Inside NuStep: Press

NUSTEP ANNOUNCES 2007 PINNACLE AWARD WINNER
November 27, 2006

The NuStep Pinnacle Award, now in its ninth year, is presented for excellence in wellness programming for senior adults in two categories:  Senior Wellness/Fitness Programming and Senior Living Community.  United Presbyterian Homes was awarded its top Senior Living Community and Mathers LifeWays was awarded top Wellness/ Fitness center.

"The 2007 Pinnacle Award winners provide breakthrough health and wellness programs to older adults; NuStep is pleased to recognize the dedication and professionalism of these leaders who are models in the industry, " said Steve Sarns, NuStep vice president of sales and marketing.  "United Presbyterian Homes is an excellent example of how creative thinking can lead to innovative and effective wellness programming on a limited budget.  Mathers LifeWays offers a supportive group atmosphere and a unique integrated approach that set it apart from other facilities competing for this year's Pinnacle Award."

United Presbyterian Homes was awarded for its intergenerational approach to wellness.  It offers an on-site daycare facility for employees dubbed UP With Kids Daycare and integrates the children into its restorative health programs.  The intergenerational approach is designed to keep residents in a youthful state of mind.  United Presbyterian Homes also offers seniors home health care services, a wellness and fitness center as well as walking and social groups.

"The ideas, different programming and goals of United Presbyterian Homes are driven by a sincere desire to provide residents with the best service we can deliver," said Amy Kleese, fitness director, United Presbyterian Homes.  "We try to find ways to fully engage our residents, whether it's by playing games or sharing a tea party with the daycare children, taking walks outside or laughing together as we exercise.  We strive to create a feeling of home, with a supportive family-like atmosphere." 

Mathers LifeWays, whose mission is to create ways to age well, was awarded for the  innovative senior wellness program at its Mather's - More Than a Café.  Located on the south side of Chicago, Mather's provides a full range of ongoing wellness education that is structured around the Whole Person Wellness Model and its 6 dimensions of wellness:  physical, social, emotional, vocational, spiritual and intellectual.  Customers can enjoy everything from a healthy meal to a trip to the museum to a computer class to a talk with a social worker.  Mather's - More Than a Café also features a fitness center with senior-friendly equipment and provides fitness evaluations, individualized fitness "prescriptions" and program orientations.

"Mather's – More Than a Café is dedicated to encouraging a sense of community and belonging, affirming the strengths and gifts of each person, and supporting the growth potential of individuals throughout their lifespan," said Randi Klebanoff, Mathers LifeWays' manager of wellness initiatives.  "As a result of our programming, Mather's – More Than a Café customers try things they may not have previously considered, challenging themselves in new and different ways; they fully realize their unique potential as their experiences across the dimensions of wellness are expanded and enhanced."

NuStep's Pinnacle Award was among the first to acknowledge and reward organizations that offer high quality programs and wellness facilities for older adults.  The award promotes the importance of actively managing fitness and wellness as we age and strives to motivate seniors' organizations to maximize their health and wellness programs.

 

About NuStep

NuStep, Inc., with headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the maker of the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer. This patented machine was developed by exercise physiologists to help people stay in motion regardless of physical condition. The company’s products are in use at fitness, wellness and rehabilitation centers across the country, including The Mayo Clinic, The University of Michigan, the Cleveland Clinic and the Duke Center for Living. For more information, call 1-800-322-2209.