Smart Senior November/December 2022

Give Thanks Celebration

Thursday, November 17 at 11:30 AM

Celebrate the holiday season at the Marsh Auditorium with all your favorite Thanksgiving foods.

Tickets are $5.00 per person

Join us this year as we GIVE THANKS for St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church for their support to SmartSenior and the community for over 30 years. An Ornament tree with St. Michael’s wishes and needs for their food and other outreach programs to the community will be at the event.

Tickets go on sale November 1 at the SmartSenior Office. Call the SmartSenior office at 912-352-4405 or stop by to get your ticket.

Fri

pm

Search

History of Veterans Day

55 or Better? Join Today! REGULARLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES

Free Exercise Class

Location: SmartSenior Office Mondays, 9:15 AM – 10 AM

Free Line Dancing

Location: St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Washington & Waters Ave.

Advanced: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 AM

Beginner: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11 AM

Painting Class

Location: SmartSenior Office Wednesdays & Fridays 9:15 AM-11:45 AM

Artist/instructor, Shawn Bland, provides instruction in acrylics and various subject matters. 5 classes for $100 Call (912) 352-4405 to register.

Free Quilters

Location: SmartSenior Office Wednesdays, 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM

Chair Yoga Location: SmartSenior Office Wednesdays, 2 PM - 3 PM Call (912) 352-4405 to register.

Free Game Days

Location: SmartSenior Office Have fun playing a variety of games including card games, board games, and Domino’s every Monday at 2 PM Call (912)-352-4405 to register.

Veterans Connect

Breakfast & Fellowship at The Social

All local veterans welcome! Bring a Friend! Come connect with other

and enjoy a lite

WHEN:

in

and

on

3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

AM

The Social at

Call Kenley Routhier:

The Social at Savannah

Bistro

Living, Assisted Living,

Memory Care One Peachtree Drive

GA

Call 352-4405 to register for the programs listed.

Friendly Reminder: you must be a current member to attend.

Call 352-4405 to register for the programs listed below.

Friendly Reminder: you must be a current member to attend.

NOVEMBER

SEMINARS

Lunch & Learn (In Person – Mask required) RESCHEDULED Movement Disorders

Katy Harne, Outreach Coordinator

St. Joseph’s/Candler Movement Disorders Program

Thursday, November 10th, 11:30 AM

Location: Marsh Auditorium, Candler Hospital Call (912) 352-4405 to register Moving as we age can get harder and even sometimes painful. Trying to figure out if you have a movement disorder or just aging can be hard to navigate. Join us as outreach coordinator and navigator Katy Harne talks about different movement disorders along with information about how to navigate through the process of dealing with movement disorders.

MOVIE DAY

Movie Day- (In person- Mask Required) The Other Guys

Starring Mark Wahlberg & Will Ferrell

Friday, November 11th, 2:00 PM. Or Friday November 18th, 2:00 PM Allen Gamble and Terry Hoitz are both detectives of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Allen is a mild-mannered forensic accountant while Terry is a hottempered detective who has been partnered with Allen ever since he mistakenly shot Derek Jeter during the World Series, earning him the nickname “Yankee Clipper”.They receive no respect from the other officers, particularly detectives Martin and Fosse.

ACTIVITIES

Free Game Days

Location: SmartSenior Office Call (912)-352-4405 to register

Have fun playing a variety of games including card games, board games, and Domino’s every Monday at 2:00 PM

SMARTSENIOR SPECIAL EVENT

Give Thanks Celebration

Thursday, November 17th at 11:30 AM

Location: Marsh Auditorium, Candler Call (912) 352-4405 to register & purchase ticket

Join us this year as we GIVE THANKS for St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church for their support to SmartSenior and the community for over 30 years. An Ornament tree with St. Michael’s wishes and needs for their food and other outreach programs to the community will be at the event. Tickets go on sale for $5 on November 1 at the SmartSenior Office. Call the SmartSenior office at 912352-4405 or stop by to get your ticket.

Veterans

Call 352-4405 to register for the

Reminder: you must be a

DECEMBER

MOVIE DAY

Movie Day – (In person – Mask required)

Thirteen Lives

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton, Tom Bateman

Friday, December 9th, 2:00 PM. or Friday December 16th, 2:00 PM.

On June 23, 2018, twelve boys of the junior football team “Wild Boars” and their assistant coach Ekkaphon Chanthavong leave practice to explore the Tham Luang cave. When the team fails to arrive at a birthday party organized by their parents, their families head to the caves, only to find them flooded and the boys missing, their bikes left at the entrance. The parents immediately alert emergency services.

ACTIVITIES

Free Game Days

Location: SmartSenior Office Call (912)-352-4405 to register

Have fun playing a variety of games including card games, board games, and Domino’s every Monday at 2:00 PM

listed below.

Calling all SmartSenior Members

We have recently seen an uptick in people asking about game days at SmartSenior. We are happy to let you know that we do offer a space for you to play cards, board games and much more. To be able to participate in these game days you have a few options. SmartSenior does offer game days on Mondays at 2:00 PM.

YOU MUST CALL AND REGISTER FOR IT. The second option is if you have a small group of people (space is limited) and would like to use our space, you can call and request/ask if space is available. Please keep in mind that the space is only available for SmartSenior members, therefore all attendees must be members.

SMARTSENIOR SPECIAL EVENT

SmartSenior Christmas Party

Friday, December 2, 12 Noon

Location: Alee Temple

Join SmartSenior as we have our most anticipated event of the year, the SmartSenior Christmas Party. We will have music, dancing, dinning and Door Prizes. You must purchase a ticket to attend the event. Tickets for members are $15.00 and Guest/Non-members tickets are $25.00. Please stop by the office located at 836 East 65th Street, Suite 8 or call the SmartSenior office at 912-352-4405.

ARE SLEEP AIDS SAFE?

You feel like you do everything right – no caffeine leading up to bed time, relaxing before bed time, no screen time or electronics in the bedroom – yet you still have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Because over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medications and herbal supplements are so readily available, you may lean on them to get a good night’s sleep. But is that safe?

“Generally speaking, over-the-counter sleep aids are safe when used short term,” says Kristen Pierce, PharmD, BCACP, clinical pharmacy specialist in ambulatory care at St. Joseph’s/Candler. “Over-the-counter sleep aids are intended to be used a few times per week, and you really don’t want to use them for more than a few weeks.”

OTC sleep medications and even prescription sleep aids can come with side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dependency, confusion and sometimes even hallucinations, and they can interact with other medications you may be on, Pierce says. This is especially true for anyone on blood thinners and those over 65.

Pierce stresses the importance of talking to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any sleep medication, even OTC ones.

“Just because something is over-the-counter doesn’t mean it’s harmless to use,” Pierce says. “You can still take too much of an OTC medication such as Benadryl, for example. A lot of herbal supplements, such as melatonin or valerian, are not as strictly regulated by the FDA and can interact with your medications.”

Getting to the root of the problem

If you are having trouble sleeping, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. As Pierce said, sleep aids can be helpful in the short term, but if you are consistently having restless nights, there may be an underlying problem.

One example is sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. Untreated sleep apnea has been known to lead to cardiovascular issues. Sleep apnea is treatable with lifestyle changes or the use of breathing assistance devices.

Another example is nightmares. Maybe you experienced a life-altering event or have overwhelming stress in your life that is causing you to have nightmares or lose sleep at night. Your options to get help with that could be therapy or possibly prescription medications from your provider to help you relax before bed time, Pierce says.

“It’s always important to identify the underlying cause and fix that issue rather than becoming dependent on sleep aids,” Pierce says.

Why sleep is so important

Proper sleep – seven or more hours for adults – is important to our overall health. Studies show adequate sleep is key to productivity, brain function, decision making and our overall physical and mental health. Poor sleep quality is linked to a decline in productivity and cognitive function, as well as a host of chronic health problems including depression, obesity and hypertension.

“Sleep is necessary to properly function in life, so if you are having difficulty sleeping, it’s important to talk to your provider to prevent issues with day-to-day life,” Pierce says.

And the answer may not always be to pop a pill, even coming from a pharmacist. “I’m a pharmacist. I’m all about treating conditions with medications when they need to be treated, but you should consider non-medication options when possible.”

Pierce says the first line of defense is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Insomnia (CBT-I). This includes multiple components to basically train your brain and your body to sleep well by avoiding behaviors that are keeping you from getting a good night’s rest, Pierce explains.

Some examples can include:

• Maintaining good sleep hygiene

• Improving your sleep environment

• Relaxing, being in a calm mood before bedtime (meditation, reading a book)

• Avoiding the phone and television while in bed

• Going to bed and waking up the same time every day

• Avoiding naps during the day

• Only getting in the bed when you are sleepy

• Regular exercise

“While it’s easy to grab a Benadryl or melatonin, you always want to try non-pharmacologic options first,” Pierce says. “Then if you are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your healthcare team before starting any over-the-counter medication.”

“Even though you can purchase them over the counter, there can still be harmful effects. They also can work really well for you, so it’s important to have that risk-benefit discussion with your provider and make sure that the agent you are choosing is appropriate, and you’re taking the right dose.”

Source: (http://www.sjchs.org/living-smart-blog)

zzz

BELLS BOW CANDLE CARD CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD GREEN HOHOHO

HOLIDAY HOLLY JINGLE JOY MERRY MISTLETOE ORNAMENT

PRESENT

RED SANTA SILVER SNOWFLAKE SNOWMAN STAR STOCKING TREE WREATH

THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY

Veterans Day is a holiday dedicated to Americans of all wars and will take place on Friday, November 11th. All the way back in 1918 there was a temporary ceasefire declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I also known as the Great War. Originally, the day was referred to as Armistice Day by many countries. Then in 1938, it became a federal holiday in the United States. About a year later in November 1919, U.S President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business and school at 11 AM in honor of those who have served and who are currently serving the United States.

SmartSenior would like to thank our veterans, who have served past and present for the United States.

Historical Places to Visit on Veterans Day in Savannah River Street WWII Monument Take a stroll along the Savannah River and visit The Cracked Earth Monument that shows the world split in half. The monument represents the conflict of a divided world and inside are the names of all the people who served our country.

Washington’s Guns

During the American Revolution in 1791, George Washington gave two cannons to the Chatham Artillery after he took control of Cornwallis at Yorktown. The guns are now located on Bay Street to be viewed.

Webb Military Museum

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS AT ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER DUE TO THE FLU

If you have not been vaccinated for the flu, we ask that you wear a mask.

If you feel sick or have flu-like symptoms, please do not visit patients in the hospitals.

Flu-like Symptoms Include:

• Fever (100 or more)

• Sore Throat

• Headache

• Cough

• Muscle/Joint/ Body Ache

• Nausea/ Vomiting/ Diarrhea

This Military Museum looks at the items, positions and artifacts from people who have served in many wars. A unique part about the museum is that visitors can purchase artifacts the owner no longer wants in his collection.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Did you know that Fort Pulaski was ranked one of the most spectacular defensive structures in the United States during the time of the Civil War? The seven ½-foot solid brick wall helps protect its soldiers. This was all until the Union soldiers used new technology and shattered the walls in 1862.

Y E E R W C T I

D E R O A N L T

T R B R E N D H

W T D S X S R E

X A E S L W L C

G R T L A S N H

P N E N T O Y R

E B A A A R Z I

L O R M R S B S

N H M R R O P M

O K O E E Z N A

T U V H Y E Y S

A E R W O W N C

R E A D J H U G

O B G E W C H T

SMARTSENIORS: A YEAR IN REVIEW

It is hard to believe that 2022 is wrapping up. It was only yesterday when we started bringing back our Discover Local and Lunch & Learns. SmartSenior is so thankful and appreciative of our members and new members alike. Let us take a moment and reflect on some of the best events we had over the last year.

Discover Local

Discover Local is a returning program that gives SmartSenior members an inside look into Savannah’s local businesses. Over the last year, since we have reintroduced the program we have visited over 5 different locations.

Another amazing part of the program is that we visit a variety of different businesses that all members can enjoy. For example, the first discover local that we brought back was a tour of the Costal Georgia Garden. We got a guided tour of the behind the scenes work in the garden. Our members got to learn all about the different plants that grow around the area and enjoyed free-boxed lunch by the pond. Another type of business we went to was the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Our members received a guided tour around the museum and had a delicious lunch at Miss Sophie’s Marketplace. Overall, we offer a diverse set of local businesses for all people to enjoy!

Lunch & Learns

Lunch and Learns are one of the most popular programs we have at SmartSenior. This program offers educational and informative lectures about health, wellness and local opportunities. We have a guest speaker come in and present on a given topic. This can range from Christmas In July with Kelly Tours to medical topics such as the importance of addressing hearing loss. Following the presentation, our members get a free Lunch and dessert to enjoy! It is important to SmartSenior that we continue to educate and help our members with needs and topics that are relevant to them. We are also planning to bring back our Breakfast Club seminars in 2023. Make sure to check pages 3 and 4 and call to register for a SmartSenior Lunch and Learn seminar today.

Parties

While SmartSenior offers a variety of services free to our members, we like to have events that are more meaningful and special. SmartSenior was so excited when we brought back the annual Christmas Party last year and we had such a great turn out. All our members where excited to be together and celebrate. The annual Christmas Party is a time where members dress up in their Sunday best and participate in dancing, raffles and other activities. After the success of the Christmas Party, we brought back our second biggest annual event, the Bingo Bash. For this event, we play a few games of bingo followed by a special fried chicken lunch. Members who come to the event have a chance on winning some amazing prizes including trips from Kelly tours, gift cards and specialty baskets.

Overall we here at SmartSenior are thankful for our members and how they support the programs we create by attending them. We hope that we can continue to bring more programs and events to our members in the New Year. SmartSenior cannot wait to see our old and new members alike at our events!

When you can be the daughter again, it’s Harmony.

REAL

Live

songs in this special holiday performance. A themed lunch before the show and boxed dinner on the return trip home are included.

CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS SHOW VIA COACH DECEMBER 15, 18, 2022 TRIP #15479, 15456 | $169.00 PP

This show has become something of a tradition, and will return to Charleston for the 2022 holiday season. With your favorite songs, Christmas carols, and the inspirational music of this festive season, you will be royally entertained at the Charleston Theatre. The performance is full of comedy skits and skillful dancing routines, making it a fun experience for everyone. Lunch before the show and a boxed dinner on the ride home are included.

CHRISTKINDLMARKT AND CHRISTMAS BACK HOME DECEMBER 2-4, 2022 | TRIP #15448 | $649.00 PP

CHRISTKINDLMARKT is a German Christmas Market tradition of combining food, music, entertainment with markets of imported and local Christmas specialties in a holiday atmosphere. On this festive 3-day trip we travel to first to The Dillard House Resort and experience the “Christmas Back Home Show” at the Smoky Mt. Center. Then its onto Helen, GA for their 15th annual Christmas Market. Finally, we head back through Dahlonega for their Old Fashion Christmas celebrations in the historic district! Daily breakfast, one lunch and two great dinners are included.

CHRISTMAS MYSTERY TRIP

DECEMBER 16-17, 2022 | TRIP #15453 | $459.00 PP

We invite you to join us for OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MYSTERY TRIP to who knows where. We can say that you will have a wonderful experience as Excursions Unlimited by Kelly Tours takes you away for a 2 day HOLIDAY adventure. We guarantee that you will love our mystery destination and that you will have a great time. But, we “are not telling” where you will be going on the trip.

FLORIDA FUN TIMES & STRAWBERRIES

FEBURARY 28 - MARCH 3, 2023 | TRIP #15466 | $799.00 PP

All Suite Beachside Hotel located along the Atlantic Ocean in New Smyrna Beach, FL this 4 Day 3 Night Winter Getaway feature exciting attractions, delicious meals, and a musical performance at the Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre. Add to that the famed Strawberry Festival in Plant City, and you have a trip you don’t want to miss!

SMART SENIOR TRAVELERS

RECEIVE $5 OFF DAY TRIPS AND 5% OFF MULTI-DAY TRIPS!

Insurance Ads, letters, flyers showing up everyday in your mailbox, tv, or radio which plan is right for you? We, at The Consos Group, with 40 years of experience will help you find the right Medicare and prescription drug coverage

For more information contact us at: (912) 303 0101

7505 Waters Avenue, Suite D2, Savannah, GA 31406

“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1 800 MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.”