After School and Summer Camp Documents

Documents and Application forms available for download here:

• After School and Summer Camp Application Forms. May2011

• After School and Summer Camp Handbook. May2011

To download, click the document names above. To save them to your computer, right click on the document and select Save as... .

Coffee Drinking May Reduce Stroke Risk in Women

Women who have a cup or more of coffee everyday may reduce their risk of Stroke by as much as 25 percent, according to a new study in the Journal Stroke.

This study, led by Swedish researcher Susanna Larsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, followed more than 34,000 Swedish women aged 49 - 83 who were free of heart disease.

After a 10-year follow-up there were 1,680 strokes, and the study found that those who drank at least one cup of coffee each day had a 22 to 25 percent lowered risk of stroke compared with women who drank less.

The study further suggested coffee can help prevent cognitive decline and can boost vision and heart health. It is also related to a reduced risk of liver cancer.

“We used to worry that (coffee) raises blood pressure and causes increased heart rate, but it appears to be less risky than we thought,” said physician Claudette Brooks, spokesperson for the American Stroke Association.

Now, exactly what it is about coffee that may lower stroke risk is unknown, but the researchers speculated that coffee might reduce inflammation, lower oxidative stress and help make the body more responsive to insulin.

However, some experts kept skeptical about the real impact coffee would have on reducing the incidence of stroke.

“The problem with this type of study is that there are too many factors unaccounted for and association does not prove causality,” Dr Larry B. Goldstein, director of the Duke Stroke Center at Duke University Medical Center said.

“Subjects were asked about their past coffee consumption in a questionnaire and then followed over time. There is no way to know if they changed their behavior,” Goldstein added.

In any case, the good news for coffee junkies is that at least drinking coffee doesn’t increase women’s risk of stroke.

Westfield Community Center Celebrates Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month. To celebrate this month each year, the Administration on Aging develops a theme for the month and the President signs a proclamation on Older Americans Month honoring the achievements and contributions of the nation's older persons.

The theme of this year's celebration: "Older Americans: Connecting the Community," pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. Their shared histories, diverse experiences, and wealth of knowledge have made our culture, economy, and local character what they are today. The theme also highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives.

In fact, older Americans are more active in community life than ever before. Thanks to advances in health care, education, technology, and financial stability over the last several decades, older citizens have greatly increased their vitality and standard of living. Older adults are out and about giving back and making a difference in their communities.

In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Westfield Community Center has invited several speakers to discuss topics of interest to the older adult community.  The topics and dates are listed below.

SPEAKERS

May 5th (Thursday) 11 AM
"Development of Earthquakes & Tsunamis"
Speaker:  Harold Cohen, Board President Westfield Neighborhood Council

May 11th (Wednesday) 11 AM
“Road to Pain Relief”
Speaker:  Liz Farishian, RN, MA, Clark Nursing Rehabilitation Center

May 12th (Thursday) 10:30 AM
“Latest Treatment for Hip and Knee Pain”
Speaker:  Brian George, St. Barnabas Health Care System

May 18th (Wednesday) 11AM
“Mini Stroke Signs”
Speaker:  Debbie Milkosky, Trinitas Medical Center

May 19th (Thursday) 11AM
"Hearing Loss and Its Effects on Older Americans"
Speakers:  Joy Kleinman and Lori Friedman, Beltone – Hearing Care and Audiology Centers

The Westfield Community Center is located at 558 West Broad Street in Westfield.  The entrance is located around the corner on Palsted Avenue.

For more information, contact Rosalyn Johnson, Senior Citizens Activities Coordinator: 908-232-4759.