When seniors visit the doctor, one of the mandatory questions they’re asked is whether they’ve fallen recently.

Tumbles which would be trivial at younger ages are anything but that as we get older. In addition to possible injuries from the fall itself, the fact that an older person has fallen could indicate any number of possibly more serious physical problems.

One out of three people age 65 and older fall each year, and the odds rise to 70 percent and higher for the oldest age groups, according to research findings distributed by the AGS.

Roughly an eighth of all falls lead to serious injuries, with a total price tag of nearly $20 billion in medical bills and an average hospital bill of $17,500 for seniors who require hospitalization.

A couple of ways that might help to avoid falls are Vitamin D is now strongly recommended. Physical exercise, specifically including tai chi and strength and cardiovascular training, has similarly emerged in research studies as a major way to reduce falls.

We offer several way to get your exercise at the Senior Center. Monday 1 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Exercise with Evie. This is a go at your own pace half hour of walking in place and another half hour of chair exercise.

Tuesday and Thursdays is SilverSneakers at 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. This is great cardio exercise and it might be covered by your insurance. Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. is tai chi. This popular exercise program uses mind, body and spirit to help range of movement. Finally if you are looking for a strenuous cardio workout Zumba is Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:05, 5:35 and 7 p.m. and Boot Camp Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

There is always room for you in one of these programs. If you need to work on your balance or just want to help avoid a fall come in and participate. For more information call Teresa at 433-2370 ext 6. See you there. You are always welcome at the Senior Center.

 

Upcoming Events

Monday: Cooking Class 8:30 a.m.; Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; Naps, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Zumba, 4:05 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 5:35 and 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; Open chess, 1 p.m.; Boot Camp, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Caregivers Support Group, 10:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo and open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba 4:05 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba, 5:35 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.

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

 

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Feb. 4, two tables

1st Arnie Lang, 2nd Russ Vaale, 3rd Bud Higgins, 4th Carolyne Higgins, 5th Judy Bungum

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge Feb. 5, 3.5 tables

1st Dick Hansen, 1st Larry Crowe; 2nd Dave Solomonson, 2nd Arnie Lang, 2nd Bud Higgins, 2nd Jim Fisher; 3rd Ray Schmidt, 3rd Gail Schmidt; 4th Connie Johnson, 4th Lorraine Lippert

Tuesday “500”

Feb. 5, three tables

1st Willard Ballantyne, 2nd Jerry Downing, 3rd Beulah Luthe, 4th Eddie Hall

Pinochle

Feb. 5

Mildred Ballantyne, David Solomonson

Friday Bridge

Feb. 8, three tables

1st Loretta Nelson, 2nd Russ Vaale, 3rd Lois Johnson, 4th Arnie Lang, 5th Betty Jorgenson

Weekly Cribbage

Feb. 6, 2 and 2/3 tables

1st John Allen, 2nd Mable Vaale, 3rd Russ Vaale

Weekly “500”

Feb. 8, three tables

1st Dennis Bray, 2nd Dick Davies, 3rd Beulah Luthe, 4th Paula Davies

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Chicken breast in sauce

Tuesday: Swiss steak

Wednesday: Cold plate fresh fruit

Thursday: Chicken ala King

Friday: Tuna casserole