Some friends and I are semi-retired and involved in social, civic and church groups with a variety of ages, incomes, etc. We would like to help our members by letting them know about meetings, lectures and other types of programs they can attend to get "back to the basics" of keeping their and their family members’ minds and bodies healthy. What we need are resources to acquaint us with what’s available in the St. Louis area. Can you help get us started?

There are so many options to choose from! Single persons, "empty-nesters," and semi- or fully retired persons have the luxury of taking time to engage in a wide range of social, educational, helpful and challenging activities. No matter what the primary focus, the added benefit is that these interactions keep us interested, interesting and involved in more than just our day-to-day routine…all of which help keep one’s mind and body healthy. Here are some suggestions to get you started. As you contact or attend any of these, you’ll probably learn about others that interest you and your membership.

Health Fairs – Offered everywhere by churches, senior centers, hospitals and informal partnerships between social service agencies, area businesses and community public affairs departments in your municipality or larger community areas. At these free events, you can learn about community resources for a variety of concerns: health, home safety, nutrition, and have an opportunity to participate in health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, bone density, etc. Health fairs in the fall usually offer flu shots. Look in your Suburban Journal for a listing of health fairs in the Calendar of Events section. Check out the free, monthly events sponsored by St. Louis Times FUNFEST (314-997-1212 or www.stlouistimes.com) for entertainment, exhibits, food, prizes, and more.

Speakers Bureaus – Invite a guest speaker to your organization’s meeting. Some suggestions are the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (636-207-0847), St. Andrew’s At-Home Services (314-726-5766), the Education Dept. at the Humane Society of Missouri (314-951-1576), Community Outreach at St. Anthony’s Medical Center (314-525-4507), or the Mental Health Association (314-773-1399).

Community Lectures – Check with libraries, area hospitals and local health departments. Libraries offer interesting educational displays, lectures and films. Hospitals and health departments offer free or inexpensive lectures on specific health concerns, preventive strategies, nutrition, exercise, massage therapy, and many other topics.

Self-help groups – Many people benefit from a support group to help them cope with a specific temporary or long-term condition they or a loved one is experiencing. Education, self-care, coping strategies and mutual support contribute to a healthy mind and body. Self-help groups address grief, physical health conditions, substance abuse, chronic pain, etc. Call our office (314-773-1399) to locate a group.

Publications – Don’t forget about the public library for free access (without the clutter at home!) to magazines that interest you. Pick up a free copy of the monthly St. Louis Times (targeted to persons 50 and older) for information on health/nutrition, finance, travel, gardening, spirituality, sports and more. Call 314-997-1212 to find the nearest outlet.

Volunteer opportunities – Meet new people, use your talents and skills, expose yourself to new surroundings and ideas, and feel good about "making a difference." Choose one that fits your interests or one that exposes you to something new. If you have an hour a week, think about giving the gift of friendship to a person who experiences isolation because of mental illness. Call Tracy or Marge at 314-773-1399 to learn more. Get a list of additional opportunities by visiting the United Way website www.stl-cares.org (for short-term, periodic volunteering) or www.stl.unitedway.org (for a longer, regularly scheduled commitment). Don’t have Internet access? Your public library provides it for free!

LaDonna Haley
Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis

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