Over the past three decades, there has been an explosion in prescription medications available to treat different health conditions. This is a positive development, especially with regard to the ability to manage depression, diabetes, and heart disease. But there is a downside.

Elderly patients on multiple medications are often walking a tightrope with respect to the stability of their health. Failure to take medications as a doctor prescribes, due to neglect, forgetfulness, or inability to afford medication, can lead to a worsening of medical conditions.

Even when medications are taken exactly as a doctor prescribes, unforeseen changes in your general health can weaken the body’s ability to process and eliminate medications, leading to a potentially toxic buildup of what was previously a helpful drug.

While our healthcare system can be confusing and intimidating, nowhere else are the stakes so high. By taking an active role in your healthcare, you can stay healthy longer, heal more quickly, and reduce risks overall.

On Tuesday take an active role in your health by participating in a free class on managing your medications. Kathy Baruth PHN, Health Educator from SE Minnesota Area Agency on Aging will lead you through taking your medications safely according to your diet and activity level. Bring your questions.

To sign up for this informative class please call or stop by the front desk at the senior center. 433-2370 ext. 3.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood Pressure, 9 a.m.; Naps, 9:30 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.; How to manage your medication, 10 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7 p.m.; Movie “Anger Management,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Art Class, 10 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Medicare Basics, 5:30 p.m.; Zumba, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Investment Club, 10 a.m.; Caregivers Support Group, 10:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 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

May 7, three tables

1st Betty Jorgenson, 2nd Mary Johnsen, 3rd Jaynard Johnson, 4th Russ Vaale, 5th Lois Johnson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

May 8, five tables

1st Bud Higgins, 1st Carolyn Higgins;2nd Loren Cleland, 2nd Dave Ring; 3rd Millie Seiver, 3rd Vandy Newman; 4th Marge Blaser, 4th Dick Hansen

Tuesday “500”

May 8, three tables

1st Helen Ballantyne, 2nd Wilbur Mittag, 3rd  Jessie Swain, 4th Elaine Reynolds

Pinochle

Jaynard Johnson, Hilton Henschen, David Solomonson

Friday Bridge

May 11, three tables

1st Dave Ring, 2nd Arnie Lang, 3rd Lois Johnsen, 4th Mabel Vaale, 5th John Allen

Weekly Cribbage

May 9, 4.5 tables

1st Mercedes Nordstrom, 2nd Barb Dickman, 3rd John Allen, 4th Pat Peter

Weekly “500”

May 11, three tables playing

1st Bernice Scholer, 2nd Eddie Hall, 3rd Gene Rauen, 4th Willard Ballantyne

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Unstuffed green pepper

Tuesday: Chicken enchiladas

Wednesday: Baked fish. Alternative: Beef patty

Thursday: BBQ Meatballs

Friday: Baked Chicken