See what’s happening at the East Lyme Senior Center!
Stroke Awareness – Content by Judy
Yes, it is a true emergency!! If anyone, any age has sudden numbness in their face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, lack of coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 right away!! This is a real emergency. If left unattended the consequences can be life altering if not fatal.
If you think someone might be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
The sooner someone is treated the better the outcome. Strokes can be potentially reversed or at least stopped if a stroke is treated within the first 3 hours. Call an ambulance. Do not drive them!! The crew on the ambulance can start treatment sooner and the outcome will be better. You want life-saving treatment as soon as possible!!
If you think you are having a stroke call 911 right away. You might not be able to make that call even a few minutes later.
Every year over 800,000 people have a stoke. Nearly 150,000 die each year. Strokes are the leading cause of serious long-term disability. BUT 80% of strokes are PREVENTABLE!!
Most strokes are caused by clots blocking blood flow in the brain and strokes are a leading cause of disability. Some ways to prevent or lower your risk of having a stroke is to stop smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, eat plenty of veggies and fruit, and exercise. Also be sure you are managing your diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Stress and depression can also contribute to the risk of a stroke.
By looking at your own risk factors of having a stroke and living a healthier lifestyle you can help reduce the odds of having a stroke. Be sure to review all of this with your health care professionals. Check with them before taking or changing supplements to see if they are right for you. Get regular checkups. Reach out to other professionals for help to improve your lifestyle.
And it is never too late to change! Talk to your doctor and modify some things in your life!!
Hartford Healthcare Webinars: Thursday, May 6th at 2pm- Virtual Healthy Brain Series and Tuesday, May 18th at 1pm- Men’s Health: Tips for Good Health Later In Life
Webinar: Virtual Healthy Brain Series
Thu, May 6th at 2pm
In this free, LIVE webinar series, join Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist, to learn how to challenge your mind daily, importance of diet, sleep and the blue zones. Q&A with the expert will follow the presentation.
Webinar: Men’s Health: Tips for Good Health Later in Life
Tue, May 18th at 1pm
Taking charge of your own health is an important. Understanding what are some common areas of concern related to men are will allow you to feel empowered about how to partner with your healthcare provider to live your best life. Presented by Nicholas Arsenault, transitional care nurse, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Q&A with the speaker will follow the presentation.
To register for any HHC virtual class, please call 18554424373 or visit hartfordhealthcare.org/virtual classes. Once registered you will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
Wed, May 19th , 12 to 1:15pm- Virtual U Lecture: The History of Memorial Day and the Challenge of Remembering War
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, a simple offering of flowers on the graves of Union soldiers. The Civil War itself, the most deadly struggle in the nation’s history, forced a reckoning with death, sacrifice, and honor. Ever since, Americans have looked with care and sometimes great difficulty at the meaning of war, often trying to strike a discordant balance between a nation’s reasons for armed conflict and the duty of soldiers to serve. Join Dr. Matthew Warshauer from Central Connecticut State University, as he explores this day and how we remember our Veterans each year.
Register at www.aarp.org/CTEvents.
If you have trouble with the Zoom link, contact the Senior Center to receive registration information.
May Upcoming Music Classes
As of May, fees will be charged.
Mon thru June 28th 11-12pm Ukulele Lessons Level 2
New session will start on May 3rd and end on June 28th (no class on May 31st). Instructor led lessons for advanced beginner on up student on Mon at 11am via Zoom only at this time. Registration in process. Class fee $40R and $44NR.
Mon thru June 28th 2-4pm Jam Session
New session will start on May 3rh and end on June 28th (no class on May 31st). Shirley Lan & Joe Rice will lead this jam via Zoom. Any person who can play an instrument is welcome. Must register your interest to participant for the session.
Tue thru June 5th 1:30-2:30pm Beginner Guitar & Ukulele Lessons
New session will start on May 4th and end on May 25th. Instructor led lessons for beginners but all levels are welcome on Zoom only at this time. Registration in process. You will need to purchase a ukulele and a tuner. Class fee $20R and $22NR.
Thu thru June 28th 12:30-1:30pm Guitar Lessons – Advanced Beginner
New session will start on May 6th and end on June 24th. Instructor led lessons for advanced beginner on up students on Thu at 11am via Zoom only at this time. You must register for this session. Registration in process. Class fee $48R and $53NR.
SPEAKING OF MUSICAL OF INSTRUMENTS…
The Senior Center is offering fun, private guitar and ukulele zoom lessons from the convenience of your home. Free complimentary 1st lesson. The cost is $20 for a 30 minute session or $90 for a 4 week run. Contact the Senior Center to register. We will need your phone number and your email address.
May Upcoming Arts & Crafts Programs
As of May, fees will be charged.
Tue thru June 29th 10:30-12pm Painting with Friends
New session will start on May 4th and end on June 29th and will be held the 2nd and 4th Tue of every month at 10:30am via Zoom only at this time. Registration begins May 3rd.
Tue May 11th and Tue May 25th 1-2pm Craft Time
2 classes – May 11th creating a Flower Wreath & May 25th painting Kindness Rocks. In person instruction with Candy. Registration begins May 3rd.
Wed thru June 30th 9:30-11:30am Stitch Happens
New session will start on May 5th and end on June 30th and will be held on Wed at 9:30am in person. You must register your interest in this session. Maximum number indoors will be 8. Registration begins May 3rd.
Thu thru June 24th 10:00-11:30am Drawing Class
New session will start on May 6th and end on June 24th and will be held on Thu at 10am in person but will have a Zoom option. You must register for this session. Maximum number indoors will be 16. Registration begins May 3rd.
Thru June 25th Quilting
New session will start on May 3rd and end on June 29th and will be held on the 1st Mon of the month at 1pm – the 3rd Fri of the month at 5pm and the last Tue of the month at 5pm. You must register for this session. This is an indoor program. Maximum number indoors will be 8. Fee is $2per participation.