Mountain Views News          Saturday, June 6, 2015

13 Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 6, 2015 THE GOOD LIFE 
SENIOR HAPPENINGS13 Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 6, 2015 THE GOOD LIFE 
SENIOR HAPPENINGS
CHOOSING A HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR 


Dear Savvy Senior:
Can you offer me any tips on choosing a home bloodpressure monitor? I just found out I have high bloodpressure, and my doctor told me I need a monitor forthe house so I can keep an eye on it.
Shopping Around 

Dear Shopping:
Almost everyone with high blood pressure or 
prehypertension should have a home blood pressure 
monitor. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs 
on your blood pressure in a comfortable setting. 
Plus, if you’re taking medication it will make certain 
it’s working, and alert you to a health problem if it 
arises. Here are some tips to help you choose a good 
monitor. 

Types of Monitors

The two most popular types of home blood pressuremonitors on the market today are (electric and/
or battery powered) automatic arm monitors, andautomatic wrist monitors. 

With an automatic arm monitor, you simply wrapthe cuff around your bicep and with the push of onebutton the cuff inflates and deflates automaticallygiving you your blood pressure reading on the displaywindow in a matter of seconds. 

Wrist monitors work similarly, except they attachto the wrist. Wrist monitors are also smaller in size 
and a bit more comfortable to use than the arm 
monitors, but they tend to be a little less accurate. 

To help you choose the best monitor for you, here areseveral things you need to check into: 
-Fit: Using a cuff that’s the wrong size can result ina bad reading. Most arm models have two sizes or anadjustable cuff that fits most people. Make sure yourchoice fits the circumference of your upper arm. 
-Accuracy: Check the packaging to make sure themonitor has been independently tested and validatedfor accuracy and reliability. You can see a list ofvalidated monitors at dableducational.org. 
-Ease of use: Be sure the display on the monitor iseasy to read and understand, and that the buttons arebig enough. The directions for applying the cuff andoperating the monitor should be clear. 
-Extra features: Many monitors come with 
additional features such as irregular heartbeat 
detection that checks for arrhythmias and other 


abnormalities; a risk category indicator that tells 
you whether your blood pressure is in the high 
range; a data-averaging function that allows you to 
take multiple readings and get an overall average; 
multiple user memory that allows two or more users 
to save previous readings; and computer connections 
so you can download the data to your computer. 
-Portability: If you plan to take your monitor withyou while traveling, look for one with a carrying case. 

Where to Shop

You can find blood pressure monitors at pharmacies,
medical supply stores or online, and you don’t need aprescription to buy one.

The price will typically range anywhere from $30to $120 or more. Unfortunately, original Medicaredoes not pay for home blood pressure monitorsunless you’re receiving dialysis at home. But if youhave a Medicare Advantage plan or a private healthinsurance policy it’s worth checking into, becausesome plans may provide coverage.

Some of the best arm monitors as recentlyrecommended by Consumer Reports include the RiteAid Deluxe Automatic BP3AR1-4DRITE; iHealth 
Dock BP3 (requires an Apple iOS device); Omron 10Series BP786; A&D Medical UA767F; and the ReliOn 
BP200. And the top recommended wrist monitor isthe Omron 7 Series BP652. 

After you buy a monitor, it’s a good idea to take it toyour doctor’s office so they can check its accuracy andteach you the proper techniques of how and when touse it. 

For more information on how to measure yourblood pressure accurately at home, see the AmericanHeart Association Blood Pressure Monitoring 
tutorial page at homeBPmonitoring.org. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show andauthor of “The Savvy Senior” book. 

KATIE Tse..........This and That 



BONANZA! 

I called my parents the otherday and was surprised to hearthe “Bonanza” theme song ontheir answering machine! Myparents have been without aTV since July 1976. It’s an easydate to remember because theywere watching the tall ships during the Bicentennialfestivities when their TV set went poof! My birth 

when Hoss came across a band of leprechauns.

 Like many old shows, the cast had a limitedwardrobe. Ben always wore a buff colored vest,
Adam was the cool one in all black (very ahead ofhis time), Hoss wore a ten gallon hat and a littlevest that emphasized his hefty frame, and Little Joewas perpetually sporting a green jacket. The other 
night I mused that it would have been funny if theyshowed Little Joe opening his closet and selecting

in 1983 did not inspire them to

one of countless identical green

buy a new one, so I grew up sans

jackets. When they got dressed

television. This has contributed to 

up, each wore a string tie, a’ la

my identity as a closet old person,

Colonel Sanders. Adam’s didn’t 

which is even more apparent now

stand out much against his black

that my column appears in “The

outfit, but you knew it was there.

Good Life” section under “Senior 

This trend of always wearing

Happenings.” I laughed when I

the same thing was not new to

first noticed that.

“Bonanza.” “The Honeymooners”

 Now that the Internet has 

and other shows from that era did 

made it possible for people to

the same thing. But Ralph and

watch their favorite vintage TV

Alice Kramden lived in a tiny

shows, my parents are enjoying a

tenement apartment in New York,

renaissance of “Have Gun, Will 

so you’d expect they couldn’t

Travel,” “The Andy Griffith Show,”

afford much. On the other hand, 

and “Bonanza.” Each has spawned 

the Cartwrights owned half the

jokes and thought provoking

state of Nevada, so they certainly

observations about the story lines

could’ve afforded more wardrobe 

and characters. “Guess what 

diversity!

Paladin’s first name is?” my dad

 Although Bonanza had its 

asked. I gave up. “Wire,” he said, 

cheesy aspects, its traditional 

“His cards say, ‘Wire Paladin.’” 

values and wholesome 

Now you’d really have to be a

entertainment were endearing. 

closet old person to get that one.

The audience knew who the good 

For any young people reading

guys were because what they did 

this, to “wire” meant to telegraph.

was right. It was also clear who 

Therefore, if someone said, “Wire 

the bad guys were, because what 

the mayor,” they meant “Contact

they did was evil. And the good 

the mayor.” Fascinating stuff, I 

guys always won in the end. This 

know.

is in sharp contrast to so much 

 Mom’s latest interest is “Bonanza.” 

of the current media offerings. 

In the show, Ben Cartwright liveswith his three sons, Adam, Hoss, 
and Little Joe on the Ponderosa ranch in Nevada. 
Each son is from a different mother, promptingjokes about what kind of husband Ben must havebeen! It takes place in the wild, wild west (anotherfavorite show) in the mid 1800’s. In the first seasonthe writers made an effort to include historical 
figures, such as Henry Comstock, of the ComstockLode, and others. That eventually petered out,
giving way to occasional fanciful episodes, such as 

It would be overly simplistic to 

says that life was easy, but having 
a shared moral compass at least made decisions 
and judgments simpler. For a closet old person 
like me, our Brave New World is looking more 
and more like 1984.

 P.S. For those who read my last column aboutthe adventure my husband and I had roastingour Memorial Day turkey, I just wanted to let youknow that we did finally find the giblets! They were 
hiding in the neck cavity --who knew! 
HELPFUL HINT: White vinegar is an inexpensive way to keep your dishes sparkling, 
just pour white vinegar in the compartment of your dishwasher instead of a liquid rinse product. 
........................................................................................ 

FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE 

Paul, late for an important meeting, was searching desperately for a parking spot in a parking lot. 
Looking up to the heaven’s he entreated “God if you find me a parking spot, I promise to start going 
to church again.” The words were barely out of his mouth, when a spot opened up right in front of 
his car.Paul looked back up, “never mind I found one.” 

~ ~ ~ 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … June Birthdays* 

Joanne Thrane, Nellie Haynes, Dorothy McKay, George Enyedi, Theresa Daley, Ann 

Dugerian, Marilyn McKernan, Pat Fujiwara, John Shier, Beth Smith-Kellock, Mary Carney, 

Ann Disbrow, Joan Ellison, Ruth Kirby, Irene Kudirka, Anne Montgomery, Trini Ornelas, 

Martha Spriggs, Pat Starkey, Kathleen Coyne, Suzanne Decker, Halcyon Koerber, Jacque Persing, 

Jeanne Peterson and Grace Sanders. 

 *To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth 

not required. 

.................................................................. 


Quote of the Week: Seize the moment. Remember all the women on the Titanic who 
waved off the dessert cart. - Erma Bombeck 


................................................... 



ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park 
House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon 

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.)

All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 

for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is 

limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256 


HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS: Every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11am. 
Join instructor Barbara Dempsey as she instructs you in the art of hula. 
BINGO: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00pm. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to 
join. May be canceled if less than 5 people. 


FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to 12pm. No appt. 


is necessary. 
CASE MANAGEMENT: Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month. Case Management services are 
provided by the YWCA and provide assistance in a variety of areas. Appointments are required and 
can be scheduled by calling the HPH Office at 626-355-7394. 


BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Every second Thursday of the month the Hart Park House Senior 
Center celebrates birthdays of our patrons. The free birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre 
Civic Club. 


GAME DAY: Every Thursday starting at 12:45pm. A regular group of seniors play poker. Other 


games available for use. 
TAX ASSISTANCE: Every Thursday February 5th through April 9th from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Don 
Brunner is available for income tax consultation. Appointments are required, call 626-355-7394. 


FREE STRENGTH TRAINING CLASS: Every Friday from 12:45pm to 1:30pm with Lisa 
Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All materials for the 
class are provided. 
SENIOR CLUB: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am. 


Club meeting at noon. Bingo 12:30-3:30pm. Annual Membership is only $10.00. 


UPCOMING EXCURSIONS: 

THE ALPACA HACIENDA (TEMECULA) 

Date: June 30, 2015 
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm 
Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $12.00 (Does not include lunch) 
Description: Learn about the history of the alpaca, why we raise them and how we care forthem. You’ll learn some of their quirky traits and other interesting facts. You may hand feedthe alpacas if you like; this is a great opportunity for photographs! This tour includes a mini-
seminar on how we work with the fiber, from washing and carding, to spinning and felting, andwill give you a brief history of spinning fibers into yarn. Spend some time in our boutique whereyou can find beautiful, handmade items by local fiber artists made from alpaca fiber, as wellas luxurious scarves, hats, sweater and gloves. Lunch will be on your own at Old Town Temecula.
Participants should bring money for lunch and souvenirs. Last day to register is Wednesday, June24th. Level of Walking: Medium 

Excursion Refund Policy

Notification of the cancellation must be made at least 3 business days before the excursion. A refundwill only be issued 1) for a medical excuse or 2) if the Department is able to fill the patrons spotfrom a waiting list. This refund will be issued in the form of a credit which will be applied to thepatron’s account with the City, less a $10 cancellation fee. The credit will remain on your account forone year from the date issued and the credit may be used for any program or service offered by theCommunity Services Dept. 


TRANSPORTATION CHANGES BEGINNING JUNE 1,2015 

Beginning June 1, 2015 Dial-A-Ride services in Sierra Madre will operate Monday through Friday 
from 8:00am – 10:30am and 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Dial-A-Ride services are available to Sierra Madre 
residents that are 62 years of age or older, or have a signed form by a physician attesting to a 
disability that hinders mobility. The cost of a one-way fare is $2.00. Dial-A-Ride users must submit 
an application prior to using the service for the first time.

Beginning June 1, 2015 the Gateway Coach fixed-route services operates Monday through Friday 
from 11:00am – 2:00pm. The Gateway Coach is free for anyone to use. The Gateway Coach stops at 
various points throughout the City including City parks, the library, City Hall, Senior Center, and 
schools. In addition the Gateway Coach stops in Hastings Ranch.
To download a copy of the new Sierra Madre Public Transportation Brochure, please visit the City’s 
website at www.cityofsierramadre.com/transportation. For additional information contact the 
Community Services Department at 626-355-7135.