Out and About – Week of February 28th

“A Leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t

necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” ~ Rosalynn Carter

Next month, we’ll all experience a rendezvous with destiny, when we visit the “Tax Man”. To most, this is a non-threatening experience. To others it might be worse than having a root canal. Fear not, for there is FREE help available. AARP volunteers are once again offering tax preparations at both Commission on Aging locations. To make an appointment, call the COA at (269)279-8083. Please be aware that masks are required when interacting with the volunteer, and you must remain in the building while your taxes are being prepared. Volunteers are available in Sturgis at the Oaks Enrichment Center, 306 North Franks Avenue on Mondays and Tuesdays. In Three Rivers, the volunteers are available at the Rivers Enrichment Center, 1200 West Broadway, on Thursdays. This service is available through April 14. Don’t wait too long. Available times are filling up rapidly.

As promised, here are the answers to the “Health Quiz” from last week’s column:

Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of all but one of these – HEART DISEASE
A daily serving of which food is most likely to help keep you regular? – BRAN FLAKES
A daily serving of which food is least likely to raise the risk of colon cancer? – TUNA SALAD
I haven’t worked a single day for the past ten years. Oh, I’ve been physically active without getting paid and there have been plenty of mornings when I’ve had to use an alarm clock in order to get out of bed. Like so many others my age, I’m retired and just don’t have any time to work a regular job. I guess you might call me a “Professional Volunteer”. Being a professional anything means you get paid. I do get paid, but not monetarily. My pay is the feeling of doing something, because it needs to be done.

There are many civic organizations that need volunteers. In most cases, all you need is a heart beat. Lions Clubs International, Rotary International, Eagles, Elks, and Moose are just a few of the many groups that are always looking for people to step forward and serve. Soup kitchens and food banks never have too many people. If you are physically able, check out some of these groups. You have no idea how many friends you’ll have and how much richer your life might be.

Nothing will wake you up faster than experiencing leg cramps in the middle of the night. Most who are awakened this way, usually jump out of bed screaming in pain. You are now fully awake and so is your partner. Not a pleasant experience.

One of the causes of leg cramps can be the lack of potassium, calcium or magnesium in your system. One cure is Vitamin B-12. This vitamin can be found in animal and dairy food. Those who have a Vitamin B-12 deficiency can sometimes experience muscle cramps all over the body.

Here are five ways that might help in preventing those awful leg cramps in the middle of the night:

Stretch during the day and before bedtime. Focus on the calf and foot muscles.
Drink plenty of water.
Move around during the day to exercise your feet and legs.
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
Sleep under loose covers, especially if you sleep on your back.

“Jonah took no brush to mop his face. Where Jonah went he needed space.” ~ BURMA SHAVE

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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