Post-stroke exercise at Cummings Centre is more that just a fitness class

Venilde Moniz, a vibrant professional, had a stroke four years ago. At the time, Venilde knew that exercise was crucial to her recovery but she knew something else was just as crucial: she needed support. Consequently, Venilde joined the Post Stroke Exercise Class at the Cummings Centre and began attending every Monday and Wednesday.

Awareness Month in Canada

June is Stroke Awareness Month in Canada. According to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, an estimated 1.6 million Canadians are living with the effects of a stroke. This raises the question: Is there life after a stroke?

Life after a stroke

Post Stroke Exercise at Cummings Centre is more than just a fitness class for people affected by a stroke. It is a mindful re-education of movement for the weakened side of the body done in a motivating, functional and socially welcoming environment.

“Contrary to popular belief, discharge from a rehab hospital does not mean an end to physical improvement. A post-rehab program that promotes movements that are repetitious, intensive and focused is key to rewiring the brain and regaining control of your body,” says Maria Fragapane, Kinesiologist & Co-Supervisor of the Wellness Centre. This philosophy is at the heart of the Post Stroke Exercise Class at the Cummings Centre.

A close-knit family at Cummings

In addition to the physical rehabilitation component, there is also the incredibly important social component. “I feed off the energy of the class,” says Venilde who testifies that the exercise is helping her physical recovery while exercising with others helps her maintain a good outlook. “Getting out is important to me. It gives me a sense of normality. The participants are like a close-knit family. I have developed friendships.”

She also finds the staff are dedicated and caring while the volunteers who help in the classes are described as “precious.”

Ready for new challenges

After four years of exercising at the Cummings Centre, Venilde is thinking of doing more within the agency.  What began as purely rehabilitative, has opened the door to potentially participating in a range of other Cummings programs such as painting, volunteering and so much more.

“I’m so appreciative, of the help, I would like to come back and volunteer.”

So yes, there is life after a stroke.

For more information regarding these classes, please call Maria Fragapane at 514-734-1797.

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.