West Newsmagazine 11-13-19

16 I NEWS I
By CATHY LENNY
November 13, 2019
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
Fulfilling a need that few knew existed,
the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for
Adults with Down Syndrome has done
nothing but grow since its inception 10
years ago.
What began as an idea during a dinner
party has blossomed into a multifaceted
facility that helps connect clients to wellness
services that focus on nutrition,
exercise, safety and social/emotional wellbeing
– geared specifically to meet their
unique needs.
Beth Schroeder was instrumental in
bringing the Center to fruition. She found
that, while there were many services and
organizations that helped children with
Down syndrome, there were few resources
available to her adult son, who has Down
syndrome. Determined to open such a
center, Schroeder enlisted the help of Jan
Potts and her husband, pulmonologist Dr.
Daniel Potts. Together, they convinced
former St. Luke’s president Gary Olson to
put a team together to investigate possible
options.
It didn’t hurt that Schroeder was friends
with Albert and Deidre Pujols, who also
have a child with Down syndrome. The
Pujols jumped on board immediately. Even
though the Pujols now live in California,
they still keep in contact with the Center.
“Once they finish high school and possibly
two years of vocational training, medically
and socially-wise, there’s nothing left
for them,” social worker Stacey Laughlin
said of the Center’s clients. Laughlin attributes
the Center, which is designed for clients
age 17 and older, with helping them
live longer and healthier lives.
Schroeder aids in assessing the needs of
clients, which include social and psychological
as well as physical.
“Social interaction is important to them,”
Laughlin said. “As [our clients] age, as
they get older, they don’t get out.”
She added that “weight is especially
trying for them.” Nutrition programs are
designed to remind clients to “choose this,
not that” and learn about portion control.
It’s a lesson Schroeder has seen play out
first hand with her 28-year-old son, Ethan.
The classes are all about repetition.
Schroeder credits the Center’s nutritionists
with being able to convey a healthy
eating message to its clients.
“That has really provided the success.
I’ve seen clients who have
lost substantial weight. They’re
much healthier, more active,” she
said.
Children born with Down syndrome
have a life expectancy of
about 40 years. For those who
live longer, Alzheimer’s disease
is a prevalent challenge. “Instead
of the average age of onset at
approximately 70, they have an
accelerated aging process and develop it 20
years earlier, around 50 to 60,” Laughlin
said.
The Center provides education to families
on what signs and symptoms to look
for in regard to Alzheimer’s and what
steps to take. Additional programs include
classes in speech and language, crafts, kick
boxing, cardio training, group dance, hand
chimes and choir.
Mike Ott, board member of the Young Professionals
of St. Luke’s, said the Center is the
only one in the Midwest offering services for
adults with Down syndrome – and demand
for its offerings is growing. Today, the Center
@WESTNEWSMAG
WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM
St. Luke’s Hospital, Pujols Center celebrate 10 years of bringing
wellness to adults with Down syndrome
[Pujols Center photo]
and St. Luke’s are exploring additional space
either on the third floor of the hospital or in
another building on the hospital site.
As a member of the group, Ott has
helped orchestrate an annual holiday
celebration that benefits the Center. This
year, that event was held on Nov. 1 at the
Anheuser-Busch Biergarten. Ott said the
Center was chosen as the event’s beneficiary
precisely because it doesn’t receive
a lot of other funding. “With a lot of charities,
you don’t know where the money
goes. [With the Center] you can actually
see where the money is going and who’s
benefiting from it,” Ott said.
Learn Ballroom, Latin & Social Dancing
What We Offer:
• Private & Group Lessons
• Wedding Dance Lessons
• Competition • New Friends
• Social Dancing • Fitness & Fun
Waltz • Tango • Foxtrot • Cha Cha
Rumba • Swing • Salsa • and More!
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE
YOUR FIRST LESSON
NO PARTNER REQUIRED
Mention This Ad For
2 SESSIONS
FOR $
35
ONLY
One Private 45-Minute
Lesson and One Group
Lesson ($85 Value)
Special Price Applies for a
Single or a Couple.
New Students Only.
Expires 12/31/19
Our special section featuring issues,
events, products and services of
interest to our 50-plus readers.
236 Old Meramec Station Road
Manchester, MO 63021
636-227-7202
www.justdancingstudio.com
We are a “no contract” studio - pay as you go!
You Look Great on the Dance Floor!
COMING AGAIN
December 4