IRON MOUNTAIN — Driving is a mentally and physically complicated process — requiring a number of tasks from the driver. It’s necessary to be alert, to be able to concentrate, and to be able to react in a quickly manner at any time if something happens while you’re driving.

Over-the-counter medications come with warning labels that encourages drivers to pay extra attention to the potential side effects of the medication while driving. Prescription medications often have a more complicated list of warnings, and drivers could potentially be charged with a DUI violation.

The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics found that people between the age of 65 and 79 receive more than 27 prescriptions a year. Taking five or more medications daily can greatly affect one’s ability to drive safely.

Risks from daily medications while driving include: trouble concentrating or getting distracted, drowsiness, and slowed reaction time. Driving carries a sense of personal responsibility and freedom. Understanding potential side effects of driving under the influence of prescription drugs is important for everyone, especially as you age.

Any medication has the ability to negatively impact your driving. Allergy medications, muscle relaxers, and pain relievers are particular medications that can cause serious impairments when you’re behind the wheel. Those side effects are increased by being combined with other medications, such as herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. This a reason why it’s so important to disclose every medication that you’re taking to your doctor and pharmacist. Combining medications with alcohol can severely intensify the side effects.

Medications can make you drowsy behind the wheel. Nodding off while driving is never a good idea and is a serious risk when taking medication. They can also limit your attention span, cause problems with your reaction time, and make it difficult for you to concentrate well enough to remember how you should respond.

Blurred vision, fainting, nausea, and excitability are also known side effects of many common medications. Because these side effects can be unpredictable it is important to never drive until you’re sure how a medication might impact your body. If you’re going to drive, however, there are several medications you should not take unless you know that you won’t have side effects from them. These include, but are not limited to: allergy medications that cause drowsiness, anti-anxiety medications, pain relievers, anti-depressant products that contain codeine, and sleeping pills. It’s also important to be cautious if you’re taking diet pills or consuming other stimulants.

If you have no choice, but to drive while taking medications, discuss your need to drive with your doctor. The doctor may be able to change your dose in order to moderate side effects or choose a medication that is known to cause fewer potential problems. Keep in mind that there are alternatives to driving yourself: minimizing your need to get around, riding with friends and family, using public transportation, and senior care services are designed to provide transportation. If you experience negative side effects, these are all viable options that are safer.

When starting a new medication or supplement, always make sure you know how it will impact or impair you before you head out on the road. As you age, your body’s response to those medications may change. If you’ve been prescribed a new medication, test it out before you drive.

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NURSING HOMES

Freeman

Kingsford

Sunday: Lunch/music noon; Uno, 1 p.m.; Coffee social, 2 p.m.; Church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Pretty nails, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Line dancers, 1:30 p.m.; Ice cream, 3 p.m.; Bingo, 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Crochet, 10 a.m.; Reminisce, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Puzzles, 1 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; Rosary, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Movie, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Bible Study, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Wii games, 1 p.m.; Pokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; What’s Cooking, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Cards, 1 p.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.; Happy Hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Newspaper, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Parlor games, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Iron County

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One to one church visitors, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Room visits, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Brain teasers, 10 a.m.; Bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Resident council, 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Crystal Falls Library, 9:30 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; Senior Center, 11:15 a.m.; Travel film, 1:30 p.m .; Current events, 2 p.m.; Western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social and animal king, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; Men’s club, 2 p.m.; Nite bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; Bowling, 10 a.m.; Wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Christ United Church, 2 p.m.; Happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Hawaiian day; Lei making, 9 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Luau fun, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Tropical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee baseball, 10 a.m.; Geri-gym, 11 a.m.; Social hour, 2 p.m.; Card club, 6 p.m.

ManorCare

Kingsford

Wet Your Whistle, 9:30 a.m. (daily).

Movie, 10:45 a.m. (daily) and again at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gathering place, 11:40 a.m. (daily), and at 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).

Protestant Church service, Sunday, 3 p.m.

Exercises, 10 a.m. (daily).

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:15 a.m.; Morsels and more, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Pokereno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday:  Who am I?, 10:15 a.m.; Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; Movie and a manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table Talk, 10:15 a.m.; Monthly birthday party with the Golden Throats, 2 p.m.; Flip Five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; K bingo, 2 p.m.; Charades, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: Popcorn day, ABC game, 10:15 a.m.;  Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; Chips n Chatter, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Sunday: Community service, 8:30 a.m.; Penny ante, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Derby day, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Smile awhile, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Bingo, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Resident council, 2 p.m.; Whammo, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Movie and popcorn, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Deal or No Deal, 2 p.m.; Pictionary, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Trivia, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Jokereno, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Pamper and polish coffee social, 2 p.m.

Monthly support group for grief and loss, second Monday of the month at 2 p.m.

Weekend pet visits.

Victorian Heights

Crystal Falls

Sunday: Social hour with snacks, 3 p.m.; Church of Christ service, 3 p.m.; Lawrence Welk, 4 p.m.

Monday: Smear, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic prayer service, 10 a.m.; Left, Right, Center game, 10:30 a.m.; Cribbage, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Card and stamp store, 10:45 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Jubilee shopping trip, 2 p.m.; Night bingo at Medicare, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Therapeutic adult coloring, 10:30 a.m.; Christ United Methodist Church service, 2 p.m.; Come and enjoy homemade fudge, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Hot topics, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; Tenant choice meal, noon; Happy hour, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Exercise, Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.

Juice time, daily at 10 a.m.

Shopping days: Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Sunday: Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Left, center, right, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wheel of fortune, 2 p.m.; Rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

Golden Living Center is under new management.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Craft time with Janie, 2 p.m.; Social hour, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bible study with Dorothy and Wayne, 10 a.m.; Bingo with Bette, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; Pretty nails, 2 p.m.; Coffee social, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass and rosary, 9:30 a.m.; Music by Tom Palmer, 2 p.m.; Fitnessize, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason church service, 10 a.m.; Wii Jeopardy, 2 p.m.; Room visits, 3 p.m.

Friday: Knutson music studio, 10 a.m.; Bowling, 2 p.m.; Movie night, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Mingle and much with trivia, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; Aromatherapy, 2 p.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; Spa music, 10:15 a.m.; Worship and Communion service, 1:30 p.m.; Rosary, 2:30 p.m.; Trivia, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; Happy hour, 2 p.m.; Rummy, 2:30 p.m.; Decorating, 3:30 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Baking group, 10 a.m.; Cards, 10:30 a.m.; Jim Clement, 2 p.m.; Movie, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday:  Exercise, 10 a.m.; Hand massage, 11:15 a.m.; Special bingo and party, 1:45 p.m.; Cards, 4 p.m.; 1 to 1 visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Mass, 10 a.m.;  Happy hour, 2 p.m.; Fish fry outing, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Balloon toss, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24 hour advanced reservations for lunch. If you have meals delivered and will not be home, notify the center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Reservations requested 24 hours in advance.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals: Monday through Friday.

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.

Treats and coffee, 8:30 a.m. through 111:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledge everyday.

Evening meals are held first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger. Seating is limited, so make reservations early.

Blood pressure and blood sugar testing, every fourth Wednesday.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook, Tracy West

906-875-6709

Meals will be served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. (a salad bar will be open at 4 p.m.). The dinner donation is $4 for those age 60 and over and $5 for those under age 60. All persons are invited. For reservations, call 906-875-6709. Cribbage will be played on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and be concluded in time for the dinner. Center is closed Thursday through Sunday. A site council meeting is held on the third Wednesday at 3 p.m. Blood pressure taken by request anytime the center is open.

Crystal Lake Center

906-774-5888

The center is closed on the weekends.

The casino bus will no longer be running this season. It is expected to start running again in the spring or summer.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Majong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, noon; Crafters, scrap bookers, etc. also welcome; Knitting and crocheting class, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Camera Club, 6 p.m.

Friday: Smear, 12:30 p.m.

Last Saturday of the month: Music Jam starting at 1 p.m.

Evening meals have a salad bar beginning at 4 p.m. with the meal beginning at 4:30 p.m. A donation of  $4 is accepted for seniors (60 plus), but not required. Those 59 and younger are required to pay $5. Call the center ahead of time to make reservations. The even meal schedules include:

Jan. 10: Chicken divan over rice, breadstick, broccoli, homemade dessert, with soup and salad bar.

Jan. 24: Beef stroganoff over mashed potatoes, dinner roll, scandinavian vegetables, homemade dessert, with soup and salad bar.

Transportation is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Call the center to book your ride.

Felch Center

Director: Norma Dixon

906-246-3559

Meals served Monday through Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Bingo on the first and third Wednesday of each month after lunch.

Congregate jigsaw puzzle done daily.

Please call for meal reservation.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County

715-528-4890

Director: Lori Friberg

The suggested donation for those ages 60 and older is $4. The meal cost for those under 60 is $7. You may also contact the ADRC to request a menu or resources at 1-855-528-2372.

Three senior dining locations are listed below:

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

Meal at noon on Wednesdays only. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

715-528-4261

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are requested.

Jigsaw puzzles, cards, cribbage, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are requested. Jigsaw puzzles, cribbage, cards, and board games are available. The coffee is always on.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is Monday through Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3 for those 60 and older and $7 for those under 60. Call a day in advance before 12:30 p.m. to place a meal order 906-498-7735.

Fifteen games of bingo are played each Tuesday and Friday.

Monday: Rides to Iron Mountain during the day.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon

Thursday: Rides to Escanaba during the day.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill is also available.

Once a month going to Menomonee, would have to call in advance.

Iron River Center

Directors: Katherine Bortolameolli and Brian Kassa

906-265-6134

Meals served Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $4 (over 60) and $5 (under 60).

Evening meal is on Thursdays with a salad bar at 4 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.

Bingo is on Sundays at 2 p.m. (doors open at noon) and Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m.

Cards are played on Thursdays, 1:15 p.m.

Bus trip to Iron Mountain is on the third Friday of the month.

Dance on the second Saturday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cover charge is $6.

Pancake Day is on the third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Transportation is available Monday through Thursday with the bus running 8:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. $4 (over 60), $5 (under 60), $6 (wheelchair).

Bingo every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open at noon.

Salad bar with Thursday meal, 4 p.m. and dinner at 4:30 p.m.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule 715-251-1603

Center director: Jill Anderson 715-251-4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday.

Bingo once a month, Jan. 30 after lunch.

LCR tournament after lunch on Jan. 17.

’50s and ’60s reunion will be on Jan.18.

Transportation to the meal site from the Niagara area is offered.

Wii games, cards, puzzles, and board games available to play for your enjoyment.

Senior groups who would like to use our meal site as their meeting place may join us for lunch and stay to have their meeting or social time.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon with salad bar. Soup is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please sign up early for means. (Meal donation is $5.)

Two special theme noon meals each month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Two evening meals (5 p.m.) on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month with bingo, prizes, and 50/50.

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays

Puzzles always worked on.

Senior coloring class meets daily. All are welcome. Some materials will be provided.

Telephone reassurance is available. If you are a senior who doesn’t get out much and would like a friendly daily phone contact, the center will have someone check in to see that all is well.

Note: A CSFP food card (green card) is available to income-eligible seniors. Make an appointment to get signed up. File of Life packets available at the center.

Note: Ask about the Medicare Savings Program. This program helps people pay their Medicare part B premium. You may be eligible. Your local MMAP Counselor can be reached at 1-800-803-7174, or dial 211.

Jan. 9: Center board meeting, 10 a.m.

Jan. 10: Welcome winter special dinner. Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, soup, salad bar, juice, fruit, and dessert. Soup and salad available at 11 a.m. Bingo, prizes, and 50/50

Center membership cards are available for $5 at the front desk.

Sagola Center

Director: Connie Secrist

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m.

Cards: Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday.

Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months.

Puzzle table for all to enjoy.

Volunteers are always welcome.