The Parker Family Health Center will partner with the Salvation Army to offer fitness training for diabetics. RED BANK — The Parker Family Health Center and the Salvation Army of Red Bank are partnering to serve a growing population of diabetics and are seeking donations of equipment for a new diabetes fitness room.
The roomwould be housed in the Salvation Army’s building at 180 Newman Springs Road and would address the weight issues faced by many diabetics.
“We would like to get some equipment like elliptical machines so we can get some of the patients that have diabetes and are obese to do some training,” said Irma Hughes, Parker Family Health Center practice administrator. “That, along with the medication, should help them to do much better.”
Hughes said the health center is seeking elliptical machines because they provide low-impact cardiovascular exercise for the upper and lower body.
“You have to change your lifestyle so that it accommodates whatever it is you’re going through, and eventually it can make a big difference,” Hughes said.
A volunteer trainer would oversee the participants, Hughes said.
“We’re volunteer based, so we always look to see who’s willing to jump onto the bandwagon and offer to help,” she said.
Hughes said that weight loss and improved physical fitness can help patients better manage the disease.
“Adiabetic who does watch their weight and take their medication has the opportunity of eventually coming off the medication,” she said.
Hughes, who also serves on the Salvation Army board, said that the health center has seen a definite increase in demand for services, specifically in the diabetic population.
Red Bank Corps Commanding Officer Capt. Stewart Dalrymple said the organizations hope to develop the idea of the health center over the summer and open it in the fall.
“This is an awesome opportunity for us at the SalvationArmy to serve the community just by simply opening up our building, which we love to do,” he said.
“People wouldn’t need us if health club memberships were free, but we knowthat that’s not the case,” Dalrymple said.
The two organizations plan to approach retail fitness clubs regarding any unused or outdated equipment.
“These clubs like to, because of their members, always stay on top of the new equipment that’s available,” Hughes said.
“I’m hoping that as they transition over to their new equipment, that maybe we could get their [old] equipment.”
Dalrymple said that donations would also be welcome from private individuals with equipment that is no longer needed.
Hughes said the fitness room would start out small and expand when the clientele grows and equipment is available.
“We’re all just trying to utilize what we have,” she said.
The missions of the two organizations overlap and allow for a solid partnership.
“Our mission is to serve the community without discrimination, and we feel that this is a perfect way to do just that,” Dalrymple said.
The Parker Family Health Center operates a free health care facility for Monmouth County residents who do not have health insurance. The center’s medical staff serves on a volunteer basis.