News Taffy

Lavinda Counce was among 10 regional winners selected for the Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award, through her participation in the SilverSneakers Fitness Program at NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center.  A reception honoring Counce will be held September 10th at 12:00 p.m. at the Wellness Center, located at 2617 Phillips Drive.

The Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award honors a member of the Healthways SilverSneaker Fitness Program whose healthy behavior has made a difference in his or her own life and has inspired others along the way. The award preserves the memory of SilverSneakers founder Mary Swanson's father, who served as the inspiration for his daughter to start the nationally acclaimed fitness program.

Counce was selected among thousands of applicants as a semi-finalist and became a regional winner. She was nominated by Kara Fowler, Senior Advisor for the SilverSneakers program at NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center; Sarabeth Brown, one of her instructors also at the Wellness Center; and her granddaughter, Carrie Collins.

Fowler says, “She deserves the inspiration award because she is an inspiration to all who surround her. When she rolls into town, she’s rarely alone. Lavinda brings at least one, sometimes even two or three of her friends along with her. I think it helps keep them all motivated and more likely to attend class. Their friendship helps keep them coming back and they are exactly what SilverSneakers is all about; having fun, making friends, and getting fit.”

When asked about receiving the regional award Counce said, “I think it’s an honor and I’m proud. I didn’t expect it and I’m glad.”

The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a nationwide program that includes a basic membership and a variety of classes to thousands of participants nationwide. SilverSneakers is available through Medicare health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers, and Group retiree plans. To find out if you are eligible, contact SeniorAdvisor, Kara Fowler at the NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center, (870) 932-1898.

NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center has a state of the art cardio theatre, selectorized equipment, free weights, indoor rubberized running track, indoor heated pool - water aerobics and laps, juice bar and nutrition center, locker rooms, group fitness classes, personal training and more. NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center is a SilverSneakers certified facility. Anyone that has SilverSneakers as a benefit on their medical insurance can come to the Wellness Center free of charge. The center also houses Wellness Works! and Center for Healthy Children – free programs for the community offered by NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.

NEA Baptist Clinic is the largest and most comprehensive multi-specialty group practice in the region. NEA Baptist Clinic is made up of over 100 physicians providing care in 35 medical specialties. The mission of NEA Baptist Clinic is to provide comprehensive, personalized, quality healthcare for patients throughout the Northeast Arkansas region. For more information on NEA Baptist Clinic, visit us atwww.neabaptistclinic.com.