SENIOR SCENE: 2010-2011 flu season is here

By Terrie Litwin

Executive director, Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways including the timing, severity and length of the epidemic and whether the vaccine matches the influenza viruses which emerge. Last flu season saw the emergence of the H1N1 virus or “swine flu.” This virus caused the first pandemic (worldwide outbreak) in more than 40 years. Officials at the CDC believe that it is likely that the H1N1 virus will continue to spread along with the seasonal viruses during the 2010-2011 flu season. The spread of the flu virus usually peaks in the U.S. in January or February, however, seasonal flu can occur as late as May.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. This year’s vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates is most likely to cause illness and includes protection for the H3N2 virus, influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus. Getting the flu vaccine soon after it becomes available each year is always a good idea as the protection you get lasts throughout the flu season. The Senior Center will offer the flu vaccine free of charge as long as supplies last on Friday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Dermatology Basics

Join us at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 27th, at 2:00pm for “Dermatology Basics” presented by Dr. Agata Marriott of Del Mar Dermatology Clinic. Dr. Marriott will discuss common types of skin conditions and their treatment including skin cancers and present valuable tips on how to protect your skin from sun exposure. Dr. Marriott completed her Dermatology residency and fellowship in Clinical Dermatology Research at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

Prior to founding Del Mar Dermatology, Dr. Marriott was an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Division of Dermatology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Later, she served as a Staff Dermatologist for Scripps Clinic.

Pastels: A World of Color and Light

France-Marie Haeger, fine arts instructor and artist, will explore the use of pastels to create lively and original art work. Inspired by the the great masters as well as contemporary ones, the class will examine the particular techniques that brought these artists success and admiration. France-Marie acted as coordinator and core faculty of the Expressive Arts Therapy Program at SDUIS for four years and core faculty at the ISIS institute for which she helped design the expressive arts program in San Diego. She is program advisor and core faculty for the “Art and Creative Process” Certificate Program she helped design for UCSD extension. This program is sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State San Marcos. Classes will meet at the Senior Center and begin on Thursday, Oct. 21, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. and meet weekly through Nov. 18. For more information or to register, please call the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at (760)750-4020. Space is limited.

Coming up at the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center:

• Free Blood Pressure Screening
• Provided by San Diego Medical Services
• Thursday, Oct. 28
• (Last Thursday of the Month)
• 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• No appointment necessary!

• Current Events Discussion Group
• Facilitated by Robert Grant
• Friday, Oct. 29
• (Last Friday of the Month)
• 10 a.m.