Senior Center News, Dec. 10, 2021

North Central Senior

Citizens Center

Dec. 13-17

Menu

Monday — Creamy Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli, pudding

Tuesday — Salad, spaghetti and meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread, cake

Wednesday — Braised beef, mashed potatoes, salad, gingerbread cookie bar

Thursday — Polish sausage, sauerkraut, crunchy-onion-potato-bake, fruit salad

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping Up with the Pandemic: As of Dec. 9 there were 4 new COVID-19 cases, 1 case recovered reported for Hill County. No cases were listed as currently in the hospital. Total Cases for all of Hill County 3,515. Deaths at 71. Right now, community transmission is going down but everyone should still be wearing a mask. As of this week, we are 54% fully vaccinated in Hill County. And of course, now we are waiting for information on the latest variant, Omicrom, first discovered in southern Africa, to be understood. Hopefully it won’t set us back any further.

Surprise Just For You: We have a welcoming gift especially for new seniors who come to have lunch with us at the Senior Center. Come enjoy our wonderful lunches and pick up a gift we have just for you. We will be giving these gifts for the next five weeks.

Gift Shop: While you are out shopping don’t forget to stop in to see the wonderful things we have now. Tuesday, Dec. 14, everything in the gift shop will be 50% off. What a deal. We have handmade slippers, jewelry, fishing flies, Christmas decoration, glassware and many cards. See you there.

Bingo: For a good time, come to Havre senior center at 1 p.m. Tuesdays.

Rash Decisions: You have a red, itchy rash. You’re wondering where it came from and how to make it go away. Unfortunately, your rash could have many causes. A new detergent, accidentally brushed against some poison ivy. Maybe it came from a virus or fungus. Red, uncomfortable skin rashes are called dermatitis or skin inflammation. Our skin is the first line of defense against the outside world. Many people are familiar with atopic dermatitis. It is a red, itchy rash commonly called eczema. It affects up to 30% of people, mostly in childhood and it tends to run in families. Some children outgrow eczema, while others will have the disease for life. The risk for eczema may be up to 60% to 70% genetic. But environmental causes also may play a role. Doctors often prescribe moisturizing creams for people with eczema. These creams help to stop itching and restore the skin. Using creams can prevent eczema flares. Not all rashes are mysterious. Some have a very clear cause. If your skin touches something you’re allergic to, it’s bound to get red and itchy. Common triggers include fragrances in soaps, lotions, jewelry, and cosmetics. Sometimes hydrocortisone cream may be all you need if the rash only covers a small area. For itch relief it’s important to understand the cause. For severe itch that interferes with sleep or daily activities call your doctor. An itchy rash can be trying but with help, you can calm your skin and feel better.

Open enrollment for Medicare is over for this year. It ended Dec. 7. Marci can still help you if you need help with dual coverage — Medicare and Medicaid — or Big Sky coverage.

Commodities: If you are interested in receiving commodities, we still have some open slots. You can sign up at the senior center, fill out an application and find out if your income falls within the guidelines. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to Senior Center to pick them up.

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.

Available COVID-19 testing in Hill County: Northern Montana Health Care — Testing of contacts call 406-262-1570 for an appointment. Sick people 16 and under: Call 406-265-5408 for an appointment. Sick people 17 and over: call 406-262-1570 for an appointment.

Bullhook Community Health Center: Testing of contacts: register at this link: https://forms.gle/ark5xEKJDFaXZHZ97 .

Montana State University-Northern: Staff and students of MSU-Northern only: Call Student Health Services at 406-265-3599.

Havre Public Schools — Staff and students of Havre Public Schools only: Call Jeri Zorn at 406-390-2210.

Rocky Boy Health Center: Anyone who is eligible to receive services at Rocky Boy Health Center, or community members that live or work on the reservation: call 406-395-1712 for an appointment or with questions.

**Testing subject to change based on availability and demand. **

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 Physical Fitness for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under for December. 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.

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