Men’s Health Awareness month is all about giving men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health and take action when needed. Cummings Centre Volunteer Gerald Sohmer, 77, agrees whole heartedly with the benefits of exercise and maintains an active lifestyle. His actions speak louder than words with regular visits to the gym and by taking every opportunity to add extra steps to his daily routine.

“Everyone can be active,” he said. “The main point is that you do something. Everyone can find the time to do so. Start slowly and you can build up your stamina.”

When Sohmer first contacted the Cummings Centre over 12 years ago, he expressed an interest in helping out, but also in an area that involved physical activity. This would be more in line with his active lifestyle. Sohmer volunteers twice a week in the Centre’s Adapted Exercise Clinic, helping individuals who are post-stroke or who have Parkinson’s disease. He sees the improvement in many participants following an exercise program.

Sohmer’s efforts at the clinic also provides him with an additional workout by physically guiding participants with their exercise movements and demonstrating proper form as directed by the class teacher.

The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults age 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Building on its Jewish heritage, Cummings embraces people from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

As the hub of Montreal’s 50+ community, the Centre touches the lives of 10,000 people on an annual basis. In addition to its main campus at 5700 Westbury Avenue in Montreal, programs are offered at several off-site locations including the West Island, Cote Saint-Luc, St.Laurent, Westmount, Chomedey and Florida.

For more information, please contact us by phone at 514-343-3510, online at www.cummingscentre.org or in person at 5700 Westbury Avenue.