Aging? Stay active, say health officials

If the phrase “active aging” sounds daunting, then a new lecture sponsored by Vintage House and Sonoma Valley Hospital might be the perfect prescription to boost your perception of what it means be grow older. Titled “Active Aging: Taking Charge of Your Health,” the free, three-part series runs Oct. 1, 15, and 22, and covers a variety of topics designed to encourage seniors to better manage common health care issues.

Kicking off the series is “How to Keep a Healthy Heart,” featuring Dr. Janice Schwartz laying out the latest strategies for maintaining excellent heart health in an aging body. A recognized leader in the field of cardiovascular aging, Schwartz will discuss exercise, diet and medications.

The Oct. 15 lecture, titled “Exercising For Better Health,” will look at smart exercise practices as a “keystone habit” for developing positive health-related practices. Led by physical therapist Michael Francisco, the talk will explain how appropriate aerobic and resistance exercise can positively affect cardiovascular health, bone and brain strength, and all around mental heath

Wrapping it up Oct. 22 will be “Bone Health Basics,” featuring gerontologist Andrea Reta, taking a close-up look at the ways osteoporosis can weaken bones, offering tips on how to prevent and treat this disease.

All three lectures will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in Stone Hall at Vintage House, 264 First St. E. To RSVP call Vintage House at 996-0311, or call Celia Kruse de la Rosa at Sonoma Valley Hospital, 935-5257.