MAY 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
LANE COUNTY EDITION
northeast Portland, sits on the board of the Association of Nurses and Jacki Gethner CONTINUED FROM P. 8 speaks to the AIDS, Facebook: Women of a transmitted disease (STD) Leukemia and LymCertain Age/Jacki Gethner when it is too late, often phoma Society, and Jackigethner.com because they were embarattends to her massage “Behind Door #3: Choose rassed to ask for the test. clients at Regener-ative with Eyes Wide Open” Many STDs do not have any Therapy. includes a listing of symptoms unless the infecShe volunteers to help resources on aging, senior tion is serious. Doctors also the chronic and terminalhealth and advice about may misdiagnose early ly-ill, and teaches family sex in the later years. symptoms of HIV infection members and their chil— fatigue, weakness, memdren how to massage feet ory changes — as normal to give comfort to loved signs of aging. She encourones, “instead of sending them stupid flowages sexually-active older adults to start a ers.” She feels for every one she teaches, dialogue about STDs with their primary- and they pass it on. care physician. “Too many seriously ill cannot afford Despite the imperative, having that “sex massages, she says, “and touch is so comtalk” is still challenging to address. Gethner forting. People are afraid to touch the sick.” hosts workshops but typically has low attenShe tells a heartfelt anecdote about her dance because of the stigma attached to it. father, who was in the advanced stages of However, she will be discussing the content Alzheimer’s. of her book in May at a Boston College She took his arm and said, “One day you School of Social Work conference, and she will not remember who I am, which will be often works with female members of the a sad day for me. But when I put my hand military at a VA hospital women’s clinic. on your arm, deep inside you will know it is me and that I will love you and keep you More than just sex Gethner is eager to educate. She teaches safe.” She says she felt him respond and that tai chi at the Hollywood Senior Center in he was comforted by her touch. ■
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Of note
Photo courtesy of Jacki Gethner
It’s straight talk about sex with Jacki Gethner, an author, massage therapist and drug and alcohol counselor. She believes older adults need to address the topic of intimate relationships to protect themselves both physically and emotionally.
Pink Ribbon Tea tickets available
The Sixth Annual Lane County Pink Ribbon Tea is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at the Eugene Faith Center, 1410 W. 13th Ave., Eugene. Enjoy a formal afternoon with friends who are helping area residents who are uninsured and in need of mammogram screenings. Cost is $25, prepaid and nonrefundable. Tickets must be purchased by May 20.
Those who attend can host a table of eight by bringing a complete service of eight luncheon plates, cups, saucers, water glasses, silverware (including serving pieces and extra spoons), creamer and sugar, two teapots, a water pitcher and napkins. Tablecloths are provided and you can decorate the table as fancy as you wish. The event also features a raffle and silent auction, as well as
entertainment, speakers and vendors. Find the event on Facebook as Lane County Pink Ribbon Tea, send an email to lanecountypinkribbontea@yahoo.com, or call Karin Couch, 541-513-7466. Checks should be made out to Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation and mailed to Karin Couch, 535 East 31st Ave., Eugene, OR 97405. ■
We would like to hear from you
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