs).
  
  
• To engage clients in regular physical activity that can be sustained over time.
  
  
• To help clients learn how to select and prepare food to ensure a healthy diet.
  
  
• To produce a cookbook for clients that integrates healthy menus, budget conscious planning and shopping, and safe food handling and storage practices.
  
  
• To provide clients with ongoing support groups in which they may discuss personal goals, make decisions about their lifestyles, and share strategies for maintaining good habits over time.
  
  
• To provide clients from the two regional centers an opportunity to compete against one another in organized “Get Fit! Games.

The program has been designed to reach three sub-populations of our adult clients, all of whom have been shown to be at high risk for obesity and reduced fitness:

• adults who live on their own in the community (independently or with support),
• adults who live in licensed homes, and
• adults who live with their families.

In all settings, the program will emphasize the importance of equipping staff with knowledge and strategies that will help them support clients’ efforts to maintain positive behaviors related to exercise and good eating over time. Staff members, as well as clients, will be encouraged to participate in an organized exercise program, to work toward improved nutrition, and to monitor their health status as reflected in specified indicators.

Program Components

The Get Fit! program is multi-faceted in its approach towards improving the health status of its participants, and teaching them how to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Curriculum
The curriculum consists of 52 weekly lesson plans. A different topic is covered each week through education sessions. Topics include nutrition and exercise goals, increasing body awareness, chronic diseases, the food pyramid, how to exercise properly, meal planning and preparation, and healthy fast food choices.

Education Sessions

~Day Program Partnerships - Tthe program and curriculum is being implemented and taught by staff at day programs, work activity centers and residential homes.

~Community Partnerships - With the support of our generous community partners, we’ve established four independent sites for education sessions; these sites are intended for participants who do not attend a program or workshop where the program is offered. 

~Exercise/Physical Activity - The format of the education sessions allows time for creative, low-impact physical activities.

~Support Group - Tthe format of the education sessions allows participants to share their progress and receive support from their peers and instructors. Parents, caregivers, and independent living skills instructors are also encouraged to attend and participate in the education sessions.

Weekly Exercise/ Physical Activity

~Day Program - Participants are engaged in activities during the week at their day program.

~Individual - Participants are taught stretches and strength exercises that can be done at home (or anywhere), with little or no equipment. Participants also increase their awareness of free or low-cost activities for exercise in their community.  

~Groups - The groups have a social benefit for participants, as it is an opportunity to meet new people. Participants are encouraged to join one of the following Get Fit! groups: 

• Get Fit! Tuesdays - The group meets at Glendale Galleria for mall walking.
• Get Fit! Wednesday- The group meets at  Pacific Park Gymnasium for basketball and other physical activities.
• Get Fit! Fridays - A water exercise class is offered at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center.
• Get Fit! Saturdays - A group meets at Pan Pacific Park for a morning power walk.

Cookbook
A specially designed cookbook that integrates healthy menus, budget conscious planning and shopping, and safe food handling and storage will be distributed to participants.

 

Updated July 19, 2006