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:
Adult Bereavement Support Group Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 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, February 9th from 6-7:30pm. This monthly group is designed for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and is free. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected]. These groups meet every 2nd Thursday of each month.
Diabetes Classes: Tuesday, February 7th from 1-2:30pm. These meetings are held on 1st Tuesday of each month. General information is provided about Type 2 Diabetes including prediabetes, with emphasis on meal planning, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and new developments in diabetes.
Joint Replacement Classes: Thursday, February 2nd from 1:00-2:00pm. 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 642-0239 ext. 739.
February 13th for both English and Spanish speaking. English 4:00-5:00 pm and Spanish 5:30-6:30 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. For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at 642-0239 ext. 739.
Held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109
“Hard Six through the Lens” A Photography Exhibit is a photography exhibit featuring over 20 pieces of art from Southern California photographers. For the past several years, thousands of images have captured Hard Six playing shows, and many have caught behind the scenes moments. This exhibit, featuring some of these moments, will debut at Megasounds Studios.
Opening Reception and Jam
Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 8 p.m. to midnight
Come out for a fun evening of art, food, drink, and music.
An open jam. Bring your guitar or bass!
2789 E Main St.
Try not to nap too much during the day. You might be less sleepy at night.
A good night’s sleep can make a big difference in how you feel. Here are some suggestions to help you.
Follow a regular schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. Sticking to a regular bedtime and wake time schedule helps keep you in sync with your body’s circadian clock, a 24-hour internal rhythm affected by sunlight.
Try to exercise at regular times each day. Exercising regularly improves the quality of your nighttime sleep and helps you sleep more soundly. Try to finish your workout at least three hours before bedtime.
Try to get some natural light in the afternoon each day.
Be careful about what you eat. Don’t drink beverages with caffeine late in the day. Caffeine is a stimulant and can keep you awake. Also, if you like a snack before bed, a warm beverage and a few crackers may help.
Don’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes to help you sleep. Even small amounts of alcohol can make it harder to stay asleep. Smoking is dangerous for many reasons, including the hazard of falling asleep with a lit cigarette. Also, the nicotine in cigarettes is a stimulant. Surprisingly cannabis has been known to help people who suffer with sleep disorders, such as insomnia to get a better night’s sleep. Certain types of cannabis strains and extracts have helped people get the best night’s sleep that they are so desperately craving. You can Visit this website if this is something that you would like to learn more about.
Create a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Make sure there are locks on all doors and smoke alarms on each floor. A lamp that’s easy to turn on and a phone by your bed may be helpful. The room should be dark, well ventilated, and as quiet as possible. If you currently sleep on a mattress that is not as comfortable as you would like, you can always look into a company like Leesa, who provide high quality bedding and help you get the best sleep, every night.
Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same things each night to tell your body that it’s time to wind down. Some people watch the evening news, read a book, or soak in a warm bath.
Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 15 minutes to fall asleep. If you are still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you get sleepy, go back to bed.
Try not to worry about your sleep. Some people find that playing mental games is helpful. For example, think black — a black cat on a black velvet pillow on a black corduroy sofa, etc. Or, tell yourself it’s five minutes before you have to get up and you’re just trying to get a few extra winks.
If you are so tired during the day that you cannot function normally and if this lasts for more than 2 to 3 weeks, you should see your family doctor or a sleep disorders specialist.
The ECTV crew interviews Kali Bennett, VHS basketball star and CLU coach.
Welcome 2017
by Elizabeth Rodeno
CAPS had quite a year in 2016. The staff and volunteers worked hard and had a lot of fun creating and producing programming for the community. As always we will continue our commitment to the City of Ventura with not only coverage of meetings but video support in other areas. These including producing training videos, working together to support our businesses of the month and celebrating City events. We continue to strengthen our ties with the School district, library, college, public safety and non-profit organizations.
The first quarter of 2017 will be busy for us all. Our unique production studio will receive upgrades including cameras and switcher which will improve capabilities and production values on your next project. Check on our website for further information.
CAPS will be home to the newest addition, CAPS Radio. KPPQ – LP will be found at 104.1 FM on your radio dial come February. Spread the word and contact us at [email protected] about upcoming meetings, training and events. We hope you choose to support our latest venture which will be so vital for the city of Ventura and beyond. CAPS Radio will continue our pursuit to make CAPS Media Center the best media center around.
CAPS continues to encourage and support everyone in the community to share their voice. The community’s citizen’s voices must be heard. You have a tremendous opportunity many cities do not have to share your voices and talk about issues that affect you. We are very fortunate with the opportunity to uphold the first amendment which gives everyone the right to free speech. With CAPS Media center’s public access television channels 6 and 15, and soon our low power FM station, the opportunity is clear and available for a small membership fee.
Our members are sharing their voices today, whether they are covering events and interviewing people in the community, or abroad, from the houses of worship, in front of city council or from the educational institutions. We want you to be part of the discussion to support media, whether it be print, video or via the radio. Are you involved with a non-profit organization throughout the county? Come support us and we will help you tell your story. Go to www.CAPSMedia.org for more information
With the opportunity for citizens to share their stories in a different medium that will enhance and support our mission. In such a community oriented city, we will provide an additional resource to everyone. As with our television channels, CAPS Radio will provide top notch facilities, training and opportunities to share stories. This is also a perfect way for the youth to expand their venues and offer those who speak different languages a place on the airwaves.
Watch channel 6 to hear what the public has to say and watch channel 15 to experience the city’s vision to provide the best and clearest information for all and stay tuned for CAPS Radio at 104.1 FM and streaming through our website. Go to www.capsmedia.org for all the information.
A common misconception most people have about cyber attackers is that they use only highly advanced tools and techniques to hack into people’s computers or accounts. This is simply not true. Cyber attackers have learned that often the easiest way to steal your information, hack your accounts, or infect your systems is by simply tricking you into making a mistake.
Social engineering is a psychological attack where an attacker tricks you into doing something you should not do. The concept of social engineering is not new; it has existed for thousands of years. Think of scammers or con artists, it is the very same idea. The simplest way to understand how these attacks work and protect yourself from them is to take a look at two real-world examples. You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from a computer support company, your ISP, or Microsoft Tech Support. The caller explains that your computer is actively scanning the Internet. They believe it is infected and have been tasked with helping you secure your computer. They then use a variety of technical terms and take you through confusing steps to convince you that your computer is infected. Once they have tricked you into believing your computer is infected, they pressure you into buying their security software or giving them remote access to your computer so they can fix it. If you give them remote access to your computer, they are going to take it over, steal your data, or use it for their bidding.
Another example is an email attack called CEO Fraud. This is when an attacker identifies the name of your boss or coworker. The attacker then crafts an email pretending to be from that person and sends the email to you. The email urgently asks you to take an action, such as conducting a wire transfer or emailing sensitive employee information. Quite often, these emails pretend there is an emergency that urgently requires you to bypass standard security procedures. What makes targeted attacks like these so dangerous is the cyber attackers do their research beforehand. In addition, security technologies like anti-virus or firewalls cannot detect or stop these attacks because there is no malware or malicious links involved.
Fortunately, stopping such attacks is simpler then you may think. If something seems suspicious or does not feel right, it may be an attack. The most common clues of a social engineering attack include:
Someone creating a tremendous sense of urgency. They are attempting to fool you into making a mistake.
Someone asking for information they should not have access to or should already know, such as your account numbers.
Someone asking for your password. No legitimate organization will ever ask you for that.
Someone pressuring you to bypass or ignore security processes or procedures you are expected to follow at work.
Something too good to be true. For example, you are notified you won the lottery or an iPad, even though you never even entered the lottery.
You receive an odd email from a friend or coworker containing wording that does not sound like them.
If you suspect someone is trying to trick or fool you, do not communicate with the person anymore. If the attack is work related, be sure to report it to your help desk or information security team right away. Remember, common sense is often your best defense. Computers having technology support can help keep you safe online, especially when it is in business, there are companies around the country that can help you with your I.T needs, such as it support kansas city if you are living in that area. Don’t feel afraid to get help, always make sure that you are safe and secure in everything you do online.
by James Francis Gray
“Our goal is to strengthen children, families and communities to be safe, healthy and thriving.”
Since 1973, Interface Children & Family Services, a non-profit organization has served Ventura County as a grassroots response to struggling youth and families. Now, Interface is the region’s most comprehensive provider of safety net services, addressing the annual complex needs of 24,000 individuals annually. Executive Director, Erik Sternad said, “Many of Interface’s clients are low and very- low-income adults, children, and youths subject to the stressors of poverty, homelessness, family conflict, domestic violence, child abuse, and even human trafficking. We want the community to know that Interface is a one-stop resource for anyone in the midst of personal or family crisis seeking safety and stability at home.”
Interface, from their beginning, has been on the front line, opening one of California’s first domestic violence shelters. Today, they operate a 24/7 hotline and a Family Violence Response Team that is on high alert to respond to calls from law enforcement and victims of domestic violence fleeing violence day or night. Interface operates one of only two emergency shelters that exist in Ventura County and several dedicated transitional homes. These facilities provide up to 18 months of services to ensure the safety, health and economic well-being of survivors and their children.
Nicholle Gonzalez-Seitz, Interface Director of Family Violence Intervention Services said, “Reducing domestic violence in Ventura County is one of the agency’s highest strategic priorities. The only way to dramatically reduce domestic violence in our region is to coordinate our efforts. We are proud to be among the organizations taking a pledge to #move ToEndDV with Meathead Movers and other high profile partners. Together we can raise awareness of this issue and be a support for victims so they don’t have to suffer in silence. In 2016, we successfully launched our DV Champions for Change campaign and have community leaders, businesses, corporations, clinics and other non-profits joining us to achieve this goal.”
Interface needs your help. Domestic violence prevention services are only possible through donations and grants from individuals and organizations, as well as by the work of dedicated volunteers and staff. Community members who wish to support Interface are encouraged to designate a gift to DV Champions for Change, attend Love is Brewing Luncheon and Tea on May 7 at Limoneira Ranch, or contact Interface at 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Suite I, Camarillo, CA 93012, 485-6114, www.icfs.org/DVChampion.
Among older adults falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions for trauma.
by NCOA
For most older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age. Yet millions struggle every day with health and safety challenges such as chronic disease, falls, and mental health issues—all of which can severely impact quality of life.
Approximately 92% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Four chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—cause almost two-thirds of all deaths each year.
Chronic diseases account for 75% of the money our nation spends on health care, yet only 1% of health dollars are spent on public efforts to improve overall health.
Diabetes affects 12.2 million Americans aged 60+, or 23% of the older population. An additional 57 million Americans aged 20+ have pre-diabetes, which increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. In a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program for people at high risk for developing diabetes, lifestyle intervention reduced risk by 71% among those aged 60+.
90% of Americans aged 55+ are at risk for hypertension, or high blood pressure. Women are more likely than men to develop hypertension, with half of women aged 60+ and 77% of women aged 75+ having this condition. Hypertension affects 64% of men aged 75+.
Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall.
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, and injury deaths. Falls are also the most common cause of older adult traumatic brain injuries, accounting for over 46% of fatal falls.
The nation spends $30 billion a year treating older adults for the effects of falls. If we cannot stem the rate of falls, it’s projected that direct treatment costs will reach $59.6 billion by 2020. A quarter of hip fracture patients will be in a nursing home for at least a year, further adding to Medicaid costs.
One in four older adults experiences some mental disorder including depression and anxiety disorders, and dementia. This number is expected to double to 15 million by 2030.
Depression affects seven million older Americans, and many do not receive treatment.
Two-thirds of older adults with mental health problems do not receive the treatment they need. Current preventative services for this population are extremely limited.
Untreated substance abuse and mental health problems among older adults are associated with poor health outcomes, higher health care utilization, increased complexity of the course and prognosis of many illnesses, increased disability and impairment, compromised quality of life, increased caregiver stress, increased mortality, and higher risk of suicide.
People aged 85+ have the highest suicide rate of any age group. Older white men have a suicide rate almost six times that of the general population.
NCOA leads several collaborative efforts that are designed to empower older adults to live healthier lives. NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging connects community organizations with evidence-based programs that help older adults learn how to manage chronic disease, improve their behavioral health, stay physically active, eat well, and more.
To learn more about the National Council On Aging (NCOA) visit https://www.ncoa.org/.
• The “MY VENTURA” that is mailed to your home from the city has many wonderful dog classes for dogs and our companions so be sure to check it out.
• The Herman Bennett Foundation has launched several programs to help prevent over population of cats and dogs. Some programs include offering 100% prepaid payment vouchers for the spaying/neutering of cats and dogs to qualified low income pet owners with vouchers performed by qualified Veterinary services.
In November, 2015, the “Foundation” established a subsidiary Thrift Store, “Save a Life Thrift Stores of Ventura County, LLC”, located at 601 Mobil Ave. in Camarillo to supplement their funding .
The Herman Bennett Foundation and Save a Life Thrift Stores is supporting new program “Medical Assistance for a Military Service Dogs.” Save this date, Friday, February 3 at the Poinsettia Pavilion for the Valentine’s Sweetheart Dance Fundraiser from 6-10pm. Dance to the live music of the 4 piece Band “Coso Live” with catering provided by Bistro 13 of Camarillo.
Limited seating is available for fifty couples only! Go online to reserve www.hermanbennettfoundation.org. Purchase your tickets at $225.00/couple. All supporters are mentioned in their publications and website. If you wish to donate or volunteer, visit either The Herman Bennett Foundation website or call 445-7171 or Save a Life Thrift Stores website www.savealifethriftstores.com or call (888) 876-0605 for free donation pick-ups.
• The Humane Society of Ventura County has appointed the Rt. Rev. William Downey to its Board of Directors. Downey, Regionary Bishop of the Liberal Catholic Church for the Province of the United States, and his wife Anita have been volunteers at the HSVC for several years, mostly performing home checks of potential pet adopters. The couple live in Ojai with their six dogs – all rescues from the HSVC’s shelter.
“I can’t conceive of life without dogs,” Downey said.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.
Cobi Monroe Osborne-Klemme April 28, 1994 – November 22, 2016
The family of Cobi is saddened to announce the passing of our beloved cat. At the advanced age of 22, she passed peacefully a way with her family at her side. We mourn her loss, but celebrate her long and well lived life, sharing it with her guardians Jeff And Roger. Cobi enjoyed snacking, collecting solder energy on her window perch and riding in her Radio Flyer wagon.
Ken and Adela Trainor, catching up on their hometown news while staying at Dromoland Castle in Ireland while on an Ireland tour through the Ventura Chamber of Commerce.
