What does a nurse do after retirement? After working diligently to earn my nursing degree from Duke University and becoming licensed in Ohio, Iowa, and now Florida, I still felt the need to find a sense of purpose in the field I loved. With experience spanning home care, hospital, office settings, and most recently hospice care, I decided to explore new ways to stay involved.
That journey led me to Lee Health’s Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point. Now, every Friday morning during “season” (typically October through April), I volunteer by taking blood pressures on a walk-in basis. Visitors, patients, volunteers, and employees all stop by to have their blood pressure checked. Over the summer, the schedule may vary, so it’s best to call the Healthy Life Center at 239-468-0050 to confirm that Carole is there.
The Healthy Life Center is truly a community gem. It offers a wide range of free classes and wellness services. For instance, in June, programs included chair yoga, stretch and balance classes, CPR certification, cooking demonstrations, and even a “Power Up Your Golf Performance” session. Other offerings include walking groups, support groups for cancer and Alzheimer’s caregivers, and music therapy sessions.
To view the current schedule, email [email protected] for a monthly calendar. While there is no charge for most offerings, reservations are appreciated.
The staff at the Healthy Life Center are especially helpful—whether it’s assisting with MyChart or navigating a smartphone. The facilities are excellent, and if you visit, don’t miss the Bistro for a light and healthy lunch.
Whether you are a retiree looking to stay engaged or a resident seeking wellness resources, I encourage you to check out all that the Healthy Life Center has to offer!
