new project

[Cheryl R]

I have signed up thru our county senior volunteer program to take a class.   2 days of 4 hrs each and then along with 2 others give work shops to the elderly in our county on how to prevent falls.      It is thru an Aging Resources of Iowa agency.    The others are ones I have worked with at the hospital and are now retired too.    I saw an article wanting help in the local paper.    We will give the workshops on a weekly basis for so many weeks to what ever group of older people want it.              Next week is when our classes are.        Some of what we will teach I know from working and some from my own AN experience.     Some will be showing them exercises.      Sounds like it will be interesting and the agency provides the materials for the workshops.        I know there will be some learning on my own part.         Luckily falls have not been a big issue for me.    It would be if I wasn't so careful to avoid ice and lots of snow and watch other conditions.     My wide based gait is my biggest issue.                       I will report back how it goes.                              Cheryl R 

[leapyrtwins]

This sounds great, Cheryl.

Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Definitely keep us updated!

Jan

[Kaybo]

IMO, a great way to spend your time - helping others!  Let us know how it goes!!

K 

[sunfish]

To me, working with other people keeps me from focusing too much on myself.  Also, it doesn't take long when you get out there in the world to find folks who are way worse off than we are. 

[CHD63]

Way to go, Cheryl .....

Sounds like an extremely valuable program.  With the increasing number of elderly in our communities, this is becoming a significant issue.  I know too many friends who have fallen and broken wrists or hips right in their own homes.

This is exactly why I am going to the gym three times a week ...... to strengthen my overall muscles so that when I do have those off-balance moments, my muscles are strong enough to catch myself before falling.

Let us know how it all goes.

Clarice

[Cheryl R]

I do know about the helping others as my mother in law lives near us in the country and does not drive.       I am her driver a good share of the time.    She has just got over pneumonia so was also her grocery person.        I also have been of help with our nearby older lady friend who had 2 surgeries in 2010 and has no family in Iowa.                        I have been careful with what I would sign up for since I have to watch when I can be out in winter weather  when it anywhere near slippery.            Plus I am with Clarice in not out in the dark much also!                                         Cheryl R

[lori67]

Cheryl,

That is great!  Your students are lucky to have such a great teacher!  I'm sure it will be rewarding for you and probably a lot of fun too!

Lori

[moe]

Cheryl,
Sounds like a GREAT idea. Volunteering is so rewarding and you have so much to offer. GOOD FOR YOU!
I hope to volunteer again someday! Still too busy running back and forth to doctors and surgeons.
Let us know how it goes
Maureen

[Cheryl R]

Thank you too Donnalynn!      You and Jim have had way more than one needs to go thru too and hope for the best for you both!
                                                       Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

Volunteering IS very rewarding.   

I used to volunteer on the pediatric ward of the local hospital and absolutely loved it, but since I've had kids my volunteering has been limited to helping out at their schools.

I just finished a volunteering stint - 20 hours of community hours that I was given by a judge for a traffic violation - and it reminded me how much I miss it.

Once we've moved into our new place and things settle down a bit, I'm hopeful I'll get back to volunteering again.

Jan

[ppearl214]

Once we've moved into our new place and things settle down a bit, I'm hopeful I'll get back to volunteering again.

For each of us that spends time here, giving of love and support and shoulders and "good" ears..... m'dear, you ARE volunteering and it doesn't go unrecognized. Just my 2 cents! Phyl

[moe]

I agree, Phyl.
I consider this volunteering, helping those who are scared out of their wits. So far, I've been able to meet one person, (in person- same hospital and surgeon) and help her through it all. She did GREAT- no complications