As another month quickly comes to a close, I find myself looking ahead to the busy month of October. Fall programs are set and there may be a couple of interest to you. As we approach the open enrollment dates for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in Part D, I have enlisted the help of Rick Schaffer, Assistant Director for the Southwest Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center, to present some updated information. Ricks’ program will focus on signing up for Part D prescription benefits. We will host Rick at noon on Wednesday, October 8, at the Barton County Extension office meeting room, 1800 12th Street, and at 4 p.m. the same information will be shared at the Hoisington Public Library.
October is also noted as Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month. Since the change of seasons brings about cooler weather and the lighting of furnaces it is important to remember to check for carbon monoxide in the home. October is also an excellent time to perform a radon test kit in your home to see if it is at an acceptable level. I have a good supply of test kits available for purchase. They are just $5.50 each. A free educational program titled, “Healthy Homes” is set at noon on Wednesday, October 15, at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The same information will be presented at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 17, at the Great Bend Senior Center. Join me for the updated information I have available about indoor air quality.
Another free educational program that is set for October is titled, “Age Sense: The Caregiving Journey.” This program which will focus on the challenges faced by a growing number of caregivers will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, at the Great Bend Public Library lower level. I will share a well written fact sheet at this informational meeting.
I hope you will take advantage of some or all of the educational programs Barton County Extension is bringing your way in the weeks ahead. Give me a call at the office for more information.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu