Community Health at Sibley Hospital

Our exercise classes were originally designed for Sibley Senior Association members, and we have noticed many non-members are also attending. While we welcome non-members to attend, we recognize it does take time away from paying members. In order to process your request, there is a quarterly administrative handling fee in the amount of $10 for non-members to attend SSA classes. Non-members may attend as many classes as desired during the quarter.

Please read the class schedule carefully for class locations.

• Classes will be meeting in off-campus locations.  If in doubt, please call the SSA Office for information.
• Payment must be received before your first day in class. 
• Call 202-364-7602 to register for your desired class as soon as possible. 
• For new students only: Late registrations are accepted the first three weeks of class (on all courses except Tai Chi).
• No refunds after your first week in class. 
• Make check payable to Sibley Hospital, and mail to the Sibley Senior Association, or call 202-364-7602 to have your payment processed over the phone with a credit card.
• Register on line by visiting our events calendar
• Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
• Exercise classes must meet minimum numbers to start.
• If DC Schools are closed due to snow, the classes at MMUMC and Palisades Church will be cancelled.
• For more information, call the SSA Office at 202-364-7602.

Offered via Zoom this summer.

Qigong, part of traditional Chinese medicine, concentrates on body structure (correct spine alignment), meditation (to calm the mind and relax the body) and correct breathing (to increase oxygen intake and toxin expulsion). Body Awakening uses slow, nonimpact movements derived from the martial arts to improve respiratory and balance functions of the body while addressing each student’s individual health issues. Combined, these two practices are the ideal way for you to experience both the mental and physical aspects of Eastern health exercises.

$185 for the twelve week session (or $18 per class for late registrants)

Please call the SSA office (202-364-7602) at your earliest convenience to register and pay. Advance registration and payment required. Students will receive the zoom link after they pay for the class.

Offered via Zoom this summer.

Tai Chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of a busy lifestyle and improve health. Often called “meditation in motion,” it promotes serenity and the connection of the mind and body.

$185 for the twelve week session (or $18 per class for late registrants)

Please call the SSA office (202-364-7602) for more information.

Sibley offers two opportunities for Senior Association members, hospital staff, patients and visitors to learn and practice mindfulness-based stress-reduction techniques in a group setting. Drop-ins and all levels, including beginners, are welcome. Tuesdays and Thursdays. No cost.

The clinical effects of meditation and mindfulness practices are well documented. Mounting research shows that numerous and almost immediate benefits to one’s physical and emotional state occur from just practicing simple meditation techniques on a regular basis. Meditation and mindfulness practices have been linked to the following results, from as few as four days of daily practice:

• Increased alertness
• Boost to the immune system
• Improved quality of sleep
• Decrease in emotional reactivity
• Decrease in stressful thoughts
• Relaxation of the mind and body
• Increased awareness of surroundings
• Increased sense of well-being
• Decreased feelings of loneliness
• Support for the grieving process

The opportunities are as follows:

Facilitated by Leyla M. Kenny, Ph.D., L.I.C.S.W.

Tuesdays (ongoing) from 11 a.m. to noon. Zoom link provided to registrants.
Attendees will practice together for 20 to 30 minutes and will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences.

Facilitated by Patricia Ullman J.D., certified mediation instructor

Thursdays (ongoing) from 1 to 2 p.m. Zoom link provided to registrants.
Attendees will practice sitting techniques and learn how to bring mindfulness more fully into their lives. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences with other attendees. Drop-ins and all levels, including beginners, are welcome. No cost.

Registration is required by calling 202-364-7602.

Join us at the Sibley Senior Association Book Club and enjoy the company of book lovers. We have read books like:

• Mornings On Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt by David McCullough.
• Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
• Ellen and Edith: Woodrow Wilson’s First Ladies by Kristie Miller
• Cleopatra by Stacey Schiff

The Book Marks meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Contact the Senior Association Office at 202-364-7602 for more details. All are welcome.

Note: Effective Thursday, March 12 2020 until further notice, we have decided to cancel all community classes and events at Sibley out of an abundance of caution. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and look forward to resuming classes when we feel it is safe to do so. Please check the Sibley website and our Facebook page for ongoing updates.

Facilitated by Joe Ryan, The AARP Smart Driver Course is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older; it has helped millions of drivers remain safe on the road. During this course, you'll learn how you can manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. In addition, you'll learn:

• How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots
• How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car
• The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy intersections
• Proper use of safety belts, air bags, antilock brakes and new technology found in cars today
• Ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities
• The effects of medications on driving
• The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking and using a cellphone

After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and a better understanding of how to avoid potential collisions and injuring yourself or others.

Those who attend this course at Sibley may also get a reduction in their auto insurance fee by taking the class. Please call your auto insurance company for details.

Please Note: The six hour class is for people who have not taken the AARP Smart Driver Course before. The four-hour class is a refresher for people who have already taken the 6-hour AARP Smart Driver Course class. Anyone is welcome to take the 6 hour course.

Cost: $15 for AARP members with membership card, $20 for non-members. Payable by check only (no cash or credit cards will be accepted). Please make check payable to AARP. To receive the AARP rate you must bring your AARP membership card to class.

Registration is required. Contact Joe Ryan at 202-360-0704.

• Full participation is required
• Please bring a pen or pencil
• Arrive 15 minutes early to check-in

You may also take the class online, and also locate other classes in the area by going to www.aarp.org and looking up Driver Safety, or call 1-888-227-7669 to locate a class near you.