Exercise is Medicine® at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center and Catholic Charities Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic partner to provide a free lifestyle medicine program to the medically underserved population.
Contact: Tammy Rowland, MPH, NBC-HWC, Pn1 EIM Program Manager | Health & Wellness Coach Phone: 571-732-0155 email: [email protected]
October 5, 2023 - Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center is excited to be offering the first Spanish language, 12-week, group Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) program in partnership with Catholic Charities Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic, in Manassas, Virginia. The clinic serves the low income who are uninsured or underinsured. Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center (FAFC) is located onsite at George Mason University Science & Technology campus in Manassas, Virginia.
Catholic Charities clinicians have referred qualified patients who are at risk for or diagnosed with a chronic disease, obesity and/or are sedentary to participate in the group EIM program that consists of two weekly exercise classes and four group nutrition and lifestyle behavior classes offered during the 12-week program. Prior to beginning the program, each participant will have a personalized biometric assessment which includes weight, BMI, body fat and skeletal muscle mass.
Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center is able to offer the 12-week group EIM program free of charge to the Catholic Charities patients due to generous donations and grants that have been awarded from local businesses and foundations.
A Global Health Initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), aims to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere and of all abilities.
EIM encourages physicians and other health care providers to include physical activity when designing treatment plans and to refer patients to evidence-based exercise programs and qualified exercise professionals. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity promotes optimal health and is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions.
About Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington, Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinics:
Catholic Charities Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinics provide free, quality healthcare to low-income adult residents of Prince William County who are uninsured or under-insured. Mother of Mercy operates clinics in both Manassas and Woodbridge.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington, is the charitable arm of the Diocese, serving the needs of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of their faith, on behalf of the Catholic Church in parts of central, northern and northwestern Virginia. Ministries include feeding the hungry, transitional housing for men and women and children, providing medical and mental healthcare, caring for the elderly and welcoming the newcomer. Its work depends on a dedicated staff and collaboration with partner parishes and parishioners, a broad volunteer network, and generous donors who support the mission.