Nov 17, 7:30 p.m. Columbia Orchestra Free Chamber Concert.  The amazing talents of our orchestra members are on display when they come together in chamber ensembles. Hear some of the great works of the chamber literature up close in a beautiful, intimate setting. These concerts are FREE and no seat reservation is required. Christ Episcopal Church 6800 Oakland Mills Road.

November 17, 2:00- 3:00 p.m. Hands On History: Medieval Survival Guide. How about a little “medieval fun and fitness” at the Elkridge Branch? Good ladies and noble sirs, knowest thou how to stay alive and laughing in the Middle Ages? Crusade through time to construct, besiege, and make merry. Refreshments. Ages 6 & up. Register online or by calling 410.313.5085.

Nov 17, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Dazzle Dash. Friends and families gather to walk or run through the 1.4 mile magical Symphony of Lights. A fun filled kick-off community event to celebrate the opening of the 18th Annual Symphony of Lights. Come and experience the excitement as the holiday season begins. Enjoy games and activities for children of all ages, food, music, entertainment, and give-aways

Nov 18, 4:00-7:30 p.m. Dazzle Dash. Friends and families gather to walk or run through the 1.4 mile magical Symphony of Lights. A fun filled kick-off community event to celebrate the opening of the 18th Annual Symphony of Lights. Come and experience the excitement as the holiday season begins. Enjoy games and activities for children of all ages, food, music, entertainment, and give-aways

Nov 19- January 6, 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Symphony of Lights Drive Through. Cars, vans and busses can take a 20-30 minute drive-through a display of more than 70 larger-than-life, light creations illuminated by a fantasy of color, design, and animation. This holiday tradition is delightful for all ages.

November 19, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist & Shout. Music and movement for little ones at the Elkridge Branch. Ages infant – 5; 30 min. No registration required. 

November 19, 11:30 a.m. Just For Me. A class at the Savage Branch for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required at the Savage Branch. Offered 11/20 at 10:30am at the Glenwood Branch–registration is required. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

November 19, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring at the Glenwood Branch offered by Howard County General Hospital. 1st & 3rd Mondays. No registration required. .

November 21, 2-2:30 p.m. The First Thanksgiving. Come to the Central Branch on this day when Ho. Co. Schools are closed and travel back in time to see how the first pilgrims and Native Americans learned to work together and how this special holiday began. Ages 5-8. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class.

November 22- Howard County Library System Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday. 

 Nov 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Smoke Free Lungs. Learn tips for quitting your tobacco habit and mastering long term success. This program provides support and education for those wanting to quit as well as support for those who have already quit. The Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center. 10710 Charter Drive.

On Saturday, November 10, one of our Well & Wisers went to an event called Santé: Spoil Your Palate at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. Not only did she have a blast sampling some of Maryland’s best cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs, enjoy some exhilerating music, and have an opportunity to bid on some wonderful goods and services in the silent auction, all while hanging out in a train museum (cool!)–she also did good.

You see, Santé has become an annual event to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland (NKF-MD), a nonprofit, voluntary health organization that was established in 1955 by Harriet G. Guild, M.D., a well-known Baltimore physician and a pretty amazing woman. NKF-MD “is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.”

This is a pretty great mission, especially considering that our kidneys are basically the sewage treatment plant of the body, can be affected by myriad ailments and complications, and play a pretty key role in helping us stay healthy and…alive. Sadly, “more than 10% of people, or more than 20 million, aged 20 years or older in the United States” have chronic kidney disease, according to the CDC. Not only does NKF-MD help raise awareness and provide resources, they also offer free KEY screenings, provide advocacy and support, and, of course, organize some pretty great fundraising events. But if you missed Santé this year, don’t fret, perhaps you can catch it next year or be involved in some of their other events.

So keep in mind, doing a good deed doesn’t necessarily require pain or sacrifice (well, maybe a little time, money, and possibly some high-heel-pinched toes). It can even be a an opportunity to have a fun time, while helping out. That’s a win-win for sure!

by Mary Catherine Cochran

Annual Pap smears for most women will become a thing of the past as new guidelines released Wednesday recommend far less frequent screenings for cervical cancer.

Doctors had previously recommended that women should begin getting Pap smears at age 21 or three years after beginning sexual activity and should continue with screenings every year or two, thereafter.

Now, after reviewing scientific evidence, three groups including the American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the American Society for Clinical Pathology concluded that not only was annual screening unnecessary, it was potentially harmful.

Cervical cancer, rare in young women, progresses very slowly in women of any age, so slowly researchers say, it is equally effective to screen for cancer at longer intervals between Pap tests.  Frequent testing can cause its own set of problems including false positive test results and unnecessary biopsies and procedures, which can potentially damage the cervix and lead to pre-term labor and low birth weight infants.

The new guidelines, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine with an accompanying editorial, suggest that women begin screening no earlier than age 21; regardless of sexual activity and that screening should occur every three years. Additionally, when women turn 30, women should get a Pap test along with a test for the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer. Guidelines suggest that negative results for both of these tests mean that a woman can wait at least five years to get the tests again.

While Margot Watson, M.D, Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, agrees with the guidelines, she suggests that a conversation between physician and patient is always in order. “Whether Pap smears can be done every three years or every five years depends on whether or not a patient has a history of seriously abnormal Pap smears and so the decision should always be reached in consultation with your physician.” Dr. Watson points out that less frequent Pap smears does not mean less frequent visits to the doctor. “Women should still continue to get yearly gynecologic checkups.”

The new guidelines also recommend that women over the age of 65 should stop getting screened all together as long as they have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer.

The task force recommendations apply only to healthy women. They do not change the advice for women who have unusual symptoms, an unusual Pap test result or a history of dysplasia, cervical cancer, H.I.V. or other illnesses.

If you have questions, be sure to check with your doctor for more information about the new screening guidelines. If you don’t have a gynecologist, reach out to one of our Howard County General, Johns Hopkins Medicine gynecologists.

Sorry about the potential eyestrain reading this post might be causing you. What? You didn’t know? Do you know if Usher Syndrome runs in your family? Do you know what Usher Syndrome is? Hey, when is the last time you even had an eye exam?

When we talk about health and wellness, we tend to think of our overall physical or mental condition, but not necessarily the specifics, such as our eyes. A 2010 New York Times article indicated that even those folks  most at risk of vision problems skip exams and about 86 percent of those who already have an eye disease do not get routine exams. What’s keeping us out out of the ophthalmologist and optometrists’ offices?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys, showing the cost of eye care or lack of insurance and belief of no need for exams were the most common reasons given for not seeking eye care. The CDC also reported that “vision problems place a substantial burden on individuals, caregivers, health-care payers, and the U.S. economy, with the total cost estimated at $51.4 billion annually.”

So are you among the eye-neglect guilty?  Let’s start with the basics. How often should you have your peepers looked at?  According to Prevent Blindness America, in general, the recommended frequency of comprehensive eye examinations for people without symptoms or special risk factors differs depending on your age, but is roughly every 2-4 years. “People with special risks, such as diabetes, a previous eye trauma, surgery or a family history of glaucoma, may need an eye exam more frequently…. People with symptoms of eye trouble should see an eye doctor right away.” If you are 65 or older,  EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost through volunteer ophthalmologists.

If you are curious about some of the symptoms of eye trouble or want more resources on eye health,  the National Institutes of Health National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s eyeSmart are great places to start. And ladies, you may want to check out Women’s Eye Health since two-thirds of blindness and visual impairment occur in women.

And, if you are still reluctant get that exam, remember: “It is common for people to wait for symptoms before making doctor appointments,” said Richard P. Mills, MD, MPH. “However, some eye diseases can damage sight before any warning signs are noticed. Getting a simple painless eye exam early could save your sight.” And EyeCare America, reminds us that there are simple things we can do to take better care of our eyes, starting with the “ABCs”:

•    Activate your lifestyle. What’s good for the rest of your body is also good for your eyes. So exercise and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid fats and sweets.
•    Book an appointment for a full eye exam.
•    Continue to see your doctor to catch and treat eye diseases early.

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February 4, 1:00 p.m. Meet the Author Dorothy Baily. The author of In a Different Light: Reflections and Beauty of Wise Women of Color,comes to the East Columbia Branch to talk about how her book highlights the wisdom, beauty, strength, and courage of 90 women, aged 70 and over, who live in Maryland or have strong ties to the state. Several of the “wisdom carriers” profiled in the book may make cameo appearances. An African American History Month event. Refreshments. Books available for purchase and signing. Held in the East Columbia 50+ Center. Sponsored by Friends of Howard County Library. Register online or by calling 410.313.7700.

February 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Hearts for Heroes. Create Valentine’s Day cards at the Elkridge Branch for military service members stationed overseas. Materials provided.

February 6, 10:15 a.m. Make Believe. Children learn basic acting at the Savage Branch, then demonstrate their skills in a presentation during the last class—a great way to build confidence. Four-week series. Ages 3-5.  Register online or by calling 410.880.5978.

February 6, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening. Free, walk-in blood pressure screening and monitoring at the Glenwood Branch offered by Howard County General Hospital.

February 6, 7:00 p.m. Healthy Relationships & Dating Dangers. Statistics show that one in three teenagers experience abuse in a dating relationship. Experts from the Domestic Violence Center come to the Elkridge Branch to teach you to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships and dating abuse. A Teen Well & Wise event. Register online or by calling 410.313.5088.

February 7, 2012. 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Adult Child and Infant CPR/AED.  This course will teach you the skills to perform CPR and how to clear an airway obstruction. Upon completion you will receive a two-year AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED certification card.  Offered at the Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100 in Columbia.  $55.  For more information, call 410 740-7601.

February 7, 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch and 2 p.m. at the Savage Branch. Just For Me. A class for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579 at Glenwood Branch. No registration required for the class at Savage Branch.

February 7, 7:00 p.m. Birds In Your Backyard. Get ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count at the Glenwood Branch. Learn how to identify your feathered friends. Families welcome. Part of the Master Gardener series. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

February 8, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. at the Elkridge Branch and 7pm at the Miller Branch. Just For Me. A class for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. No registration required for the classes at  Elkridge Branch. Tickets available at Miller BranchChildren’s Desk 30 minutes before program.

February 8, 7:00 p.m. Bee Mine: Beekeeping Basics. The Howard County Beekeepers Association teaches about honeybee biology, products of the hive, and the benefits of beekeeping. Families welcome.  Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

February 9, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. Twist And Shout.
 Music and movement at the East Columbia Branch. Ages 3-5; 30 min. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 30 minutes before program.

February 9, 10:30am. Healthy Kids. Explore simple health concepts inspired by children’s literature. Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Multi-week series. Register online or by calling 410.313.5579.

February 9, 7:00 p.m. Day Trippin’. 
Join Linda Decker at the Central Branch as she highlights 12 public display gardens, historic landscapes, and natural spaces within easy driving distance of Howard County. Part of the Master Gardener series. Register online or by calling 410.313.7800.

February 9, 7:00 p.m. Chocolate! Come to the Glenwood Branch for fun facts about the origin and health benefits of this favorite food–and how to taste it. Families welcome. Register online or by calling 410.313.5577.

February 11, 10:00 a.m.  Wonder Talk: Squirmy Wormy Worms that Work: Kitchen Garbage to Top Soil at the Howard County Conservancy.  Worms work miracles with their little bodies.  Learn all about these amazing little animals.  See how they transform the wastes of our planet into rich earth.  Learn how to create your own worm soil factory.  Free program for all ages.

February 21, 2012.  5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Adult Child and Infanct CPR/AED This course will teach you the skills to perform CPR and how to clear an airway obstruction. Upon completion you will receive a two-year AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED certification card. Offered at the Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100 in Columbia.  $55.

October 28, 10:15 am & 11:30 am. My Body. Learn about your amazing body parts, this time focusing on the skeleton, at the East Columbia Branch. Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Multi-week series. Tickets available at Children’s Desk 30 minutes before program.

October 29, 9:00 am-11:00 am. Self-Defense for Young Women. Teens ages 12–15 learn physical and psychological strategies of self-defense. $35. Located at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, in Columbia. For information call 410-740-7601, or register online.

October 29, 2011; 9-11:30am. Baby Signing. Learn 100 basic signs to help your baby communicate. $75 per couple/$40 per person. Located at the Howard CountyGeneral Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, in Columbia. For information,  call 410-740-7601, or register online.

October 30, 2011. 6th Annual Scarecrow Classic 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk . Meadowbrook Park, Ellicott City, MD. Commemorative t-shirt to all participants who register by October 20, 2011. Event management by Charm City Run Events. Awards given in numerous categories. Water and time splits on 5K course. 1 mile walk course is accessible and only dogs on leashes are permitted. On-site medical care and aid. Pre- and Post- event refreshments and snacks.

October 30, 11:00 am – 12 noon. Duck Duck Goose Story Time – Patapsco Valley State Park. Do you love nature and a good book? Join our storyteller for a nature story then make a craft to go along with it! Great for nature story lovers of all ages.  Meet in the Hilton Nature Center1100 Hilton Ave, Catonsville, 21228. Please call 410-461-5005 for more information. Cost: $2 (for craft materials).

October 30, 1:00-2:00 pm. Pumpkin Party – Patapsco Valley State Park. What’s Halloween without a pumpkin or two? Learn some facts about this seasonal squash, how to use it in some tasty treats, and then paint a pumpkin in time for Halloween day! For all ages. Meet at the Hilton Nature Center, 1100 Hilton Ave, Catonsville, 21228. Please call 410-461-5005 to sign up. Cost: $2 per person.

November 1, 8 and 15, 6:30-8:00 pm. Moving through Anger. Identify your anger triggers and learn techniques to manage them. $40. Located at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, in Columbia. For information call 410-740-7601, or register online.

November 2,  9:00 am-11:00 am.Podiatry Screening. A podiatrist will exam one or two areas of concern. Free. Located at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, in Columbia. For information call 410-740-7601, or register online.

November 4, 2011. Prep work for Saturday tree planting – Patapsco Heritage Greenway. Volunteers needed. Please email patapscofriend@gmail.com for more information.

November 5, 9:00 am – 12 noon.  Tree planting in Patapsco Valley. Patapsco Heritage Greenway. Volunteers needed. Please email patapscofriend@gmail.com for more information.

November 5, 9:00 am – 12 noon. Family Volunteer Day. Join family and friends at the 12th Annual Family Volunteer Day. This is a day for families, friends, scout troops and religious organizations to increase their sense of unity by performing tasks that improve your community. Spend quality time together and teach children about caring as you help beautify local parks and historic sites. Bring a canned good or paper product for distribution to the Howard County Food Bank. For information: Ann Combs, 410-313-4624 or email acombs@howardcountymd.gov. Local parks and historic sites. All ages. Rain date Nov 12.

November 10, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Fretz Autumn Extravaganza – A Harvest of Hope. Enjoy a fun and festive evening to benefit the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center. Food by Carrabbas Italian Restaurant, fine wine by Gus Kalaris of Axios Wines, silent and live auction, DJ, entertainment and cooking demonstrations. For information call 410-740-7570.

November 10, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.  Rain Barrel Seminar.  Collect rainwater and run off for use in your garden.  Keep the rain out of our storm drains.   Khaler Hall, Columbia.

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