SHARE Club to host self-defense class
Women are vulnerable enough to violent crime. When you’re over the age of 50, it’s even worse.
That’s why SHARE Club, a program of the Lee Memorial Health System devoted to people over the age of 50, is putting on a program called S.A.F.E. (Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange) on Monday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
Teresa Frank, program coordinator at SHARE Club, said the program, which is being put on through the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, is an example of what her organization has done for the last 30 years to help that segment of the community.
“SHARE Club is all about helping seniors stay healthy, active and engaged, and one of the things we provide are educational or lecture opportunities to educate them on personal health and safety,” Frank said.
Frank said partnering with groups such as the LCSO has been one of the ways SHARE Club has been able to provide such programming.
The program is also being offered at the Wa-Ka-Hatchee Community Center in Fort Myers on Monday, Oct. 24.
This program – for women only – is about self-defense. Michelle Sargas, crime prevention specialist at the LCSO, will educate women on ways to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of violent crimes.
The program is broken into three parts: an introduction, a video and physical self-defense techniques.
There will be no actual contact as it is a beginner course. Sargas said the class is more about mindset and preparation in the event you are potentially a victim.
“We’re trying to get them away from the idea that it won’t happen to me. We get into that routine where we’re busy and get complacent,” Sargas said. “That’s the mindset that everyone gets into, and this class reminds you that you need to prepare.”
The class will also teach what weapons you can use to ward off an attacker. Sargas said it’s not always a firearm or pepper spray, but your body and mind.
“So many people say they have a concealed weapons permit, but we’re finding that people get the permit and have no idea what to do with it or fire it and that creates a dangerous situation,” Sargas said. “People forget the things God has given us, our legs, knees, hips, head, that they can be used as a potential weapon.”
Sargas said the use of purses for women is discouraged. Though they can also be used as a weapon, they are the main target for women.
The class will also teach women a few moves they can use to ward off an attacker. Sargas said they don’t anticipate women leaving the class as if they’re Bruce Lee.
“This is an introduction to self-defense where we get people thinking about it. You can do it, even if you’re 90 years old. Adrenaline works so well in our favor and helps us the ability to be stronger and faster than we give ourselves credit for.”
The two-hour program is $5 per person and can be paid by cash or check (made payable to Lee County Sheriff).
For more information, go to www.leememorial.org/shareclub