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Huron Expositor, 2004-02-04, Page 7FREE DELIVERY Prescriptions, Home Health Care & More! KEATINGS Guardian Pharmacy 67 Main St., Seaforth 527-1990 PHARM ASSIST ':dem eed tic rite sWeaae u . u ct4 " ALBERT STREET DENTURE CLINIC Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart D.D. Complete and Partial Dentures Denture Repairs Relines - Additions 482-1195 50 ALBERT STREET CLINTQN FACILITIES FOR RENT •ANNIVERSARIES *BANQUETS •MEETINGS *WEDDINGS Modern Kitchen Facilities Wheel Chair Accessible Over 10,000 Square Feet Of Show Area For Rental Information Call At (519)527-1321 or Fax (519)527-0983 Seaforth Agricultural Society OFFICE 519-527-1321 John Bennett Sharon Flanagan Joanne Maloney -Flanagan President Secretary - Treasurer President Home Craft www.c4thagsociety.on.ca MAPLEWOOD MANOR Retirement Home 13 Church St., Seaforth At present we have Private and Semi -Private accommodations available. Features include: • excellent dining and snacks • dietician approved menus • laundry • housekeeping. • medication administered by our professional staff • transportation arranged for appointments • 24 hour friendly professional staff • beauty salon • barber services • daily activities • convalescent & respite stays available ORCA for more information contact Tracy Nash at 527-1440 Fax # 527-2977 Maplewood Manor "Your Invitation to Gracious Retirement Living" THE HURON RXPOSIITOR, FIRIIWARY 4, 2004-7 After 40 years, local senior proves it's never too late to quit smoking By Sara Campbell Expositor Staff Marilyn Hodgert couldn't prouder of the accomplishment she made and stuck with, four years ago. "It was the hardest thing I ever had to do but I'm sure glad I did it," says Hodgert. The 71 -year-old smoked cigarettes for more than 40 years before one day she decided it was time to quit. "It was just all of a sudden one day, I had one cigarette left in the pack and I said 'that's it, I'm going to quit.' And, I just threw the pack out and•I haven't smoked since," says the Seaforth resident. Sandra Feltz, tobacco coordinator and public health nurse with the Huron County Health Unit, reports that it is never too late to quit smoking. Even after 30 years or more of heavy smoking, the body can enjoy immediate health benefits when a person quits smoking. "All smokers - men and women, young and old, those who are well and those who already have smoking related diseases, experience health benefits from quitting," she says. "1t takes time and energy to quit smoking. With planning, new skills, motivation and support, many people take control and join the millions of Canadians who enjoy life without tobacco." Hodgert says it was not uncommon to see men and women smoking when she began 40 years ago. And, over the years she says she never thought about quitting but was always pressured to quit by her two daughters. Until Hodgert moved to Maplewood Retirement Home eight years ago, she says she began to "cut back." "The staff would hold my cigarettes for me but I was wanting one ever hour and a half and was becoming a pain so I took them back. It was up to me if I wanted to quit and then I decided to," she says. She adds that it didn't bother her to be in a no - smoking building but the staff at Maplewood wanted to help her quit. "The staff was very helpful. I'm very grateful to them and they are happy for me. And, my daughters are proud of me too," she says. After four years with out a cigarette, Hodgert says she has never felt better. "I actually feel healthier and I can taste food again, everything had lost it's taste," she says. Quitting smoking improves breathing and a few months after your last cigarette, breathing should be easier, states Feltz. Unfortunately, quitting smoking cannot undo any permanent damage that has been done to a smoker's lungs; however, it may help to slow any further damage. "You will experience Icss coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath. Your sense of smell will also improve," she reports. Hodgert adds that even as a senior she did not think she had a reason to quit but now she is glad she did. The health unit reports that seniors can reduce their risk of dying from heart disease by half after only one year of being smoke free and it only Sara Campbell photo Marilyn Hodgert, a resident of Maplewood Manor in Seaforth, smoked for 40 years before making a commitment to quit four years ago. gets better. About 15 years after quitting the risk is close to that of a person who has never smoked. Even people who have developed smoking-related diseases such as angina or heart disease can benefit from quitting, says Feltz. Smokers who have had a heart attack will reduce their chances of having another one by 50 per cent or more compared to someone who continues to smoke. She says warnings, campaigns and pressure from people try to make smokers quit but it is up to the individual. And, although smoking bylaws will prevent people from smoking in public places, she says it won't prevent them from smoking elsewhere. "Smoking bylaws won't stop people from smoking in their homes and they'll just go outside if they want to smoke," she says. Hodgert says it doesn't bother her to sec other people smoking but she won't pressure people into quitting. "To me, no one can quit unless they want to but I am glad 1 did." For more information about quittipg smoking, call the Health Unit at 482-3416. Residents singing, dancing with entertainers Residents and staff congratulated Kyla Bradley who completed her co-op term at Maplewood Manor and now look forward to having her as a staff member at our home. Arthur and Eleanor Horst and Elgin Nott had residents singing at their best as they played some good old Maplewood Manor Nursing Home familiar tunes. Church service was held with Rev. Wilson from thc Anglican Church in Brussels and a hymn sing was led by Virginia Elg. Residents had their dancing shoes ready for a lively afternoon of music with Francic and Tom Mclady, Jitn Delaney and Elgin Nott. It was fun having Mary Ellen Hallahan with us as she had everyone kicking up their heels dancing with.residcnts. Buffy, our therapy dog, is also welcomed each week and has made many friends at our home. People gathered in the lounge for an afternoon of some "parlor music" played by Marjory Papple. Crokinole, bingo, crafts and euchre were other activities that residents took part in during the month. Kinesiologist valuable rehab service at Queensway Fun and fitness started thc week for residents at Queensway Nursing and Retirement Home in Hensall with an energetic workout followed by a quiz about Robbie Burns. Many residents had knowledge of Queensway Nursing Horne his songs and poetry. In the afternoon auxiliary volunteers provided assistance with bingo. Weather conditions prevented thc scheduled minister from travelling to Queensway and leading the ode ric St. W., Seatorth 527-1 9� Ross W. Ribe - Funeral Director wwwwwhitne be ralhorne.com worship service Tuesday. Residents also benefitted from one-to-one attention via manicures, music and reading. Kinesiologist, Alicia who is with us three times a week worked with several residents providing their physio and other therapies. Her clients appreciate the individual attention they receive and there are success stories related to the value of her rehab efforts. Ross Thompson and Jack Dunn celebrated birthdays this month at the January birthday party Thursday afternoon. When our scheduled entertainment couldn't come due to snow squalls trusty volunteer Bill Gibson stepped in and played piano for us. Edna Dietz and Betty Simmons assisted staff with serving the refreshments. Resident council met Friday and discussed issues and upcoming events, with everyone anticipating the conclusion of this "old fashioned" winter.