Participant Stories

13 Juniper Classes Bring Balance Back After a Brain Injury

Kathleen Sorbie experienced a traumatic brain injury from a fall three years ago that impacted her balance, large motor movements, depth perception, speech and vocabulary. But over the past two years, she’s made a 98% comeback with a focus on recovery, and dedication to 13 Juniper classes. Read More

Virtual SAIL Juniper Classes Bring Fitness and Fun to the Braham Event Center

Kelly Nelson, the event coordinator for the Braham Event Center in Braham, Minnesota, says she is thrilled to offer Juniper classes to her community. “People had been asking for fitness classes and we thought it wasn’t possible because there wasn’t anyone in town to teach them, but then we found Juniper, which had a solution.” Read More

Rochester Resident Takes Tai Ji Quan for Better Balance and Companionship

Kay Luinstra, a Juniper Tai Ji Quan participant, enjoys taking this class remotely so she can improve balance, posture and range of motion. Tai Ji Quan has improve Kay's ability to prevent falls. Read More

Ronald Jackson Finds Harmony in Movement and Music

One day, Ronald Jackson went for a walk. He ventured down to the community room in his St. Paul apartment building, a path he had taken many times before. But this time, he walked into an opportunity. Read More

Kris King Relieves Back Pain with Juniper Classes

Scoliosis and osteoporosis had taken a toll on Kris King, leading to spine surgery in 2019. Kris spent almost a year in a back brace with no bending, twisting or lifting. She had just started physical therapy in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, sending her home with a prescription to walk and do recommended exercises on her own. Read More

Telephone Reassurance Makes Upcoming Surgery Easier for Janet Dunbar

Janet Dunbar of Menahga, Minnesota, met Annie Cole, a Juniper wellness engagement specialist, when Annie called Janet to introduce her to Juniper. At the time, Annie didn’t know how much Janet needed her call. Read More

Diabetes Prevention Program Helps Keep Kathy Jacobson at Prediabetic Status

Kathy Jacobson says she has witnessed the horrors of diabetes. She lost her 62-year-old mother to the disease, and her brother was the same age when he passed away. “My brother had a lot of foot neuropathy, and other complications. I’ve been prediabetic for a while, and it was time to do something to prevent the same outcome for myself.” Read More

Rural Seniors Benefit From Pandemic-Driven Remote Fitness Boom

by Christina Saint Louis - This article is by KHN and was first published on January 17, 2023 Read More

Retired Dentist Believes Healthy Bodies Bring Healthy Smiles

When Yvonne Hanley retired after 40 years as a dentist, she went from filling cavities in Fergus Falls, MN, to filling people’s lives with a program known for improving health. Read More

Voices of Participants and Class Leaders

Do you want to know what participants and leaders say about Juniper classes? Watch these videos. Read More

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