IRON MOUNTAIN — Many people believe that being on aspirin therapy has health benefits including lowering the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke.

On the contrary, for people who have had a heart attack, have experienced certain kinds of stroke, or have heart disease, some doctors will actually recommend a daily Tylenol. But excessive amounts can be harmful, as with anything, especially for the elderly.

High doses of aspirin therapy can increase the risk of bleeding in the small intestine, stomach, and brain. The Mayo Clinic states that if a low dose of aspirin is taken daily for a long time, it will slowly damage the layer that protects the inside of the stomach and intestine from your stomach acid, as well as cause the following:

Gastrointestinal bleeding: Daily aspirin increases the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and increases the risk of a stomach ulcer. These can be life-threatening.

Allergic reaction: Although many people are allergic to aspirin, an allergy can be developed as you age.

Stroke: Caused by a burst blood vessel, aspirin may increase the risk for a bleeding or hemorrhagic stroke. Although taking daily aspirin can help prevent a stroke that is clot-related.

Taking any amount of aspirin, especially daily, can lead to serious reactions. Aspirin therapy can cause excessive bleeding before surgery, so it’s important to communicate what medication you are taking to dentists and surgeons before any procedures.

The FDA warns that people who take aspirin daily should limit alcohol intake, because of the aspirin’s blood-thinning effects.

Aspirin can also have drug interactions with other medications. Anticoagulants can increase the risk of major bleeding complications. Some anticoagulants would include: Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

The following medications should not be mixed with daily aspirin therapy: Clopidogrel (Plavis), Heparin, Ibeprofeuin (Advil, Motrin) when taking regularly, Corticosteroids, some antidepressants such as clomipramine and paroxetine.

The following herbal supplements should not be mixed with daily aspirin therapy: Omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil), Bilberry, Cat’s claw, Evening primrose oil, Kava, Capsaicin, Danshen, Ma-Huang, Glinko.

The elderly are widely underrepresented in most aspirin therapy studies. The benefits of aspirin are clear for those with a history of heart disease, but not clear for those without known heart problems. Daily aspirin therapy can greatly increase the risk of bleeding and the side effects above, since blood naturally thins as we age. Since many Americans over the age of 70 have an underlying cardiovascular problem, many doctors believe daily aspirin’s benefits outweigh the risks.

Tylenol’s active ingredient is acetaminophen has been a go-to treatment that is available over-the-counter for treating physical pain like body and head aches and arthritis. Tylenol is a non-addictive and non-narcotic medication to dull pain or reduce fever in the body by altering pathways in which we sense pain and inflammation. It is widely used because we are still able to go about our daily business after taking several Tylenol. A story published in Psychological Science states that acetaminophen also has subtle psychological effects in emotional pain. Pain exists in many forms, including distress we feel when exposed to thoughts of existential uncertainty and death. These anxieties may be processed by the brain is being “pain.” Tylenol seems to inhibit the signal that tells the brain that something is wrong. Tylenol can also help reduce the pain of social ostracism.

Because more research needs to be done on other potential effects, it’s wise only to take Tylenol for the formally approved use of easing physical pain and inflammation. If stress or anxiety is an issue for you, consult a primary care doctor first. The National Council on Patient Information and Education has advice for seniors who are taking a combination of multiple medications:

Take all medications are directed by the label and/or your physician.

Don’t forget to check on dietary, herbal, or vitamin supplements and their potential interactions with your other medications.

Know if your medications contain acetaminophen. If you are unsure, ask.

Ask your doctor if acetaminophen might have any drug interactions with new or current medications.

As always, please consult your Primary Care Provider before making any medical changes to your lifestyle.

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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.; Library cart, 11 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Bunko, 1 p.m.; Pet visits, 2 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.; Popcorn, 1 p.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.; 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.; Trivial pursuit, 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: Parlor games, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch/music, 11:45 a.m.; Newspaper, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.

Iron County

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One to one church visitors, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; Room visits, 9 to 11 a.m.; High rollers, 10 a.m.; Afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Resident council, 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.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.; Mystery ride, 1 p.m.; Travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Current events, 2 p.m; Action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social and Animal king, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Penny ante, 2 p.m.; Nite bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Exercise, 11 a.m.; Room visits, 1 p.m.; Pass the prize, 2 p.m.; Mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Price is right and taste test trivia, 10 a.m.; Geri-gym, 11 a.m.; Intergenerational social hour, 2 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, 10:45 a.m.; Morsels and more, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Did you know?, 10:15 a.m.; Bingo, 2 p.m.; Po-ke-no, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Name 5, 10:15 a.m.; Bobbie Jo entertains, 2 p.m.; Movie and a manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table talk, 10:15 a.m.; Golden Throats entertain, 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: ABC game, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.

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

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Sunday: Community service, 9a.m.; Penny ante, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 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.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; Baptist service, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Bingo, 10:15 a.m.; Parachute, 1:30 p.m.; Crafts, 1:30 p.m.; Just the 2 of us entertaining, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Joker-eno, 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.; Stations of the cross, 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 and coffee, 10:15 a.m.; Exercise, 1:30 p.m.; Happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Joker-eno, 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: Sweet treat Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; Social hour with snacks, 2:30 p.m.; Church of Christ service, 3 p.m.; Lawrence Welk show on PBS, 4 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Catholic mass service, 10 a.m.; Left, right, center game, 10:30 a.m.; Tenant council meeting, 1:15 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.; Lunch outing to Mr. T’s (must be signed up), 11:30 a.m.; Christ United Methodist church service, 2 p.m.; Cribbage, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Hot topics, 10 a.m.; Exercise, 11:15 a.m.; 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 11 a.m.

Juice pass, daily at 10 a.m.

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

Sunday: Bible study, 2:30 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Smile a while, 2 p.m.; Refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Resident birthday party, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 2 p.m.; Rosary, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Wii sports, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Social hour, 3:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Jeopardy, 10 a.m.; Fashion purse display by Valri, 2 p.m.; Ice cream social, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Horse races, 10 a.m.; Music by Tom Palmer, 2 p.m.; Social hour, 3 p.m.; Music by Grace and Dave, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason church service, 10 a.m.; Music by Larry Jankowski, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Communion service and rosary, 10 a.m.; Knutson Music Studio preforms, 2 p.m.; Movie night, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Mingle and munch, 2 p.m.; Trivia, 3 p.m.

Pinecrest

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; Beauty shop, 2 p.m.; Aromatherapy, 2 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; Spa music, 10:15 a.m.; Busy bee, 1 p.m.; Song service, 1:30 p.m.; Rosary, 2:30 p.m.; Trivia, 3:30 p.m.; Bowling, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Movie, 10 a.m.; Busy bee, 1 p.m.; Happy hour, 2 p.m.; Rummy, 2:30 p.m.; Decorating, 3:30 p.m.; Cards, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: ShopKo outing, 10 a.m.; Busy bee, 1 p.m.; Jim Clement, 2 p.m.; Movie, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bob Kleiman entertains, 10 a.m.; Hand massage, 11:15 a.m.; Busy bee, 1 p.m.; Bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Cards, 3:30 p.m.; Ball toss, 6 p.m.

Friday: Mass, 10 a.m.; Busy bee, 1 p.m.; Bunco, 2 p.m.; Smelt 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 11:30 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 (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.

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.

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. Please

TEFAP quarterly food distribution Tuesday: 9 to 11 a.m.

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. Please call a day in advance before 12:30 p.m. to place a meal order 906-498-7735.

Morning coffee is available each day

Fifteen games of “Fun Bingo” are played each Tuesday and Friday along with 50/50.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon. Call ahead to see if a game will be going on.

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.

March 10: TEFAP commodities will be handed out between 9 a.m. to noon.

Homestead Property and Home Heating Credit help. Call the senior center to schedule an appointment and to know what to bring. We do not do Federal income taxes, only do credit forms for seniors 60 years of age and older.

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.

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

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

March 15: ’50s and ’60s reunion.

March 16: St. Patrick’s Day celebration: meal includes corn beef and cabbage.

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday.

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

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 at 11 a.m. Please sign up early for means. (Meal donation is $5)

Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea, and coffee served daily.

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

Monday: Noon meal is liver or burger and onions.

Monday: Community dinner at 5 p.m.: Serving famous company chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, soup and salad bar, dessert. Bingo, prizes, and 50/50. Sign up early.

Tuesday: TEFAP quarterly food distribution at the Iron Mountain Senior Center, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

March 11: Pasty sale. $5 for one-pound pasty. All orders must be picked up by noon.

March 13: Center board meeting at 10 a.m.

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

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

Sagola Center

Director: Alissa Runsat

906-542-3542

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.