NACA Fitness Specialists Support Physical Activity, Wellness

By Brandie Franco

NACA’s Wellness Center provides cost-conscious and holistic fitness plans for groups or individuals, alongside nutrition and dietary resources from a staff of highly experienced fitness experts. Whether participants are looking to make a drastic change in their health and fitness, or simply maintain and supplement their current lifestyle, NACA’s Wellness Center fitness specialists can assist anyone in reaching their health and fitness goals.

NACA fitness specialists serve as a community resource for physical activity, wellness and lifestyle changes. Their services are based out of the Wellness Center and are accessible to all community members. Fitness specialists also assist in the Health Promotion Diabetes Prevention Programs, such as:

The You’re In Control! Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program, designed to empower people with diabetes to learn how to manage their diabetes care and treatment, according to The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists’ (ADCES) seven selfcare behaviors.

The Diabetes Prevention Program, designed to prevent and delay the early onset of type 2 diabetes. This proven program can help participants make modest lifestyle changes and cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half.

Meet NACA’s Wellness Center Fitness Specialists:

Jordan Mockta aids in the Health Promotion Program by establishing a fitness baseline with participants and helping them build toward their personal fitness goals. Jordan utilizes science-proven programs such as the Centers for Disease Control’s Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center and the American College of Sports Medicine’s Guidelines for an improved Quality of Life. Jordan received his Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from Northern Arizona University, majoring in fitness and wellness, with a minor in biology.

Madison Dreifuss received her Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from NAU, specializing in fitness and wellness. She also is accredited through the American College of Sports Medicine as an exercise physiologist. Madison has had the opportunity to teach a variety of programs, with individuals throughout all stages of life. Her work continues alongside NACA Health Promotion Program participants with metabolic disorders, hypertension and obesity.

The Wellness Center hosts group fitness classes throughout the week, such as TRX, yoga, Super Circuit, Step, and Pow Wow Sweat. Community members can also receive personal exercise assessments and prescribed exercise sessions. Additionally, participants can join the Wellness Center team in Health Promotion annual events, such as Rejuvenation Week, Resolution Month, the Spring Into Summer Hiking Series, and the Sacred Mountain Prayer Run.

The NACA Wellness Center offers unmatched and cost-conscious rates, allowing everyone access to a healthy and active lifestyle. Competitive rates aside, no facility in the Flagstaff area compares to the fitness experts NACA has available. Grant qualified – American Indians/Alaskan Natives over the age of 18 and enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe, NACA Patients, and Referrals, receive 50% off services. FBN

To learn more about the NACA Wellness Center and the classes offered, rates and membership options, call 928-773-1245 or email nacawellnesscenter@ nacainc.org.

Brandie Franco is the manager of the NACA Health Promotions Program.

NACA’s Family Health Center currently offers the seasonal flu vaccine, the COVID-19 Moderna and Pfizer primary vaccines, and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-773-1245.

Congratulations to the 2023 Northern Arizona Healthcare Scholarships & Awards Recipients!

Thank you to title sponsor, Desert Financial Credit Union, presenting sponsor Swire Coca-Cola USA Flagstaff AZ, and all our donors for providing continuing education opportunities for our colleagues.

Dawn Tebelak Carmel Memorial Scholarship

Angela Allen, Brittany Athey, Hannah Arwine

Dean Taylor Health Care Award

Stacy Payne

Desert Financial Credit Union Health Care Scholarship

Angela Ramer, Anna Singleton, Jessica Marrello, Thomas Wilson

Equality Health Award

Summer Johnson

Equality Health Foundation Scholarship

Katie Moore

Findlay Toyota Health Care Award

Brittany Trznadel

Fred Shinn Nursing Scholarship

David Hernandez Carrillo

Lisa Juslin and Jay Johnson Health Care Award

Hiliary Howdeshell

Marjorie and Samuel McClanahan Nursing Scholarship

Jennifer Swomley

Marr Family Scholarship

Lukas Gardner

Mary and Roger Hostetler Health Care Award

Karley Feather, Stephanie Chase

Mary M. Byrd Integrative Health Nursing Award

Amy Corrieri

Paul Weston First Responder Award

Scott Marshall

Sally Day “Bunny” Hanson Memorial Award

Rachel Torbitzky

Simon Memorial Scholarship

Mariah Jones

Swire Coca-Cola USA Flagstaff AZ Health Care Scholarship

Averie Elias

The Loven Family Health Care Scholarship

Robert Weaver

UMR (United Medical Resources) Award

Joshua Tsinnijinnie

Zach Stamile Memorial Award

Alesha Jimmie

To learn more or become involved, please contact the NAH Office of Philanthropy NAHPhilanthropy@nahealth.com 928.773.2093 NAHealth.com/philanthropy