LIFE, HEALTH & HAPPINESS FOR NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 5 • OCTOBER 2013
COLLETTE VACATIONS TRAVEL 2014
A representative of Collette Vacations will be at the Oak Harbor Senior Center on Tuesday, October 1 at 1pm to give a presentation on the following fun filled trips for 2014: San Antonio in March, Scotland in June, Trains of Colorado in July, New England in Sept – Oct. Door Prizes and Refreshments. Where would you like to travel? RSVP at the Travel Desk. Questions see Pat or Roxann.
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
You’ve now reached a mature, well adjusted, semiretired age and your Doctor looks like he’s about fourteen. You both speak English, but he wouldn’t know what you meant if you said, our medicine cabinet looks like “Fibber McGee and Molly’s closet”. So how do the two of you have a practical conversation about your health needs? How do you get past the phone receptionist that answers “Can you Hold Please”, of course you can’t hold………….you didn’t call to hold………you called to speak to person… ……..a real person, not that infernal machine that keeps repeating “listen carefully to the following options as our menu selection has recently changed”. Drat’s……. welcome to the new generation. Join Sande Mulkey, of Regency on Whidbey, on Monday, October 14 at 1 pm at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, as she shares information and tips on talking with your doctor, how to choose a doctor and other questions and concerns about your care. The best time to ask those questions is when you’re relatively healthy. RSVP by calling 279-4580.
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Are You A Veteran Or Surviving Spouse? Congress has directed the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs to establish a program for eligible veterans and their surviving spouse to help pay for Assisted Living, Nursing Home Care, and Home Health Care. Mahala MurphyMartin, an associate of the nonprofit organization, Veteran Support Center/NASV, will be at the Oak Harbor Senior Center on Monday, October 28 at 1:00 pm to present this little known VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. She will discuss the rules, regulations, and criteria required to attain the Aid and Attendance Benefit. The Aid and Attendance pension is a benefit for Veterans and /or surviving spouses who are at least 65 years of age to
help assist with the cost of Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Home Health. It is a non-service related disability benefit, meaning the disability does not have to be a result of service. It is available for those veterans and/or surviving spouse if the veteran served at least 1 day during wartime (did not have to be in combat), and who qualify. Tracie L. Wall, an elder law attorney, will present information on estate planning and how to protect assets with estate planning. Estate planning eliminates uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximizes the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. It makes wishes clear and avoids family disputes. She’ll discuss
last wills and testaments, trusts, and medical directives. She can answer general practice questions. With proper planning your life savings can be protected and you can obtain the Medicaid/Nursing Home Benefits desired. RSVP by calling 279-4583.
Flu Shot Clinic
Building A Better Community Every year, proceeds from Island Thrift go to a variety of community projects in Island County. Organizations such as Lifeline Trust Fund, North Whidbey Help House, Opportunity Council, Meals On Wheels, Toddler Learning Center, Compass Health, Wildlife Care Center and many more. Since 1986, the Oak Harbor Senior Center has been a recipient of Island Thrift’s funding support. Thank-You Island Thrift for being a steadfast benefactor for the past 27 years. You can help Island Thrift’s efforts in the community. Look around your house and garage and consider donating to Island Thrift. What better way to recycle usable but no longer needed items, and reduce the use of landfills. By donating to Island Thrift, you help the environment and your neighbors. They welcome your donations of “gently used” items including books, music, toys, games, clothing, furniture, house wares, small appliances and more. Donation drop-off hours are Monday- Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Questions? Please call 675-1133. Thank you Island Thrift for all you do to make this a better community.
Living A Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” is a six-week class for those who want to take charge of the life they are living and live with a higher quality of life! Class will be taught by Emily MacCormick and Audrey Collins. The program was developed by Stanford University Education Department so that people could learn to self manage some of the obstacles that can get in the way of living well. The class will review nutrition, symptoms, relief, and stress management including
meditation, exercise for fun & fitness, and planning for the future. There will be those who are experiencing some of the same problems who are supportive and understanding. The class includes a comprehensive book and CD that accommodate the lessons learned in class. It’s a fun way to learn new lifestyles that will enhance your life. Class will be held Thursdays, Oct 3 – Nov. 7, 2 – 3:30 pm and cost $12.00, payable first day of class. RSVP by calling 279-4580.
The Costco Pharmacist will be at the Oak Harbor Senior Center to administer Flu Shots on Wednesday, October 16, from 11 am – 1 pm. Open to everyone nine years of age and older. Bring your insurance information to have your insurance billed for your shot. Medicare Part B, Tricare, and most insurances accepted except DSHS. No insurance? You can pay the low price of $15.99 for your flu shot that day. Muffins and fruit will be served courtesy of Costco.
INSIDE THIS EDITION The Shortest Distance Health Briefs Menu Activities and Classes Wii Bowling Calendar Games Travel Interest Groups September Events
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