Water neat way to ease pain

Published 10:40 am Thursday, December 28, 2006

By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Cassopolis Vigilant
DOWAGIAC – Peachy Lawson of Cassopolis was scared to even go into the water.
She didn't like it, but after her stroke it was recommended as a way to exercise.
Joining the water aerobics class through the Cass County Council on Aging (COA) has helped the arthritis in Lawson's knees.
"I feel better," Lawson said. At her son's over Thanksgiving she said walking up steps was hard.
Her husband Emery has been coming with her on Tuesday and Thursday morning to the Amerihost hotel in Dowagiac, where the classes are held at 8:30 a.m.
"We have so much fun we look forward to it," she added.
Part of the "fun" has come with the instructor, Wanda Kirst of Niles.
Kirst was asked by Brenda Harris, fitness instructor for the COA if she would teach the class.
"I was going crazy," said Kirst, helping to take care of my mom. She had retired after being a police officer in Niles for 26 years.
"I was waking up with nagging pain every night," she added. "My knees were so bad from bone spurs."
Her husband, George, who works for the Cass County Road Commission, suggested she take the class and Harris liked her spirit and enthusiasm.
"She was a quick study. It wasn't long before she was taking us through the paces." said Carol Whims, who used to belong to a health club.
"It helps she was a cop and holds a gun. She is funny – absolutely great," Whims added about Kirst.
"Brenda said, 'You'll love it,' " Kirst said. "I have done defense. I know how to take someone down, but this?"
Her first time into the pool she stayed covered with a t-shirt and shorts, but modesty quickly passed. She warned the others, "I don't want to be responsible for anyone drowning as she walked into the water."
As much as she jokes and laughs, she takes the class very seriously, working out on Wednesdays at the pool, testing exercises she has researched and doing routines with different music, "so they don't get bored."
"We give you an A plus," said some of the participants, including Eve Phillipson, who is a retired teacher as is Whims.
Barbara Shepard is a retired secretary from Amway, formerly from Grand Rapids. Kay Keith comes over from Marcellus.
They appreciate Kirst is in the water working with them. Shepard of Dowagiac has been coming since the program started four years ago.
They also appreciate the potholders and raspberry jam, Kirst has given them.
"I don't think I have ever been happier," Kirst said. Already losing inches hasn't been too bad either.