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5 WAYS VOLUNTEERING KEEPS YOU YOUNG GIVING BACK THROUGH SERVICE MAY BENEFIT EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, AND PHYSICAL HEALTH, ESPECIALLY DURING THE GOLDEN YEARS. To learn more about volunteering with HSHS Sacred Heart, visit sacredhearteauclaire.org and enter "Volunteer Services" in the search bar. For information about volunteering at HSHS St. Joseph's, visit stjoeschipfalls.com and enter "Volunteer Opportunities" in the search bar. "WHEN PEOPLE FEEL they are part of something beyond themselves, they respond positively," says Mary Pengra, Director of Volunteer and Community Services at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. "For seniors, volunteering provides opportunities to enhance quality of life by embracing new experiences." Specifically, seniors who regularly volunteer may enjoy: 1. Better physical fitness—Regular activity may help improve cardiovascular health and decrease stress levels. 2. Decreased depression—Participating in group activities may decrease the negative consequences of social isolation, such as loneliness and melancholy. 3. Improved self-confidence—Engaging with your community through service may inspire feelings of accomplishment and optimism. 4. More friends—Volunteering provides countless opportunities to meet new people and form new relationships. 5. Sharpened brain activity—Keeping the brain busy may help reduce the complications of dementia. HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals offer plenty of opportunities for seniors to volunteer. Currently, the hospitals have volunteers between the ages of 14 and 94 who do everything from helping patients with knitting and sewing crafts to working in the hospital gift store. MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED BY HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE COUNTLESS BENEFITS TO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING CERTAIN ILLNESSES OR INJURIES. BUT MANY MEDICINES INTENDED FOR ADULTS CAN BE DANGEROUS IF TAKEN BY CHILDREN. "WHEN TAKEN OUTSIDE of the scope for which they are intended, prescription medications have great potential to cause harm, especially for kids and teenagers," says John VanDeVoort, PharmD, Divisional Director of Pharmacy with HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. "It is critical that parents and guardians take steps to keep medications away from children and adolescents at all times." VanDeVoort's recommendation applies to various medications, including prescriptions to treat high blood pressure, insomnia, or chronic pain. When taken improperly, these medicines may cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, and, in rare cases, death. KEY TIPS TO PROTECT KIDS To make sure children and teens are not able to access your medications, keep the following in mind: ✳ Education is key. Talk to your kids about the dangers of taking medicine that is not for them. ✳ Out of sight, out of reach—out of danger. Store medications on high shelves or in locked cabinets that babies and small children can't access. ✳ Toss medicines you no longer need. It may seem wasteful on the surface, but throwing out pills you do not need is less expensive than the potential consequences of a child accidentally ingesting the medicine. If your child ingests medication or other potentially harmful substances, call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800.222.1222. To dispose of unused medication, contact your local law enforcement office for a safe dropbox near you. PRESCRIPTION SAFETY 3 S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G