LETTER: Health Connection's worth is immeasurable

I am writing to express my chagrin at the University's decision to close the Health Connection, where I have exercised for eight years.

Although there are good, for-profit exercise facilities, plus the ARC, in Columbia, none can compare to the unique benefits of the Health Connection. I have confidence that members will be willing to pay higher fees for those benefits.

I enjoy being with younger people at the Health Connection.  No matter what our age, the personnel is always careful to have us exercise according to our physical condition. After a knee replacement, my exercise was adjusted to fit my condition.

People with heart problems and arthritis exercise at the Health Connection because they are closely supervised.  The personnel, which includes a nurse on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, keep a close eyes on us.  They monitor blood pressure and heartbeat before and after exercise.

I am healthier because I exercise and happier because of the friends I enjoy at the Health Connection.  The warm-hearted staff is a blessing.

I ask Richard Oliver, dean of the School of Health Professions, to reconsider his decision to close the Health Connection.  Its worth is immeasurable.