'Junggu Health Exercise Class' Bringing Smiles to Families with Disabilities

Operation of Non-Face-to-Face Exercise Programs for Disabled People Isolated from Outdoor Activities Due to COVID-19 from April 1... 'Health Exercise Class for People with Developmental Disabilities' and 'Health Touch Smiling' for Mental Patients

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu (District Mayor Seoyangho) has been operating a non-face-to-face exercise program for people with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses since early this month, receiving positive evaluations.

The 'Developmental Disabilities Health Exercise Class' is held once a week until June for seven people with developmental disabilities using the Jungnim Disabled Daycare Center.

The program is conducted non-face-to-face via ZOOM, with the developmental disabled participants following movements while looking at a large screen set up inside the center, assisted by social workers. Various small tools such as resistance bands, gym balls, and foam rollers are used to also improve cognitive functions.

Kim, a female social worker (32) who has worked at the Jungnim Disabled Daycare Center for three years, said, "After COVID-19, not being able to engage in any physical activity was frustrating not only for the disabled but also for their families who care for them," adding, "Since participating in the Jung-gu health exercise class, the expressions of the disabled and their caregivers have noticeably brightened on the days they visit the center."

Kim added, "These days, I look forward to Thursdays, when the exercise class with the center's disabled participants takes place."

The non-face-to-face exercise program for people with mental illnesses, 'Healthy Touch Smiling,' also opened its doors on the 6th. It targets six users of the Jung-gu Health and Welfare Center who suffer from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression, and is conducted non-face-to-face via ZOOM for one hour every Tuesday.

Participants exercise at home using various tools such as Pilates rings and step boxes that were delivered in advance. Once a month, professional medical staff including nurses, nutritionists, and dental hygienists provide guidance on overall physical health, including healthy diet composition, chronic disease prevention, and oral care.

A Jung-gu office official stated, "Many mental health programs so far have been focused on static activities such as counseling or art and music therapy," adding, "Since physical activity helps relieve depression and activate the nervous system, we plan to continue the program until face-to-face activities become possible."

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "The inconveniences experienced by people with disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 period are indescribably great," and added, "We will continue to create a happy city Jung-gu where everyone can live together without discrimination based on physical or mental conditions through various support measures for people with disabilities."