National Jewish Medical and Research Center Warm Water Pool and Fitness Programs Include Senior

For almost eight years, Else Paynter has let her troubles float away in Denver's largest warm water pool. Else, who is 72 years old and suffers from osteoarthritis, makes the trip to the 92-degree pool at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center 3-4 times a week. The warm water and the exercises help her cope with her condition. " It is what keeps me going," she says. " It puts you in a different state when you step into that warm water. Your troubles just float away."

Paynter and others with respiratory disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis, back problems and fibromyalgia benefit from use of the pool.

Exercise programs have been in place for various activities since the pool was built for the Kunsburg School kids in the seventies. With a certified and licensed staff, activity schedules are open, and the classes support all ages. Fifty percent of the pool participants are seniors.

Current schedules include a deep water exercise class with flotation devices for non-swimmers, a shallow water recreational exercise class designed by the Arthritis Foundation and a water works back class. Classes in the deep water group are more aerobic, working on flexibility and muscle toning. Group size averages 6-8 people. The shallow water group, consisting of 8-10 participants, focuses on muscle strengthening, range of motion for those with arthritis, pulmonary problems, muscular weakness, or pain. Breathing resistance exercises for diaphragm strengthening is also taught to people with respiratory disorders. And oxygen is available for pool use.

"Besides group programs, we also provide individual evaluation and therapy for balance, muscle strengthening, posture, range of motion and pain management," says Paul Heitzenrater, certified recreation therapist and pool coordinator. For those entering the programs, he recommends attending classes 3-4 times each week; twice a week if supplemented with other exercise.

There has been good response from pool users who say the exercise improves their strength and flexibility. Fibromyalgia sufferers claim they feel better after being in the warm water. "Some of our participants have been coming here for over 15 years," says Heitzenrater. "It has become like a kind of like family for many. They have fun with it, and some do things together socially outside of the classes."

Contacts and referrals from various doctors in the area bring people to the pool at National Jewish. Doctor referrals are not necessary to attend the classes, but a doctor's authorization is.

Participants must be able to dress themselves and walk from the parking lot to the pool. There is no wheel chair access, nor is there a lift available, although there are therapy bars, and the entry steps are graduated for ease of access. Locker rooms with showers are also available.

Else Paynter says the exercises that she does really make a difference, and she notices a big difference if she doesn't go. Regular pool exercise keeps her active. "Once you get started, you get addicted to it," she says. She also loves the camaraderie with others who come to the National Jewish warm water pool. "Many of the women who come to the pool are much older than I am-some even come in wheel chairs. We have a great time. It is a terrific program."

For more information, please call Lung Line, (800) 222-5864.