Senior Times - El Dorado County, California services/Documents... · at Certified Farmers’ Markets for the purchase of fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs

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INSIDE T h i s I s s u eSenior Legal News.....................Senior Shuttle Trips....................... Senior News.................................Nutrition Menu.............................. Senior Trips & Activities................... Community Activities.................Senior News................................. Medicare News............................Senior News...............................Senior News................................

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J u n e 2 0 1 8Senior Farmers’ Market Check Booklets AvailableThe El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging has a limited supply of Senior Farmers’ Market check booklets available for qualified El Dorado County Seniors. Each eligible senior will receive one booklet that includes five checks redeemable for $4 each to be used at Certified Farmers’ Markets for the purchase of fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and raw unprocessed honey.

Distribution of the Farmers’ Market check booklets will take place as follows:• July 11, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Burke’s Junction Farmers’ Market, Coach Lane at Strolling Hills Rd, located in Cameron Park.

• July 14, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the People’s Mountain Market, Garden Valley Park, located at Garden Valley Road and Marshall Road in Garden Valley.

• July 17, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Farmers’ Market, American Legion Parking Area, located at 2748 South Lake Tahoe Blvd (Hwy. 50) in South Lake Tahoe.

• July 25, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to dusk at the Main Street Farmers’ Market, near the Bell Tower, located at 385 Main St. in Placerville.

Farmers’ Market check booklets will be distributed to seniors who are at least 60 years of age and meet income guidelines (one person household with annual income less than $22,459 or $1,872 per month or two person household with income less than $30,451 or $2,538 per month). Checks are good for all Certified Farmers’ Markets in California.

Quantities of the booklets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Seniors may designate an individual (proxy) to receive their booklet and make purchases at the Farmers’ Market on their behalf. A proxy form must be completed by the eligible senior in advance so the proxy can pick up the booklet during the booklet distribution. For more information, or to request a proxy form, please call the El Dorado County Senior Information & Assistance Program at (530) 621-6251 or (800) 510-2020.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Senior News2

Area Code (530)Western Slope

Information & Assistance 621-6369 Legal Assistance 621-6154Long Term Care Ombudsman 621-6271Senior Nutrition Program 621-6160Senior Trips & Activities 621-6255Adult Day Services 621-6180Senior Times 621-6255Family Caregiver Support Program 621-6151Senior Shuttle 621-6369In Home Supportive Services 642-4800Senior Peer Counseling Program 621-6304Senior Health Education Program 621-6151Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800Department of Veterans Affairs 621-5892El Dorado Transit/Dial-a-Ride 642-3696

South Lake TahoeInformation and Assistance 621-6369South Lake Tahoe Senior Center 542-6094South Lake Tahoe Senior Nutrition 573-3130Legal Assistance 621-6154El Dorado County Health Dept. 573-3155Adult Protective Services (APS) 642-4800BlueGo Bus Transportation 541-7149SLT Cancer League 573-1203Department of Veterans Affairs 573-7955 ext-5892Hospice/Adult Grief Support Group 542-3171Report Elder Abuse 24 Hours 800-925-1812

Senior Legal News

Should You Homestead Your Residence? By Diana Steele, Senior Legal ServicesA Homestead Declaration is a simple legal document, recorded in the county where your residence is located, that gives protection from involuntary claims against your home. If you are found liable for a money judgment in court, the creditor may try to collect the monetary damages by garnishing wages, bank accounts, or having your vehicle or home sold to pay the judgment. Federal and state law protects some of your assets without having to file bankruptcy. Many seniors are judgment proof because their basic assets and retirement income are automatically protected.

The Homestead law protects a specific amount of equity in your home. The amount depends upon your classification as a homeowner. Most seniors 65 or older have automatic equity protection of up to $175,000. That means that this amount is protected from creditors, even if they have sued you and won a money judgment. And remember, if your home equity is less than the exemption amount, judgment creditors cannot force a sale of your home.

Some kinds of debts must be honored, with or without a Homestead Declaration. For example, if you have put your home up as collateral on a loan, or if you have a mortgage debt, the homestead exemption does not apply. Other debts not covered include property taxes, special assessments, mechanic liens, and child and spousal support.

Although California extends automatic protection to your primary residence, it is smart to file a Homestead Declaration. It gives public notice that your real property is your primary residence and therefore qualifies for the exemption. And it protects the exempted proceeds of a home sale from judgment creditors for up to six months after the home is sold, even if sold voluntarily. The form is easy to complete, but must be notarized prior to filing at the Recorder Clerk’s office. There are private agencies that will charge you to prepare your document, but be aware the California law prohibits them from charging you more than $25.

El Dorado County’s Senior Legal Services will assist you with information, preparation and filing of a Homestead Declaration for no charge except the Recorder Clerk’s filing fee. Call our office at 530-621-6154. ____________________________________________________________________

Volunteers Needed for Senior Day ProgramsExperience is a plus, but a big heart and willingness to learn is all that is needed.Work with clients, teach an art class, or share your talents in other ways.If you have spare time and a desire to make a difference in your community, call 530-621-6180 or 916-358-3560 for more information

Senior News

Residents of Placerville Area- Monday’s: June 4- Fork Lift– Cameron ParkJune 11- Savemart, Kmart & SafewayJune 18- Grocery Outlet and Dollar Tree June 25- Raley’s Placerville

Residents of Cameron Park, Rescue & Coloma Area- TuesdayJune 26- Walmart, Savemart, Kmart & Safeway

Residents of Camino, Pollock Pines Area- ThursdayJune 7- Placerville Shopping

Special Events – Everyone is welcome. Mark Your Calendar!June 1- WinCo Foods, FolsomJune 12- Folsom Area Shopping, East Bidwell June 22 - Crocker Art Museaum (Sack Lunch $3, Admission $8)

Senior Shuttle Events for JuneJoin the Senior Shuttle car pool! The Senior Shuttle is a volunteer driven van available to assist seniors with grocery shopping and small day trips. Sorry we don’t do medical appointments. We are currently offering weekly shopping trips to various locations in the community. In addition, we are offering a shopping excursion to East Bidwell and WinCo Foods in Folsom. The service has a suggested donation of $2.00 for local trip service to and from your home, and $5.00 for trips outside of El Dorado County. Seating is limited, so call and make your reservation today! **The Senior Shuttle is not wheel-chair accessible. Please call (530) 621-4546 for questions and reservations.

MOVIE of the MONTHEnjoy a MOVIE with Friends Movies at the Placerville Senior Center are held on the 2nd Friday of each month. Movies start at 1:00 p.m.** in the Dining Room. Bring your own popcorn and candy.

June 8th, 2018- Lincoln

A portrait of the final months of Lincoln’s presidency, and the struggle he and his cabinet faced as they attempted to get the 13th Amendment (which abolished slavery) through Congress as the Civil War was winding to a close.

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones.

Come for lunch at 12pm and then stay for the movie!

For more information or to make a reservation on the Senior Shuttle, please call (530) 621-4546.

Need Help With Your Computer?

Don is here to help with all your computer questions! Come by the Senior Resource

Computer Room, located in the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville.

Don is able to offer computer instruction and assistance to seniors 60 and over.

Don can help with PC hardware questions, Microsoft Windows, iPADs, iPhones, Word and

Excel. Please visit our Senior Resource Computer Room on Friday’s from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No

reservations necessary and drop-ins are welcome Please note: Don will be out on June 1st & 8th..

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I Don’t Need to Worry About Disasters Where I Live and Other Myths of Disaster PreparednessIndividuals, families and neighborhoods that are prepared for emergencies and disaster situations save lives, reduce the severity of injuries and trauma, and reduce property damage. Do you know the FACTS of emergency preparedness?

If something happens all I have to do is call 911.FACT: In an emergency, help can only go so far or be there so quickly. The responsibility for you and your household’s safety rests on your shoulders. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t call for help when it’s needed. It is to remind us that we may be on our own for a while.All I need is a 72-hour emergency kit with a flashlight, first aid kit, some food and water, and a radio. FACT: 72-hours has been the standard amount of time suggested for self-sufficiency during a disaster. Some experts suggest that a more practical goal is a minimum of two weeks. Customize your kit to your unique needs, including medical considerations. Remember your pets.My insurance policy will take care of everything.FACT: Check your policies closely. Many insurance companies are rewriting policies to redefine some rather common disaster-related incidents. Nothing like that could ever happen here, so why worry.FACT: Some areas are more prone to certain types of disasters, say earthquakes in California or tornadoes in Oklahoma. But no area is completely immune. You might travel somewhere and wind up in a disaster you never thought about. All I have to worry about is my own family.FACT: Technically, yes. But the more you’re able to care for yourself and your own family, the more you can help others. If your family, home and pets are prepared, the more you free up response efforts from fire, law enforcement and other helping organizations. With that said, neighbor helping neighbor is one of our highest civic duties. We’re all in this together.ADAPTED from Disaster Prep 101, by Paul Purcell. We invite you to learn the FACTS about being prepared. Visit El Dorado County’s Emergency Preparedness & Response website: https://www.edcgov.us/preparedness

The latest generation of tests can identify who’s at risk for certain diseases, as well as determine the best treatment.

Here are six game-changers backed by real science.

1. Less-guess prostate testMen diagnosed with prostate cancer have a tough choice among a range of options: from surgical removal of the prostate — difficulty with urination and impotence can be side effects — to watchful waiting. The Oncotype DX prostate cancer test is making the decision easier. By analyzing genetic information in a biopsy, the test distinguishes between slow-growing tumors that warrant regular monitoring and faster-growing tumors that demand immediate treatment. “For too long, we’ve overtreated prostate cancer,” says Michael Roizen, M.D., chief wellness officer

at the Cleveland Clinic. “This test allows us to avoid aggressive treatment when it’s not needed and save lives when it is.”

2. Meds and genesMedications affect people in different ways. “By analyzing each person’s genetic code, it’s now possible to predict which drugs will work best for each patient and which ones are ineffective and possibly dangerous,” says Dietrich Stephan, M.D., a professor and chairman of the department of human genetics at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. The Food and Drug Administration has posted on its website more than 150 medications for which DNA screenings can help avert futile treatments or adverse reactions and determine optimal dosages.

3. Blood simpleElizabeth Holmes, a 31-year-old Stanford University dropout and self-made billionaire, vowed to revolutionize the field of blood

With Diagnostic Tests, It’s a Brave New WorldThese six medical tests are not only game changers, but backed by real scienceby Margery D. Rosen, AARP Bulletin

Tests cont. on page 8

Senior Nutrition 5

Ravishing RadishesBy Natalie Patterson, R.D.

I don’t often consider the radish when choosing a vegetable to serve my family for dinner, but as summer approaches I look to seasonal vegetables to include in my daily menu. A food staple, red radishes are in grocery stores year-round but their season peaks between April and June. Greens from

radishes harvested early in the growing season are mild and tender and can be used raw in salads, pesto or even as a garnish. Radishes vary in shape and size and are available in dozens of colorful varieties including the common red globe, bi-colored French breakfast, watermelon and purple daikon, as well as Spanish black radishes.

This ruby red vegetable is considered an edible root. Its bright, rich colors indicate the presence of anti-

inflammatory features. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it is also rich in phytochemicals giving it anti-carcinogenic properties and that spicy taste. Hot dang! Radishes are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, potassium, folate. They are low in calories and are among the most hydrating vegetables with more than 95 percent water content!

Beyond a good wash, most radishes are ready to eat, with no peeling required. They keep well for about a week in

the refrigerator crisper drawer, loosely wrapped in plastic. To retain freshness, wash them just before use, trim the greens down to just an inch of the stem before refrigeration, and soak them in ice water for ½ hour to an hour before preparation. When choosing radishes, the smaller the size the greater the sweetness and the more tender the flesh. Radishes pair well with citrus fruits, especially oranges and lemon, fresh herbs like parsley and chives, or even vinegars,

Western Slope Activities6

Senior Hikers...Tuesday, June 12th. No Hands Bridge. Elly (530) 344-9071

Tuesday, June 26th. Wrights Lake. Patty McK. (530) 957-1436

For hikes wear hiking shoes, bring lunch, water, bug spray, hiking stick, and usual necessities. Hikes are usually five miles max, unless noted. Meet at the Placerville Senior Center at 7:30 a.m.

Things to Do!Daily fitness classes at the Placerville Senior Center. Starts at 7:30 a.m. Includes, balance, strengh training and weights.

Knit and Crochet Group meets on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. at the Placerville Senior Center.

Senior Trips...All trips, unless otherwise noted, include AllWest Transportation, tickets, lunch & driver gratuities. For more information, (530) 621-6255.

Benicia- A Great Day by the Bay. July 19th, 2018. Take a

docent lead tour of the Benicia Capital State Historic Park, the site of Californian’s third seat of government. Free time in Benicia. $80 pp.

Mamma Mia- August 9th, 2018. Take your reserved seating at the Music Circus-Sacramento-Broadway Series for a performance that has been enjoyed by 54 million people around the world. Lunch at II Fornaio. $155 pp

The Presidio of San Francisco- August 28, 2018Spend the day with professional Tour Guide, Craig Smith exploring the largest (within the City) National Park in the World!

1500 acres! Start your day off with a visit to the newly and beautifully renovated Officer’s Club, the Presidio Heritage Gallery and Museum, Disney Lucas Art Studio, and so much more. Lunch at the Presidio Golf Club. $110 Sold Out!

Cambria Scarecrow Festival- October 15-17, 2018. Travel down the Central Valley to Harris Ranch for lunch. Check into the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon. The next day enjoy the Cambria Scarecrow Festival. The next day depart for the magical Hearst Castle Tour. Most of the meals included. Pick up the flyer for more details. $700 dlb / $975 single

Community Activities 7

South Lake Tahoe

9 a.m. Pool Exercise 12 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Mah Jong

9 a.m. Pool Exercise10 a.m. Open Art Studio10:45 a.m. Fitness Class12 p.m. Lunch12:45 p.m. Duplicate Bridge1:30 p.m. Pottery Class

9 a.m. Pool Excercise10 a.m. Line Dance10 a.m. Quilters Group

12 p.m. Lunch1 p.m. Painting 1:15 p.m. Social Bingo

9 a.m. Pool Exercise 9:30 a.m. Men’s Bridge 12 p.m. Lunch

9 a.m. Pool Exercise10:45 a.m. Fitness Class12 p.m. Lunch1 p.m. Party Bridge

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

El Dorado County Senior Services-For a complete list of services available in El Dorado County, please call the Senior Information and Assistance Program at (530) 621-6369 or (800) 510-2020.

Caregiver Support Group-2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30 - 7 p.m., SLT Senior Center. Contact Penny (530) 541-2304.

Widowed Persons Association of California, South Lake Tahoe Chapter – (530) 542-4912. Meets the last Sunday of the month,1 p.m. Call for location and other meeting times.

Call the SLT Senior Center for more events (530) 542-6094.

South Lake Tahoe Senior Center

EL DORADO HILLS GILMORE CENTER For more information call (916) 358-3575 or www.edhcsd.org -Some fees apply, not a complete list of activities. Movie Monday 1:00pm June 4th and 18th - FreeJune 5 - 1:00pm iPhone 101 with Tom Holt - FreeJune 7 - 9:00am Home Safety Presentation by Jim Wassner - FreeJune 13 - 1:00pm Paint and Splash Too! Class Fee $30June 14 - 1:00pm Better Safer Senior LIving by Ron Demske-FreeJune 19 - 1:00pm How to Live the Happiest Life Possible! - FreeJune 21 - 1:00pm Coffee Talk with the Gilmore Center Staff - FreeJune 25 - 1:00pm 2nd Annual 1/2 Christmas & Day Themed Day - FreeJune 29 - 1:00pm NEW - Open Mic Karaoke - Free

CAMERON PARK CSD-Mature AdultsFor more information call (530) 677-2231 or www.cameronpark.orgJoin the Cameron Park 50+ group on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am–4pm at the CSD. ForBridge every Monday at 1pm & Wednesday at 9:30amQuilting every Wednesday 9am - 12pmJune 11 - 10:30am Brain Health Activities & 1:00pm BingoJune 14 - 11:30am Medicare 101June 16 - 5:00pm - 8:30pm Truck & Tunes at Christa McAuliffe ParkJune 21 - 10am-12pm Gift Card Play Day-All Winners Receive Gift CardJune 25 - 10:00am Game Day sponsored by Cameron Park NewcomersJune 29 - 1:00pm Bunco BashJune 30 - Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake-Gates open at 2pm

CheCk Out these Other ACtivities Being Offered in YOur COmmunitY

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTSWakamatsu Farm Volunteer Orientation-June 9, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The American River Conservancy is seeking adults and older teens who will commit to regular weekly, monthly, or quarterly volunteering at Wakamatsu Farm. (530) 621-1224.

El Dorado County Fair--June 14-17, 2018, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. “There’s Magic in the Air”. Come down to the County Fair for music, animals, exhibits, rides and so much more. For more information, please contact Office Staff at (530) 621-5860, [email protected] or http://eldoradocountyfair.org/fair.html

Third Saturday Art Walk--June 16, 2018, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Historic Main Street Activities: Art galleries and merchants stay open late to host changing art shows and late night shopping and dining. Refreshments, demonstrations and entertainment. The art walks starts after 5:00 p.m. Contact Placerville Downtown Association for more information, call PDA at (530) 672-3436, (530) 295-3496 or http://www.placerville-downtown.org

Dreams and Drivers 6th Annual Pancreatic Cancer Car Show @Red Hawk Casino--June 24, 2018, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 100% proceeds go to Pan Can Action Network. (Roll in is at 9:30, show starts at 11:00am) Contact Kym at [email protected]

The Cameron Park Rotary Club Community Observatory, Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, invites the public to let trained docents show the many celestial wonders of the universe through two 14 inch telescopes. The observatory is open to the public on weekend evenings (weather permitting), Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, 6699 Campus Drive, continue through the back parking lots to the left of the observatory gate.

Senior News8

SCAM OF THE MONTH

Moving Day ScamsLast Memorial Day, the BBB sounded the alarm

about moving day scams. You know, where a moving company quotes a too-good-to-be true rate and then holds your items hostage at the end. Noting

that half of all moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the BBB advised customers to “do their homework,” noting that it had recorded 460

moving day complaints in the previous 12 months. Here’s your first assignment: Make sure the movers

are licensed. You can do that on this site. https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/hhg/search.asp

http://www.newsweek.com/summer-memorial-day-summertime-scams-scam-artists-616731

Tests cont. from page 4 testing — and she’s doing it, one pinprick at a time. That’s the

first big change: no more tourniquet, syringe or hunt for a vein. With a few drops drawn from a poke in your fingertip, the formula patented by Holmes’ company, Theranos, can perform more than 200 blood tests — from standard cholesterol checks to sophisticated DNA analyses. Accustomed to waiting days or weeks for lab results? Theranos delivers results to doctors within a few hours. What’s more, the cost is a fraction of what competing labs charge.

4. Dreading that colonoscopy?Some people have a new alternative: the PillCam COLON2. Recently approved by the FDA, it’s a disposable, battery-run video camera in a capsule you swallow. Traveling through you for up to 10 hours, the PillCam transmits high-speed color pictures of its journey to a recording device, attached to a belt around your waist, that relays those images for your doctor’s review. The upside: no sedation or recovery time. The downside: You still need the cleansing prep required before a standard colonoscopy, and any polyps or other findings must be dealt with the old-fashioned way. For now, the PillCam is available only for people who can’t have a traditional colonoscopy.

5. Heart trouble ahead?Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have found a correlation between people’s level of a substance called

TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide) and cardiovascular trouble. In a study,

those with the highest levels of TMAO — produced when you digest choline, found in eggs, red meat and dairy products — had double the risk of death, heart attack and stroke compared to those with the lowest levels. Even more striking:

The prediction can be made for those without high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease. Because symptoms develop slowly, many people have no hint of coronary disease until they suffer a heart attack or stroke. “But with this test, we can give them personalized nutrition information so they can begin to make heart-healthy food choices,” says Roizen, author of the book.

6. Your personal ECGAliveCor Heart Monitor (about $75), ECG Check by Cardiac Designs (about $129) and similar monitors use your smartphone to record an accurate electrocardiogram (ECG) and send it to your doctor. You simply attach a thin device with built-in sensors onto the back of your phone and download a free app. Traditional, strap-on heart monitors have been around for decades, but, says Timothy Dutta, M.D., of Weill Cornell Medical College, “Murphy’s Law says that people will wear a monitor 24/7 for several weeks, and experience no symptoms. Once they take it off, they do.” With a smartphone handy, you can whip it out at the first sign of light-headedness or heart palpitations and simply rest your fingers on the sensors.

Cameron Park Newcomers Cameron Park Newcomers welcome new members!

You do not have to live in Cameron Park and you do not have to be a newcomer. The Cameron Park Newcomers is established for the purpose of welcoming residents and enhancing the social life of Cameron Park and surrounding communities. Some activities have either day or evening groups and there are many other special events throughout the year. Even if you don’t know how to play a game join and learn. There is a singles group as well as a couples group.

The Club offers Book Club, Bunco, Dining Groups, Crafts, Mahjong, Pinochle, Poker, Rummykube, as well as many Lunches, Programs & Picnics. If you have an interest that you do not see here, join and feel free to organize that interest.

Senior News 9

Ravishing Radishes cont. from page 5salt, butter, or yogurt and cream. They are usually served cold in salads and as garnishes, but did you know that cooking them can enhance their sweetness and tame their spice, creating a similar texture to cooked carrots or turnips? Sauté or roast small red radishes whole and toss with pasta, rice, or whole grains. You can also include them in stir-fries, mixed vegetable grills, and egg scramblers. But not all radishes are recommended for cooking. The milder tasting radishes, like the watermelon radish and daikon, are best served cold.

Roasted Red Globe Rubies1 pound Red globe (common) radishes, leaves and ends removed1 Tablespoon Olive Oil1 Tablespoon White Wine Vinegar1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley¼ tsp salt (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Halve radishes and toss in a bowl with olive oil and salt. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and place radishes cut-side-down on the lined sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, stir, then roast for an additional 10 minutes. In a large bowl, stir together roasted radishes, vinegar and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy this root vegetable over the summer warm and explore its possibilities!

Medicare and Kidney DiseaseDid you know that one in three American adults is at risk for kidney disease? Major risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure, and being age 60 or older. The best way to fight kidney disease is to find it before trouble starts. But if you’ve already been diagnosed, Medicare can help you make informed decisions about your care.

If you have Stage IV chronic kidney disease that will usually require dialysis or a kidney transplant, Medicare covers up to six kidney disease education sessions that teach you how to take the best possible care of your organs. Find more information about how Medicare covers dialysis and transplants: at https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10128-Medicare-Coverage-ESRD.pdf.

If you or a loved one has advanced kidney problems requiring dialysis, often known as End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD), finding the right care can be a challenge. Dialysis centers can vary in the quality of care and services they provide, so it’s important to understand the differences in dialysis centers in your area before you decide

where to go for care. If you’re already on dialysis, it’s also important to understand the quality of care that your dialysis center delivers.

Medicare’s Dialysis Facility Compare website (https://www.medicare.gov/dialysisfacilitycompare) lets you easily search for dialysis centers, compare them side by side, and find the right one for you. You also can see how dialysis patients responded to survey questions about their dialysis center, their kidney doctor, and the center’s staff. Dialysis Facility Compare provides information on more than 6,500 centers throughout the United States. The website assigns each facility from one to five stars, based on the quality of its patient care. Five stars is the highest rating.

Dialysis Facility Compare is one of many sources of information you can use when deciding where to get dialysis. When you’re looking for a dialysis center that’s right for you, talk to your doctor and dialysis center staff about what this information means and how you can use it to make health care decisions.

You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The steps described below may help keep your whole body healthy,

including your kidneys.

During your next medical visit, ask your health care provider about your kidney health. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, and getting tested may be the only way to know if your kidneys are healthy. Your health care provider will help decide how often you should be tested. See a provider right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated. Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Try to have less than 10 percent of your daily calories come from added sugars.

In El Dorado County, you can get answers to your Medicare questions by talking with a registered HICAP counselor (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). Services are free, unbiased and available by appointment in Placerville, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe. Call El Dorado County at 530-621-6369, Ext3.Adapted from article by Gregg Dills, Medicare’s Regional Administrator for California.

Senior News10

Adult Day Center Caregiver Support Groups/MeetingsAfter a while, providing care to a relative or close friend with a

chronic health condition, such as dementia, can take its toll. Join one of our support groups to gain support and insight.

“My Time” Caregiver GatheringFriday, June 1st from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street. For more information, please call (530) 621-6180.

El Dorado Hills Support Group

“My Time EDH” Support group for care partners of people with dementia. The next meeting will be June 28th, 10:30 a.m.-

Noon. Free respite care is provided during My Time. For more information, please call (916) 358-3560.

The Divide Caregiver SupportThis Caregiver Support Group is for persons who are caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend and wish to receive pratical

tips and information on how to make their caregiving journey successful. Group meets the 2nd Tuesday afternoon of each

month. 2:30-4:00 p.m. Greenwood Community Center, 4401 HWY 193-next to CCC. For more information, please call

(530) 621-6192.

Senior Peer CounselingOffers counseling services to adults 55 years or older enabling

them to make choices and changes for personal growth. For more information, please call (530) 621-6304.

Telephone Reassurance ProgramThe You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program is a FREE telephone

calling service that provides daily phone calls to seniors. For more information, please call (530) 621-6255.

Commission on Aging

The El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging has a Commission on Aging (COA) that serves as an

Advisory Board to the County Board of Supervisors. The 14 members of

the COA are appointed and represent all parts of the county. Various

committees work hard to recommend services that help seniors survive in this ever more complicated world.

www.2nd50yrs.org

For more information about the COA or for a schedule of upcoming

meetings, please call (530) 642-4833.

Health and Human Services AgencyMeetings and Programs

Thank you from the Friends of SeniorsFriends of Seniors 7th Annual Spaghetti Feed was a huge success. The dinner and desserts were delicious, the gift baskets and prizes were outstanding and the room was filled with happy people.

Kudos to Chef Cindy Brown and her volunteer crew for preparing the wonderful meal and the mouthwatering desserts. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all who made it possible. Everything ran smoothly thanks to the many volunteers from both Friends of Seniors and the El Dorado Fire Safe Council.

The funds raised will benefit these two special programs for seniors: 1. The Senior Emergency Fund helps support seniors in crisis2. The Senior Defensible Space program, in partnership with the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, helps create a fire-safe environment around seniors’ homes. Seniors must qualify for each of these programs

We are grateful to the following local businesses for their generous donations of items for the dinner: Boa Vista, Eskaton Village Placerville, Grocery Outlet, Mossy Oak Land & Tree Service, Pizza Factory, Pizza Plus, Raley’s Placerville, Safeway Placerville, Save Mart on Broadway, and Western Slope Health Center. We appreciate the ongoing support we receive from the Mother Lode Lions Club.

A huge thank you goes out to The Clipper, Windfall, Gold Panner, Frank’s Body Shop, Dr. Mitchell Goodis, the Senior Times, and Style Magazine for helping to get the word out. Also, thank you to the Mountain Democrat for covering the event on page B9 in their May 4th edition.

To all the volunteers and supporters who sent in donations, contributed food, items, gift baskets, giving tree items, as well as time and energy to make the 7th Annual Spaghetti Feed a wonderful event, we send our heartfelt thanks for all that you do.

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Mail to: Senior TimesDepartment of Human Services,

937 Spring Street, Placerville, CA 95667

Senior Defensible Space ProgramFriends of Seniors in partnership with the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council has a Senior Defensible Space program. The purpose of the program is to help create defensible space around your home, and to provide safe access along your driveway.

This service is only available if you are age 65 or older, are physically unable to do the work yourself, and financially unable to afford to hire someone to do vegetation removal on your property. The clearing work must be on your primary residence that is owned and occupied by you on the western slope of El Dorado County.

The Senior Defensible Space program will cover up to $300 worth of work, performed by a licensed landscape contractor. There is no cost to qualified seniors, and the program is available on a one-time only basis. Funding is limited.

In order to be considered, an application must be filled out and submitted. You can receive an application by emailing [email protected] or calling 530-334-6090. Applications are also available online at: www.friendsofEDCseniors.org __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friends of SeniorsFriends of Seniors is now in the planning stages for their 7th Annual Wine in the Vines event at Sierra Vista Winery on August 11, 2018 from 5:30-7:30pm. Information will be available on the webiste at www.friendsofEDCseniors.org

Friends of Seniors is an all-volunteer organization. Volunteers are the heart of everything they do. If you would like to be a part of a fun organization that raises funds to support senior programs and services in El Dorado County, please consider joining them. For more information or to volunteer, please contact them at (530) 334-6090 or [email protected].

POETRY FOR ALL

Disclaimer: Any listed Community Events and Meetings and any other non-County events listed in the Senior Times are not represented or provided by El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Agency. For information regarding events, dates, locations, etc., please call the organization directly. Thank You.

Placerville Fellowship and NewcomersOpen to all newcomers and residents of El Dorado County.

Luncheon meeting is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. (530) 344-9209.

Stroke Education and Support GroupMeets at 681 Main Street, Room 208, Placerville

1st Thursday of each month, Brown Bag Lunch – 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. For more information, (530) 626-2770, ext. 6002.

Sierra Renaissance SocietyOpen to all older adults who want to learn about new topics,

meet new people and have fun! Among the events are speakers, workshops and filsm. www.sredc.com

Widowed Persons ClubThis club is for widowed persons who meets several times a month for various activities. Call (530) 363-7476 for more

information and an invitation to attend one of these activities.

Golfers!! Bowlers!! RVrs!! Fishers!! SIR is a non-profit organization of men retired from full time

employment. We have a monthly luncheon meeting and a guest speaker. No dues. For more information, (530) 644-1405.

Community Meetings

Senior TimesNon - Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage PaidPlacerville, CA 95667Permit No. 293Return Service Requested

Poetry in Motion, a poetry read-round, Monday, June 25th from 6-7 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages welcome. The event is free.

Poetic License, a poetry read-round, Saturday, June 23rd from 2-4 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center. All ages welcome. The event is free. Bring your own poems to share; read from your favorite poets; or just come to listen.

Bring your own poems to share; read from your favorite poets; or just come to listen. We hope to see you there!

The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) of-fers several programs to help El Dorado County seniors and families pay their utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Households may qualify for assistance with their elec-tric bill or receive a $500 credit towards their propane, wood, pellet or kerosene. The application process takes less than 15 minutes, pre-approval can be made over the phone.

HEAP Assistsance is determined using the last four (4) weeks of income. For more information or to pick up an application, please call 530-621-6150 or visit the Health and Human Services Agency, HEAP Program, 937 Spring Street, Placerville, CA 95667.

Gross Annual Monthly Income Guidelines:

Household Size123456

Max Monthly Income$2,097.98$2,743.52$3,389.05$4,034.58$4,680.12$5,325.65

HEAP Program