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6.08.11 | National expert to speak on health and wellness for people with disabilities, others
The lecture is part of a semi-annual series by Bancroft
Haddonfield, N.J.—June 8, 2011— A healthy lifestyle is a key ingredient for a happy and productive life. But most people face a range of roadblocks to healthy habits — from lack of knowledge, to lack of time, to lack of motivation.
Bancroft, a leading nonprofit organization, will host a lecture on this issue by a national expert on Wed. June 29 in Haddonfield, N.J.
James H. Rimmer, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois will discuss how everyone can improve their health, including those with neurological disabilities – from autism to acquired brain injuries.
The event, titled "The Power of Now / Making Wellness a Priority," will be held at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church at 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield, in the large community room from 8:30 am to noon.
"Health and wellness are top priorities at Bancroft, for both the people we support and our staff," says Caroline Eggerding, MD, Bancroft's chief medical officer. "It's a vital issue for one's quality of life – whether someone has disabilities or not."
Dr. Rimmer's talk will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Bancroft wellness experts and others.
A professor in his university's Department of Disability and Human Development, Dr. Rimmer also heads two federally funded centers: the National Center of Physical Activity and Disability, and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Interactive Exercise Technologies and Exercise Physiology for People with Disabilities.
He is also a research professor at Northwestern University's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, an affiliate of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Among other activities, Dr. Rimmer is currently conducting a five-year, longitudinal study examining health status and health behaviors in adults with intellectual disabilities. He is also developing a web-based wellness coaching system for youth and adults with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Rimmer has published extensively in scientific journals on topics related to physical activity, health promotion, and obesity-related conditions among people with disabilities.
The lecture is part of Bancroft's semi-annual Clarence York Lecture Series, now in its fourth year. The series honors Clarence N. York, Ed.D., a renowned pioneer in the disabilities field and a former president of Haddonfield-based Bancroft.
For the lecture brochure and registration form, call (856) 348-4010, email scrouse@bnh.org or visit bancroft.org.
A nonprofit organization founded in 1883, Bancroft annually serves more than 1,300 children and adults with intellectual and developmental challenges and acquired brain injuries, through a wide range of programs. Bancroft strives to ensure that every person is given opportunities for lifelong learning and fulfillment. It does this by altering perceptions and supporting people with neurological challenges in achieving their life goals as valued and respected members of our world.
Based in Haddonfield, N.J., Bancroft has sites in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem and Middlesex counties, New Jersey; in New Castle County, Delaware; and in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania. Programs include early childhood, education, vocational and supported employment, structured day programs, rehabilitation, community living, behavioral treatment, as well as in-home and outpatient services.