Senior center sessions in August vary from estate planning to vaping
MADISON – Sessions in August at Madison Lifestyle and Learning Center (formerly Madison Senior Center) will vary from estate planning to vaping concerns.
The center offered free testing for the COVID-19 virus on Aug. 3. In addition, COVID-19 vaccinations for the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be administered on Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The session, “Let’s Get Crafting — Sunflower Crafts,” will guide participants in decorating items with sunflower designs. Limited to 10 people, this session on Aug. 6 will run from 10 to 11 a.m.
During August, residents can attend classes in a “Lunch & Learn” series on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., according to Levoneia Ayers, Interim Senior Center Director with the City of Madison.
On Aug. 4, the session topic will be “Medicare Scams and Fraud,” a clear threat to senior citizens in today’s world.
On Aug. 11, Meredith Hinkle will be the facilitator for the “Diabetes Education and Prevention” program. Hinkle is a registered dietician and works as Diabetes Educator for Crestwood Medical Center.
Professionals who work with Martinson & Beason PC will lead the “Estate Planning” seminar on Aug. 18.
On Aug. 25, “Clearing the Smoke: Facts Behind the Vaping Cloud” will explore the top public health crisis before the onslaught of COVID-19. Instructor will be AnnMarie Martin, who is Program Manager of Youth Tobacco/Vaping Prevention with Partnership for a Drug-Free Community.
The epidemic rise of vaping among teenagers and a deadly vaping-related lung illness dominated the 2019 headlines. The vaping problem hasn’t gone away, and Partnership with its youth program aims to raise awareness among parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone else who works with teens and preteens, Martin said.
The Tobacco Prevention Toolkit from Stanford University Medical School is the basis of this curriculum. The session will review e-cigarettes (vapes, JUULs, Puff Bars, Pops); high levels of nicotine in vapes; nicotine’s harm throughout the body; dangers of toxic chemicals in fruit and candy vape flavors; higher infection rates of COVID-19 for smokers and vapers; and marketing efforts by corporations promoting their products.
Also in August, fun is the goal with “Family Feud” on Aug. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. On Aug. 18, a program on weight loss and healthy lifestyles will run from 1 to 2 p.m.
Some sessions are affiliated with LearningQUEST, a 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer-led organization for adults of all ages, dedicated to building a learning community through educational and enrichment opportunities.