Course offered to help seniors eat better, live healthier

by Conor CHRISTOFFERSON<br
| April 6, 2009 9:00 PM

SANDPOINT — After training under some of the most respected wellness practitioners in the world at Stanford University, Sandpoint’s Judy Totten is back in town to share what she learned.

Totten, a certified fitness trainer with a nursing background, traveled to Palo Alto, Calif., last year to train at Stanford using a grant provided by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Administration on Aging. She will put her new knowledge to use by leading a free six-week workshop for residents, especially seniors, living with chronic illnesses.

The goal of the course, called Living Well in Idaho, is to educate participants on ways to stay healthy and in their own home for a long as possible, according to Totten.

“It gives you tools to deal with any chronic illness,” she said. “For the most part, if you have a chronic illness of any kind you’ll have depression kick in, which causes a lot of other things to go on, like pain and fatigue. It’s a cycle, and this gives you the tools to break that cycle.”

The two-and-a-half-hour classes, which will begin April 20, will include lessons on healthy eating, better breathing techniques and how to handle depression. Totten and fellow teachers Jane Ramsey and Martha Gross will also devote classes to working with doctors, correctly using medication and relaxation techniques.

In addition to factual information, Totten said seniors will also benefit from the weekly social interaction that the classroom setting offers.

“Another thing that is great for them is the bonding, the social interaction of coming out of the home — especially in the wintertime — to give them a support group,” she said.

The classes will take place at the Sandpoint Senior Center at 9 a.m., with the first class beginning at 8:30 a.m. to allow time for paperwork. Those interested in participating in the classes are encouraged to call Totten at 610-8836 to reserve a spot. The workshop is limited to 15 participants, who will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.