January 26, 2011

Anton Gunn, regional director of the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, visited the Capital Senior Center on Tuesday, January 25 to discuss the Affordable Health Care Act.  Gunn serves as director of Region IV, which includes the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. 

Prior to his appointment, Gunn represented District 79 in the South Carolina House of Representatives, which consists of Richland and Kershaw Counties.  As HHS regional director, he serves as the key representative of Secretary Kathleen Sibelius in working with federal, state, local and tribal officials on a wide range of health and social service issues in Region IV.

In his remarks at CSC, Gunn emphasized the benefits of the Affordable Health Care Act for seniors. He told the audience that the new healthcare reform law closes Medicare Part D's prescription drug coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole.”  So far 39,000 seniors in South Carolina have received checks for $250 to help pay for their prescription drugs.  In 2011, name-brand drugs will be half-price through the donut hole, and in 2020 the coverage gap will be closed altogether. 

Other benefits Medicare recipients now have are preventive screenings and annual wellness visits with no co-pay.  The act also contains consumer protection provisions for those with pre-existing conditions, eliminates the lifetime cap set by insurance companies, and ensures that children can stay on parents’ policy until they reach age 26. 

Answering questions from the audience, Gunn said that the Affordable Health Care Act is so many pages because it must coordinate the various health programs in 50 states, all territories and Native American nations. He said that $15 million has come to South Carolina to implement health insurance exchanges, consumer assistance, and for grants.  He said that $2.5 million is going to small businesses in SC that do medical research, so jobs will be created. The goal is to improve the quality of health care while lowering the cost, he added. 

He encouraged people to go to the Websites: www.medicare.gov , and www.healthcare.gov, or to call 1-800-Medicare for further information or assistance.

January 19, 2011

Stay in Balance Fall Prevention Class

    Starting January 24, 2010, the Capital Senior Center is offering Stay in Balance, an exercise program designed to improve balance, mobility and functional abilities in older adults in order to prevent falls. 

    Falls are an enormous threat to the health and well-being of older adults, and are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. It is estimated that one in three adults age 65 and older fall each year. While most falls result in minimal injury, more than 20 to 30 percent of adults age 65 and older suffer serious injury from falls, particularly hip fractures and head injury.

    The program, designed and by staff and students at the University of South Carolina, is for those who worry about falling, have concerns about unsteadiness in walking, stumble over objects, have difficulties getting up out of chairs or sitting down, have trouble bending over to pick up objects, or experience weakness in the arms or legs. 

    Participants can attend the class on Monday and Wednesdays at 3 p.m. or on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

February 2, 2011

 Gym Memberships        

  Gym memberships at the Capital Senior Center are available for the low cost of $85 per year.  Gym memberships include full use of 22 machines designed for fitness training in the cardio fitness center and the circuit training room.  A fitness trainer is on staff to help members with a personalized fitness program.  In addition, gym members can participate in all social events, the arthritis exercise program, and academic programs at the Center.  They can also use the computer lab and they receive discounts on special classes and events.  The fitness and circuit rooms are open seven days a week: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to Noon on Sunday. 

February 2, 2011

 Salsa dancing classes are held at 5:30 and at 7:30 pm at the Capital Senior Center on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday.  The two-hour sessions include both instructions and practice time.  Classes are open to the public and are for beginners as well as more experienced Salsa enthusiasts.  Ramon Gil is the instructor.  There is a $5 fee per class.

January 21, 2011

Pilates Fundamentals Class             

 A Pilates Fundamentals Class will be held at the Capital Senior Center for all those interested in enrolling in the regularly scheduled Pilates classes at the Center.  The class will cover basic movements and terminology.  Teacher Vickie Beatty is a certified Pilates instructor and recommends this class for all beginners. 

Pilates is an exercise system that focuses on building strength without bulk, improving flexibility and agility, and helping to prevent injury. It involves a series of controlled movements that engage both the body and mind.

A beginner class generally consists of very gentle exercises done on a mat in either a sitting or lying down position. The primary focus is on awareness of the spine, proper breathing, core strength and flexibility. The outcome of Pilates training is a balanced body which is strong and supple, flat stomach, balanced legs, and a strong back.