Good Turnout for Good Sleep

Carlie Casey and Lynne Kulik examine pamphlets brought by Dr. DellaValla.  photo J. Whitman

Twenty-nine people braved the rain on October 4 to attend To Your Health's first presentation of the year, “Good Sleep: Working to Keep You Healthy.” The presenter, Dr. Joseph DellaValla was informative and engaging as he explained why sleep is important and how we can learn to sleep better. He spoke of how melatonin is necessary for sleep, and how alcohol before bedtime, or light from a cell phone screen can block melatonin. He showed footage of a person experiencing an episode of sleep apnea (which several of us found downright scary!) and went on to show slides of several newer devices that help prevent it. Other things we learned: it's possible to recondition yourself to overcome insomnia; a light box used in the morning increases melatonin production and helps you sleep better at night; and a fifteen minute nap is better than a cup of coffee for eliminating drowsy driving.

The next To Your Health offering, “Good Balance: Staying on Your Feet in Bethel,” takes place on Thursday, November 1, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the West Parish Congregational Church. Doors open at 4:00, and the first 20 people will receive a complimentary balance assessment.

Future programs in this series include “Good Strong Heart - Women and Heart Disease” on February 7, 2013; “Good Meals – in 30 Minutes or Less” on March 21, 2013; and “Good Mind – Good Mood" in April, date to be announced.

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college