Monday, January 29, 2018

No Age Limits for Fun & Good Health

DID YOU KNOW The Dale Association started in 1951? Yes, we were founded when the social workers and clergy in this area knew the benefits of being around others. Our agency was born and has been a community gathering place ever since. DID YOU KNOW The Dale Association is for adults of all ages? Not a week goes by that people are surprised to learn this. The agency started out exclusively for adults 50 and over, but no longer has an age requirement. It’s true - adults of all ages are welcome. If you like to think of yourself as ageless, a senior in training or among the mature portion of the population –all are welcome at The Dale. DID YOU KNOW individuals who maintain an active and fun lifestyle are healthier than those who don’t? (That’s proven by a Harvard study). The Dale Association encourages a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and wellness education; health screenings; exercise; wellness activities; cooking classes and so much more. With the new-year, why not challenge yourself to try something new and make some new friends at The Dale Association? Upcoming cooking classes may be a good place to start – we all have to eat after all. The monthly cooking classes are fun, interactive, and participatory. Bring your own containers and an appetite, we’ll supply the ingredients and supplies. Sign up with a friend or by yourself and make new friends – the classes will be fun for people of all ages. Wednesday, February 21st at 5:00pm, come learn to cook quick scrumptious weeknight recipes with Quick Weeknight Meals. This will be great for people who have limited time during the week. These recipes are easy and will satisfy even the pickiest person at the table. If you are crafty, or want to learn how to be more crafty, you may prefer hand-on craft night. Each month you will have the opportunity to create a trendy new craft. Again, you can sign up with your friends or sign up alone and make some new friends. Along with bringing your creativity, bring a snack to share and pass. All supplies will be included. Tuesday, February 27th at 6pm, you will learn how to make a Bless You Jar. These are cute tissue holders that are unique and trendy. Made in one evening, you will take home your finished product. Pre-registration is required for classes. For more information or to register, call 433-1886 or go on-line to www.daleassociation.com and register safely through PayPal. The Dale Association is a unique non profit organization which has been responding to needs of adults in our Niagara community for 66 years. I hope you will consider joining us for one of the Enrichment activities.

Chronic Disease Self-Management

A growing number of persons suffering from major chronic illnesses face many obstacles in coping with their conditions. Chronic diseases are conditions that are usually not immediately life threatening, however they place substantial burdens on the health, economic status and quality of life of individuals, families and community. People with chronic conditions must deal not only with the disease(s), but also with the impact on their lives and emotions. According to a recent study, 79% of non-institutionalized older adults report having at least one of the most chronic conditions affecting this age group. Those conditions include: Arthritis Hypertension Heart Disease Diabetes Respiratory Disease Stroke Pain Evidence suggests that a program to help individuals, family members, friends, and care-givers through a self-management program can help improve health. Locally, an educational program is being offered – with an aim to increase the knowledge of people living with chronic conditions and teach them the skills to better manage those conditions. The program provides information and teaches practical skills. All individuals, who participate in a chronic diseases self management program, will learn about the following subjects: Discussing problems common to individuals suffering from chronic diseases Coping strategies Problem solving techniques Treatment decision making Cognitive management of pain, stress, anger, depression and other negative emotions Communication with family, friends and physicians Nutrition and development of a long-term exercise program A study of past program participants found that hospital stays were reduced; communication with physicians was improved; and participant energy and confidence in their ability to manage conditions improved. This program will not conflict with existing programs or treatments. It is designed to enhance regular treatment and disease specific instruction. Enthusiasm is growing for the role of a self management program in controlling and preventing chronic diseases. If you are dealing with pain, arthritis, lung conditions or anything that affects how you live your daily life or are caring for someone with the above conditions, I encourage you to please register for the free workshop. It is a 6 week workshop series for adults with ongoing health conditions and/or their caregivers. Along with great information, participants receive a free “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” book, a free relaxation CD, and other free giveaways throughout the workshop. The six week workshop begins Wednesday, January 31, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:30pm at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport, NY 14094. For more information or to register, call Niagara County Department of Health Public Health Nursing at 278-1900 or Niagara County NY Connects at 438-3030 or https://compass.qtacny.org/find-a-workshop.