Cambridge Bone Builders return to Skeleton Crew
DEXTER — If you missed their lively presentation in October 2015, you will get a chance to see the Cambridge Bone Builders in December. These remarkable ladies, Nancy Bunker, Jane Digby and Evelyn Farrar, will demonstrate the program’s mild, no-impact weight bearing exercises aimed to prevent and reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia. The Bone Builders presentation will take place at Dexter’s Abbott Memorial Library on Friday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m.
Over 10 million people experience osteopenia and osteoporosis, according to the National Institute on Aging, making Bone Builders critical. The exercise program arose from Dr. Miriam Nelson’s book “Strong Bones, Strong Women” based on her own research. That research found that practicing free-weight training for as little as twice a week for 6 months can build measurable bone density. However, many continue the ongoing program for more than 6 months because they enjoy the comradery.
The Cambridge Bone Builders, who have been together since 2013, meet on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at the Cambridge Town Hall. As many as 12 men and women 55 or older can participate at any one time in the sessions. The free classes not only help to improve muscle strength and balance, which together improve bone density, but also include components of socialization, nutrition and other elements of a healthy lifestyle important to well-being.
Having known these leaders for almost two years, I have found their dedication to the program inspiring. There is nice bonding and willingness to help others. If you would like to attend Bone Builders classes in Cambridge, call Nancy at 277-4815, Jane at 277-3240 or Evelyn at 272-3493.
Farrar, Digby, and Bunker learned to become Bone Builders volunteer leaders through Maine General Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Waterville, which serves Somerset, Franklin and Kennebec counties. Anyone 55 or older may train to become a volunteer by, first, attending some Bone Builders classes and then a six-hour workshop. Those initial experiences are followed by annual half-day continuing education classes at the RSVP center. If you would like to become a Bone Builders volunteer leader in Somerset, Franklin or Kennebec counties, contact Linda Rood at 1-800-427-1127 or email linda.rood@mainegeneral.org. You may be able to become a trained leader in Penobscot, Piscataquis or Washington counties by calling Paula Burnett at 962-7926 or by emailing paula.burnett@umit.maine.edu.
The December presentation is open and free to all area residents and visitors. The Skeleton Crew is dedicated to supporting and educating those with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Its greater goal is to encourage a comprehensive lifestyle through bone-building nutrition, exercise, life-long learning, socialization and creativity as contributions to better long life. For more information, call Librarian Liz Breault at 924-7292.
Contributed photo
HEALTHY BONES –– The Cambridge Bone Builders, from left Nancy Bunker, Jane Digby and Evelyn Farrar, will speak at the Dec. 2 meeting of the Skeleton Crew, at 1 p.m. at the Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter.