Home of the Innocents Therapy Pool Now Open to the Public
The Kay & Jim Morrissey Advanced Therapy Center’s 92-degree salt water therapy pool at Home of the Innocents has opened for public use. The pool is fully accessible for individuals with special needs, equipped with a chair and stretcher lift, ramp, exercise benches and splash area for small children.
The pool is for those wanting to use the pool for general exercise or self-directed therapeutic exercise; for outside therapists, groups and their clients; for child and adult swim lessons; for arthritis, water pilates and other aquatic classes; for fitness and wellness classes for youth in the community; and for parents who wish to provide a relaxing environment for their children.
Pool patrons must provide a signed therapy pool physician consent form to enter the pool. (Visit the aquatic therapy page of the Home of the Innocents website to download a blank form, or call with your doctor’s name and fax number, and a staff member will complete the request.)
The salt water pool has a UV filter and is heated to 92 degrees for therapeutic benefit. The pool’s advanced technology generates chlorine from salt, which softens the skin, freshens the air and gives a buoyant and liberating water experience. When the chlorine in the pool isn’t used completely, it recombines with sodium to form salt again, providing a renewable source of disinfectant to keep pool guests safe.
The aquatic program is associated with respiratory therapy, serving children with tracheotomies and those who are ventilator-dependent. Milton Schmidt, Director of the Respiratory Therapy program, has devised a waterproof container which allows the ventilator to be floated in the water alongside the patient.
Aquatic classes are gradually being added. Monthly individual and family memberships are available. For a class calendar, class descriptions, admission rates, pool hours, or more information, visit www.homeoftheinnocents.org or call (502) 596-1141.
SilverSneakers Fitness Program at Two New Metro Parks Facilities
Recognizing the unique needs of older adults in the community, Metro Parks has been partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program, offering free fitness classes through several parks locations. Now the partnership has expanded to offer classes at two additional Metro Parks facilities: the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center in Crescent Hill and the Douglass Community Center in the Highlands.
SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults. It is available at no cost through many Medicare health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. The program is renowned for its innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programming.
Members participating at the Metro Parks locations have access to classes taught by certified instructors, as well as additional amenities included with a basic fitness membership. The program’s premier network includes nearly 10,000 participating locations nationwide. Once enrolled in SilverSneakers, members may use any participating location, so a great workout is always within reach.
To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, contact your health plan provider. To learn more about the program, visit www.silversneakers.com or call toll-free 1-888-423-4632.
Both the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center and Douglass Community Center are offering a SilverSneakers Muscular Strength Range of Movement class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. For more information about SilverSneakers at Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, call (502) 897-9949; at Douglass Community Center, call (502) 456-8120.
Late Fees Waived in Effort to Encourage Pet Licensing
Louisville Metro Animal Services is waiving all late fees through Feb. 29 for cats, dogs and ferrets whose licenses have either lapsed or have never been purchased.
“Licensing your pet is extremely important and it’s the law,” says Louisville Metro Animal Services Director Justin Scally. “If you ever lose your pet, licensing can help you reunite. License numbers provide our staff with your contact information. If a Metro Animal Control officer finds a roaming dog or cat with a license, the officer may be able to provide your pet a free ride home.”
Citizens can license their altered pets for $9 and their unaltered pets for $50. The late license amnesty can save pet owners money. Late fees can range from $47.50 for altered animals to $195 for unaltered animals.
LMAS uses funding from licenses to support its operations – taking care of stray pets, investigating public safety threats as it relates to animals, and investigating allegations of animal cruelty and neglect.
To obtain a license for your pet, bring a copy of the pet’s rabies certificate to either Metro Animal Services location. The Manslick location, at 3705 Manslick Road, is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Wednesday until 7), and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Wednesday until 7). To download an application, visit louisvilleky.gov/animalservices.