Thirty-two years ago, Jason Hamann was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis.Medical professionals define the disease as a
debilitating
affliction striking the nervous system. Jason defines his disease as
discouraging and exhausting. His MS means “trying to walk with two
telephone poles for legs,” he says.
Six months ago, Jason started attending aqua aerobics and yoga
classes designed for MS patients at the Wellness Center of Cape
 Coral,
which is part of Lee Memorial Health System. Exercising in
the pool, Jason can do things he cannot do on land. He can walk.
“I just started walking with a walker last week,” the previously
wheelchair-confined Jason said in early September. “I would not
have been able to do it without these classes. I had no lower body
strength at all. But doing steps in the pool, seeing so many others
in the group walking with walkers, I thought I’d try again.”
Debbi Jarvis, Manager of Aquatics and Group Exercise, says
MS patients feel complete when they are at the Wellness Center.
Through stretching and swimming, they are socializing, and their
bodies are moving the way they want them to. “The hour they’re here,
they don’t feel like they have MS,” Debbi says.
“We don’t treat them like eggs or babies. We do not insult them.
They’re adults, and through these exercise classes, they are
benefitting.”
Roughly 25 participants attend the MS group classes regularly,
making LMHS the most successful program in Southwest Florida.
Debbi urges anyone diagnosed with MS to register with the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Once they are registered, they
can attend the exercise classes for free three days a week.
MS yoga classes are scheduled every Monday at 11:30 a.m. MS aqua
aerobics are scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
To learn more about the MS group therapy classes, contact
Debbi Jarvis at 239-573-4517 or
click here.
To contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, call April
Eldemire at 954-731-4224.
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