This month is passing by fast. This week I was busy attending health seminars, painting classes and the informative open house with the county’s Department of Agriculture.

I am continuing to monitor my blood pressure and tracking of my heart health. It is hard not to with all the information out there. AARP’s magazine this month has a middle spread on the 7 worst things you can do to your heart. I am guilty of five of them. Some simple fixes are offered which I will share. The first is to quit smoking because it tightens the arteries. Fortunately, I never could tolerate the smell, so this one was not an issue. The second is to not skip your walk, and yes I do have days when I just can’t get myself motivated. AHA says we need at least 30 minutes a day of heart activity that gets you breathing hard. The third is not to “snarf an extra cookie.” Well who couldn’t resist that extra doughnut on Valentine’s day. Weight control is important for a healthy heart plus eating the right foods and not to eat dinner out of a box. I am guilty of this too, due to many time constraints. Boxed and processed foods have a lot of extra sodium which can throw off our metabolism. Not eating vegetables is another culprit, they say, and I often grab a granola bar or protein bar instead which often may not have the nutritional value needed for a healthier heart. Stress is another big factor that affects our heart, and chronic stress can lead to obesity and high blood pressure. This is another challenge for me, trying to stay calm while learning some anti-stress techniques such as yoga and meditation. The big difference is how we react to situations. It’s not easy, but I am supposed to ask, “Why am I so stressed about this?” Finally, alcohol can be bad for the heart. Modest amount is reasonable, but too much can lead to heart and liver disease. None is better than too much.

This week is America Saves Week and most of us are working on taxes and the upcoming deadline to file on April 15. Tax refunds are few and far between for seniors, but if you do get any, now is a good time to start an emergency fund, especially for unexpected medical costs.

Congratulations to Nathan Paisley from Muncy High School for receiving the outstanding senior education award with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. A dinner will be held in his honor tomorrow night along with students from the other school districts. Also congratulations to Mike Weber from Muncy High School who will be receiving the Outstanding Professional Educator Award.

The rain kept me away from the maple sugaring event on Saturday at the Montour Preserve, but I hope to make it this Sunday afternoon, and I can’t wait for warmer weather. The soil is thawing and farming and gardening will be a big focus for March in the Luminary. At the agricultural open house last Wednesday, Deb Steransky from Muncy was handing out a list of native plants to put in your garden to attract the pollinators. Look for phlox, goldenrod, aster, black-eyed susan, columbine, evening primrose, lobelia, bergamot and milkweed to name a few.

And speaking of flowers, there will be a bus leaving for the Philadelphia Flower Show next Wednesday, March 7 from the Meck Senior Center. Call 546-2542 for more information.

Think spring!

MUNCY EVENTS

Fri. Mar. 2 Toddler Tales at 10 a.m. at the Muncy Public Library for ages 1-3. Special Dr. Seuss storytime with Miss Monica.

Sun. Mar. 4 Maple Sugaring open house at Montour Preserve, noon to 4 p.m. Come learn the history and follow the process from sap to syrup. Programs begin at the Environmental Education Center on the hour with a talk and film. Afterward, take a short walk to Goose Woods to the Sugar Shack to experience the sights, sounds and smells of maple sugaring. Outdoor demonstrations end at 4 p.m.

Mon. Mar. 5 Construction Club at 6:30 p.m. Join your friends at the Muncy Public Library for a super building challenge using many different building materials.

Tues. Mar. 6 Yoga Indra Meditation with Julie Kennedy 6 p.m. Learn to relax though this unique form of guided meditation. Space is limited so please call the Muncy Public Library at 570-546-5014.

Mar. 7 & 8 Food distribution days and boxes for eligible seniors at the Son-Light House, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9-noon and Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.

Weds. Mar. 7 Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5 at 10 a.m. Join Miss Monica for a fun filled story hour with games and crafts designed to prepare your child for Kindergarten. Please call the library at 570-546-5014 to register your child.

Thurs. Mar. 8 Unwind and Design 6 p.m. A guided painting class for adults at the Muncy Public Library. There is a small fee to cover the cost of supplies. Spaces are limited so please call the library at 570-546-5014 to register.

Fri. Mar. 9 Blood drive at UPMC Susquehanna Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center from 11-4 in the Activities Room. All visitors are welcome to come and give blood.