Senior Center News - Sept. 3, 2021

North Central Senior Citizens Center

Sept. 6-10

Menu

Monday — Closed: Labor Day holiday

Tuesday — Salad, spaghetti/meat sauce, garlic bread, green beans, peach cobbler

Wednesday — Braised beef, mash potatoes, salad, poor man bars

Thursday — Taco burger, Mexican rice, chips/nacho cheese, dessert

Friday — Soup, salad bar, chef’s choice, dessert,

Keeping up with the pandemic: As of Aug. 26, there were 14 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hill County, five cases met the criteria for being considered recovered, one case was discharged from the hospital and one case required hospitalization. Total cases for all of Hill County 2,239, active cases 96 — five currently hospitalized — recovered 2,096 and deaths 47.

Millions taking aspirin without clear benefit: Many people take aspirin every day to prevent a heart attack or stroke. But daily aspirin isn’t advised for everyone. A survey found that about 29 million adults without heart disease take low-dose aspirin for prevention. Many of them shouldn’t under new guidelines. Aspirin works by thinning the blood and preventing clots. But taking a daily aspirin can also increase the risk of bleeding. New studies found that aspirin has little benefit for some people. As a result, experts no longer recommend daily low-dose aspirin for adults age 70 and older-or for people with a higher risk of bleeding, like those with stomach ulcers. So how many people are affected by the new guidelines? To answer this, scientists surveyed 14,000 adults age 40 and older. About 23% of people without heart disease were taking a daily aspirin for prevention. Almost a quarter of these did so without a health care provider’s recommendation. Nearly half of people age 70 and older who did not have heart disease reported using aspirin daily, so did a quarter of people with a history of stomach ulcers. Our findings suggest that a substantial portion of adults may be taking aspirin without their physician’s advice and potentially without their knowledge. Talk with your doctor if you’re taking aspirin daily.

Transportation: Our transportation program was up and running again beginning Monday, Aug.t 30. We will be working with the North Central Montana Transit system. There will be no charge for rides through this program but you can give a donation. You must give 24-hour notice to request a ride. Rides will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call the Senior Center to schedule your ride for the first two weeks, 265-5464. After that you will be calling North Central Montana Transit direct at 406-265-4762.

Would you like to be a volunteer at the senior center? We are very thankful for the many volunteers who help us daily and also during our special Events. If you have a little extra time, we could sure use your help. We are finding ourselves a little short on volunteers now that we have opened our doors after closing due to the pandemic. If you would like to share your time and talents, please give us a call at 406-265-5464 to let us know. There are many different volunteer opportunities, maybe one just right for you, give us a call.

Silver Sneakers membership: The Hill County Counsel on Aging, also known as the Senior Center, is excited to say we are working with Down Under Fitness Center for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under for August. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and also 2 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in time, the Wednesday classes will be limited to 10 participants with all COVID-19 safety precautions in place. As a senior wishing to participate, contact Down Under at 406-265-4805 and request the Silver Sneaker membership being sponsored by the Hill county Senior Center. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships.

Senior Center Gift Shop: If there is someone special you are shopping for remember the Senior Center’s gift Shop. Find some up-to-the-minute gifts along with some fun antiques. Also some beautiful glassware, handmade gifts, pictures, yarn and much more. We have cards for all occasions at great prices. We also have Depends in assorted sizes. We know you will be pleased with both our selection and our prices. Hope to see you there.

Commodities: If you are interested in receiving commodities, we have some open slots now. If your income falls within our guidelines and you would like to sign up, come to Senior Center and fill out application. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to Senior Center to pick them up.

Important phone numbers:

• Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

• Tumbleweed Runaway and Family Crisis Program: 406-259-2558 (local), 1-888-816-4702 (toll free)

• Friendship Line by Institute on Aging — The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warm-line for non-emergency emotional support calls. It is a 24-hour toll-free line and the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Toll-Free Line: 800-971-0016

• For those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montana’s Warm Line.