The Lazarus House A Center for Wellness

Wellness Program: We served a daily average of 43 clients who participated in three appointments per week. Clients were able to participate in person after being released by their physician. Because the clients of Lazarus House are at a greater health risk with COVID-19, we also provided a virtual option without having no risk exposure. Lazarus House clients presented with various etiologies & degrees of cachexia. Disease related muscle loss addressed at Lazarus House involved clients who suffered from stroke, traumatic brain injury, cancer, MS, spinal cord trauma, & HIV. Certified personal health trainers provided researched & disease specific exercise training sessions. Progress was documented through a series of measurements taken before initiation, at 6 weeks, & upon completion. Measurements demonstrated that clients, on average, gained muscle & reflected a decrease in muscular wasting. The Lazarus House provided an exercise program that utilized progressive resistance training to address & attenuate disease related muscle loss, cardiopulmonary training to increase endurance & address dysmorphic issues associated with some medications, & nutritional counseling to encourage optimal muscle growth. As was in 2020, the Wellness Program services continued to address the social isoliation effects. Weekly one on one check ins continued allowing clients to share any needs like food deficits, anxieties or need for emotional/mental support, or just an opportunity to connect with another human. The mental stress & anxiety associated with COVID & isolation continued to become more apparent in 2021. Lazarus House recognized the growing issue & added more socialization & team building exercises to address clients' needs.