Second Opinions and Overtreatment

Thursday, Aug. 4, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Obtaining a second opinion is a time-honored tradition in medicine, and most physicians agree that any significant surgical procedure warrants one.

Join Dr. Vikas Saini of the Lown Cardiovascular Center, Brookline as he discusses the important topic of second opinions and overtreatment in health care. Please sign up in advance.

About the Speaker: Vikas Saini, MD is co-Director of the Lown Center and President of the Lown Foundation. He completed his MD with distinction from Dalhousie University in Halifax, residency at Baltimore City Hospitals/Johns Hopkins Bayview, and a Lown Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Medication Safety for Seniors

Part 1: Managing Your Medicines: 10 Steps for Success

Aug. 2 at 1 p.m.

Part 2: Preventing Harm: Ways to Avoid Medication Errors

Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.

When used appropriately, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can enhance quality of life by limiting loss of function and alleviating troublesome symptoms, and even extend life. Despite these benefits, all medicines have risks, especially among older adults, who take more prescription and OTC medication than any other age group in the United States. This educational series will promote safe and appropriate medication use by giving older adults the tools and know-how to avoid medication misuse, recognize and manage common side effects, and improve their knowledge, attitudes, and skills to avoid medication-related errors.  Please sign up in advance.  Presented by students and faculty from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Wii Thursdays

The Council on Aging is now the proud owner of a Nintendo Wii console gaming system. Starting Thursday, Aug. 4, the Wii will be available to play in Classroom A from 9 a.m. to noon. Directions on how to use the device will be available. 

Art Exhibit in the Lounge. Elizabeth Flemings’ exciting print exhibit continues through 8/10/11. Be sure to schedule a visit to the Senior Center to view the work of this talented local artist.

Tuesday Extended Hours Programming.  There is still time to join our extended programming on Tuesdays, including Meditation, Cardio & Conditioning Exercise, and Drawing & Painting class.  Please call for more information.

Movies

Friday, July 29 at 1 p.m.: The King’s Speech (R)

Friday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m.: Secretariat (PG)

Reminders

Council on Aging Transportation

The Council on Aging transportation department offers rides for medical purposes to Belmont and surrounding areas, and will also offer rides for social purposes (i.e. hairdressers, local shopping) on an as needed basis, subject to availability.  Medical rides supersede all others.

Suggested donation for a ride from the Council-On-Aging for any purpose is $2 each way.

Day and Overnight Trips

• Sunday, August 7 to Monday, August 8: Tanglewood and Hancock Shaker Village. Cost is Single $365 pp, Twin $325 pp, or $315 Triple. $30 waiver fee is available in case of cancellation. Full payment is due now. Check payable to Gateway Tours.

• Thursday, August 25: Scarborough, ME. This trip is now on a waitlist. Please call the COA office to check on availability. Cost is $83 per person. Check payable to Best of Times.

• Tuesday, Sept. 13: Gilford, NH. Road to the Scottish Highlands. Master of ceremonies and internationally renowned accordionist, John Carmichael will transport you to Scotland as he introduces the music, dance, and artistry of his native land. Because this event is ticketed, seating will be assigned in order of payment. Cost is $80 pp. Checks payable to Best of Times.

• Tuesday, September 20 to Thursday, September 22: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, Canada

Trip includes a guided tour of Montreal, 2 full course dinners, and a visit to Montreal’s Casino Royale & a $20 cash bonus. Cost is Single $479 pp, Twin $339 pp, or Triple $329 pp. $50 deposit due at the time of registration. Check payable to Fox Tours. Waiver fee is available for $12 pp. A valid passport is necessary to travel to Canada.

• Wednesday, October 12: Mohawk Trail.  This trip is filling up fast. The trip includes The Bridge of Flowers, Atkins Farm, and lunch at the Salem Cross Inn.  Meal choice: Chicken Pot Pie of Baked Scrod. Cost is$58 per person. A $5 waiver fee is available in case of cancellation. Check payable to Fox Tours.

• Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11: White Mountain Hotel and Resort

Our annual three day, two night trip. A $50 deposit is due by August 31. Cost is Single $467, Twin $367, or Triple $357.  Waiver fee is available for $5.  Check payable to White Mountain Hotel. 

• Friday, December 30 to Sunday, January 1: Sheraton Hotel, Leominster, MA

Our annual New Year’s Eve trip is now taking deposits.

For more information on these or other trips, flyers are available at the COA office, 266 Beech St., or call 617-993-2970 or Loretta at 617-484-7187.

Website. We are happy to announce that the Beech Street Center has a new website at http://beechstreetcenter.org. Thank you to Margo Cole and The Friends of the Belmont Council on Aging for all their hard work, which made this website possible.

About the Senior Center: The Belmont Council on Aging Center, 266 Beech St., invites community members to attend a wide variety of events and to make use of the many services offered. Please do not hesitate to call or visit for more information: Belmont Council on Aging. Main: (617) 993-2970, Transportation, (617) 993-2980.