Program encourages seniors to ‘live larger'

Some people might equate healthy food with a bland taste, but that's not necessarily the case, according to Carlos Ochoa, executive chef at Arizona Western College.

“If you substitute fresh herbs and spices, it helps food taste a lot better and makes your heart healthy and you can have fun in the kitchen. Using fresh ingredients, grown locally, really makes for fresh foods,” Ochoa said.

He demonstrated the technique by preparing a dish of penne pasta with grilled chicken during a “Heart Healthy Cooking” demonstration at the Yuma Regional Medical Center's Silver Care program on Friday.

Ochoa used a recipe developed for the Healthy Yuma 2011 program and it was also the dish served for lunch.

The chef himself strives to cook healthy and has lost 50 pounds by eating healthy, smaller portions and exercising.

Silver Care's largest event of the year drew more than a hundred senior citizens to the Yuma Regional Corporate Center. The program is YRMC's free, health-related program for people 55 and older.

It has about 3,000 year-round and seasonal members and provides several events throughout the year, including hospital tours, Coffee and Conversation, during which physicians present information to a group of members, free health screenings and a walking program.

Friday's program addressed stress management, dietary fats and diet and exercise.

Member Susan Lukenbill, a winter visitor from Washington, said she is amazed by the health tidbits she learns at program events.

“They find the best speakers. In listening to doctors talk, I always pick up something new,” she said.

For example, her husband Gary has sleep apnea and couldn't use the mask. “We learned about other options, such as a mouth piece.”

Speakers have motivated them to watch their health, she added.

Shirley Collins of Yuma also enjoys learning new things and even refreshing her memory. In this latest presentation, she was surprised to learn that omega-3 fatty acids may increase the effects of blood thinners.

“We hadn't heard that. Both my husband and I are on blood thinners so we need to talk to our doctor,” Collins said.

She is also a member of the program's walking club.

Linda Kaiser, a Yuma resident, especially enjoys the tours. She found a recent visit to the hospital's cardiovascular unit interesting. “It was interesting to see.”

The program, she added, is a “very rewarding and informative way to learn things and to talk to people.”

The goal of Silver Care, now in its third year, is to get older members of the community to “live larger and be more active,” according to Rebecca Larson, YRMC community relations specialist.

“It's a great opportunity to work with those over 55, get them active about their health,” she said. “The walking program motivates members to move around and we present topics they're interested in.”

Recent topics have included menopause, periodontal disease and cosmetic dentistry, diabetes and stroke awareness.

Larson stressed that the program is completely free and members get discounts at the hospital's cardio rehab gym and Plaza Lab.

“I really love working with the seniors. They see the value in it,” Larson said.

She recalled a woman who told her she signed up only for the free tote but was surprised by how informative and beneficial the program had been.

“It's fun for me and really good for them,” Larson said.

At Friday's event, Padraic Bello, registered dietitian, addressed how dietary fats impact lifestyle and health.

“Our overall health is affected by our diet,” he said, noting that “it's a concern because diabetes and obesity has become an issue in the community, not just Yuma, but across the board.”

However, Bello recognized that it's not easy for people to make lifestyle changes. “People are people, but we give people the tools to make changes. Then it's up to their level of motivation and what they're willing to do.”

Dr. Robert Smythe of Up 2 Par Medical Clinic talked about diet and exercising for optimizing health. He also shared information about sarcopenia, when muscle is replaced with fat.

Most people take it granted that it will happen with aging, but he noted that it's not something that has to happen. By exercising, a person can keep or make strong muscles, which will result in better balance and less chance of falling.

Sally Dalton of Courageous Journeys encouraged members to care for their physical, emotional and spiritual health and relationships.

To reduce stress, she suggested using relaxation or breathing exercises, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, spending time outdoors and limiting “screen time” (television, computers, gaming and cellular phones).

She also gave tips on caring for their emotional well-being by keeping a journal, using positive affirmations and uplifting music, remembering happy events, reaching out to someone when they're down, overwhelmed or feeling ashamed.

For spiritual health, Dalton recommended prayer, meditation, spiritual reading, attending religious services and serving others.

In dealing with personal relationships, she suggested going on dates with a spouse, consciously smiling at others and saying something kind, limiting complaining and gossiping, sharing family meals, playing games and sports, thanking people, doing household chores together as a family and singing and playing music together.

Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or (928) 539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.