In order to bring new programs designed for healthy living, Provena’s Center for Healthy Aging (PCHA) has a new office and Wellness Room. It is located at 410 E. University Ave., just two blocks west of Provena Covenant Medical Center. The office space houses the PCHA programs including VIP Advantage, Senior Support Services, Senior Health Insurance Program, Lifeline, and Community Health Ministries. The adjacent Wellness Room has been recently renovated and contains state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, a demonstration kitchen, new carpet, tables and chairs. Most of the activities of the PCHA will be held in the Wellness Room. The addition of the Wellness Room will allow the Center to provide a wide variety of activities including health education seminars, nutrition classes, exercise programs, social events and more.
To celebrate the opening of the new Center, an Open House and Blessing has been scheduled on Tuesday, February 3, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Center for Healthy Aging Wellness Room (entrance is on the west side of the building and parking is available in the lot just north of the Center). This is a great opportunity to learn about all the new programs and services offered by the PCHA. There will be a mini-health fair, screenings, giveaways, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, and refreshments.
There are several new programs being offered for 2009 including:
The Life Book and Workshop 
This is an initiative by the Community Health Ministries program. The Life Book is a portable binder that contains current and past medical information, Advanced Directives documents (living will, power of attorney), medication lists, and important phone numbers. The Life Book is a valuable tool in keeping all medical information organized and accessible. It is used to enhance health care communication between the patient and medical personnel for the overall goal of receiving the best treatment possible. Life Book workshops will be available to community groups and taught by Jennifer Brackenhoff, RN , Faith Community Nurse Coordinator. Cost of the book is $10 for VIP members and $15 for non-members.
Free Health Screenings
The screenings will be offered every Wednesday starting January 14th, 2009 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Provena Center for Healthy Aging, Suite 102 (east en-trance). Jennifer Brackenhoff, RN, Faith Community Nurse Coordinator will be offering HEALTHaware health risk assessments and screenings including but not limited to lung assessments, blood pressure, body-fat analysis, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Resources on healthy living and Provena Covenant programs will also be available. All participants will be given a comprehensive health status report with health recommendations. The screenings are limited to one session per person annually. Pre-registration is required so please call 337-2022 to register.
Coffee Shop
Free coffee and doughnuts will be offered every Wednesday morning from 7:30-10:00 a.m. starting January 14, 2009. There will be card tables set up, dominoes, scrabble and other games available. On some days a short presentation will be provided on health and wellness topics. This is a great way to have fun and make some new friends.
For more information on Provena Center for Healthy Aging activities and for a copy of the newsletter, please call (217) 337-2022 or e-mail cha@provena.org.