18 — Sunday, August 29, 1999 — North Shore News Help i AY avai SCONE “THE older I get, the more I find I’m losing my friends and my family ... It’s so hard to take. ... I feel very down; I don’t want to ge out or to talk to anyone.” How often have we seniors said this, or thought the same thing but didn’t want to say it out Joud? Unfortunately, one of the difficultics that goes with growing old is the fact that our lives change, and we may lose people that are important to us. We may also fuse our hearing, our eyesight or our ability to be as physically active as we used fo b¢ In our youth. Or we may have to move away from the home where we raised our children and spent many years looking atter the house‘and garden. The changes that come” with retirement, widow- hood, serious health prob- lems and moving out of the family home are not uncom- ~ mon, and can be tough chal- lenges to meet. However, there are posi- tive things that can come out of painful life experi- ences. And on the North Shore there are several groups that can help us through these difficult times. The North Shore Grief Recovery Group offers a program without charge for people who have recently suftered the death of some- one close to them. Since 1990, this local organization has been helping North Shore residents to under- stand grief, and to rebuild their lives. Trained and experienced leaders guide small groups of participants through cach six-week program. They work to create a safe and confidential environment that will provide not only support, but proven steps to recovery. Upcoming programs, ali six weeks long, wiil take place on Tuesday evenings, Sept. 14 to Oct. 19, 7:15- 9:15 p.m. at St. Richard's Anglican Church, 1398 W. 15th St., North Van. Sessions also take place Monday afternoons, Nov. | to Dec. 6, 1 to 3 p.m. at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Van. The Seniors” Peer Counselling Program oper- ates out of North Shore - Neighbourhood House. Senior peer counsellors are trained volunteers who will provide encouragement and support through diffi- cult times. They are mature ~ CONFLICTING ADVICE? — Uncertain of whose advice to rely. on when you receive conflicting recommendations? ElderCare professional ‘services provides impartial advice; we sell only our time. To eam more cbout ElderCare Professi ional Services, contact _ RA. Witzel, ca. 43 Montizambert Wynd, West Vancouver, BC Tek (604)921-4046 * Fax: (604)921-4048 ~ REMEMLER SHOPPING ST One's? WELL, NOW YOU CAN AGAIN! SHOP BY PHONE, FAX, EMAEL OR ON-LINE! IT'S THAT EASY! ‘From Deep Cove to Lions Bay ' Steng's Express will deliver your "groceries right to your front door. PHONE: 266-5191 FAX: 266-5199 EMAIL: cori_bonina@be.sympatico.ca ON-LINE: www.stongs.com f AVAILABLE MONDAY TO FRIDAY EXCE®T HOLIDAYS f . ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:L0 AM AND WILL BE DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING DAY SATURDAY DELIVERIES ARE AVAILABLE BUT ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:00AM FRIDAY. north shore news SENIORS Ane people who may have had life experiences similar to yours and who have com- pleted a $0-hour training program. They offer a confidential one-to-one free service, and a weekly group mecting at North Shore Neighbourhood House. For more information, call Elecia Harr at 987-8138. For women who have lost a husband or partner, the North Shore Widow's Network may be helpful. Many of us go through this loss, which may be one of the most painful experiences we have to deal with. The Widow’s Network is a group of women who have ali experienced this type of loss. They are an informal group, primarily social, who meet monthly in each ath- ers’ homes. They may have a guest speaker, go to con- certs, theatre or restaurants, or they may just have coffee and share their experiences. If you would like to learn more about the network, call Evelyn Ready at 988-9330. She says the network is an opportunity to make new friends and “to learn to laugh again.” » Mary Seqal is coordinator of — Lionsvpiew Seniors’ Planning Society. Idens for future columns are welcome. Contact Segal at 985-3852 or drop a line to Lionsview Seniors? Planning Society, North Building, 600 W. Queens Ra, North Van, B.C., V7, 3. Financial Planning for low- income seniors. Meet with a - financial planner to talk about your financial goals and objec-, Daryl Wing Pharmacist CAPSULE COMMENTS Many people have benefited from new anti-depressants that have come on. the | market during the past | decade. One thing to | remember if you've been on } these drugs for a while, don't stop taking them cold-turkey. | H Some withdrawal effects can # occur, particularly if you E have been on a high dose. # There's a lot to know and = nnomber about medications. Let our 1 pharmacists’ knowiedge help # increase your knowledge about’ medications. We're here for you. ___ Free Parking Free Delivery for Pharmacy DAVIES PHARMACY L401 Si. Gearges 985-8771 NEWS photo Miko Wakefield SEVERAL North Shore organizations provide local residents with services to dea! with the loss of a spouse, close family member or friend, many without charge and some just a phone cail away. what's on for seniors tives. No cost or obligation. Info: Anne-Marie McDonagh at 986-7945. West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. offers a vari- cty of programs. Info: 925- 7280. MS Society: self-help groups for varying needs. Info: 689- 3144. - SAFEWAY. | wet Naan Seniors’ Evening Meal Program: Three-course din- ner, four eveni ngs per week in the company of others. Info: North Shore Home Support Services, 983-6002. Table Tennis: Info: ‘Silver Harbour Centre, 980-2474. . Seniors’ One-Stop Line: Call for information about health, housing,. transportation, sup- port groups, meal programs, 1 170 East 27th, North Vancouver” “He -lynn Valley- Friday, September 3, 11 am - 3 pm A registered nurse will tell you what — your blood sugar is. 50% of all Canadians who have diabetes don't knowit. find out why diobetes is the third leading cause - of deoth by disease. How Jong con | store insulin? For more information call: 986-7095 * Appointmenis Recommended * financial and legal issues. Weekdays 9 a.m.-3 P. m. Info: : 983-3303. Hostess volunteers: needed; daily at ~ Silver’ Harbour: Centre. Info: call 980- 2474 B.C. Seniors Medication 7 Information | : Line ©. (BC SMILE) offers a free: tele-. phone. info-line: staffed’ by: licensed pharmacists: to ‘assist seniors, their. families .and = caregivers with information - about’. medications. Call”. re goo 1330” 310 am.4, pam m. 822- 1330. ‘See more page 4 9. Join the Club: by Sept 12, 1999 &receivea Caribbean or * Mexican Cruise for ‘two FREER Book a ‘Chub tour - and enjoy a 3 DA! POOL PASS! | Call for details: - 985-41 35, toc m2 Nortu Sucre 4 WINTER CLUB Where firiitles come to phar tagetben, :