News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Deputy Director
Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Paul Drake, Commissioner Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2022
Somerset County Seeks Volunteer Peer Leaders for ‘Project Healthy Bones’
Registration Deadline is Jan. 5
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services encourages individuals to volunteer to become peer leaders and conduct Project Healthy Bones sessions to help others improve their balance, strength and nutrition.
Project Healthy Bones is a 24-week exercise and educational program for older adults who have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens bones. The goal of the program is to help older adults reduce falls and fractures by targeting the body’s large muscle groups that will lead to improved posture, strength, balance, and flexibility. Participants also will learn educational health topics such as nutrition, importance of hydration, and more.
Studies have shown that people who have completed this program have seen improvement. To learn more about Project Healthy Bones, visit: https://bit.ly/3Y30F5Q
The two-day training will run from Thursday, Jan. 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., to Friday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will be held in the first-floor conference room of the Human Services building, located at 27 Warren Street, Somerville. Registration will be open until Thursday, Jan. 5.
Listed below are the requirements for becoming a volunteer peer leader:
- Must attend both days of the training to receive Peer Leader certification.
- Registration is required. No walk-ins.
- Free background check and fingerprinting required prior to teaching the class.
- Peer Leaders lead workshops in teams of two using an easy to follow manual and are expected to facilitate a minimum of one 24-week program per year.
To register, or for more information, call Health Promotion Specialist Lisa Cheng at 908-704-6327 or send an email to lcheng@co.somerset.nj.us.
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