This presentation provides audiences with an overview of resources, equipment, and services available to make life easier for older adults and people with disabilities to safely age in place. Participants will have the chance to learn about common types of useful assistive living tools, from low-tech items that require little to no training, to high-tech items that can make independent living possible and everything in between.  Assistive living services, from reading your mail to reading prescription bottles will also be discussed.  Information on where to find these services will be provided as well.  If you, or a loved one, are struggling with daily tasks and are searching for answers on what is available to assist you, this class can provide some of those answers.  This class is approximately one hour long. 

An in-depth workshop that covers basic investing, types of diversification, the cost of financial advisors, and investing on your own while minimizing taxes. Each two-hour class provides an increasing wealth of senior-focused information for beginner investors. Requires a MINIMUM of 15 pre-registered attendees. Host facility must have large video monitor/projection screen usable with a laptop.  This is a three week class, with two hours in each session.

The presenter of this class is David Bohanon, a retired Navy Commander and helicopter pilot, with a Masters in Business.  David created this class to help seniors prepare for and navigate the investment and tax world with a greater understanding of the terms, advantages and potential pitfalls of handling your own investments. 

We have six individual cancer information classes.  These classes can be scheduled as a series or a la carte.

The presenter will be a retired healthcare professional, utilizing material and information directly from the American Cancer Society. See below for topics:

1. Cancer Prevention Tips – In the US, about 20% of cancers are linked to diet or physical activity.  Come discover the American Cancer Society’s guidelines on diet and physical activity.  Learn the links between diet, physical activity, body weight and cancer risk.  Find out about the recommendations for community action to make healthy lifestyles more accessible for everyone.
2. Colorectal Cancer - Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most diagnosed cancer among men and women.  What causes it and what can put someone at risk for it?  Learn the sign and symptoms of colorectal cancer and how you might lower your risk of getting it.  What are the screening recommendations for colorectal cancer and how can it be detected early.  Understanding this form of cancer is critical.  Come get all your questions answered.
3. Breast Cancer – Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.  It accounts for almost one third of all cancers found in women…and growing.  Though far less typical, men can get breast cancer too!  Learn the most common types of breast cancer and recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.  Discover some of the different risk factors for breast cancer and how you might lower those risks.  What are the ways to detect breast cancer the earliest?  This knowledge is critical for all women, (and men), to reduce our risk and dispel some of the fear associated with this form of cancer. 
4. Lung Cancer – Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in America.  It is the second most common form of cancer among men and women.  What are the different types of lung cancer and what are the risk factors for this deadly disease?  Learn ways to reduce your risk, especially as it relates to tobacco use.  Discover the best ways to detect lung cancer early. 
5. Prostate Cancer – Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men.  What puts someone at risk for prostate cancer and what are the symptoms?  Is it preventable?  Discover how you can detect prostate cancer as early as possible.  This is a critical presentation for men or those who know men. 
6. Skin Cancer – There are more than 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the US each year, making it the single most common form of cancer.  There are more cases of skin cancer in America each year than all the other forms of cancer combined.  Come learn how to detect skin cancer early and how to identify the most common types of skin cancer.  Understand the causes of skin cancer and the ways you can protect help protect your skin.  

This presentation is presented by Cobb County Senior Services to provide participants with information about Cobb County, state, and national organizations and programs that offer resources which help older adults and people with disabilities lead healthier, safer, more independent lives.  Many of these services are free or at reduced cost.  Some will save the senior consumer money for things like utilities, phones, internet service, etc.  This class is approximately one hour long. 

The goal of this program is to help everyone in attendance understand the five key messages about dementia and how each of us can make a difference for people living with dementia. The discussion will center around how dementia affects people, the different types of dementia, how to differentiate between normal aging and dementia and how to effectively communicate with a person with dementia.  This is a one hour class.

All presenters of this class are specifically trained, by Dementia Friends of Georgia, in the subject matter and are able to guide the viewer in how to understand the best way to be a positive impact in the life of people living with dementia. 

Understand what Diabetes is and its associated risk factors, signs and symptoms, long-term health effects, and prevention and management tools to help you get in control of your health.  This class will explain the prevalence of diabetes and how your care team will screen and diagnose for diabetes.  You will learn the various types of diabetes, from prediabetes to Type 1 and Type 2.  Treatment and complications of diabetes will be examined as well.  Also discussed will be what role family history, age and ethnicity play as risk factors for diabetes.  This is a one hour class.

The presenter is Kathy Berkowitz, a retired Nurse Practitioner and certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has specialized in diabetes since 1981 having served as a care provider, educator of other health care professionals, clinical research coordinator and finished out her career serving as medical science liaison specializing in diabetes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dive deeper into understanding and managing your Diabetes during this interactive, 5-week course, meeting weekly for 2 hours. Informative for those with pre-diabetes or a family history of diabetes. Participants will learn and share with others in a safe, caring environment. There are two class structures available.  There is a four week course, with no cooking class at the end, which is free to attend.  There is an option for a five week course with a healthy cooking class held on the last meeting. Participants watch and learn how the dishes are prepared, and then get a tasty lunch! There is a $75 food charge for this option and the host site must provide a working kitchen. A certificate of course completion is presented after attendance of all 5 classes. Requires a MINIMUM of 6 pre-registered attendees.

The presenter is Kathy Berkowitz, a retired Nurse Practitioner and certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has specialized in diabetes since 1981 having served as a care provider, educator of other health care professionals, clinical research coordinator and finished out her career serving as medical science liaison specializing in diabetes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Most adults take at least one medication.  Take charge of managing your medications by learning what questions to ask, things to avoid and maybe even save you some money.  This is critical information for those who take multiple medications.  During this class you will learn what medication management is and how to watch out for drug interactions.  You will learn the things you need to consider before, during and after a visit with your doctor.  It will include a discussion on the tools available to help you manage your medications and some safety tips when dealing with medication.  We may even bust a few myths about medications that will help you manage.  This is a one hour class.

The presenter is Kathy Berkowitz, a retired Nurse Practitioner and certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has specialized in diabetes since 1981 having served as a care provider, educator of other health care professionals, clinical research coordinator and finished out her career serving as medical science liaison specializing in diabetes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Managing blood pressure is vital for preserving health and reducing risk of dangerous conditions. Learn what blood pressure is, why it is so important, and choices you can make today to lower heart attack and stroke risk.  You will learn why high blood pressure is called “the silent killer”, some of the risk factors to develop high blood pressure and the difference between those factors you can control and those you can’t control.  You will also learn how to measure your own blood pressure and what actions you can take to control high blood pressure, as well as treatments available from your care team.  This is a one hour class.

Cynthia Crowell worked as a Registered Nurse at Piedmont Hospital Atlanta for 20 years, serving in Intensive Care, Dialysis, Employee Health and Urgent Care. She later spent 10 years as a high school science teacher, leading classes in Health, Anatomy/Physiology and Intro to Healthcare. 

According to the World Health Organization, good mental health is a state of well-being in which you can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, realize your potential and contribute to the community in which you live.  What you eat not only effects your physical health, but studies now show just how much diet impacts your mood and mental wellbeing. Participants will learn which foods help boost your mood and which foods to avoid.  Learn the connection between your gut biome and your brain.

The presenter is Cheryl Moates, who has worked as a Registered Nurse, providing patient care in a hospital for over 30 years. She has observed the rise of chronic disease in her patients, and personally experienced her own struggle with chronic GI issues. Writing about her own experiences and the treatments that brought relief are the subject of her book, You Can Heal Your Gut. In researching the underlying cause of her own condition, commonly referred to as IBS, she discovered the microbiome.

Strength, vitality, wellness, and contentment have a common origin. Your gut bugs. Current research demonstrates a link between our gut health and our overall well-being. A robust and diverse microbial environment in our intestines is essential to maintaining an energetic body that is free of disease as well as a calm and focused mental outlook. This class discusses the intricate connection between the gut and the brain and focuses on healthy ways to eat nutrient rich foods that promote intestinal health, emotional well-being, and boost immunity.  The discussion will include the disorders of the intestinal tract and food to avoid, or embrace, that will help the health of your gut.  This is a one hour class.

The presenter is Cheryl Moates, who has worked as a Registered Nurse, providing patient care in a hospital for over 30 years. She has observed the rise of chronic disease in her patients, and personally experienced her own struggle with chronic GI issues. Writing about her own experiences and the treatments that brought relief are the subject of her book, You Can Heal Your Gut. In researching the underlying cause of her own condition, commonly referred to as IBS, she discovered the microbiome.

While the practice of Hospice was started in the United Kingdom, today it is used extensively throughout the United States.  If you do not know someone who has been, or is, in Hospice right now…you will someday.  It is widely talked about, but most of us have little knowledge about Hospice until confronted with it and the sometimes-difficult decisions that come with it.  Learn from a retired Hospice Nurse about the various levels of Hospice, who is eligible for Hospice and what happens in Hospice.  By learning about Hospice today, we can remove some of the fear that may come about at the mere mention of the word.  Come find out how Hospice is a compassionate and caring environment for us and for our loved ones at the appropriate time.

The presenter is Anne Albanus.  Anne is a retired Hospice Nurse.  She started her nursing career in England, where she grew up.  After moving to Houston, TX she worked for MD Anderson Hospital for 5 years.  She then moved to Phoenix, AZ where she married her husband of 36 years and counting.  During her 10 years in Arizona, she worked primarily in Oncology.  Anne and her husband have one son, who was born in Tucson.  She then moved to Georgia in 1996 and started her career as a Hospice Nurse having retired in 2023.  Anne enjoys watching soccer and is an avid Atlanta United FC season ticket holder and, of course, loves spending time with her 3 & 4 year old grandchildren.

Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. During the hour, caregivers will learn skills and tools to take better manage their stress as they care for others. Caregivers can share personal feelings and challenges with other caregivers in a safe, open environment. Please note this class is for Caregivers ONLY, not care receivers.

MyChart, (a product of EPIC), lets you see your medications, test results, upcoming appointments, medical bills, price estimates, and more all in one place. Best of all, you can access it from any “smart” device. It is widely used across the US including at many Metro Atlanta healthcare systems and increasingly the preferred way for accessing care. Though there are many benefits to using it, understanding and maneuvering through the system can seem daunting at first. This class will teach you the basic features of MyChart, how to maneuver through the system and tips for maximizing its benefits. Bring your “smart” device along so you can get hands on practice!

The presenter is Helen Slaven.  Helen is an amateur woodworker, DIYer, artist and avid reader. Her professional life included 30+ years in teaching, organizational learning and workforce development in healthcare, philanthropic and educational organizations in Miami, New York and Metro Atlanta. Helen currently lives in Marietta, Georgia and volunteers at several area non-profits.

Our local pharmacy can be a confusing or frustrating place to be at times.  As we age, the pharmacy takes a more important role in our lives.  Learn from an expert on how to make your interaction with the pharmacy smoother and less time consuming.  What questions should we be asking the pharmacist?  What about those “coupon” apps?  Discover ways we can save time and money when using a pharmacy.  What should we do before we go and when should we go?  You will have an opportunity to ask every question you can think of about your local pharmacy.  By the end of the class, you will be able to make life a little easier for the pharmacist and a lot easier for yourself.

The presenter is F. Rocky Beeland.  Rocky is a clinical pharmacist with a large Atlanta hospital system.  Pharmacy has been his life-long career with a varied background in many pharmacy specialties including education.  Patient-centered care has been one of his main focuses and interests. 

Virtually everyone takes some kind of over-the-counter, (OTC), medication.  From cold-symptom relief to heartburn to headache…there is an OTC for everything.  We tend to think of OTCs as less risky or harmful than prescription medications, but they can be every bit as dangerous if used wrong or too often.  Come hear some of the dangers and risks of using OTCs and get some advice on which ones to avoid, from our resident Pharmacist.   

The presenter is F. Rocky Beeland.  Rocky is a clinical pharmacist with a large Atlanta hospital system.  Pharmacy has been his life-long career with a varied background in many pharmacy specialties including education.  Patient-centered care has been one of his main focuses and interests.

Flu, RSV, COVID, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus…it is critical that, as seniors, we know which vaccines we need and when we need them.  But that is just the beginning of what we need to know.  Take control of your vaccine status by understanding the various types of vaccines available to you at your pharmacy and what to ask when scheduling them.  Learn the various types of each vaccine and what some of the side effects are.  The more information we have about what is going in our bodies, the better prepared we will be to fend off some afflictions that can frequently be avoided.  Our resident pharmacist will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about vaccines available to you.

The presenter is F. Rocky Beeland.  Rocky is a clinical pharmacist with a large Atlanta hospital system.  Pharmacy has been his life-long career with a varied background in many pharmacy specialties including education.  Patient-centered care has been one of his main focuses and interests. 

Come learn what cholesterol is and why it matters.  We all need some cholesterol in our bodies. But having too much can clog up arteries and lead to future health problems. Discussion will include the risk factors for high cholesterol, how to eat healthier to lower your cholesterol and what lifestyle changes you should make.  Discover the medications that can lower cholesterol as well.  Most importantly, learn the importance of your role and that of your medical care team.  Whether already taking cholesterol lowering medication or just wanting to avoid high cholesterol, join us to learn how to manage cholesterol through simple, healthy living strategies.  This is a one hour class.

The presenter is Kathy Berkowitz, a retired Nurse Practitioner and certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has specialized in diabetes since 1981 having served as a care provider, educator of other health care professionals, clinical research coordinator and finished out her career serving as medical science liaison specializing in diabetes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Don’t we all have a story inside us?  If you have ever thought you wanted to write a book, whether fiction or nonfiction, this is the class for you!  Bring your dreams of writing, big and small, to fruition and leave a legacy for generations to come. This is a course to solve your writer’s block and inspire you to put pen to paper whether writing your own story or a legacy fictional novel.  You will be shown how to get started and get serious about writing your story.  There are two class structures available for this presentation.  There is a one hour introductory class.  For the more seriously interested, there is a five week course, meeting one hour each week.

Presented by author Michelle Peach, who will share her story of writing a spy thriller and where the inspiration to write it came from.  Michelle has many years’ experience as part of the UK’s Foreign Office, in Syria and Lebanon.  She put that experience to good use to write her novel and will share some of the tips she learned during that process to help you begin and keep going.