How it works
The ASTRO Academy Healthy Lifestyles Program is a unique opportunity that is free to RI senior citizens suffering from chronic illness. The 2-hour long program takes place July 7, 2020 – September 10, 2020 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at ASTRO’s location, 120 Webster St, Pawtucket RI 02861.
Participants are placed in small groups of 4-5 and participate in four, thirty minute classes that focus on: movement, mindfulness, healthy meals and making art.
MOVEMENT – This portion of the program engages participants in non-strenuous physical activity that helps to improve mobility, reduce pain, and maintain a healthy heart.
MINDFULNESS – This portion focuses on breathing and making both mentally and physically healthy decisions on a daily basis. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to improve emotional regulation which may help to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
HEALTHY MEALS – This unit will include a demonstration on healthy meal preparation that culminates in participants creating their own healthy snack. The demonstration includes information about the specific health benefits of a wide variety of foods and is sensitive to all common food allergies.
MAKING ART – This unit is self explanatory! Participants will be provided with various art mediums and will have the entire 30 minutes to express themselves creatively. Each session will include a different lesson that participants may follow, but everyone is encouraged to listen to be creative and explore their own passions.
What is chronic illness?
According to the Center of Disease Control, chronic illnesses are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.
Examples of chronic illness include but are not limited to:
- Alzheimer disease and dementia
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- COPD
- Crohn disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Mood disorders (bipolar, cyclothymic, and depression)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson disease
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
ASTRO is committed to taking the COVID-19 pandemic extremely seriously. We understand that the senior citizen population is the most heavily affected by this outbreak, and by closely following state recommendations listed at www.reopeningri.com, we took diligent measures to make sure this program is designed with COVID in mind.
ASTRO Academy has ample space for each activity to ensure that social distancing can be maintained by all participants. By reducing groups to no more than 5 people, we can assure that everyone will be able to keep at least 6 feet of separation at all times. Also, there will be no sharing of utensils or equipment during the program. The supplies provided to each participant during the program will be used exclusively by that individual.
Between groups, all stations and locations will be sanitized thoroughly to ensure that all participants have a clean working environment at every moment. All tables, chairs, or areas that may be shared throughout the course of the program will be wiped or sprayed with disinfectant after use. Also, ASTRO will make sure to have proper air circulation in all rooms to mitigate lingering particles.
Of course the COVID-19 virus is a new threat, and more information about the virus’ transmission is released every day. ASTRO will be diligent in having the latest information and taking all the latest precautions to ensure a continually safe environment for all our participants, staff, and volunteers.
Questions…?
If you have any questions or concerns about the program, or you are considering registering yourself or a loved one, please call us at 401-255-2911.
