Exercise is key for community's seniors
JOEL GIAMBRA Erie County Executive
Spring is upon us in Erie County, one of the great benefits of living in a region with four full seasons. This is also a time of many positive things happening in Erie County government.

An outstanding example is our senior fitness program, now boasting more than 3,000 registered participants.

When I assumed office as Erie County executive, I was acutely aware of the looming crisis regarding Medicaid and health care costs.

Two major causes of chronic disease are obesity and inactivity, so during my first year in office, I implemented a senior fitness program, taking a proactive approach and addressing the problem of soaring health care costs.

The objective is to keep our older residents physically independent, permitting them to remain in their homes, living a full and active life functioning within the community.

A key to success for any program is leadership. Another key is seeking out and using qualified individuals who can identify and relate directly to the audience being served.

The coordinator of the Erie County Fitness Program is 71-year-old Richard Derwald, now widely known as "Mr. Fitness." Derwald is a hall of fame athlete and a former competitive bodybuilder, winning more than 25 trophies in the sport. He is also the author of more than 100 published articles offering fitness and wellness advice for senior citizens.

As coordinator of the Erie County Senior Fitness Program, "Mr. Fitness" has made the program one of the most successful in the nation. I am proud to say that he has received a citation from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, commending the program for its "notable contribution to the quality of life for older adults."

There are 19 senior centers conducting weekly group sessions that include strength, aerobic and flexibility exercises. There is absolutely no cost to participate in the group sessions, and every participant receives a resistance exercise band, a complete illustrated, detailed exercise course and the benefit of ongoing personal instruction.

Derwald is the only county employee involved in the senior fitness initiative. He is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, promoting and coordinating the program at a targeted 51 senior centers throughout Erie County.

If you or your group would like to know more about the Senior Fitness Program, call my office at 858-8500.

On another note, Kids' Day will be held on Tuesday, April 24 this year. Thousands of volunteers will be out in the early morning hours selling a special issue of the Buffalo News, with proceeds going to the Variety Club Telethon. I urge you to purchase a paper and help support this cause.