Local Senior Events • Volunteer Opportunities • Healthy Eating for Seniors Boosting Your Immunity • Senior Gift Ideas • Sharpen Your Driving Skills

A S U P P L E M E N T T O

T h e S k a g i t V a l l e y H e r a l d& A n a c o r t e s A m e r i c a n

F A L L 2 0 1 0

Good LivingThe Retirement Years

There are a lot of changes to Medicare plans this year:- Increasing premiums- Benefit changes- Changes in prescrip�on drug coverage- Service area reduc�ons

And, to top it all off, many physicians are changing the plans they will accept.

It is hard to know what to do. And, this is where VibrantUSA can help. We have been in business as an independent insurance agency, specializing in Medicare, since 2003. We offer more than 30 plans and represent all of the top companies.

Put the VibrantUSA agents to work for you today – our services do not cost you a thing but the informa�on we provide may save you plenty.

Remember, any changes you want to make with your Medicare Advantage or prescrip�on drug insurance must be done by December 31, 2010, with few excep�ons. There is no addi�onal extended �me as in the past.

We look forward to assis�ng you.

VibrantUSA is an independent insurance agency licensed in the states of Washington, Texas and Oregon. VibrantUSA is not associated with the Medicare program or any other state or federal agency. VibrantUSA is not connected (financially or otherwise) with any physician, clinic or hospital.

Toll Free: (866) 733 - 5111 | Toll Free Fax: (877) 316-7688www.vibrantusa.com

Is Your Medicare Plan Changing?Chances are it is!

VibrantUSA Skagit Valley Herald Ad 90648.indd 1 10/18/10 5:01 PM

EDITORIAL1215 Anderson RoadMount Vernon, WA 98274P: 360.416-2146 F: 360.428.0400

ADvERTIsIng DIREcTOR:Mark Dobie, mdobie@skagitpublishing.com

DIsPLAy ADvERTIsIng MAnAgER:Deb Bundy, dbundy@skagitpublishing.com

ADvERTIsIng OPERATIOns MAnAgER:Sarah Hickman, shickman@skagitpublishing.com

PRODucTIOn: Ashley Crerar, Jody Hendrix, Christina Poisal, Patricia Stowell

cOvER DEsIgn & LAyOuT: Patricia Stowell

ADvERTIsIng cOnsuLTAnTs:Jared Hanson | jhanson@skagitpublishing.comStephanie Harper | sharper@skagitpublishing.comLeah Hines, lhines@skagitpublishing.comMarc McCoy | mmccoy@skagitpublishing.comMichelle O’Donnell | modonnell@skagitpublishing.comKathy Schultz | kschultz@skagitpublishing.comKatie Sundermeyer | ksundermeyer@skagitpublishing.comPaul Tinnon | ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com

ADvERTIsIng1215 Anderson RoadMount Vernon, WA 98274P: 360.424.3251 F: 360.424.5300

Eating Healthier ......................................... 4

Senior Resources Numbers ......................... 5

For Your Health ......................................... 6

Boost Your Immune System ....................... 8

Senior Gift Ideas ........................................ 9

Senior Safety During Cold Weather ......... 12

Helping a Parent After Loss of a Spouse ... 13

Local Senior Events .................................. 14

Good LivingThe Retirement Years

12

4Stories courtesy of Metro editorial library.

8

SKAGITPUBLISHING

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� October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years Skagit Publishing www.goskagit.com www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years �

Even though the President of the United States’ wife is publicly taking America’s obesity epidemic to task, more and more people in America and across the globe

are trying to tackle their weight problems and eat healthier. Because kids are naturally more physically active than their adult counterparts, it can be easier for the younger crowd to get healthier.

For seniors, who no longer have rapid metabolisms, losing weight or keeping pounds off is far more difficult. Since even the most active senior is limited in what he or she can handle with respect to physical activity, a greater emphasis must be placed on eating healthy the older a person gets. Fortunately, there are many ways for seniors to eat healthier without making drastic changes to their lifestyles.

Don’t ForGet FLuiDsBe it seniors, young adults or even kids, water is an essential part of a healthy diet. For years, the medical profession has stated eight cups per day is what the average adult needs to keep his or her body working properly. Eight cups per day should help avoid dehydration, the side effects of which include dry skin, elevated heart rate, lack of energy, and weakness. Seniors should be extra careful in regard to their caffeine intake. Caffeine can make the body lose water, so seniors who still enjoy caffeinated coffee or the occasional soda should be aware that it might be costing them in other areas.

Don’t ForGet DairyWhile many seniors have a difficult time digesting dairy as they get older, there are ways to still get the health benefits of dairy, including stronger bones, without struggling with digestion problems. When eating dairy, eat smaller amounts more times per day. Also, eat dairy products with a meal and not alone.

This can help ease digestion. For cheese aficionados, eat aged cheeses like Swiss or cheddar instead of mild cheeses, which are more difficult to digest.

Eating Healthier as you get Older

Seniors hoping to eat healthier can alter their dietary habits in a number of ways.

www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years �

senior resourCes nuMBers:

Seniors hoping to eat healthier can alter their dietary habits in a number of ways.

‘‘To Be Seventy Years Young Is Sometimes Far More

Enjoyable And Hopeful Than To Be Forty Years Old.’’

– Oliver Wendell HOlmes, Jr.

For more information about us, please visit www.wibank.com, or visit any of our branches.

WhidbeyIsland Bank

Making Life A Little EasierMEMBER FDIC

assistanCe, inForMation anD reFerraL:skagit County Community action agencyMount Vernon:360-416-7585 or www.skagitcap.org/

Community Health resource CenterAnacortes: 360-299-1397Mount Vernon: 360-428-2371

Department of social and Health services: Mount Vernon360-416-7444 or 877-501-2233https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03-esaapps/onlinecso/findservice.asp?action=csoDetails&csoNumber=29

Physicians referral Line: Skagit County360-848-5555 or 360-629-6850

senior information and assistance:Burlington360-428-1301 or www.nwrcwa.org/

Whatcom-island Counties Medical societyBellingham360-676-7630 or www.whatcom-medical.org/

CaLLinG anD eMerGenCy resPonseHealth Watch24-hour emergency subscriber services360-734-5750 or 800-551-1510Lifeline360-738-6748 or 800-635-6156response Link360-303-2292

FinanCiaL anD LeGaL serViCesCity utility discounts for low-income seniors/households:anacortes: 360-293-1909 or www.cityofanacortes.orgBurlington: 360-755-0531. (Refuse pick-up only). For garbage discounts, seniors 62 and older must visit the Burlington City Hall, 833 S. Spruce St., and fill out a form.

Mount Vernon: 360-336-6218.sedro-Woolley: 360-855-0929.

HoMe HeaLtH Careisland Hospital Home Health servicesAnacortes360-299-1302Walgreen’s infusion and respiratory800-755-0484Visiting nurse Personal servicesMount Vernon360-336-9693

senior Centersanacortes senior Center360-293-7473Burlington senior Center360-755-0102Concrete senior Center360-853-8400Marblemount Community Center360-873-4432Mount Vernon senior Center360-336-5757sedro-Woolley senior Center360-855-1531

� October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years Skagit Publishing www.goskagit.com www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years �

For your HeaLtHDIABETES CONNECTIONS, PEER PARTNERS: is a new and free service developed by a group of individuals with diabetes who live in Skagit and Whatcom counties to give people who are living with diabetes the opportunity to talk and relate to each other. For more information: 360-788-6620.

CAREGIVER BURNOUT: The Northwest Regional Council in Burlington offers the Family Care-giver Support Program to save caregivers from burnout. NWRC also maintains a caregiver library, with resources available online at www.nwrcwa.org. 360-428-1301.

PODIATRY CLINIC: Safe Harbor Free Clinic will offer a specialty podiatry clinic for diagnosis and treatment of foot ailments from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Friday each month at the Stanwood/Camano Medical Center, 9631 269th St. N.W., Stanwood. 425-870-7384 or www.safeharborfreeclinic.org.

PHYSICIAN REFERRALS: Skagit Valley Hospital maintains a free physician referral service by telephone. The Physician Referral Line is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays: 360-848-5555 or 360-629-5850.

BLOOD DRIVE: with the Puget Sound Blood Cen-ter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at Island Hospital’s Conference Rooms 1, 2 and 3, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. Appointments not required. Free. 360-299-1309.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPSYOGA: Three levels of yoga classes are offered at United General Hospital.To register for any of the classes, call 360-856-7524 or e-mail wellness360@unitedgeneral.org. More information is available at www.unitedgeneral.org.

Diabetes Education: Learn how to control your blood sugar through the class called “Have Your

Cake and Eat it, Too!” offered by the Diabetes Education Program at the hospital and recog-nized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education. Insurance coverage options and financial aid information is available, call 360-856-7268.

Look Good ... Feel Better: American Cancer Society representatives and licensed cosme-tologists offer free classes for women cancer patients to help combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Learn about skin care, make-up application, wigs and headwear. The “Look Good Feel Better” class is offered quarterly at United General Hospital. Call the American Cancer Society at 425-322-1100 for details and to register.

JOINT REPLACEMENT: For patients preparing for upcoming joint replacement surgery. The class meets from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays each month in room San Juan B at

Easy as 1-2-3!1. Choose your premium 2 Bedroom Apartment2. Move in by the end of 20103. Your rent will be reduced by $500!Creekside will be happy to move you for FREE! (see community for details)

Creekside honors our Veterans this November! Two special events with guest speakers:

November 11th • 2pm • Lt. Lynn “Buck” Compton, Author of “Call of Duty”

November 19th • 3pm • Cal Mitheun, Post Service Officer for the American Legion Post 92

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www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years �

For your HeaLtHSkagit Valley Hospital. Free. For more informa-tion, call 360-814-2424.

ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVES: 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at Island Hospital’s Confer-ence Room 3, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. Learn about completing important documents so your personal preferences about your medical care will be known if you’re not able to care for yourself. Class limited to 10 people. Free. Registration required; 360-299-4204.

FITNESSHealth Coaching: Focus on fitness, weight management, stress reduction or healthy eating through a private program with United General Hospital Fitness Center staff. Experienced coaches can offer personalized guidance with motivation, information and hands-on instruc-tion, Monday through Friday by appointment. $45. For more information, call 360-856-7245.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This special exercise and education program is for people with lung disease. Exercise at your own pace, with expert supervision and assistance. Physician referral is required. For class schedule, insurance coverage options and financial aid information, call 360-856-7211.

Heart Fitness: The Heart Healthy Fitness Program at Skagit Valley Hospital focuses on individual goals with one-to-one attention. Participants can exercise in a safe and stress free-environment for strength training, balance and cardiovascular fitness. For questions or class times, call 360-814-8368.

Mall Walk: 7 to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays in the Cascade Mall, 201 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington. United General Hospital offers the Inside Track Mall Walk for people of all ages. Registered walkers receive a free T-shirt and can earn prizes for miles walked.

Blood pressure checks every Monday morning at no cost. 360-856-7245.

HOSPITAL WELLNESS CLASSESISLAND HOSPITAL1211 24th St., Anacortes360-299-1300 or www.islandhospital.org

“Holiday Gifts from Nature”: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6. Learn about essential oils while making 100 percent organic aromasprays, bath salts and therapy oils. $20; registration is required. 360-299-4204.

“Women’s Safe Weight Training”: Learn about the importance of weight resistance training for building muscle mass to help prevent falls, support body organs, improve posture and prevent or slow osteoporosis, 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 2, at Island Hospital, Conference Room 3.

FOR YOUR HEALTH continued on page 10

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� October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years Skagit Publishing www.goskagit.com www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years �

The strength of a person’s im-mune system is generally what determines if he or she gets sick.

If two people are exposed to the same germs, the one with a weaker immune system tends to get sick.

Medical experts often agree that the elderly and the very young can experi-ence serious and adverse reactions to seemingly mundane illnesses. Simple colds or the flu can turn into pneumonia and other life-threatening situations if left untreated. The culprit is often an un-derdeveloped or compromised immune system.

As you age, your physiology changes. Bones become less dense, hormones fluc-tuate, and you may experience a weaker immune system. As a result, seniors are more susceptible to illness than their younger counterparts. But boosting the immune system by changing your diet, exercising and getting outdoors can be a way to stay healthy.

Doctors say that it is possible to boost your immune system. The secrets lie in understanding how the immune system works -- and how your everyday life can offer you greater protection.

In simple terms, the immune system is a network of cells and organs that block unwanted visitors from wreaking havoc inside of the body. Should a germ get by, the body has strong defenders that can eliminate the threat. These are known as antibodies. When you get an inoculation, a small amount of an of-fending particle is put into your body so that your immune system can develop antibodies against it. Should you be ex-posed to that type of invader again, you will possess the antibodies to fight it.

Your immune system can lose some of its protective properties if it is faced with a constant onslaught of diseases and must overcompensate for poor health habits. But there are ways to get your immune system back in fighting shape.

1. Get plenty of sleep. Mom was right ... lack of sleep can affect the body’s ability to function correctly, which in-cludes fending off disease. Routine sleep deprivation can definitely affect overall health.

2. reduce stress. Stress can have a number of negative health implications. It slowly wears away at the immune system and leaves you susceptible to a host of illnesses. Take measures to reduce stress as much as possible to be healthier.

3. exercise. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve immune system function. However, overdoing it and running yourself ragged can actually be detrimental. Brisk walking or bike riding can be a great form of moderate exercise. Always check with a doctor before exer-cising to be sure it fits with your lifestyle.

4. engage in intimate relations. Sex causes the body to release IGA, proteins from the immune system that help the body fight infection. Feel-good brain chemicals also play a part in fending off outside invaders.

5. Drink plenty of water. As you age, the thirst reflex becomes less pro-nounced, and a loss of taste may mean you pass up foods with a high water content. Dehydration can wreak havoc on the body. Water is necessary to flush out toxins that could lead to disease.

6. eat a rainbow of foods. Brightly colored foods are full of the antioxidants you need to improve health and keep the immune system in top form. Tomatoes have lycopene, berries are a great ad-dition to your diet and beans are high in fiber that keeps the digestive system working correctly.

SeniorS: Boost Your immune System for optimal Health

www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years �

T he holiday shopping season has returned, and legions of holiday shoppers are filling the nation’s malls

in the hunt for that perfect gift. When it comes to holiday shopping lists, many friends and family members are a breeze to shop for. Is there an ardent sports fan in the family? Tickets to a ballgame will likely be a homerun! Need to find something for the family film buff? A few of his or her favorites on DVD should suffice!

But as easy as some people are to shop for, there’s always a person or two who’s

nearly impossible to find something for. One

group that many people find par-ticularly difficult to shop for is the elderly. Unlike

kids who

would enjoy the newest video game or a gadget-crazy adult who just wants the latest must-have appliance, senior citizens are often more difficult to shop for. That might be due in part to seniors living on fixed incomes or seniors who might no longer be physically capable of participating in their favorite activities. However, there are gift ideas that can still strike a chord with grandma or grandpa and ensure their holiday is just as enjoy-able as everyone’s.

GifT baskeTs. Holiday gift baskets are filled with goodies that nearly everyone loves. Cookies, coffees, fruits, and even reusable items such as holiday candles are often good choices to put in gift baskets. Just make sure when giving a gift

basket to include food grandma and grandpa can eat. For instance, many seniors have been told to give up caffeinated coffee, so include flavored decaf-

feinated coffee instead. In addition, pack the

basket with low-fat, heart-healthy cookies, since many seniors are on low-fat diets.

Give a niGhT ouT on The Town. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, which greatly reduces the amount of money they have available for nights out. That can make a night out on the town especial-

ly meaningful. Include dinner at a favorite

restaurant and the-ater tickets, and include yourself in the night’s festivi-ties if you haven’t

been able to spend much time with Mom and Dad lately. For seniors, a special night out on the town is likely to be far more memorable than you might think.

GifT cerTificaTes. While some might think a gift certificate is a little detached, that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, giving a senior a gift card to the local movie theater and promising to go along is essentially giving them an afternoon or evening of your time. When giving a gift card to a nearby clothing store or other retailer, make a day of it and go shop-ping with that special senior citizen in your life. Reading, too, is often a favorite hobby of the elderly, so a gift certificate to a nearby bookstore could also be a perfect fit.

a vacaTion. In many instances, grand-ma and grandpa live far away from their children and grandchildren, particularly these days, when families are spread out more than ever. Paying grandma and grandpa’s travel expenses so they can come visit the family could be the best gift they’ve ever received, and it will give parents and their children a chance to spend more time with the family.

Great Gift ideas for senior citizens

10 October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years Skagit Publishing www.goskagit.com www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years 11

For your HeaLtHUNITED GENERAL HOSPITAL360-856-7245 or wellness360@unitedgeneral.org

“Get Up and Go”: Assess risk factors, learn balance techniques and exercises, and help “fall proof” your home from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. Free; registration required.

“The Light At The End of Carpal Tunnel”: This class covers the basics of stretching to relieve pain in your wrists and hands, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13. Free; registration required.

SUPPORTBreast Cancer Advocates: Survivors with the Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation ap-pointments with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. 877-417-3484, angelcare@angelcare-foundation.org or www.angelcarefoundation.org.

HEALTH SCREENINGSBLOOD TESTS: 8 a.m. to noon every Friday at United General Hospital, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley. Cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels, $15, 12-hour fast required. No appointment required. 360-856-7245.

STROKE, ANEURYSM: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Skagit Valley Ultrasound Associates, 1320 E. Division, Mount Vernon. Combined carotid and aorta vascular evaluation by ultrasound, $59. Appointment required: 360-428-8208.

ARTERIAL DISEASE: Tuesday mornings in Mount Vernon. Cardiovascular and peripheral arterial disease and stroke risk assessment. $29 for 40-minute test and review of ways to reduce risk. Appointments required: 360-814-2424 or 360-629-6481. www.skagitheart.org for discount.

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS: 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at Island Hospital, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. Free. 360-299-1309.

MEMORY AWARENESS: 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at Island Hospital Resource Center, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. Examination consists of a series of questions and tasks designed to test memory, language, thinking and other intellectual functions. Free. Appointments required: 360-299-1367.

CHOLESTEROL AND GLUCOSE: 8 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Island Health Resource Center, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. This blood test determines total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triblycerides and glucose levels. 12-hour fast is required with water and needed medications only. $10; no appointment necessary. 360-299-1309.

SUPPORT GROUPSAmputee Support: 4 p.m. the first Thursday of the month, at Mira Vista Care Center, 300 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. 360-424-1320.

Grief Support: 5:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month, at Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, 715 Pacific St., Sedro-Woolley. 360-814-5569.

Grief Support: noon the second and fourth Mondays of the month, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St., Anacortes. 360-814-5569.

Food Allergy Support Group of Whatcom County: second Monday of the month at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. 360-733-5479.

Hearing Loss Association: 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, at the Anacortes Senior Center, 1701 22nd St. 360-299-3848.

Ostomy Support: 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, in the Skagit Valley Hospital Sauk Room, 1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon. 360-424-2600.

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www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years 11

DID yOu KnOw?

the senior population is one of the fastest-growing demographics, thus making it a very influential one.

There are currently about 500 mil-lion people age 65 or older around

the world. And many seniors are living longer than ever before. Statistics project that there will be 580,605 centenarians in the United States in 2040. Also, by 2050, seniors will make up 21 percent of the population. While there is no singular reason for seniors living longer, advancements in medicine no doubt have played a major role in the average life expectancy increasing over the last several years.

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For your HeaLtHCancer Support: 1 to 2 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, at the Stanwood Community and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW. 360-629-7403, ext. 110.

Caregivers Support: 2 to 3 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, at the Stanwood Com-munity and Senior Center, 7430 276th St. NW. 360-629-7403, ext. 110.

Women’s Cancer Support: 5 to 6:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, in the Skagit Valley Hospital Safeway Room, 1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon. 360-814-8255.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7 p.m. every Monday at Skagit Valley Hospital, 1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon. 360-387-3313 or 360-848-9205.

Alcoholics Anonymous offers 54 meetings a week in Skagit County. 360-336-3650 or www.skagitaa.org for details.

Multiple Sclerosis Support: 11 a.m. the second Friday of the month, at the Common Ground Coffee House, 351 Pease Road, Burlington. 360-428-3050.

Widows of Whidbey: 5 p.m. the second Friday of the month, at the CPO Club, 1080 W. Ault Field Road, Oak Harbor. Reservations: 360-675-3171.

Skagit Widowed Support Services: noon the third Monday of the month, at the Farmhouse Inn, 13724 La Conner-Whitney Road, Mount Vernon. 360-466-1989.

Alzheimer’s Association caregivers support: 1 to 3 p.m. the third Monday of the month, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 Ninth St., Anacortes. 360-299-9569.

Stroke Support: 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month, in the Island Hospital Conference Room 3, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. 360-299-1328.

Anacortes UsToo Prostate Cancer: 11 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month, at Island Hospi-tal Meeting Room 3, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. 360-299-3892.

Skagit County Homicide Survivors: the fourth Tuesday of the month. Call 800-346-7555 for time and location.

Healing and Art group: 2 to 3:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month, in the Skagit Valley Hospital Safeway Room, 1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon. 360-814-8255.

Cancer Survivors/Post-Treatment Support: 5 to 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, in the Skagit Valley Hospital Shuksan Room, 1415 E. Kincaid St., Mount Vernon. 360-428-8236.

12 October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years Skagit Publishing www.goskagit.com www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years 13

Extreme temperature changes can

be dangerous to the senior set. This can make winter weather as challenging as the summertime heat, as winter also throws ice and snow into the mix, which can make getting around treacherous.Here are some safety precautions to take whether seniors are venturing outdoors or simply winterproofing their homes.

Around the House• Keep the thermostat set to at least 65 F (19 C) to prevent hypothermia. Do not use the oven to provide heat in the house. If it is difficult to afford heating oil, pro-pane or natural gas, find out if there is a senior program in your area.• Inexpensive plastic sheeting can provide extra draft protection on windows.• Purchase carbon monoxide detectors to signal whether there is dangerous carbon monoxide present at the first instant.• If possible, pay a service or neighbor to shovel snow or plow the driveway. If you are forced to shovel, take frequent

breaks. Listen to your body and rest if you’re tired.• Make sure railings at entryways are in good working order and there is ad-equate lighting to ease with entering and exiting the home.• Keep walkways salted to prevent ice buildup.• Consider using delivery services or shopping online to reduce the number of trips that have to be made in inclement weather. You can even shop for groceries via the computer.

• Even though it is cold out, it is still important to stay hydrated. Seniors are often at risk for dehy-dration and may find it difficult to consume enough fluids when it is cold. Try for 6 to 8 glasses per day.• Keep a bench or stool next to the door. This way you can remove your shoes upon entering and eliminate slippery puddles from melted snow that gets caught in shoe soles.

Outdoors• Frostbite and hypo-thermia are two of the

biggest dangers seniors face. Always dress in layers to leave some leeway for fluc-tuating temperatures. Most susceptible body parts are fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the nose. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness and a white cast to the skin in the affected area. Hypothermia is sig-naled by confusion, sleepiness, reduced breathing and heart rate, and extreme shivering.• A broken bone can be a very traumatic injury for a senior. The strength of bones diminishes as a person ages. Therefore it can take longer for you to heal than a child or younger adult. Reducing the chance for falls can help prevent such injuries. Always wear shoes with rubber treads for traction. If you rely on a walker or cane, make sure the rubber tips are in good working order. A metal pronged tip could provide added traction.• It can be strenuous to walk through deep snow. Try to choose shoveled paths.• Black ice can make driving treacherous, and blowing snow can reduce visibility. If you feel uncomfortable driving during inclement weather, simply don’t.

Senior Safety During Cold Weather

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While it is never easy helping a par-ent in such a situation, there are

ways to help a parent cope with such a significant loss.

• Be mindful of your parent’s health. Sadly, a common side effect of losing a spouse is showing less interest in your own health. Kids must make sure their parent continues to eat regularly. This can be done in a number of ways. Invite your parent over for dinner a couple of nights a week, and go over to your parent’s home for dinner a couple of ad-ditional nights. If you have siblings, share this responsibility. Also, you can cook for your parent just like he or she used to cook for you.

While physical health is important, be sure your parent maintains his or her mental health as well. Depression is com-mon among those who have lost a loved one, so ask them about their feelings and if they’re getting enough sleep. If adult children have their own kids, bring the grandkids over whenever possible. Noth-ing puts a bigger smile on a grandparent’s face than the sight of his or her grand-children.

• Allow them some space to be them-selves. While you might want to stay as close as possible to your parent, you also need to give them some space to be themselves. Your parent just lost his or her spouse, and it’s perfectly natural for him or her to want some time alone. Afford them this opportunity, but be mindful to check in with them regularly and not allow them to spend too much time alone.

• Engage your parent as much as pos-sible. When both your parents were still alive, you might not have invited them along to the movies or when taking your own kids to a sporting event. However, engage them in such activities now, as they might not get a chance to do such things otherwise.

Another way to engage parents is to talk to them about current events or even books you have been reading. Doing so will help them stay mentally sharp, and you will no doubt benefit as well from their point of view.

• Take a trip with your parent. Initially, your parent might be reluctant to travel, especially of he or she had travel plans or dreams with his or her spouse. However, over time your parent will no doubt enjoy the prospect of traveling with the family, and it can be an enjoyable experi-ence for everyone involved.

Helping a parent after tHe loss of a spouse Few children, even adult children, are ever prepared enough to help their parent deal with the loss of a spouse. In addition to coping with their own loss of a parent, many adults must find a way to help a parent who just lost the love of their life.

1� October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years Skagit Publishing www.goskagit.com www.goskagit.com Skagit Publishing October 2010 | Fall GOODLIVING: The Retirement Years 1�

eVents ~ Senior Centers of Skagit CountyANACORTES SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER360-293-7473

Health offerings include:• Silver Foxes exercise, Wii Sports and Wii Fit, Tai Chi, yoga, table tennis, indoor walking, beginning line dancing and Seated Wellness.• “Wellness Day” speakers and screenings offered from 10 a.m. to noon the last Tuesday of each month; blood pressure checks from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. the last Tuesday; hearing aid checks from 11 a.m. to noon the last Monday; and chair massage by appointment from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.• Food care available by appointment on Mondays.• The Hearing Loss Association meets at 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.

Classes include:• Drop-in computer clinic at 9 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday. Call ahead to confirm.• Driver safety, wood carving, basket weav-ing, oil painting, watercolors, bead weaving, ukelele and art appreciation.Also available:• Games include pinochle, bridge, cribbage, Mahjong, billiards, Mexican train dominoes and Scrabble. Call for times.• A book discussion group and day trips also are available.• A Creative Writing Class begins in Janu-ary at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center through Skagit Valley College. Registration required through the college; call the center for more information.

Upcoming events:• A Christmas luncheon Dec. 16, including entertainment starting at 11 a.m. and lunch at noon.• March for Meal campaign (the annual fundraising campaign for Meals on Wheels) in March. Activities continue at the center throughout the month. Call for more details.• The Shelter Bay Chorus performs at 1 p.m. April 7.

BURLINGTON SENIOR CENTER360-755-0102

Health offerings include:• Zumba with Shar, at 10 to 11 a.m. Mon-days and Wednesdays, and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. $5 drop-in fee per class or $40 pun card for 10 classes.• Tai Chi at 9 a.m. Wednesdays. $3 a ses-sion.Classes include:• Beginning watercolor class, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. starting Thursday, Jan. 20. $40 for four weeks for seniors, $45 for non-seniors. Continues on Thursdays until May. 360-856-0573 or 360-755-0102.• Living Well With Diabetes class, Tuesdays, Nov. 16, 23, 30 and Dec. 7 and 21. Receive two fo the five tests that tell you how well

your diabetes care is working; information about five critical tests for diabetes care; five classes on Living Well With Diabetes. The tests are repeated after three months. Advance registration required and you must attend one of the above listed class dates, plus the follow-up screening date; consent to be part of this study and have blood tests; complete two surveys about your diabetes. For questions: 360-419-3420. All meetings are at the Burlington Senior Center.• Greeting card workshop, at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19. Free, but donations welcome. Regis-ter at 360-755-0102.

Also available:• Quilting and craft group meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays.

Upcoming events:• Thanksgiving luncheon Nov. 18. Entertain-ment starts at 10:45 a.m. with Singing Sue Williams, and lunch at 11:30 a.m.• Skagit County Community Services trip to see the Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum Wednesday, Dec. 1. Departs from the Burlington Senior Center at 8:30 a.m., and returns at 5:30 p.m. $55 per person. Register early at the senior center. 360-755-0102.

CONCRETE SENIOR CENTER360-853-8400

Health offerings include:• Foot care is offered by a visiting nurse by appointment. Please call for more informa-tion.Also available:• Hoop quilting from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mon-days.• Men’s group at 11 a.m. Fridays.• Bingo, cards, dominoes.

MOUNT VERNON SENIOR CENTER360-336-5757

Health offerings include:• Free low-impact exercise classes on Mon-

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Senior Centers of Skagit County ~ eVentsdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.• Tai Chi exercise Mondays and Wednesdays.• TOPS (Take Off Weight Sensibly) meets Wednesdays and Fridays.Classes include:• Computer classes.• Ars and crafts classes, such as ceramics, knitting, crocheting, watercolor painting.• Spanish at 1 p.m. Wednesdays.Also available:• Games include duplicate bridge, party bridge and pinochle.• The Old Time Fiddlers perform at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month.• Line-dance on Tuesdays. New students welcome the first Tuesday of each month. 360-540-2378.• Evening gatherings include: Sweet Adelines at 7 p.m. Mondays; Skagit Squares at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; Highland Dancers at 3 p.m. Wednesdays; Round dancing at 7 p.m.

Thursdays; hula dance lessons Thursdays; ballroom dancing the first, third and fifth Fridays of the month; the Dahlia Society the fourth Wednesdays; the Retired Foresters the fourth Thursdays; the Skagit Writers League the fourth Thursday; the Mount Vernon Plant Society at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday; facet-ing the third Saturday; the Skagit Council on Aging the third Tuesday; Crones the second and fourth Tuesdays; and the Rock and Gem Club the first Saturday.

SEDRO-WOOLLEY SENIOR CENTER360-855-1531

Health offerings include:• Fit for Life exercise classes offered at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss classes 6 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 p.m. Fridays; Tai Chi at 9 a.m. Wednesdays; Food Care every other week

by appointment; Zumba Gold at 5:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Classes include: • Painting at 10 a.m. Mondays.• Ceramics class at 8 a.m. Tuesdays.• Quilting for all levels at 8:30 a.m. Wednes-days.• Craft Corner at 9 a.m. Wednesdays.

Also available:• Bible study at 10 a.m. Tuesdays; Concerned Citizens of UGH meeting at 8 a.m. Thursdays; Old Time Fiddlers jam session at 12:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month; Pinoqule at 12:45 Mondays.

Lunch is served at Noon each day by donation.

Kenneth Killpack DDSRussell Borneman DDS

1218 29th St Suite AAnacortes, WA 98221

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