Senior Shape is an exercise program for the 55+ population designed to improve and maintain balance, muscle strength, flexibility and cardiovascular strength through a variety of fitness classes. Classes are held year-round in ten different community and senior centers throughout Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. Senior Shape incorporates weight training, aerobics/strength and stretch, stability ball, flexible strength, advanced weight training and advanced aerobic/strength and stretch exercises.

Locations

• Benjamin Gaither Center | 80-A Bureau Dr. Gaithersburg
• Bethesda Regional Service Center | 4805 Edgemoor Ln, 2nd Floor | Bethesda
• Clara Barton Community Center | 7425 MacArthur Blvd | Cabin John
• Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activity Center | 4009 Wallace Rd | North Brentwood
• Holiday Park Senior Center | 3950 Ferrara Dr | Wheaton
• Jane E. Lawton Community Center | 4301 Willow Ln | Chevy Chase
• Margaret Schweinhaut Center | 1000 Forest Glen Rd | Silver Spring
• North Potomac Community Center | 13850 Travilah Rd. Rockville
• Potomac Community Center | 11315 Falls Rd | Potomac
• Wisconsin Place Community Center | 5311 Friendship Blvd. Chevy Chase

A certified Physical Therapist will teach balance, strengthening and flexibility exercises that can be done safely in your home. First session will include a presentation about balance, falls and fall prevention with the remaining sessions focusing on strengthening and balance specific exercises to reduce fall risk. Recommended for those with mild balance problems.

Yoga for seniors will help maintain muscle softness and flexibility, keep the mind alert and awake, encourage relaxation and strengthen muscles and joints.  Appropriate for all levels of physical fitness; includes the use of chairs and props. 

Incorporate gentle movements to strengthen the core, lengthen the spine and build muscle tone while improving posture and increasing flexibility. Bring a mat and dress comfortably.

Improve your memory, coordination, balance and flexibility through Tai Chi using gentle, flowing movements. Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Appropriate for beginners. 

Check It Out (CIO) is a community-based program that provides breast cancer education and early detection information to female 11th and 12th grade high school students. CIO is organized by Suburban Hospital and Hadassah Greater Washington in partnership with Montgomery County public and independent high schools. This onetime interactive lecture, held every two years educates over 5,000 female students along with families and loved ones on the importance of early detection to help save lives.

Suburban Hospital looks forward to expanding CIO into schools throughout the county and reaching many more young women with critical education resources. If you are interested in incorporating the Check it Out Program into your school curriculum, please contact Community Health and Wellness at 301-896-3844 or [email protected].

The Medical Exploring Program is a signature, one-of-a-kind interactive, educational initiative designed for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career path in health care and want to strengthen their understanding of the medical profession.  For nearly 20 years, the Suburban Hospital Medical Exploring Program has been made possible through a partnership with Suburban Hospital and the Boy Scouts of America.

Throughout the academic year, students have the opportunity to learn about key functions of the community hospital system from the region’s top physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals. In addition to touring areas of the hospital, students also take field trips to some of the Washington area’s premier medical research facilities.

How to Enroll in the Program

Each September, Suburban Hospital holds an information session for interested students and their parents to learn more about the program and determine if it is a good fit. Registration is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis and will remain open until all slots are filled. Further information on the application process will be provided at the information session.

*Scholarships are available for students upon request. Contact Sara Demetriou for more information.*

Safe Sitter® is a national, non-profit organization that provides programs to teach youth aged 11-13 life and safety skills for when they are home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Safe Sitter graduates are prepared with the knowledge they need to prevent problems and handle unexpected emergencies. Suburban Hospital has been a registered Safe Sitter teaching site for more than 20 years.

Designed for students in grades 4-6 with important safety training that will help them be prepared to stay home alone. Students will learn how to practice safe habits, handle common household emergencies, and who should treat illnesses and emergencies. Completing the program does not mean that a student is ready to stay home alone. Only the student’s parents can make that decision, based on the age, maturity, skills, and experience and confidence level of their child.

Receive instruction for adult CPR and treatment of bleeding, burns, broken bones and more. For lay people who require CPR credential documentation.

Learn to respond effectively in emergencies. Appropriate for young adults, nannies, au-pairs, lifeguards and preschool teachers. Class includes infant, child and adult CPR. CPR certification provided. Feel free to bring a light snack.

Receive instruction for adult, child and infant CPR and choking rescue. AED will also be discussed. Designed for members of the general public who want to learn how to save a life! Non-credentialed course.  

Learn the latest AED training and lifesaving techniques. This course is designed for laypeople who require CPR credential documentation.

Safe Sitter® is a national, non-profit organization that provides programs to teach youth aged 11-13 life and safety skills for when they are home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Safe Sitter graduates are prepared with the knowledge they need to prevent problems and handle unexpected emergencies. Suburban Hospital has been a registered Safe Sitter teaching site for more than 20 years. Register your child to be a Safe Sitter today.

Designed for students in grades 4-6 with important safety training that will help them be prepared to stay home alone. Students will learn how to practice safe habits, handle common household emergencies, and who should treat illnesses and emergencies. Completing the program does not mean that a student is ready to stay home alone. Only the student’s parents can make that decision, based on the age, maturity, skills, and experience and confidence level of their child. Register your child to stay [email protected] today.

Receive instruction on infant and child CPR and choking rescue for first-time grandparents. Refreshers on life skills such as diapering, swaddling, feeding and soothing a crying baby will also be included. Non-credentialed course. 

Understand and reduce stress using yoga tools to cultivate self-awareness. Sessions will include yoga poses, guided relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation. Employees should bring a yoga mat and a small blanket or towel. The program is suitable for all levels (prior yoga experience is not necessary).

A Mindfulness Center instructor will guide participants to discover the basics of mindfulness meditation by focusing on posture, breathing and energy work.

Improve your memory, coordination, balance, and flexibility through Tai Chi using gentle, flowing movements. Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Appropriate for Beginners.

A 10-week structured program to help you learn a non-diet lifestyle approach to weight management. A Suburban Hospital registered and licensed dietitian will help you get started on the best way to achieve a healthy body through nutrition, exercise and behavioral skills.

Focusing on the building blocks of a healthy diet, you will explore the latest topics in nutrition, exercise and lifestyle issues that can affect weight management. Topics include portion size, making healthy menu choices when dining out, and bulking up on fiber rich food. Facilitated by a licensed and registered dietitian.

Learn from a chef on how to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Example of possible classes include "The Mediterranean Pantry," "Vegan 101," "Dress Up Your Greens," "Cooking with Food Trends," and "Super Food Spotlight." 

A registered and licensed dietitian will conduct a thorough health evaluation by creating a personalized nutrition, and exercise strategy to meet your specific health concerns.