A new session of Zumba Gold will be starting Monday July 11 at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center from noon until 1:00pm every Monday and Wednesday.

Zumba Gold is perfect for all active adults, 50+, looking for a Zumba class at a lower-intensity level. This easy to follow class focuses on heart rate, balance, range of motion, and coordination.  Come ready to sweat, leave feeling empowered, strong.  Regain flexibility and strength while having fun learning a dance step or two! Participants should wear workout shoes, comfortable clothing and bring water to keep hydrated.

To sign up either contact the City of Ventura at  658-4726 or on line at https://apm.activecommunities.com/venturaparksandrec.  For more information contact Marty at (818)515-8590 or [email protected].

ENCORE is a hands-on, self-paced training program for people 50+ who want to learn computer skills for job or personal use.

There is no charge for tuition – just an annual $10 registration fee. You follow written materials and receive help from a teacher as needed. It is not a traditional lecture class where you have to be at the same point as everyone else. Select only the modules you want:
Career Development • Job Seeking Skills • General
Math and English • Office Machines and
Telephones • Keyboarding • Internet Basics
and Email • Microsoft Office Programs.

To register call 289-7925 and ask about the next start date; register at VACE (5200 Valentine). Classes are held M/Tu/F 8-10 am or 10 am-12 pm.

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group extends an invitation to area men who are retired or approaching that status in life to visit one of our semi-monthly Ventura meetings. These informal get-togethers feature a light,  healthy lunch, a presentation on any variety of topics along with an opportunity to engage with men who have gravitated to our area, representing life and employment experiences around the nation and the world.

If this sounds interesting, call Steve at 642-1359 for details and answers to your questions.

by Phil Chandler, Owner of Right at Home of Ventura County, Home Care Agency

Many individuals with serious chronic illnesses find that meeting and discussing their illness at support groups provides comfort and tips in dealing with the disease. The Breeze will be highlighting local support groups for several different conditions in the coming weeks.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It affects each person differently, and patients live with the disease for a long time, typically decades. It can be mild or severe and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed than men.

Multiple Sclerosis is an auto-immune disease because the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged.

The symptoms of MS vary widely because they depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people have mild symptoms and experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms, while others may lose the ability to walk. There are cheap ways to get mobility equipment and aids to help walking, such as scooters and walking sticks.

There is no cure for MS, but there are many lifestyle modifications and medications that will improve the patient’s quality of life and alleviate symptoms. These medications are vital to some people who suffer from the disease, as some people may lose the ability to walk, as said before. Medical treatments can be found from a medical group called holtorf, who specializes in diagnosing and treating multiple sclerosis, amongst many other chronic diseases. However, medication is not the only thing that is vital to sufferers of the disease. Having the knowledge that others are going through the same thing and building a solid support network is comforting to those who suffer from the disease.

There are two support groups in Ventura for Multiple Sclerosis. They are both co-facilitated by Tammy Jensen and Donna Nowland. Tammy has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for twenty-five years. The support group members range from their early 20’s to the 70’s. The support group provides a great resource for patients and caregivers to discuss symptoms, share tips and tricks for dealing with MS, and build a strong social support network.

The larger support group meets at Carrow’s at 2401 E. Harbor Blvd in Ventura on the last Friday of the month from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This group typically has 15 to 20 participants and often has guest speakers. Previously, they have had a physician that specializes in MS speak to the group about treatments and managing symptoms. At another meeting, a yoga instructor discussed exercises that alleviate some symptoms experienced by the group members.

The second group meets at Panera Bread, 4910 Telephone Road on the third Thursday of the month from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Many of the attendees from the Carrow’s support group attend, but it is more of a social gathering for the members.

The next meeting will be held on July 21 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Panera Bread restaurant, 4910 Telephone Road. Please RSVP to Tammy at 648-6402.

For more information on these support groups, call Tammy Jensen at 648-6402 or Donna Nowland at 646-3750 .

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community.  As part of their services, they host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following in Ventura held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. Call 642-0239 for more information.

Adult Bereavement Support Group Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 from 6:30-8:00 pm.  These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge.

Newly Bereaved Support Group Thursday, July 14th from 6-7:30.  This monthly group is designed for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and is free. Email [email protected].  These groups meet every 2nd Thursday of each month.

Diabetes Classes Tuesday, from 1-2.  These meetings are held on 1st Tuesday of each month.  General information is provided about Type 2 Diabetes with emphasis on the development of an individualized plan of care that includes diet, medication, exercise and blood sugar monitoring.

Joint Replacement Classes Thursday, July 7th from 1:00-2:pm. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care. These meetings are 1st Thursday of each month.  For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at (805) 642-0239 ext. 739.

Monday, July 11th for both English and Spanish speaking.  English 4:00-5:00 pm and Spanish 5:30-6:30. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care.

by Lori Harasta

Having just celebrated our country’s 240th Independence Day, it is notable that the number one fear in the minds of older Americans is losing their ability to live independently.  One of the primary ways people lose it is by falling.

One in three citizens ages 65 and older fall every year.  A single fall can be life-altering.

As one gets older, falls are more likely because reaction time slows. Muscles and joints may also get stiffer, making them less flexible. Illness, medications, and vision changes can also affect balance.

Since most falls happen in the home, a key prevention measure is to make one’s home safer.  Follow the tips below:

Floors:

Put nonskid pads under area rugs.

Remove throw rugs.

Replace worn floor coverings.

Tack carpets firmly to each step on carpeted stairs. Put nonskid strips on the edges of uncarpeted stairs.

Keep floors and stairs free of clutter and cords.

Arrange furniture so there are clear pathways.

Clean up any spills right away.

Bathrooms:

Install grab bars in the tub or shower.

Apply nonskid strips or put a nonskid rubber mat in the tub or shower.

Sit on a bath chair to bathe.

Use bathmats with nonskid backing.

Lighting:

Keep a flashlight in each room.

Put a nightlight along the pathway between the bedroom and the bathroom.

For more information on fall prevention go to  http://lmvna.kramesonline.com