Here we are in the heat of summer and many people are heading out on vacations.

The roads are becoming crowded with people who are traveling. This made me think about safety and driving issues.

Here are some tips for staying safe on the road.

Annual vision exam: Yearly exams reveal the need for new glasses and provide screening for eye diseases. Early detection can mean the difference between effective treatment and irrevocable vision loss.

Annual physical to check for diabetes and high blood pressure: Left untreated, these conditions can cause eye problems.

Reduce Speed: Slow down to compensate for slower reflexes and the glare of headlights.

Use extra caution at intersections: Many accidents involving seniors happen at intersections due to failure to yield, especially when making a left turn. Be especially careful in these situations. Turn your head often to make up for decreased peripheral vision.

Take a driving course geared to seniors: The Senior Center Defensive Drivers class offers programs geared to older drivers which focus on physical changes that may affect our driving ability and how to compensate for them.

Daytime only: If you have trouble seeing at night or recovering from the glare of oncoming headlights, it may be time to stop driving at night, especially on unfamiliar roads.

Exercise regularly: Studies suggest that regular exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by up to 70 percent. Exercise also benefits general health, which benefits eye health.

The next defensive driving class held at the Senior Center is 1 to 4 p.m., on July 30. To sign up for this stop by the front desk or call 433-2370 ext 0. See you there.

If you are not feeling as confident while driving as you used to, there are other options for transportation.

Of course it is hard to think about giving up driving but it is best to keep yourself and others safe. If you are looking for alternative options for transportation don’t forget to check out our transportation department at the Senior Center.

Call Brent Johnson or Paige Pineda at 434-2188 for more information.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood Pressure Checks 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge, 500) 12:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 5:35/7 p.m.; Yoga 6:10 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 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.; Caregiver Support Group, 10:30 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge) 12:30 p.m.; Bingo and open chess, 1 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4:05 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 5:35/7 p.m.; Yoga 6:10 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.;

Cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

July 8, three tables

1st James Fisher, 2nd Bud Higgins, 3rd John Karnes, 4th Arnie Lang, 5th Caroline Higgins

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

July 9, 5.5 tables

1st Connie Johnson, 1st Lorraine Lippert; 2ndRay Schmidt, 2nd Gail Schmidt;

3rd Millie Seiver, 3rd Joyce Crowe; 4th Dave Solomonson, 4thLoren Cleland; 5th Russ Vaale, 5th Mable Vaale; 6th Edna Knobbe, 6th Rick Strouf

Tuesday “500”

July 9, four tables

1st Paula Davies, 2nd Dennis Bray, 3rd Jerry Downing, 4th Wayne Chilson

Pinochle

Mildred Ballantyne

Friday Bridge

July 12, three tables

1st Russ Vaale, 2nd Jaynard Johnson, 3rd Loretta Nelson, 4th Joanne Maxfield, 5th Quentin Fiala

Weekly Cribbage

July 10, 3.5 tables

1st Dale Peters, 2nd Larry Crowe, 3rd Barb Dickman, 4th Val Lavallie

Weekly “500”

July 12, four tables

1st Jessie Swain, 2nd Mildred Ballantyne, 3rd Paula Davies, 4th Dennis Bray

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Green pepper steak

Tuesday: Baked chicken

Wednesday: Tuna Pasta Salad

Thursday:

Roast Beef

Friday: Hamburger on bun