Out and About – Week of October 5th

Last week I mentioned “A Program on Dementia”. Dr. Nadeem Mirza, from the Bronson Three Rivers Specialty Clinic gave this free presentation at the Three Rivers Community Center, 103 South Douglas, Three Rivers. There are four more free presentations available to those interested in obtaining some very valuable information on a variety of topics. These presentations take place Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Three Rivers Community Center. Here are the programs, along with the names of the presenters, for the remainder of October:

1. October 6 – “Sleep Apnea: The Not So Funny Side of Snoring” – Dr. Bantu Chhangani.

2. October 13 – “Perimenopause and Menopause: What’s Normal, What’s Not” – Julia Koestner, NP

3. October 20 – “Headache Diagnosis and Management”- Dr. D. Jewett

4. October 27 – “Advances In Cardiology” – Dr. Ramon Raneses

If you are interested in a complete list of other classes and events by month, visit www.bronsonhealth.com/Classes and Events. Should you have questions, call Bronson Health Answers at 1-800-451-6310.

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2009, it seems that the days pass by faster and faster. I guess you could compare it to a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it disappears. With that in mind, I can’t forget to remind you of the upcoming annual Fall Color Tour. Sunday, October 18 will be here before we know it, and if we’re not careful, we’ll miss this opportunity to take in some of the greatest colors in Michigan. Local businesses, St. Joeph County Parks, and the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce host the Fall Color Tour from noon to 5 P.M. on October 18. A few Color Tour brochures are available at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, 57 North Main, Three Rivers. You may also visit the Chamber website at www.trchamberofcommerce.com. I’ll mention more about the tour next week.

If arts and crafts are among your interests, you may want to join Ellen Brunner as she instructs a class on Polymer Clay Beading. You’ll learn how to design beads for jewelry and do other projects using clay on Fridays, October 9 and 23, and November 13. There will also be a Monday class on November 23. Classes will be at 10 A.M. at the Three Rivers Senior Center, 103 South Douglas, Three Rivers. Oh yes, there is no cost for this class.

Do you have a problem getting rid of “old” medications? Here is a possible solution. It seems that the common practice of flushing pills down the toilet has a harmful effect on waterways and their ecosystems. An alternative would be to mix most expired pills with coffee grounds, cat litter, or sawdust in a zippered plastic bag and throw it out with the garbage. However, for highly addictive drugs such as Percocet and Oxycontin, you might want to participate in a medication take-back program.

I remind you that there’s another antique show next Sunday at the St. Joseph County Fair Grounds in Centreville. The fun begins at 8 A.M.

A special “Thank You” to Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson. It’s always a special time when I’m invited to ride along with the firefighters in any parade. I thank you for the invite and I thank you for doing what you do to make our lives safer. Be safe!

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman