The mission of the Mower County Senior Advocacy Program is to assist, provide support and resources that will allow older adults to live as safely and independently as possible in the community. I would like to share some hints for preventing falls and living safely in your own home.

One of the biggest fears of seniors is falling. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in older people. The odds of falling after age 65 are 1 in 3. Falls do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.

Ways to prevent falls include:

Make your home safe. Remove things you could trip over (rugs, books, shoes, pets, clothes). Double-sided tape will keep rugs from slipping. Install grab bars in the bathroom near the shower, tub and toilet. Store items you use often in cabinets you can easily reach, do not stand on a stool.  Hold on to handrails when walking on steps. Wear good, non-slip, supportive shoes. Don’t be afraid to use a walker or cane if needed.

Get your vision checked. Problems with sight and hearing can affect coordination and balance.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Improve the lighting in your home and use nightlights at night.

Begin a regular exercise program.  Regular exercise will reduce your chances of falling by making you stronger.  It helps you feel better and improves balance and coordination.  Consult with your doctor before starting exercise to find the best program for you.

Review your medications and health conditions with your health care provider. Some meds can make you dizzy, lightheaded or drowsy and all of these symptoms can lead to a fall. Various health conditions may also make you more susceptible to falls. These conditions include:  diabetes, memory loss, confusion, Parkinson’s, stroke, eye problems, arthritis and osteoporosis.

By making these simple changes falls can be prevented.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Evies Exercise, 1 p.m.; Zumba, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Hormel Breakfast, 9 a.m.; Ron’s Massage, 10:30 a.m.; Defensive Driving, 12:30 p.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Hearing Aid Clinic, 3:15 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba 5:30 p.m.; Yoga 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

April 23, four tables

1st Ron Peters, 2nd Mable Vaale, 3rd Quentin Fiala, 4th Lois Johnson, 5th Judy Bungam, 6th Pat Swenson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

April 24, 4.5 tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Jim Fisher; 2nd Dick Hansen, 2nd Larry Crowe; 3rd Ray Schmidt, 3rd Gayle Schmidt; 4th Vandy Newman, 4th Steve Howard; 5th Ron Peters, 5th Gene Muchow

Tuesday “500”

April 24, three tables

1st Gene Rauen, 2nd Jerry Downing, 3rd Eddie Hall, 4th Dorothy Stern

Pinochle

April 26

1st David Solomonson

Friday Bridge

April 27, four tables

1st Arnie Lang, 2nd Larry Larson, 3rd Betty Jorenson, 4th Russ Vaale

Weekly Cribbage

April 25, 3.5 tables

1st Floyd Matter, 2nd Mercedes Nordstrum, 3rd Lottie Seira

Weekly “500”

April 27, four tables

1st Gene Rauen, 2nd Arnold Bergstrom, 3rd Dorothy Stern, 4th Mildred Ballantyne

Friday Cribbage

No Results

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Meatloaf

Tuesday: Chicken pasta salad

Wednesday: Country style BBQ ribs

Thursday: Spaghetti and meat sauce

Friday: Chicken dumpling soup