How many drug ads can you tolerate during the evening news? Boniva, Paxil, Celebrex, Fosamax, Lunesta, Nexium, Paxil, Vesicare – describing how they will improve your health and well-being. And the ads have to mention all the possible side effects: nausea and diarrhea; dry mouth and sweaty palms; incontinence and constipation, sleeplessness and drowsiness; bad dreams and bad luck. But what do you really know about these miracle drugs?

Before you take any medication be a smart consumer and educate yourself first. Check out the Planetree Health Resource Center or the website MedlinePlus hosted by the National Library of Medicine where you can find trusted health related information. But the best option is to ask your healthcare provider: your doctor, dentist or pharmacist, so you can get the best results and prevent dangerous combinations of medicines.

But what should you ask? Here are ten questions from the “Educate before you Medicate” presentation that was held last week at the Center.

1) What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do? Basic stuff but often overlooked. 2) When and how do I take it? Make sure you understand the instructions. 3) How long do I take the medicine? Always finish your medicines unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. 4) Does this medicine contain anything that can cause an allergic reaction? Don’t forget to describe any pass reactions you have had to medications. 5) Should I avoid alcohol, any other medicines, foods and/or activities? You don’t want any unexpected reactions. 6) Should I expect any side effects from this medicine? Also find out who you should call if you experience any of the symptoms or have questions. 7) What if I forget to take my medicine? For some medicines missing even one day can be important. And never double your medication without consulting your healthcare provider. 8) Is there a generic version of this medicine that can be prescribed? A way to save money when the cost of prescription drugs can be prohibitive. 9) How should I store the medicine? Always keep medicines away from heat, light and moisture. 10) Is it safe to become pregnant or breast feed while taking this medicine? Probably not a problem for any one reading this column!

No drug is perfect. It is always a balance between the benefits and the side effects. But it is your body, so don’t hesitate to find out more about the medications you are taking.

I need to make a correction from last week. Next week’s Tuesday Lecture is about Whooping Cough and not the newly identified Whopping Cough: a cough caused by breathing in too many excessively large hamburgers in an exceedingly short period of time.

But on the 29th at 11:00 Jenny Tran, a local pharmacist at RiteAid, will explain more about the ral Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and how to protect infants, who are most at risk, by creating a “cocoon of protection” around them to keep them safe. Consequently, vaccinations are highly recommended, especially for grandparents and babysitters. Contact your local pharmacist to learn more about the booster shot (Tdap) to protect yourself and the babies in your life.

It’s the Jazz Generations performing at the Center tonight. And next week on the fifth Tuesday “For the Good Times” will be playing. We’ll pull up the rugs and push back the tables so you can dance to your heart’s content or till your legs wear out. Music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are suggested.

There were many folks who called or emailed the correct answers to last week’s “Remember When” question. But no one remembered the “Day the Music Died” as well as Steve Bungum (the winner of a free Saturday breakfast) whose home in Iowa was ten miles from where the plane crashed carrying Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J. P. (The Big Bopper) Richardson.

But the answer to this week’s question occurred more recently – only forty years ago. In May and June of 1972, who organized and directed the Watergate burglaries of the Democratic National Committee headquarters? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or include it with a case of Teflon plumber’s tape.

Well, it has been another week, listening to a digital world with transistor ears. Until we meet again, when it seems like you are constantly taking one step forward and two steps back, put a little swing in your hips and just imagine you are dancing.

“When you to the end of your rope – tie a knot in it and hang on.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

It is a busy week ahead. So without any further ado, here is this week’s coming attractions.

Tonight at the Center, Truman will be playing his “Country Gold”. And next Tuesday on the 22nd the Jazz Generations will be back playing the big band sounds for your dancing and listening pleasure. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, everyone is invited and donations are suggested.

Thursday May 17th will be twenty five years to the date since the Senior Center held its first open house in 1987. To celebrate twenty five years supporting older adults in the Mid-Columbia, the Center is hosting a 25th Year Anniversary Open House – starting at 11:00 with displays and demonstrations; followed by a special dinner at noon provided by Meals-on-Wheels. At 1:00 there will be a program with invited guests John Mabrey and Bill Hulse, who were respectively The Dalles mayor and Wasco County Judge in 1987; as well as Betty Harlan who was the manager at that time of Meals-on-Wheels. The Open House will conclude with every ones’ favorite – cake and ice cream.

On Friday May 18th, the Center will host a Team Trivia Night celebrating this year’s theme for Older Americans Month “Never Too Old to Play”. The action will start at 7:00 and will continue until we finish the two rounds or the majority of folks fall asleep – which for me will be around 9:00. The questions cover three areas: Events, Culture and Sports and include all the decades from the 30’s to 2000. So you may want to bring one of your younger friends.

But there are many other activities at the Center that would fit the “play” category. Jody Cochenour (541-296-5692) is looking for more Bunco players to play every third Tuesday from 1:00 – 3:00; there is Mahjong (the Chinese version taught by Corliss Marsh) most every Friday from 1:00 – 3:00. And also at 1:00 on Fridays, the bridge group welcomes new players from experienced to beginners. And if you want to learn the computer, which could either be considered play or torture, there is help available every Wednesday from 9:00 – 11:00.

It is already time for May’s Saturday Breakfast on the 19th from 8:00 – 9:30 AM sponsored this month by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, bacon, scrambled eggs and fruit as well as your favorite beverage. Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast with friends and neighbors.

And there is plenty more action in the Gorge. Noon on Saturday May 19th at the Discovery Center, Jerry Tanquist is presenting his slideshow on the OR&N and The Union Pacific Railroads. Also on the 19th the Compassion Tea for the Relay for Life is from 2:00 – 4:00 at the Untied Church of Christ Congregational (541-298-1602). On Sunday the 20th, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a fundraiser for Opportunity Connections, will be at the Columbia Gorge Hotel from 2:00-4:00 ($25 at the door). And if none of that fits your style, there is the 16th Annual Tygh Valley All Indian Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday starting at 1:00 with a $5.00 admission.

The next 11:00 Tuesday Lecture at the Center hasn’t been decided yet, but on May 29th there will be a presentation about the highly contagious disease Pertussis – commonly known as Whopping Cough. Pertussis has reached epidemic levels in Washington and parts of Oregon (there has been one confirmed case in The Dalles). It is most serious for infants and children, but adults can also have complications from the disease. The Tuesday Lecture on May 29th will provide more information about Pertussis: what are the risks for older adults and what steps can be taken to avoid the spread of the disease.

And finally time for the answer to last week’s “Remember When’ question. It was Bob Dylan (and not Jimi Hendrix) who shook up the folk scene when he played an electric set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. (The winner of a free Saturday breakfast is Esther Esson.)

For this week, I have asked part of the question before, but here is the whole sandwich. “They say the music died when these three musicians’ plane crashed in February 1959. What were all three of their names? Email your answer to the mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or include it with a picture of Waylon Jennings who was one of the band mates and gave up his seat on the flight.

Well, it has been another week, wondering if I have been here before. Until we meet again, don’t take for granted what you encounter every day.