Exercise in disappointment

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When a doctor told Nancy Bertolini she developed arthritis in her left hip six years ago, she didn’t take the news lying down.

She began an exercise routine at the wellness center inside the St. Agnes Medical Center (now the St. Agnes Continuing Care Center), at Broad and McKean streets.

With help from the staff, Bertolini began a string of stretching exercises. Once unable to fully lift her leg, she gradually experienced better movement within two months of her diagnosis.

Bertolini and husband Peter typically engaged in a three-day-a-week regimen consisting of weights, rowing machines and stationary bikes.

"It makes you feel better. It gives you more energy," Nancy Bertolini said of the workouts. "I had a bicycle [at home], but you don’t do it. You go [to the wellness center] and meet wonderful people. It’s like a family."

But her "family" disbanded yesterday. After 25 years, the center closed, leaving more than 100 members to seek alternatives.

"Some people can walk to it," said Bertolini, of the 2700 block of South Colorado Street. "There’s no other places downtown here where they take your blood pressure after you exercise."

Upon receiving a letter about the facility’s closure dated Jan. 4, Bertolini took action. Gathering 115 signatures from members, she sent the petition to the center’s management. Local politicians also were contacted for support.

However, this week was the last time Bertolini set foot inside the space. She is unsure where to continue her exercise routine.

"I’m afraid it’ll hurt us by not doing these exercises," she said. "It’s that 20 minutes when you have your heart rate up and that’s what you need."

ST. AGNES MEDICAL Center, a member of Mercy Health System, converted into a continuing care facility in June 2004. Management from both entities made the decision to close its wellness facility to concentrate on caring for long-term acute and chronically ill patients, now the center’s core group.

According to a statement issued by the St. Agnes Continuing Care Center, "the difficult decision was made … after an extensive assessment; which included a review of community needs for wellness services, alternative services in the area and the ability to meet the [St. Agnes Continuing Care Center] mission and financial requirements."

The statement added the center would focus on providing continuing care services that meet the changing needs of the community.

The facility’s three employees will be placed in positions within Mercy Health System and the continuing care center, the statement noted.

A member of the facility since 1990, Estelle Platt typically would work out six days a week, 40 minutes a day, before going to work. She credits a "skilled and knowledgeable" staff for the facility’s success.

"It has to say something for the center if I’ve been there for 15 years," said Platt, of Ninth and Jackson streets. "I’ve never put my membership on hold."

Besides using exercise equipment, Platt had her blood pressure and cholesterol frequently checked by the staff. She also obtained literature on promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The resident was devastated upon hearing news of the center’s fate.

"I just can’t believe it’s really closing," she said last week. "I almost get emotional just thinking about it."

Platt also signed the petition, which asked to postpone the closing while discussing alternatives with members and elected officials.

Devoid of the center, the area is now lacking exercise options for its members, Platt said.

"They will not be able to get these kinds of services," she said. "There are members that will have no other alternatives, as far as a facility like this."

While Mercy Health Systems has not compiled a list of wellness and fitness facilities in the area, alternatives do exist, said Maria Rohe, organization spokesperson.

"Our sister organization, Mercy Eastwick [in Southwest Philly] has offered to waive some fees for members to transfer to that location," Rohe said via e-mail.

Platt disregarded this as a viable alternative since some members, as well as herself, do not have cars. The location, she said, lacks the convenience of the South Philly site.

Platt feels management has not made a strong effort to keep the facility open, including James Flowers, president and chief executive officer of the St. Agnes Continuing Care Center.

"If he was really committed, he could turn this around," Platt said.

Rohe responded by saying the center has participated in membership initiatives in an attempt to boost declining numbers. These have included health fairs, member referral incentives, direct mail to physicians, flyers to local businesses and employee incentives.

Though unsure of her next workout site, Platt will cherish the friends she made while keeping herself fit.

"You see people and you get to know them," she said. "If you don’t see a member for five days, you start to worry and ask ‘where is so-and-so?’ It’s that kind of place."