Have you been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration? Are you frightened by the potential consequences of this all too often devastating disease?

We rely on our vision to live our lives in so many ways; our world is one built on the visual. The faces of friends, the changing of traffic lights, and television that we watch all cater to our sight, so the loss of it, even the threat of loss of vision, can be terrifying.

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment among older adults in both the U.S. and around the world. Vision is gradually lost as it continues to progress, potentially leading to complete loss of central vision.

The result can be legal blindness and an inability to recognize faces.

AMD is a chronic condition that causes central vision loss. It affects millions of Americans. In fact, it is a leading cause of blindness in people 60 and older. The older you are, the greater your chance of being affected. That’s why it’s important to learn the symptoms of AMD now, so if you ever notice anything wrong, you can see an ophthalmologist right away. Early detection is key to avoiding vision loss.

Learn the symptoms so you know what to look for. AMD symptoms include blurriness, wavy lines, or a blind spot.

You may also notice visual distortions such as:

• Straight lines or faces appearing wavy

• Doorways seeming crooked

• Objects appearing smaller or farther away

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with wet AMD, it is important to see a Retina Specialist for the most appropriate care.

AMD occurs when the macula — the central portion of the retina that is important for reading and color vision — becomes damaged. AMD is a single disease, but it can take two different forms: dry and wet. If you have macular degeneration or if you would like more information on it feel free to attend our macular degeneration support group on Wednesday.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood Pressure Check, 9 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Pinochle and Bridge

Tuesday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie Anderson, 9 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Pinochle and Duplicate Bridge; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: wood carving, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi classes, 9:30 a.m.; Mac Degen Support, 10 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Cribbage Tournament, Duplicate Bridge; Stitching Bee’s, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie Anderson, 9 a.m.; cards, noon; Pinochle; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.

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

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Tournament result for May 23, three tables

1st Harriet Oldenburg, 2nd Dave Ring, 3rd Lois Johnson, 4th Bud Higgins, 5th Larry Larson.

Tuesday Afternoon “500”

Tournament results for May 24, four tables

1st Beulah Luthe, 2nd Arnold Bergstrom, 3rd Dody Krebsbach, 4th Lois Anderson.

Pinochle

David Solomonson

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge

May 24 , six tables

1st Joan Bachynsky, 1st Dick Titus; 2nd Ray Schmidt, 2nd Gail Schmidt; 3rd Dave Ring, 3rd Loren Cleland; 4th Harriet Oldenburg, 4th Betty Jorgenson.

Friday Cribbage

Tournament result May 27, one and three-fourths tables

1st  Dorothy Peterson, 2nd Russ Vaale

Friday Bridge

Tournament results for May 27, three tables

1st Dave Ring, 2nd Harriet Oldenberg, 3rd Betty Jorgensen, 4th Larry Larson, 5th Loretta Nelson

Weekly “500”

Tournament results for May 27, four tables

1st  Jaynard Johnson, 2nd Fran Bolstad, 3rd Helen Broitzman, 4th Arnold Bergstrom.

Weekly Cribbage

Tournament result May 25, one and three-fourths tables

1st Jaynard Johnson, 2nd John Allen, 3rd Hilton Henschen

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Goulash

Tuesday: Chicken breast

Wednesday: Seashore tuna casserole

Thursday: Beef tips in gravy

Friday: Meatballs. Alt: Breaded fish