Summer 2011

continued on back page

When summer fi nally comes to the Pacifi c Northwest, most people alter their daily routine to include as much time outside as possible. Clear days and warmer temperatures invite outdoor activity – exercise, social events and travel among them.

It’s good to make the most of summer, but as you do, keep in mind that moderation is best, and heed these tips from the experts at Evergreen’s Senior Health Specialists clinic to prevent illness or injury during this sunny season.

SunSunlight helps our bodies make

vitamin D, which can be impor-tant for good health. But too much sunlight can be harmful, so use common sense in the sun, and wear protective clothing and sunscreen for any prolonged exposure. Ultraviolet radiation can contribute to retina damage and cataracts, so wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them from the sun.

Heat People 65 and older are more

prone to heat stress than younger people, and should take precautions against the dramatic rise in body temperature which signals heat exhaustion or heat stroke. When it’s hot outside, look for shade or an air-condi-tioned room; drink cool (not cold) nonalcoholic beverages;

rest; take a cool shower or bath; wear lightweight clothing; and avoid strenuous activity.

FallsTake precautions against falls.

Wear sturdy shoes with a non-slip sole, and avoid walking on uneven ground. If you use a walker or a cane, have someone accompany you when you ven-ture outdoors.

Stay Healthy This Summer

Horizons promotes a healthy outlook beyond age 55.

www.evergreenhospital.org

Evergreen Horizons is a service of Evergreen Senior Health Services.

Editor: Rosemary Langford

To receive this free, quarterly Horizons publication, leave a message at 425.899.1858or email us atHorizons@evergreenhealthcare.org.

Classes and EventsJuly – September 2011These classes for seniors are made possible through your levy support of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center (King County Public Hospital District No. 2). Classes are free unless a price is listed. Pre-registration is required for all classes.

Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.

Brittany Park17143 133rd Ave. NE, Woodinville

Emerald Heights 10901 176th Circle NE, Redmond

What’s Great on Your Summer Plate?With summer upon us, there

will be many parties, barbeques

and other gatherings that will

offer new challenges for main-

taining a healthy lifestyle. Learn

healthy eating strategies and

discover quick, fun and easy

menu choices as well as tips

for appropriate food safety for

those warm summer days.July 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m.Call 425.556.8138 to register

Summer Travel:Keep MovingThe dangers of long fl ights are

making some think twice about

air travel. Learn simple, seated

exercises and other techniques

to keep the blood moving and

muscles relaxed while en route. Aug. 25, 1:30-2:30 p.m.Call 425.556.8138 to register

Plantar FasciitisThe most common cause of

heel pain is plantar faciitis.

Patients usually experience heel

pain when taking the fi st sev-

eral steps in the morning, with

the symptoms lessening as

walking continues. Join us to

learn what you can do to

relieve discomfort. Sept. 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m.Call 425.556.8138 to register

How to Help a LovedOne at Life’s EndLearn about the impact of

severe and chronic illness on

patients and their families.

Discussion will include hospice

care and other community

resources.July 5, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.402.7100 to register

Walk this WayAnyone can benefi t from the

easy and enjoyable activity of

walking. Learn ways you can

maximize these benefi ts, moni-

tor your progress and prevent

injury.July 19, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.402.7100 to register

Make Your Life EasierThis class will cover techniques

and equipment options to assist

you with everyday tasks such as

putting on shoes, opening

medicine bottles and cans,

moving about your home, and

many other tips to make your

life easier.Aug. 2, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.402.7100 to register

Tai Chi for Back PainEasy-to-learn movements

matched with breathing and

visualizations help reduce and

relieve back pain, strengthen

and protect the spine, and

improve health and well-being.Aug. 16, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.402.7100 to register

Prescription for HealthA pharmacist will be discussing

common drug interactions,

how aging affects medication

and how to effectively commu-

nicate with your pharmacist.Sept. 6, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.402.7100 to register

“Bone” AppetiteJoin a dietitian to explore foods

and recipes that can help

strengthen bones and slow the

effects of osteoporosis.Sept. 20, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.402.7100 to register

Evergreen Hospital12040 NE 128th St., Kirkland

AARP Driver Safety ProgramInterested in improving your

driving skills and possibly

receiving an insurance dis-

count? This program, designed

and conducted by AARP, pro-

vides eight hours of classroom

instruction, covering the effects

of aging and medication on

driving, basic driving rules,

license renewal and more.July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 179 a.m.-5 p.m.Fee: $12 AARP members, $14 non-membersCall 425.899.3000 to register

What’s Great on YourSummer Plate?With summer upon us, there

will be many parties, barbeques

and other gatherings that will

offer new challenges for main-

taining a healthy lifestyle. Learn

healthy eating strategies and

discover quick, fun and easy

menu choices as well as tips

for appropriate food safety for

those warm summer days.July 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m.Call 425.899.3000 to register

Considering Knee or Hip Replacement?Join our orthopedic surgeons

for a free seminar to learn

about Evergreen’s comprehen-

sive joint program that guides

you from pre-op preparation

through surgery, recovery and

physical therapy.July 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Call 425.899.3000 to register

Varicose VeinsVaricose veins are uncomfort-

able and ache, but also increase

the risk for circulatory disor-

ders. Learn symptoms and

treatment options.Aug. 4, 10-11 a.m.Call 425.899.3000 to register

The Healing Power of HumorJoin humor specialist Donna

Oiland for a fun-fi lled discus-

sion on the healing power of

humor and how to incorporate

laughter into your everyday

routine.Aug. 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m.Call 425.899.3000 to register

Would You Benefi tfrom Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?Join us to discuss the types of

procedures available for the

most common degenerative

changes needing surgery (disk

herniations, spinal stenosis,

and spondylolisthesis).Sept. 1, 6:30-8:30pm.Call 425.899.3000 to register

The Arthritis & DietConnectionDiscover the connection diet,

nutrients, and food allergies

may have with causing and

relieving arthritis pain. The

role of the immune system will

also be reviewed.Sept. 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m.Call 425.899.3000 to register

Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.

Bothell Senior Citizen Day: Celebrating SeniorsTuesday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bothell’s Old Main Street

Live entertainment, giveaways, discounts for seniors at local busi-nesses, shopping bingo, historic walking tours, and more surprises. Parking shuttle service available at Northshore Senior Center. Call 425.485.4353 or visit www.bothellchamber.com for more information.

Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.

Fairwinds Redmond9988 Avondale Rd. NE, Redmond

Growing Older, Eating Better: Nutrition for SeniorsLearn why good nutrition in

later years can help lessen the

effects of osteoporosis, high

blood pressure, gastrointestinal

problems, and other diseases

and chronic conditions.July 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m.Call 425.558.4700 to register

Be Good To Your FeetWe will discuss aspects of

injury prevention for the foot

and ankle, as well as overall

good foot care.Aug. 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m.Call 425.558.4700 to register

Healthier Smile, Healthier YouLearn about the importance of

oral health to total health.

Information on tooth decay,

nutrition and gum disease and

how they relate to heart dis-

ease, stroke and pneumonia

will be covered. Toothbrushes

or toothpaste will be available.Sept. 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m.Call 425.558.4700 to register

Madison House12215 N.E. 128th St., Kirkland

Easing Back PainWhether your back pain is

occasional or chronic, you

could benefi t from this talk on

common back problems and

basic back care including exer-

cise, body mechanics, medica-

tions and other treatments that

may help ease that aching back. July 14, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.821.8210 to register

Caring for Two GenerationsExamine effective strategies to

help overcome the challenges

faced as your parents get older.Aug. 11, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.821.8210 to register

The Art ofPositive ThinkingDo you know the words we use

or the thoughts we have can

actually make us sick? Join us for

a discussion on the power of

positive thinking and self talk. Sept. 8, 2-3 p.m.Call 425.821.8210 to register

Kenmore Senior Center6910 NE 170th St., Kenmore

Doc TalkMake sure you are prepared for

your next physician’s visit by

learning important questions to

ask, what services you should

request and how to ensure that

you are informed of all medical

options available to you. Take

control of your health care by

effectively communicating with

your provider.July 18, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.Call 425.489.0707 to register

Home Sweet HomeThere are senior housing op-

tions that suit everyone’s

changing lifestyles. Learn what

is available in our community,

the different types of facilities

and funding options. Aug. 15, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.Call 425.489.0707 to register

Easing Back PainWhether your back pain is

occasional or chronic, you

could benefi t from this talk on

common back problems and

basic back care including exer-

cise, body mechanics, medica-

tions and other treatments that

may help ease that aching back. Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.Call 425.489.0707 to register

Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.

Mill Creek Senior Center15720 Main Street, Annex (Huntron) Building next to Mill Creek City HallMill Creek

First Aid for FidoKeep your pet safe and healthy

by learning how to identify and

respond to pet emergencies.

Please leave pets at home.July 13, 10-11 a.m.Call 425.948.7170 to register

Fraud FightersWhether through the mailbox,

the telephone, or the Internet,

criminals are fi nding creative

ways into people’s homes. Half

of those victims are age 50 and

older. Being able to recognize

consumer scams can reduce the

likelihood of being victimized

by over fi fty percent. Learn

how to protect yourself!Aug. 10, 10-11 a.m.Call 425.948.7170 to register

Cooking for OneBreak poor eating patterns.

Learn how to make healthy

food choices and adapt recipes. Sept. 21, 10-11 a.m.Call 425.948.7170 to register

Northshore Senior Center10201 E Riverside Dr., Bothell

More Water?!Dehydration is among the top

10 reasons older patients are

admitted to hospitals. Learn

why drinking the appropriate

amount of water daily can

greatly enhance overall health.July 12, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.487.2441 to register

Self Defense for SeniorsGive yourself confi dence and

peace of mind by learning

some simple techniques that

will help you to protect your-

self and ensure your personal

safety.July 26, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.487.2441 to register

Time Out! RespiteTaking time out for yourself can

be diffi cult when a loved one

depends on you for daily care.

Learn about resources available

to help caregivers access time

and support to attend to their

own needs. Aug. 23, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.487.2441 to register

Stretching YourselfSimple stretching can help ease

aching and stiff muscles and

joints, increase range of motion

and prevent injury. Learn safe

and effective stretches to “gain”

without the “pain.”Sept. 6, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.487.2441 to register

Do I Have Asthma?Do you suffer from shortness

of breath, chest tightness, and

coughing? Join us to learn what

causes asthma and what

treatments are available. Sept. 20, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.487.2441 to register

From Snoring to SnoozingDoes your partner keep the

house awake at night? A spe-

cialist will uncover the reasons

for snoring and treatment

options to keep the household

sleeping through the night.Aug. 30, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.487.2441 to register

Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.

Peter Kirk Community Center352 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland

Eating to Live!Whether your goal is to manage

your weight or increase energy,

vitality and stamina, this class is

for you! Create a health en-

hancing diet plan by under-

standing your body’s nutritional

requirements, and discover the

latest in nutritional myths and

fads from television and print.July 1, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Fall Prevention and BalanceAvoid pain and injury by learning

what steps you can take to

improve balance and prevent falls

in your home and daily routines.July 8, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Pressure SoresAs people age, the soft tissue

becomes more fragile. Skin

becomes thinner and less

elastic, and injures more easily.

Skin in this condition may

easily develop a pressure sore.

Learn preventive measures and

how to treat a sore.July 15, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Medications for a Healthier HeartA discussion of medications used

to manage heart failure and how to

help your meds work best for you.July 22, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Macular DegenerationIt’s the leading cause of blind-

ness for people over the age of

fi fty. Review the early signs of

macular degeneration and how

it is treated. July 29, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Caring for Your KidneysLearn how kidneys function,

how they are affected by medi-

cation, hypertension, and

illness and what you can do to

protect yourself.Aug. 5, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

FAD DietsAtkins, Zone, Carbohydrate

Addict or Sugar Busters? How

do you know which may be

right for you. Learn about the

nutritional implications of

popular diets and solve your

carbohydrate confusion. Aug. 12, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

First ResponseGain the knowledge and confi -

dence to act quickly and cor-

rectly if you are the fi rst person

upon an emergency situation.

Learn techniques to help you

effectively communicate with

emergency response personnel

and how to be of the most

assistance to someone in trouble.Aug. 19, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Creative CookingLearn the basics for easy ways

to create healthy meals using

fresh fruits and vegetables.Sept. 9, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Why Am I Dizzy?Learn the symptoms and causes

of balance disorders related to

the inner ear. Also what your

doctor will need to know to

help you and what can be done

to manage your symptoms.Sept. 16, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Healthier Smile, Healthier YouLearn about the importance of

oral health to total health. Infor-

mation on tooth decay, nutri-

tion and gum disease and how

they relate to heart disease,

stroke and pneumonia will

be covered. Toothbrushes or

toothpaste will be available.Sept. 23, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Exercise for OsteoporosisExercise plays an important

role in the prevention and

slowing of osteoporosis. If

done improperly, exercise can

put brittle and porous bones at

further risk for injury. Learn

what precautions and exercises

are necessary to help without

harm. Sept. 30, 12:45-2 p.m.Call 425.587.3360 to register

Less Is MoreThe need to downsize con-

fronts older adults and the

adult children that care for

them. Respect the dignity of

those in your care and together

view this lifestyle change as an

opportunity to sort and value

what you have, store and orga-

nize what to keep, and distrib-

ute what you no longer need or

want.Aug. 10, 10-11:15 a.m.Call 425.556.2314 to register

Avoiding Medication MisadventuresDo you know that adults pro-

cess drugs differently as they

age? The same medication at

the same dose at age 50 may

need adjustment at age 70.

Learn how this process can

affect medications’ safety and

effectiveness for older adults. Aug. 24, 10-11:15 a.m.Call 425.556.2314 to register

Redmond Senior Center8703 160th Ave. NE, Redmond

Are You Ready for an Emergency?Don’t be caught unprepared if

an emergency happens. Learn

what essential items you should

have and where they should be

stored. July 13, 10-11:15 a.m.Call 425.556.2314 to register

More Water?!Dehydration is among the top

10 reasons older patients are

admitted to hospitals. Learn

why drinking the appropriate

amount of water daily can

greatly enhance overall health.July 27, 10-11:15 a.m.Call 425.556.2314 to register

Registration is required or classes may be cancelled.

see full class descriptions under location headings

Walk this WayLearn to maximize benefi ts,

monitor progress and prevent

injury.

July 19, Brittany Park

What’s Great on Your Summer Plate?Learn healthy eating and tips

for good hydration.

July 21, Evergreen Hospital

July 28, Emerald Heights

More Water?!Learn why drinking water can

enhance overall health and

keep you out of the hospital.

July 12, Northshore Sr. Center

July 27, Redmond Sr. Center

Summer Travel: Keep MovingLearn to keep blood moving

and muscles relaxed on long

fl ights.

Aug. 25, Emerald Heights

Summer Health for Seniors

Less Is More (Part 2)The need to downsize con-

fronts older adults and the

adult children that care for

them. Respect the dignity of

those in your care and together

view this lifestyle change as an

opportunity to sort and value

what you have, store and orga-

nize what to keep, and distrib-

ute what you no longer need or

want.Sept. 14, 10-11:15 a.m.Call 425.556.2314 to register

Eating for Healthy Weight LossTalk to a nutritionist about diet

risks, myths and fads. Learn

simple, safe tips for achieving

healthy weight loss while main-

taining balanced nutrition. Sept. 28, 10-11:15 a.m.Call 425.556.2314 to register

12040 NE 128th Street

Kirkland, WA 98034

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDMailed from zip code 98034

Permit No. 300

Subscribe to Evergreen’s free health e-newsletters at www.evergreenhospital.org/newsletter.

HydrationAn adult should drink about

eight glasses of water a day, even more with extreme heat or exertion. When it’s hot, be alert for signs of dehydration, which include a decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fl uid you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.

TravelThe speed of air travel makes

exotic destinations accessible, but long fl ights can pose a risk of potentially lethal blood clots called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Older travelers who fl y frequently are at greatest risk of DVT, especially on longer fl ights. If you’re planning a long fl ight, it makes sense to see your doctor fi rst, and to attend our Summer Travel class.

NutritionAs people age, their caloric

needs decline, but their need for nutrients does not. That’s why it’s important that seniors eat a variety of nutrient-rich food. For help with planning delicious, healthy meals this summer, please consider taking one of our nutri-tion classes.

Please see the special Summer Health for Seniors section inside this newsletter for classes related to avoiding falls, nutrition, exercise, hydration and travel.

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