133 million Americans – almost 1 out of every 2 adults – have at least one chronic condition such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, hearing loss or arthritis, according to the national Center on Disease Control and Prevention. (I know someone out there is reading this column and thinking in the nefarious recesses of their mind, we all have a chronic condition. It’s called A.G.E – a persistent condition with no cure. But I digress.)
Okay, we are all getting older but chronic conditions become a national health concern when you learn 34% of Individuals in the 65-74 age group are limited in one of more daily activities because of the chronic condition. And, as we get older it becomes worse, increasing to 46% for the 75+ age group. Because the limiting effects of chronic conditions are so prevalent, Stanford University developed a six session class called “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” which is researched based and proven to help folks manage their condition while living a healthy and productive life.
This class is again being offered by the Area Agency on Aging at the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments offices at 1113 Kelly Avenue starting February 17th from 1:30 – 4:00. You can register by calling 541-298-4101 and asking for Jean Hockman.
The classes are 2 ½ hours long, once a week for six weeks and full of useful information about how to self-manage your condition. You will learn how to exercise and stretch – while enjoying it, how to communicate with your doctors, how to eat healthy, plus over two hundred helpful hints on how to adapt your lifestyle regarding grooming, bathing, waking up, doing household chores and getting around.
And all taught by trained leaders who have been there. It is free, fun and interactive. Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided (although I doubt they will be offering a healthy glass of wine). But if it sounds good but you just aren’t sure, here is the clincher. If you complete the class, you will receive a $25 grocery gift certificate – and now you can buy that glass of wine.
The topic for the Center’s next Tuesday lecture will be StRUT or Students Recycling Used Technology. Several weeks ago I dropped off some old computers at the StRUT facility to be recycled and the program manager, Marty Willie, was kind enough to give me a tour of his operation. I was impressed with his passion and vision for the recycling program and learned that StRUT was more than recycling but also included environmental awareness and computer repair instruction. On Tuesday the 15th starting at 11:00, Marty will explain more about this award winning, state wide program located right here in The Dalles area.
On Tuesday the 16th, The Sugar Daddies featuring Mark Womble on keyboards and vocals will be playing your favorites plus original compositions of modern western swing from their CD “Boys will be Boys” .And tonight to get your feet moving, The Cherry Park Band will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure. There is no charge – we want everyone to enjoy the music no matter their financial situation. But we appreciate the many generous donations received every Tuesday night. The music sings from 7:00 – 9:00 and everyone and their little sister is invited.
As Joanne Scott pointed out, there are actually three NFL teams that have lost four Super Bowl games but the Denver Broncos did manage to redeem themselves by winning Super Bowls in ‘97 and ‘98. But it is the Minnesota Vikings from Bob Haechral’s home state that has the dubious honor of losing four Super Bowl games without winning one. And Bob, there is always next year.
But back to pop music for this week’s “Remember When” question. Between 1955 and 1957 the singer, song writer Richard Penniman with his outrageous performances and his frantic keyboard style recorded seven original #1 hits on the R&B charts before he quit performing to enter the ministry. What was this performer’s stage name? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a 45 of one of those hits which started with “A wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bop-
Well that’s another week without burning the toast. Until we meet again, don’t see what isn’t there, don’t speak what isn’t true and don’t believe what isn’t good.
“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.” Author Unknown
