The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) receives federal funding through the Older Americans Act to provide disease prevention and health promotion services at senior centers or other community sites through the Health & Wellness program. The philosophy of Health & Wellness is that it is never too late to make lifestyle changes to maintain or improve health. The PDA Health & Wellness priority areas are: health risk screening; nutrition; chronic disease self-management; fall risk; exercise & strengthening to prevent fall-related injury; behavioral health and medication management.
The Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. offers several health promotion programs to help older adults age well.
“Live Your Best Life” – Learn How to Manage Chronic Health Conditions
“Live Your Best Life” is offered through a partnership of the Union-Snyder Agency and Aging, Inc., Geisinger Health Plan, and Evangelical Community Health & Wellness. “Live Your Best Life” is a free, evidence-based, chronic disease self-management program. This program has been proven to be effective in helping people to manage their chronic health conditions. It is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and is offered in many counties throughout Pennsylvania. Educational materials are provided and are available in Spanish and audiobook. The program runs for six consecutive weeks with each weekly session lasting 2 ½ hours.
Learn how to improve your quality of life while coping with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain, depression, a breathing problem, heart failure or any other health problem that alters your lifestyle. Anyone who cares for someone who has a chronic condition is also welcome to attend. Topics that will be covered during the program include: managing pain and fatigue; improving psychological well-being; nutrition and exercise; and communicating with family, friends and health professionals.
For more information contact Debbie Sanders, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging at (570)524-2100 or (570)374-5558 or by email dsanders@usaaa17.org.
“Live Your Best Life with Diabetes” – Learn How to Manage Diabetes
“Live Your Best Life with Diabetes” is offered through a partnership of the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. and Geisinger Health Plan. Live Your Best Life with Diabetes is a free diabetes self-management program. This program has been proven to be effective in helping people to manage their diabetes. It is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and is being offered in many counties throughout Pennsylvania. Educational materials are provided and are available in Spanish and audio-book. The program runs for six consecutive weeks with each weekly session lasting 2 ½ hours.
Live Your Best Life with Diabetes is open to adults who want to learn how to improve their quality of life while coping with diabetes. Anyone who cares for someone who has diabetes is also welcome to attend. Topics that will be covered during the program include: managing pain and fatigue; improving psychological well-being; nutrition and exercise; and communicating with family, friends and health professionals.
For more information call Debbie Sanders, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. at (570)524-2100 or (570)374-5558 or email dsanders@usaaa17.org You do not have to have Geisinger insurance or receive your health care through Geisinger to attend.
Healthy Steps Older Adults Fall Prevention
Are you concerned about falling? Is a fear of falling keeping you from doing things you used to enjoy? Are you not getting out as much as you used to? As you grow older you have a higher risk of falling. Falls are also more likely to cause serious injuries in older people.
Certified instructors from the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. and from partner organizations present this free, evidence-based program on fall prevention. Learn what your risk of falling is, and what healthy steps you can take to prevent falls and stay active. Anyone over age 50 may attend, but the program is especially valuable for people age 60 and older. The program includes fall risk screening, a book, and healthy snacks. For more information, call (570)524-2100 or (570)374-5558, Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Blood Pressure Screening
Free blood pressure screenings are offered by licensed nurses at each senior center.
Dates and times can change. Please confirm with the Senior Center Manager.
Beaver Springs Senior Center – First Thursday @10:45 am
55 Elm Street
Beaver Springs, PA 17812
For more information call 570-658-7333.
Lewisburg Senior Center – Third Wednesday @10:00 am
116 N 2nd Street
Lewisburg, PA 17837
For more information, call 570-523-6510.
Penns Creek Adult Resource Center – Second Friday @10:00 am
3551 Richard Road
Penns Creek, PA 17862
For more information, call 570-837-6200.
Selinsgrove Senior Center – First Tuesday @11:00 am, Third Wednesday @8:30 am & Last Thursday @9:00 am
8 North Water Street
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
For more information, call 570-374-4170.
Medication Reviews
Medication reviews with a registered pharmacist from Evangelical Community Hospital are offered annually at each senior center. The pharmacist will review your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Taking advantage of this free service can improve your understanding of your medicines, including what medicines you are taking, why you’re taking them and how best to take them. The pharmacist can also answer your questions regarding side effects and how certain medications interact with foods. These medication reviews are especially helpful if you take several medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, such as herbs or vitamins. For more information, call (570)524-2100 or (570)374-5558, Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
General Information
Health program participants may reside in any county, not restricted to only Union or Snyder County.
If you live in Union or Snyder County and need a ride to get to any of these health programs call Rabbittransit at 1-800-632-9063 or visit their website at www.rabbittransit.org.
For more information, contact the Health & Wellness Coordinator at (570)524-2100 or (570)374-5558.