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Wilmington Senior Center


1901 N. Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 651-3400
www.wilmingtonseniorcenter.org
info@wilmingtonseniorcenter.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Wilmington, DE
Permit No. 430

A Community for Life!
June 2014 Happenings
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Lafayette Court Senior
Apartments has an
efficiency apartment
available for lease.

Rent is $608.00 per month.

Please contact Regenia Rochester at
302.651.3429 for further information.
SUMMER SCHEDULE :
Wilmington Senior Center will close
at 3:15 p.m. on Fridays
through August 29.

Bingo/Po-Ke-No on Fridays
will begin at 12:45 and end at 2:45.

(Bingo and Po-Ke-No will be scheduled
on alternate Fridays during the summer.)

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Please bring small bills to pay for trips and lunches since the receptionists cannot make change
for large bills. (Nothing larger than a $5.00 dollar bill)
WILMINGTON SENIOR CENTER
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Meal Reservations 651-3400
Must be made by 1:00 p.m. the day
prior to the meal

Bus Transportation 651-3400
Must be made by 8:00 a.m. on the
day of pickup

Activities Coordinator 651-3424
Gretchen Broadwater

Cares and Concerns of Members 655-2528
Irmina Hudson

Supportive Services
Grandparent Resource Center
Caregiver Resource Center 651-3420
Patricia Anderson-Rice

$tand By Me 50+
Financial Coaching and Economic CheckUp
Kathleen Andersen 651-3401
Jenna Fenstermacher 651-3427

Employment Services 651-3440

Lafayette Court 651-3429
Regenia Rochester

City Styles Thrift Shop Donations 651-3460

Grandparent Support Group
meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group
meets on the second Thursday of the month from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
LUNCH RESERVATIONS
Lunch reservations for all members and staff must
be given to the front desk by 1:00 the day prior. We
cannot assume that you will be here for lunch on any
given day. Lunch cost for those under the age of 60
is $4.50 and $2.00 for those 60 and older, in accord-
ance with City Fare guidelines. Once a lunch is or-
dered you are responsible for its payment. If you
need to cancel after lunch has been ordered, call
right away. We will then know the meal is available if
anyone else wants to purchase it. If the meal is not
sold, you will need to pay for it. Unsold meals are
billed to the Center on a monthly basis at the $4.50
price.
TRIP RESERVATIONS
Please sign up and pay for trips/events by the desig-
nated deadline. Your bus seat is guaranteed only
when the fee is paid.
If the minimum number of participants is not met by
the deadline the trip/event will be cancelled and pay-
ment will be returned. A late fee will be imposed on
those not meeting the deadline date providing the
trip/event has a sufficient number registered.
Current WSC members are placed first on the Cen-
ters 16 passenger bus for day trips. Non-members
may attend a day trip if there are unpaid seats after
the trips deadline.
Remember to make suggestions for activities!


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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
6/2
Ham & Swiss on
Club Roll with
Lettuce, Tomato & Onion
Carrot Raisin Salad
Chocolate Pudding
Mustard
6/3
Salmon with
Lemon Dill Sauce
Baked Potato
Key Largo Vegetables
Watermelon
Sour Cream

6/4
Ham & Swiss Cheese
Salad Mix
Tomato & Green Pepper
Hard Boiled Egg
Fresh Pear or Banana
Yogurt
Ultimate Grain High Fiber Bread
6/5
Tossed Salad with
Egg, Swiss & Turkey
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Double Fiber Bread
Pineapple w. whipped cream
Crackers
6/6
Chicken Salad
Salad Mix with Tomato
Orange Juice
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ultimate Grain High Fiber
Bread
6/9
Chicken Florentine with
Provolone, Parmesan &
Spinach
Roasted Potato Tidbits
Giant Goldish Graham
6/10
Turkey with Gravy
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans
Mini Corn Mufin
Applesauce
Cranberry Sauce
6/11
Hamburger w. Cheddar on
Hamburger Roll with
Lettuce & Tomato
Roasted Potato Wedges
Cantaloupe
Ketchup

6/12
Lemon & Parsley Flounder
Macaroni & Cheese
Stewed Tomatoes
Double Fiber Bread
Orange
Apple Cinn. Wafle Cookie
6/13
Pot Roast in Au Jus
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Carrots
Double Fiber Bread
Strawberry Banana
Yogurt Sundae
6/16
Chicken & Dumplings
Carrots
Green Beans
Mandarin Oranges
6/17
BBQ Chicken Breast
Potato Salad with Egg
California Blend Veggies
Double Fiber Bread
Vanilla Yogurt
Fruit Cocktail
***6/18***
Deep Dish Pizza
Tossed Salad w. onion,
Cherry tomatoes & chick peas
Lemon Pudding w.
Whipped Cream

6/19
Tuna Salad Sandwich on
Kaiser Roll with
Lettuce & Tomato
Marinated Bean Salad
Diced Pears
Crackers
6/20
Meatballs in Sauce over
Rotini Pasta
Mixed Greens Salad
Split Top Roll
Fresh Peach
Parmesan Cheese
6/23
BBQ Pork Sandwich on
Whole Wheat Bun
Seasoned Greens
Cooked Apples
6/24
Meatball Sub with
Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Blend Veggies
Mixed Greens Salad
Applesauce
6/25
Chicken Salad Platter with
Lettuce & Tomato
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Ambrosia
Double Fiber Bread
Crackers

6/26
Breaded Flounder
Roasted Potato Wedges
Brussels Sprouts
Fresh Plum
Rice Crispy Treat

6/27
Herb Baked Chicken
Scalloped Potatoes
Peas
Split Top Roll
Banana
6/30
Turkey Breast & Swiss Cheese
Salad Mix
Tomato & Onion
Fresh Apple or Pear
Chocolate Pudding
12 Grain Bread

All meals subject to change. All meals contain 1% milk
Meals are ordered according to projected number; over that number, backup meals will
be available.
Suggested minimum donation for persons 60+ is $2.00 People under age 60 must pay
$4.50.
City Fare Menu June 2014 CITY
Saturday Mid Day meals served at St. Anthonys
Sunday Mid Day meals served at St. Anthonys & St. Patricks Senior Centers.
Tuesday & Thursday Evening Meals served at St. Anthonys Senior Center

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MONTHLY ACTIVITIES June, 2014
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
2
9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
3
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
1:00 Bingo
3:00 Red Hat Society Meeting
4
9:00 Platinum Picnic*
9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
1:00 In-Place Walking
5
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo

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12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No


------------------------------------
June 7
Flea Market at WSC
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9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Commodity Food Delivery
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
1:30 Line Dancing Class
10
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
1:00 Bingo

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9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
10:00 Council Meeting
10:30 Diabetes Prevention*
10:30 Wii Open Games
11:00 Members Meeting
1:00 In-Place Walking
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10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo
1:30 Caregiver Support
Group*
13
9:30 Riverfront Fun*
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No
16
9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 CarFit Program*
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games


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9:00 Roots Farmers Market*
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
1:00 Bingo
4:00 Board of Directors
meeting
18
9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
1:00 In-Place Walking
19
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo
20
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No

------------------------------------
June 21
Wilmington City Garden
Tour (free event)
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9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
24
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
(out of building)
1:00 Bingo
25
9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
11:15 Birthday Party
26
9:30 Visit Old New Castle*
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo
27
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No
30
9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games

* See more information
about presentations,
trips and activities on
the following pages.
Daily:
Word Puzzles, Cards,
Dominos and Games;
Exercise and Computer
Rooms open. Pool table
located in Exercise
Room.
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
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9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
3
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
1:00 Bingo
3:00 Red Hat Society Meeting
4
9:00 Platinum Picnic*
9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
1:00 In-Place Walking
5
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo

6
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No


------------------------------------
June 7
9:00-2:00 Flea Market at
WSC
Thrift Shop Open!!
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9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Commodity Food Delivery
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
1:30 Line Dancing Class
10
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
1:00 Bingo

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9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
10:00 Council Meeting
9:30 Diabetes Prevention*
10:30 Wii Open Games
11:00 Members Meeting
1:00 In-Place Walking
12
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo
1:30 Caregiver Support
Group*
13
9:30 Riverfront Fun*
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No
16
9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 CarFit Program*
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games


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9:00 Roots Farmers Market*
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
1:00 Bingo
4:00 Board of Directors
meeting
5:30 GRC-LINKS Program
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9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
9:30 Diabetes Prevention*
10:30 Wii Open Games
1:00 In-Place Walking
19
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo
20
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No

------------------------------------
June 21
Wilmington City Garden
Tour (free event)
23
9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games
24
9:00 Quilting
11:30 GRC Support Group
(out of building)
1:00 Bingo
25
9:00 Chair Stretching*
9:30 Strength Building
9:30 Diabetes Prevention*
10:30 Wii Open Games
11:15 Birthday Party
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9:30 Visit Old New Castle*
10:45 Bible Study
1:00 Bingo
27
12:45 Bingo/Po-Ke-No
30
9:00 Chair Stretching
9:30 Strength Building
10:30 Wii Open Games

* See more information
about presentations,
trips and activities on
the following pages.
Daily:
Word Puzzles, Cards,
Dominos and Games;
Exercise and Computer
Rooms open. Pool table
located in Exercise
Room.

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Adlyn Banning
Jane Best-Weick
Todd Bosch
Christ Church Christiana Hundred Choir
Dezzie Cole
Fund for Women
Valerie Gilliam
Saino Henries
Maryann Holloway
Markeivis Warren
Tomoko Werbe
THANK YOU TO OUR RECENT DONORS
ACTIVITIES
N
G
L
E
WSC: Experts at Living Well
Gretchen Broadwater, Activities Coordinator (651-3424)

ACTIVITIES & PRESENTATIONS
Wilmington Senior Center Chorus is now
forming. A permanent date and time is not
available as of publication. Notices will be on the
Board and announcements will be made at noon.

11 Diabetes Prevention Program, 9:30. See flyer
16 CarFit, 9:30-3:30. A free program for senior
drivers. Experts will work with individual drivers
to assess proper positioning of seat, seat belt,
steering wheel, head restraints and mirrors in
their own cards. To register, contact Gretchen
at 651-3424.

Computer Class for Beginners: The cost for
WSC members is $20 and $25 for non-members.
Payment must be made in advance. Please call
651-3400 to sign up.

________________________________________________________________________________

TRIPS
4 Platinum Picnic. At Banning Park. Hawaiian
Luau is the theme, so wear bright, tropical
shirts and sign up early. The meal* is being
catered by Youngs Pig Pickin BBQ.
Reservations were required and paid for by
May 28. Vendors will be on-site if you did not
order the catered meal. Bus transportation is
$1.00. Bus will leave the Center and 9:00 and
return at 1:30.
*Pulled pork or smoked turkey breast, BBQ
beans, potato salad, cole slaw, macaroni
salad, Italian pasta salad. Water will be
available or you can bring your own beverage.
13 Riverfront Fun, 9:30-1:30. Fee is $2.00.
Choose to walk the Riverfront Trail; take a
water taxi ride; visit the Delaware Center for
Contemporary Arts, Sports Museum or
Environmental Center. Lunch on you own at
one of several restaurants.
17 Roots Farmers Market, 9:00. $8.00
transportation fee must be paid upon signing
up. This is a large, indoor-outdoor market
featuring plants, vegetables, flowers, food/
bakery items and other vendors. Deadline for
registering is June 13.
26 Visit Old New Castle, 9:30-1:30.
Transportation fee is $2.50.



SNEAK PEEK

July
11 Produce Junction & Booths Corner
22 State Fair Trip

August
7 Italian Market, Philadelphia

September
WSC Anniversary Celebration - To be announced.
8 Refresher Defensive Driving Class (4 hours)
Classes begin at 8;45 and checks or money
orders must be made payable to AARP and
brought to the first class. Instructors do not
accept cash. Fee is $15.00 for AARP
members and $20.00 for non-members. Sign-
up forms are located in the Activities Book at
the front desk. If youre interested in the basic
6/8-hour class, contact AARP directly for
dates, times and locations at 877-846-3299.
19 Beach Day in Rehoboth
25 Guest Bartender Night - WSC Fundraiser

October
4 Brandywine Village Fair
23 Lifetime Achievement Award Celebration


















Old Brandywine Village
Summer Twilight Concert Series
Sunday, June 1st at 6:00 p.m.
Joseph Whitney Band - Steel Drums

Bring chair or blanket to the plaza behind
the Hercules Building at 1313 N. Market Street.

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JUNE BIRTHDAYS

1 Jenna Fenstermacher
6 James Hicklin, June Hill
9 Sandy Spady
10 Carrie Savage
13 Mary Combs
14 Benjamin Smith, Deborah Zingale
15 Giacomo Saienni
18 Jayne Britt
21 Betty West
22 Edith Johnson, Pearl Sudler, Aloma Thompson
23 Lygia Wilson Sadler
24 Tajhi Pouladvand
28 Doris Price
29 Harry Spencer
30 Gwendolyn Taylor

JUNE BIRTHDAY INVITATION
If your birthday is this month, please join us at the
monthly birthday celebration on June 25 at 11:15
a.m.-2:00. Lunch is free for members who are
celebrating their birthdays this month.

Please call to make a reservation at 651-3400 by
Wednesday, June 18 so we can be sure to have
enough meals.
You must call because you wont be
automatically included in our lunch count.
NOTES:
ACTIVITIES COORDINATORS HOURS
Please pay for trips during
the following hours only:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
10:00-noon and 1:00-2:00
-------------------------------------------------------------------

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
If you are interested in volunteering with us at
Wilmington Senior Center, you must complete a
volunteer application and register for an orientation
by calling 651-3460.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER(S)
Leslie Lee
Dorothy Watson
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COLLECTING SPECIAL ITEMS
Recycled eyeglasses and hearing aids for
the Lions Club and soda can tabs for Ronald
McDonald House. Please leave them with
Gretchen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTION BOX
If you have ideas for programs, activities or
changes, please write a note and put it in the
lobby suggestion box.
SUMMER SCHEDULE :
Wilmington Senior Center will close
at 3:15 p.m. on Fridays
through August 29.

Bingo/Po-Ke-No on Fridays
will begin at 12:45 and end at 2:45.
(Bingo and Po-Ke-No will be scheduled on
alternate Fridays during the summer.)
BRIGHT SPOT VENTURES
will visit Wilmington Senior Center on Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00
from June to October with a mobile food truck loaded with
fresh produce!

I've learned that people will forget what you
said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made
them feel.
Maya Angelou
(4/4/28 - 5/28/14)

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WILMINGTON SENIOR CENTER
MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL
YARD SALE


Saturday, June 7, 2014
9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.


IN PARKING LOT BETWEEN 19
TH
& 20
TH
STREETS
TATNALL AND MARKET STREETS
WILMINGTON, DE 19802


COME TO SELL! COME TO BUY!


TABLE AND LOT SPACES AT $15.00 EACH SPACE


TIME TO CLEAR OUT OLD ITEMS FROM THE ATTIC, CLOSET AND BASEMENT. THIS IS THE
OPPORTUNITY YOUVE BEEN WAITING FOR. LOT AND TABLE SPACE IS AVAILABLE ON A
1
ST
COME 1
ST
SERVE BASIS. TABLES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR INSIDE THE BUILDING ONLY.
MUST PROVIDE OWN TABLE FOR PARKING LOT SPACES.


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: MARIE DASH @ (302) 655-8979)

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Seniors and many others use payday loans as a financial bridge. When
an unexpected expense comes up, a payday loan can seem to be the
least expensive credit option, as opposed to an overdraft fee or bounced-
check fee. But using this option often puts people on a merry-go-round
debt cycle that is difficult to end. Even the basic fees are high:














1 thanks to National Consumer Law Center for this example.

Luckily there are lower cost alternatives for handling unexpected expenses. A financial coach from $tand
By Me 50+ can help you clarify the best options for your situation. One product that folks find most
helpful is Loans Plus, a payday loan alternative that is paid back over three months instead of two weeks
- a major relief to borrowers. The loan is available for $250-$500 and the maximum interest paid on this
loan is $12.49, not the $56 shown above! If you or someone in your life needs a loan, think of the
financial coaches at $tand By Me 50+ and Loans Plus.

Call 302-651-3401 to reach the $tand By Me 50+ Program
for financial coaching on how to get your finances in order.








Need help with budgeting and saving? Want a free economic checkup?
See Kathleen or Jenna of $tand By Me 50+
or call them at 651-3401 or 651-3427.
The High Cost of Payday Loans
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You write a check dated in two weeks for$256
You get back today. $200
Interest and charges$ 56
The cost of a loan for two weeks is 730% annual percentage rate (APR).

Triple digit Annual Percentage Rates (APR) are the norm for payday loans. This is ex-
ponentially higher than the cost to borrow from more traditional lenders. For instance,
compare this 730% APR to the cost of a short term small dollar loan from a federal
credit union. The maximum the credit union may charge is 28% interest and a $20 ap-
plication fee, which translates to 28% APR. (If the application fee is charged to all ap-
plicants, regardless of whether credit is extended, then it may be excluded from the
APR, although the true cost is higher due to the fee.)

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CHANGE TODAY FOR
A HEALTHIER FUTURE
Diabetes Prevention Program
YMCA of Delaware


Join us to find out how to reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
New class starting at the Wilmington Senior Center, June 11th
from 9:30-10:30am (1901 N Market Street, entrance in rear)
FREE for recipients of Medicare parts A/B/C and commercial United HealthCare
A SUCCESS STORY FROM WILMINGTON SENIOR CENTER

Mary and Greta have known each other for more than ten years, celebrating birthdays and holidays at
parties with cookies and cake, even while bemoaning their expanding waistlines and lack of
motivation for exercise. Each had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and warned by their doctors to
lose weight and change eating habits in order to reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

Last fall the two women joined the Diabetes Prevention Program offered by the YMCA of Delaware at
Wilmington Senior Center. Sixteen weeks was a long time to commit to a program, but after the first
week with Coach Janice, they were hooked. With fellow classmates they enthusiastically learned
about counting calories, fat grams, fitness activities and healthy meals. The educational aspects of
the program were secondary to the motivation provided in the weekly sessions, however. With
encouragement from their coach and the group sessions, both Mary and Greta lost weight and
developed a positive perspective on living a healthy lifestyle. The group held them accountable when
they struggled to change and cheered them on when goals were met.

This year's birthdays were greeted with energy and gratitude. Instead of celebrating by eating cake,
Greta made plans to buy new clothes to replace the ones that are now too big. And Mary vowed to
continue using stairs instead of the elevator so she wouldn't lose the spring in her step. They both
were ambassadors for the 2014 Diabetes Alert Day, inspiring others to complete risk assessments
and consider participation in the Diabetes Prevention Program. Wilmington Senior Center is proud of
their progress and honored to contribute to their new healthier lifestyles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Healthy Living Department at 302.572.9622 or diabetesprevention@ymcade.org
www.diabetespreventionde.org



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CAREGIVERS CORNER


5 Foods That Help You Sleep
By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor

Lack of sleep plagues many caregivers, so we hope this article will provide good suggestions to help you
get a good nights rest.

Should you let yourself have that midnight snack if you're having trouble sleeping and you think hunger
might be part of the problem? Here are five foods that can actually help you drift off:

1. Cherries. Fresh and dried cherries are one of the only natural food sources of
melatonin, the chemical that controls the body's internal clock to regulate sleep.
Researchers who tested tart cherries and found high levels of melatonin recommend
eating them an hour before bedtime or before a trip when you want to sleep on the
plane.

2. Bananas. Potassium and magnesium are natural muscle relaxants, and bananas
are a good source of both. They also contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which
gets converted to 5-HTP in the brain. The 5-HTP in turn is converted to serotonin (a
relaxing neurotransmitter) and melatonin.

3. Toast. Carbohydrate-rich foods trigger insulin production, which induces sleep by
speeding up the release of tryptophan and serotonin, two brain chemicals that relax
you and send you to sleep.

4. Oatmeal. Like toast, a bowl of oatmeal triggers a rise in blood sugar, which in turn
triggers insulin production and the release of sleep-inducing brain chemicals. Oats
are also rich in melatonin, which many people take as a sleep aid.

5. Warm milk. Like bananas, milk contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which turns to
5-HTP and releases relaxing serotonin. It's also high in calcium, which promotes
sleep.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grandparent Support Group meets
Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Caregiver Support Group meets
second Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Funding for the Caregiver Resource Center comes from
the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
as a result of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Title III-E of the Older Americans Act.
Support for Caregivers...
is available from our Caregiver Resource Center call 651-3420 for more information.

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HEALTH & COMMUNITY INFORMATION
TAKE YOUR BRAIN FOR A DANCE
DANCING BOOSTS
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
by Candy Sagon, AARP, September 20, 2012

From the tango to the two-step, Americans are
dancing their way to better health. Even if you flub a
few steps, its still fun and great for stretching the
midsection. It will make anybodys body more
flexible.

Dance is a joyful, fun and effective way for seniors
to stay active and healthy, agrees fitness expert
Pamela Peeke, M.D., a spokesperson for the
American College of Sports Medicine. Peeke says
one reason dancing is successful is because most
people dont think of it as exercise - even though
dancing actually moves more parts of the body than
walking. All that movement helps older adults
improve their balance and flexibility, as well as
increase muscle power in their legs and even
strengthen bones, thanks to the fact that dancing is
a weight-bearing exercise, a 2009 analysis of
research in the Journal of Aging and Physical
Activity showed.

Recent studies have also found that dancing may
protect against dementia. A Korean study last year
in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found
that teaching the cha-cha to a small group of older
adults twice a week for six months was enough to
improve their memory and cognitive function on a
number of tests.

For a group of Canadian seniors, ages 62 to 90, it
was learning to tango that upped both their brain
power and balance. The 2005 study by researchers
with Montreals McGill University compared a group
that took tango lessons twice weekly with a group
that walked instead. After 10 weeks, both groups
scored better on cognitive tests, but the dancers
performed better than the walkers on multitasking
tests. They also improved their balance and
coordination.
Dance can also help those with Type 2 diabetes
lower their blood pressure and control their weight. A
pilot study last year of African American women with
diabetes found that dancing twice a week for just 12
weeks significantly improved their blood pressure,
body fat and weight. The researchers, with the
University of Akron and Case Western Reserve
University, wrote that the camaraderie, enjoyment
and laughter during dance classes helped the
women become more physically active and, in the
process, improved their health.

Study author Carolyn Murrock, RN, an assistant
professor of nursing at the University of Akron who
has studied dance exercise and diabetes, says
dance works so well because its an enjoyable way
for older adults to become more active. Even for
those who are already active, dancing provides
benefits without the wear and tear that other forms
of exercise can cause, says Navratilova. She notes
that dancing is easy on the joints. It really opened
me up and elongated my body. Plus, she adds, Its
a great workout and a lot of fun.
Candy Sagon writes about health topics for AARP
media.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT
SENIOR ROLL CALL LIFELINE?

SENIOR ROLL CALL LIFELINE is a free service
provided by New Castle County Public Safety. The
program provides a daily telephone reassurance
program to check on the safety of seniors in New
Castle County. If you are a member, Senior Roll Call
checks on your personal safety through a
computerized telephone system daily with a pre-
recorded message. This free service is available to
individuals 55 and older, disabled and individuals
with unique medical needs. If you are interested in
becoming a member of Senior Roll Call Lifeline for
yourself or your loved one, please call New Castle
County Police Senior Roll Call Lifeline at
302.395.8159.

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