Through the healths program, health care professionals offer programs emphasizing wellness and disease prevention at senior centers throughout the county. Topics include vision screening, diabetes self-management, stress management, hearing screenings, weight management, cancer education and screening, arthritis management and much more.
Blood pressure screenings are held on a regular basis at most senior centers. Fitness programs, including those adapted for frail participants, and nutrition education seminars are also available. In some instances, screening has detected a problem in the early stages allowing for successful treatment.
BCD, as part of a statewide grant with Maryland Department of Aging, is offering a series of workshops for people with chronic conditions, modeled after the Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop from Stanford University.
A chronic condition is a medical condition that may cause suffering and of loss of physical abilities over time. Examples of some chronic conditions are diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, lung disease, asthma and depression.
These workshops are offered free of charge to anyone 18 years of age and older either having or living with someone with a chronic condition. The workshops run for six-weeks, two and a half hours a week and is facilitated by laymen, not professionals.
Having regular hearing evaluations is important to everyone, but even more so for older adults. As we age, our hearing may change due to exposure to noise and/or other health problems. Rick Young, an audiologist for the Department of Health’s Bureau of Speech, Language and Hearing, will provide free hearing screenings at each of the county’s 19 senior centers this spring. Appointments are required.
Please contact your local senior center to schedule an appointment in advance of the screening date. For more information, contact Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594.
Learn how to build a personal Salad Box to save money by growing your own food. Materials for a limited number of boxes will be provided to participants who register in advance. Participants are encouraged to bring their grandchildren to help with this hands - on project. For more information, call Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594.
Does the need for intimacy change with age? Who says your too old? Why can't I be sexual? Sex education is not just for the young. Older adults' sexual desires does not have to fade as one ages.
Join Planned Parenthood of Maryland as they present an educational series on how to stay happy, healthy and socially connected as one grows older. Our desire to have sex does not have an expiration date. The chances are good that we can continue to enjoy sex as long as we desire. for more information, contact Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594. Attend a presentation at a BCDA senior center.
Throughout 2009, the Department of Aging will be presenting programs to educate older adults to live every moment. Do the things now that you always wanted to do! Today's world offers many opportunities to improve your health and well being through medical advances and access to information through the Internet. Throughout 2009, Baltimore County Department of Aging is offering 12 topics in 19 senior centers to show how to optimize your quality of life and thus extending life's warranty.
.June Topic: Communicating Effectively With Your Doctor
When you talk, does your doctor listen? Discover the art of communicating effectively with your doctor with Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, M.D., founder of Insight Medical Consultants. Learn how to formulate good questions and get them answered, understand how dangerous poor communication can be, and gain strategies for effectively communicating with doctors. Attend a free session at a Baltimore County senior center.
July Topic: Arthritis Don't Let It Cramp Your Style
Discover ways to mange and treat arthritis including pain relief at presentations at all 19 BCDA senior centers provided through a partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Maryland Chapter. Also learn what resources are available from the foundation to help people take control of their arthritis.
August Topic: Eat Better, Live Longer!
Promote wellness by making better food choices. Eating right makes you feel better. It is important for reducing heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis. This workshop will focus on the positive by exploring a variety of ways to eat fruits, veggies and whole grains into your day. Attend a free session at a Baltimore County senior center.
Revised June 2, 2009
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