. SAN DHA Nieto LLY, Hearing Tests Set for Senior Citizens North Shore — Hearing tests will be given at the Beltone Hearing Aid Centre in North Vancouver, Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Anyone who has trouble hearing is welcome to have the test. Many people with hearing problems don’t need hearing aids. But only a modern hearing test like the one now being offered by Beltone can really tell for sure. Everyone should have a hearing test at least once ¢ year — even people now wearing a hearing aid or those who have been told nothing could be done for them. Only a hearing test can determine if modern methods of hearing amplification can help them hear better. The hearing tests will be given Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the North Shore. In-home testing is also available. Please phone for ap- pointment. D.V.A. WELCOME! CALL NOW FOR APPOINTMENT 101A-1124 LONSDALE (at 114th) 988-4477 23 - Wednesday, July 11, 1990 - North Shore News Special Feature North of the Shore News Retirement is a time to reward oneself OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND FOR RETIRED FOLK ON RETIREMENT, each of us has at our disposal an ad- ditional 2,000 hours annually, hours that were never avail- able while we worked 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year. While many cf us are well-vers- ed in financial planning for our retirement, how many of us know how to plan for the effective use of those 2,000 hours? One key to making good use of that time is to realize that, on retirement, you're not changing yourself, but extending yourself. Therefore, plan to reward yourself for years of hard work by doing things you want to do. And, more importantly, enjoy doing them. Volunteer work for a hospital or the United Way may appeal to you. Or, you might want to become involved in political or church work. While your efforts will be valuable, you should resolve to contribute only as long as it’s rewarding for you. Many of us have hobbies and tetirement is a golden opportunity WITHROW, CA to finally reach new heights of ac- complishment, whether it’s in photography, gourmet cooking or golf. Bear in mind, however, that it’s always better to have more than one hobby — 2,000 hours of anything can simply become a grucling endurance test rather than an enjoyable pastime. Continuing education, whether through universities or community colleges, is also a very rewarding way to develop expertise or simply satisfy curiosity. Many institutions offer courses free, or at reduced rates, for retired students. Putting yourself on the mailing list for catalogues of course offer- ings will bring thousands of op- portunities to your door — you can earn an MBA or even become a teacher yourself. And don’t rule out thoughts of a second career. If you’ve always loved to read, you may want to work part-time at a bookstore. For something more exotic, you could foliow the lead of a retired banker who signed on as the purser of an ocean liner and cruised the world. Or, you may want to start your own business. If you do, spread the risk a little by bringing others on board. However, agree at the outset that if you tire of the ven- ture or become so involved in it that it’s no longer enjoyable, then it’s quit time. Over the years, most of us de- velop the habit of saying ‘‘no’’ to the many invitations, both formal and informal, that come our way. In retirement, a key element to success is learning to say ‘‘yes.’’ At worst, you'll identify those things that you don’t want to spend your precious time doing. At best, you'll discover whole new worlds of interest. John Withrow is a_ retired chartered accountant. Understand medications CANADIANS SWALLOW mil- lions of dollars worth of medica- tions every year. And, the sad fact is, a lot of people don’t know what they’re taking, how to take it, how it will help them, or even how it may harm them. The more you know, the healthier you'll be. The key to understanding your medications is communication. When your doc- tor gives you a prescription, take special note of what he or she tells you. If you forget or want to know more, call your doctor or ask your pharmacist. Taking medication properly is vital to its effectiveness. Always know the answers to these ques- tions. When should I take it? How often should I take it? For how long should I take it? Many drugs don’t mix. In fact, some drugs may interact and cause adverse reactions. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, you should tell him or her about any medications prescribed by other doctors such as your dentist, opthalmologist_ or other specialist — even if it’s something as common as aspirin. ff you have children or if they are frequent visitors (to your home, keep your medications under lock and key. Every year, more children under the age of five are accidentally poisoned by medications than by anything else. Even medications like aspirin or laxatives that might seem rela- tively safe for an adult can have serious effects on children. Safely dispose of old or expired medicines. Many drugs change as they get older. They may get weaker, stronger, discolor or even crumble. So, cleari out your medi- cine cabinet occasionally. Prepared as a public service by Shoppers Drug Mart.