Every day it seems something new is discovered – especially in the field of health. Last week, when reading about the return of a terrible disease, whooping cough, I discovered that even though like many in my generation, I had it when I was a kid, I could catch it again – horrors.

So I asked my doctor and she said not to worry. A couple of years ago, I had received a booster shot. Thank goodness she is right on top of all the newest information. So that hacking cough I had for a week was not the potentially deadly whooping cough. Please check with your doctor and get advice about this great preventative aid. And if you haven’t had a flu shot yet, they’re available everywhere. Ask your doctor about this, as well.

Here are some other things to consider:

Many of us are familiar with the program called Foster Grandparents and know friends (or participate in) who volunteer for this great helpful program, along with another volunteer program called Senior Companions. Both are presented by Opportunity Alliance, and to raise funds to help continue these programs, calendars are being sold. When you buy a calendar for $5, you’ll be entered to win a prize every weekday in February. These include gift cards for a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and more. Calendars are on sale through January and are available by contacting Stacey Gammon at 773-0202 or stacey.gammon@opportunityalliance.org

Lakes Region Senior Center, 40 Acorn St., Little Falls School, Gorham, is a gathering place for seniors in this area. Stop in during the open hours and find out more. It is celebrating its second year now and has become a very popular place for area “elders” where members enjoy many activities – some of which are open to the public. On Wednesday, Jan. 23, In Home Senior Services will speak at 11:30 a.m. Bring a bag lunch and the beverage and dessert will be provided. Regular member activities include card games, crafts, a weight loss encouragement group, bingo, cribbage and much more. This is a drop-in center, open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If you live in the area, you may enjoy getting out among others and having some fun.

On Tuesdays, Jan. 15, Feb. 5 and 19, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging will offer a Medicare seminar and free counseling for the Lakes Region at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. A “Welcome to Medicare” seminar is scheduled from 10 a.m.-noon. In addition to the Medicare seminar, there will be one-on-one counseling with volunteer Medicare advocates available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The seminar and counseling are intended to help you sort through your Medicare options, answer questions and to help you enroll.

Counseling on tax and rent rebate, food stamps and fuel assistance also can be arranged.

Call the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 396-6500 or 1-800-427-7411 or see www.smaaa.org to learn more about the many other services that are available and the location nearest you.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.