Mountain Views News          Saturday, July 30, 2016

Mountain Views-News Saturday, July 30, 2016 9THE GOOD LIFE THE GOOD LIFE 
ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP RELIEVE PAIN AND 
MANY OTHER AILMENTS 

Dear Savvy Senior,
Is acupuncture a proven treatment for arthritis pain?
I have a lot of back and neck pain and am wondering
if it’s worth trying. What all can you tell me about
acupuncture? 


Afraid of Needles 



Dear Afraid, 
Many well-designed studies over the years – funded by the National Institutes of Health – have found
acupuncture to be very effective in easing arthritis pain, and can help with a variety of other ailments
too. Here’s what you should know.


First used in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture has become increasingly popular in theUnited States over the past 40 years.

While acupuncture isn’t a cure-all treatment, it is a safe, drug-free option for relieving many differenttypes of pain including osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia,
postoperative pain, tennis elbow, carpel tunnel syndrome, dental pain, menstrual cramps and more.
Studies have also shown that it can be helpful in treating asthma, depression, digestive disorders,
addictions, menopause symptoms like hot flashes, and nausea caused by chemotherapy or anesthesia.

Exactly how or why acupuncture works is still not fully understood, but it’s based on the traditionalEastern theory that vital energy flows through pathways in the body, and when any of these pathways getblocked, pain and illness result. Acupuncture unblocks the pathways to restore health.

However, today most U.S. medical doctors tend to believe that acupuncture works because it stimulatesthe nerves causing the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkiller hormones. It’s alsoshown to increase blood circulation, decrease inflammation and stimulate the immune system. 

What to Know 

If the thought of getting needles stuck into your body makes you a little uneasy, you’ll be happy to knowthat an acupuncture treatment is nothing like getting a shot. In fact, it’s quite relaxing. Here are someadditional points you should know: 

The needles: They’re solid, sterile and disposable (used only once), and as thin as a cat’s whisker. Thenumber of needles used for each treatment can vary anywhere from a few, up to a dozen or more. Andwhere the needles are actually stuck depends on the condition being treated, but they are typicallyinserted about one-quarter to 1-inch deep, and are left in place for about 20 minutes. After placement,
the needles are sometimes twirled or manipulated, or stimulated with electricity or heat.

Does it hurt? You may feel a brief, sharp sensation when the needle is inserted, but generally it’s notpainful. Once the needle is in place, however, you may feel a tingling sensation, numbness, mild pressureor warmth. 

Treatments: How many treatments you’ll need will depend on the severity of your condition – 12treatments done weekly or biweekly is very common. It’s also important to know that acupuncture canbe used in conjunction with other conventional medical treatments, or by itself.

Cost and coverage: The cost per treatment typically runs anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.
Unfortunately, most private health plans including Medicare, do not cover acupuncture.

To find an acupuncturist in your area ask your doctor for a referral, or you can do a search onlineat the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (nccaom.org) andacufinder.com. Both sites provide a national database of certified and/or licensed practitioners. Or visitthe American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists (medicalacupuncture.org), which offers a directoryof MDs who are certified to practice acupuncture.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 



HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ….July Birthdays 

Nina Bartolai, Mary Lou Caldwell, Louise Neiby, Eunice Banis, Betty Hansen, 
Christine Durfort, Shahrzad Azrani, Jeanne Borgedahl, Janet Cox, Dorothy 
Montgomery, Bess Pancoska, Janet Swanson, Linda Thunes, Barbara Watson, Pat 
Alcorn, Karma Bell, Alice Clark, Dorothy Jerneycic, and Betty Dos Remedios. 
* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth 

not required but you must be over 60. 
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ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the 
Hart Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 YWCA San Gabriel Valley - Intervale Senior Cafe 

Seniors 60 years of age and up can participate in the YWCA Intervale daily lunch program held 

at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Meals are served Monday through Friday at 12:00 pm 

and participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 am. Meals are a suggested donation of $3.00 

for seniors 60 and over or $5.00 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary, space is 

limited. Please reserve your lunch by calling 626-355-0256. 

Hawaiian and Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10:00 - 11:00am. 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 cancelled if less than 5 people. 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to 12pm. No appt. is 

necessary. 

Brain Games: Thursday, June 16, 10:30 - 11:30am. Improve your memory and strengthen your 

brain. Activities facilitated by senior volunteers. 

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, June 15th from 10:30am to Noon. Attorney Lem 

Makupson is available for legal consultation. He specializes in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, 

and Injury. Appointment are required by calling 626-355-7394. 

Sing-A-Long: Music brings joy to the soul. Come join us Thursday, June 9, 10:30 - 11:30am. No 

music skills needed! This month: “Silly Folk Songs”. 

Balance Class: Monday, June 20, 11:00 - 11:45am with Paul Hagen. A variety of balance exercises 

are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

Chair Yoga: Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am. A suggested donation of $5 at one 

of the classes is requested, but is not required. 

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 at the Hart Park House. The free 

birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre Civic Club. 

Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:00pm. (Please note the time change.) A regular group of 

seniors play poker. Other games available for use. 

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. 

Lunch and Learn - Thursday, June 23 - 12:30 - 1:00pm 

 Did you know 1 out of 5 people 65 or older is eligible for a SilverSneakers membership! This 
active adult wellness program is offered through many Medicare plans. Increase your energy 
and your overall well-being is possible with SilverSneakers. A representative from Healthways 
SilverSneakers will give a brief presentation about this wonderful benefit and find out if your 
health plan offers the SilverSneakers Fitness program. If you are interested in having lunch with 
the Senior Lunch Café before the presentation please call 626-355-0256 to make a reservation. 


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Senior Excursion: Queen Mary

(Long Beach) 

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2016Time: 9:00am – 4:00pmMeeting location: Hart Park HouseCost: $55 (includes lunch)
Level of walking: High 

Limted space available! You’ve heard the stories, the myths and legends, now get the straight scoop onthe Queen Mary. The Glory Days Tour is full of interesting anecdotes, fun facts and compelling truestories. Participants will enjoy lunch at the Promenade Café. Entrée choices are: Queen Burger, grilledchicken ciabatta sandwich, Queen Mary Club Sandwich, and Caesar salad with chicken. Dessert andbeverage are also included. Please call the Hart Park House to make you meal selection. 

Participants should bring money for souvenirs. For more information call the Hart Park House at626-355-7394. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com