MIDDLETOWN SENIOR CENTER

We are here to serve the seniors of our community.

Lori Tourville, Executive Director

Come and join us on May 18 in our park for our 5th Annual Chili and Salsa Cook Off. We are signing up our “chefs”, crafters, volunteers as well as obtaining permits, licenses, equipment.

Now is the time to show case your talents in the kitchen. Entry forms with instructions are located in our office. First place for the Chili Cook Off is $1,000; for the Salsa, $500. Not too shabby.

Also, donations are greatly appreciated. The funds raised go to our Meals on Wheels and lunch programs. March for Meals and the Chili & Salsa Cook Off are the only large fundraisers in which we participate. (We did have a bonus money maker by pairing up with Subaru. Refer to article in this month’s newsletter.)

In addition to volunteers, we need tasters. Public tasting begins at Noon. It doesn’t work without you. Treat your taste buds to a great experience.

The art show and craft fair begin at 10 a.m. Lunch service by our Senior Center begins at 11 a.m. Live music is performed from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. (Hearts and Bones Band). Judging of the Chili and Salsa begins at 2 p.m. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m., and the coveted clean up jobs go into action at 4:00 p.m. I would enjoy seeing all of you.

Lori

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Come visit

our Thrift Store

Inventory always changing and lots of Good Stuff!

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Tessie Espinosa, Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper

HICAP

Provides free and objective information and assistance in dealing with Medicare, Medi-Cal, HMO's , long term care insurance and other health insurance issues. HICAP provides two main services - individual counseling and community education presentations. Local appoints are available with a registered volunteer. To schedule a one-on-one counseling appoint with a HICAP counselor, call 1-800-434-0222, ext. 117.

Information

and Assistance

A free service for seniors 60 and older in Lake and Mendocino counties, linking older individuals and their caregivers to appropriate community resources available to meet their needs. Senior I & A will help you know about area services and whether you qualify.

Senior Hot Line Available: 1-800-510-2020

Senior Legal Assistance

The program provides free legal assistance, education, advice, counseling and representation to Lake & Mendocino county seniors in the following areas:

*Elder Abuse

*Housing Rights

*Public Benefits (health, income & supportive services)

*Consumer Protection and Debt

*Incapacity and long-term care

Legal Services of Northern California

421 N. Oak Street

Ukiah, CA. 95482

DIABETES AND FOOD POISONING

While food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, can affect anyone, certain populations are more sensitive and are at increased risk of getting sick. These groups include pregnant women, children and older adults, as well as those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Diabetes can affect organs and systems of your body, causing them not to function properly. For example:

· The immune system fights off viruses and harmful bacteria that cause infection. With diabetes, the immune system may not recognize harmful bacteria right away.

· The digestive tract breaks down food and beverages with the help of acids in the stomach. As the food continues to pass through the digestive tract, movement is controlled by the nervous system. Diabetes can damage both of these pathways, slowing digestion and giving harmful bacteria time to multiply and grow.

· The kidneys filter and flush out toxins from the body, helping to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria you may have in your system. Unfortunately, about one in three people with diabetes also has kidney disease, increasing the risks of foodborne illness even further.

Those with diabetes are more likely to have longer recovery times, require hospitalization and suffer from long-term complications, including death.

Reduce Your Risk—To reduce your risk of foodborne illness, practice food safety from start to finish. Whether handling, preparing or consuming foods, remember these four simple steps:

· Wash Hands and surfaces used to prepare and serve food.

· Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and cooked or ready-to-eat foods.

· Cook foods to appropriate temperatures. Always reheat left-overs to165^oF or higher.

· Refrigerate foods promptly, within one to two hours of them being out at room temperature.

Safe food practices can help you reduce your risk of getting sick and from suffering long-term complications of food borne illness.