BETHEL — To Your Health of Western Mountains Senior College will present a program, “Spring Forward: Tune Up for Spring.” The program will be held on Thursday, April 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bethel Congregational Church Chapel, 32 Church Street, Bethel, and will feature the “Health Benefits of Tai Chi,” with Karen Reilly, Sc.D, “Healthy Bones,” with Ben Ellis, PT, DPT, and “The Joy of Music,” with Jewel Clark, professional musician.

Reilly received her Doctor of Science Degree from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Her passion for aging and quality of life led her to become a certified Tai Chi instructor. She leads Sun-style Tai Chi, a form supported by the CDC as the highest evidence-based program for older adult health and wellness. She will explain how and why Tai Chi is an excellent form of exercise for any age and physical condition. Her topics will include how Tai Chi improves flexibility and balance and how mindful breathing and movement are linked to relaxation. The audience will be encouraged to participate in one or two easy Tai Chi forms.

Ellis graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 2013 with a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy. Since that time, he has been serving Bethel and the surrounding communities. His priority is helping people regain function and decrease pain so that they can better participate in the activities they desire. He specializes in the treatment of spinal disorders, joint replacements, return to work, and Parkinson’s disease. His talk on bone health will include osteoporosis prevention and management, fracture prevention, and maintaining an active lifestyle as we age.

Jewel Clark completes the program with singing and yodeling. Her connection with music comes naturally as both her parents were singers and songwriters. Her dad, known as Yodeling Slim Clark, entertained audiences through seven decades of live performances. She inherited his love for yodeling and has enjoyed performing over the years. She especially loves interacting with small intimate audiences and looks forward to inspiring the audience to sing along or “shake a leg.”

To Your Health is offered as a community service by Western Mountains Senior College serving the greater Bethel area with the collaboration of Bethel Family Health Center and MSAD#44/Continuing Education. The program is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, call 207-522-4625. Bethel area seniors in need of a ride may call Age Friendly Neighbor-to-Neighbor at 207-824-4444.

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