Hillsboro Senior Center president steps down after 10 years

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:52

“It has been satisfying as a board member to see and know all the volunteer help that was given (at the center),” says Kermit Ratzlaff. After more than a decade of service to the Hillsboro Senior Center, Kermit Ratzlaff, president of the board, retired in early January.

Replacing him as president was Ray Matz with Charles Rempel serving as vice-president.

To honor his contributions to the center, a celebration is planned from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the center, 212 N. Main St.

In addition to the many challenges over the years, a lot of positive things have occurred as well, Ratzlaff said.

One of the most important aspects of any non-profit organization is the volunteers.

“It has been satisfying as a board member to see and know all the volunteer help that was given (at the center),” he said. “We also have a good director and a good composition...

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HEALTHY GEEZER:Changing your habits can reduce heartburn issues in later years

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:51

QI’m getting heartburn a lot since I turned 60. Is more heartburn something that comes with more years?

 

AMore than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly.

Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. See a doctor if you have heartburn too often. The doctor can test for GERD.

In the upper GI series, you swallow a liquid barium mixture. Then a radiologist watches the barium as it travels down your esophagus and into the stomach.

Another test is an endoscopy, in which a small lighted flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus and stomach.

GERD makes...

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Knee pain doesn’t have to slow you down this spring

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:49

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a condition that causes “wear and tear” to your joint cartilage. With the arrival of spring, millions of Americans are looking forward to getting outdoors—from the garden to the golf course.

But for many, the forecast isn’t always sunny as chronic knee pain limits the mobility and quality of life for the 27 million sufferers of osteoarthritis.

Arthritis affects people of all ages. Fifty percent of people 65 years and older have arthritis. Younger people have a lower risk, yet still make up half of all people affected.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a condition that causes “wear and tear” to your joint cartilage. Joints are the critical parts of the body that allow us to be active.

Osteoarthritis develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As...

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Bring birds to your backyard with a reliable food source

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:46

Myths aside, wooing beautiful backyard birds to your outdoor environment can be as simple as offering them a reliable, high-quality food source. It’s a myth that continues to persist: Feeding birds in spring and summer will spoil them. But birds are like babies—it’s impossible to spoil them.

Contrary to the myth, well-fed birds won’t get too lazy to search for food; they’ll just get healthy and happy. And the better the food is you feed them, the more likely they’ll continue to come back bringing their colorful plumage and welcome song to your backyard.

Myths aside, wooing beautiful backyard birds to your outdoor environment can be as simple as offering them a reliable, high-quality food source.

Birds, like most wild animals, are survivalists and they’ll take advantage of any food source they find—whether it’s in your yard or your neighbor’s. To entice them...

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