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Meadowlark District

Family and Community Wellness

K-State Research and Extension is a leader in providing research-based information and education for creating strong, healthy Kansas communities. We strive to improve family relationships, develop consumer and financial management skills and help Kansans balance the demands of work, family, and community.

Educational information, classes, workshops and presentations are available in the following:

  • Advance Healthcare Directives (Click here for planning booklet & forms)
  • Stay Strong Stay Healthy: strength training for older adults
  • Gray for a Day
  • Understanding Reverse Mortgages
  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers
  • Fraud and Scam Prevention
  • Keys to Embracing Aging
  • Medicare Options
  • Master of Memory
  • Walk with Ease
  • Dining with Diabetes
  • A Matter of Balance

Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)

SHICK offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.  SHICK conselors receive training on Medicare, Medicare Supplement insurance and other insurances that work with Medicare.  SHICK is not affiliated with the insurance industry.  If you are new to Medicare or have questions about Medicare or Medicare-related issues free counseling is available.

Medicare Options Classes

Medicare Option classes are held several times during the year.  Options classes provide basic information on Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap or supplement insurance and Medicare prescription drug coverage.  Check our website for availability.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7.  During this time, you can:

    • Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
    • Change from a Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare (you may not have the guarantee to purchase a Medicare supplement).
    • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan.
    • Switch for a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan that offers drug coverage (you may have a penalty).
    • Swith from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare plan that doesn't offer drug coverage.
    • Join a Medicare Prescription Drug plan.
    • Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

Click here for more Helpful Information

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Join us to build the strength you need to enjoy good health as you age. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) is an eight-week exercise program that incorporates the latest research to help you develop the fitness, flexibility and balance that will enable you to live independently longer.

For more information, click here.

Walk with Ease|Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation's Walk with Ease 9 week multi-component program includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises and motivational strategies to get your safely moving toward better health.

For more information, click here.

Dining with Diabetes

Dining with Diabetes is a K-State Research and Extension health and wellness program.  This program consist of a series of four classes that includes learning, demonstrations, physical activity and tasting healthy foods.  The program's focus is to help individuals learn strategies to lessen the health risks of diabetes. 

For more information, click here.

Upcoming class:
When:  September 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2023
Time:  10:00 AM to Noon
Where:  Oskaloosa District Office
            100 E Washington, lower level
Cost:  $25 for all four sessions
Register at:  https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe.form/SV_elCjGEjER6tZQBo

A Matter of Balance

Many older adults experience a fear of falling.  People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater.  A Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.  Program is led by a trained facilitator involving eight 2-hour sessions.

For more information, click here.

Informational Videos

Medicare Mini Video Series
Radon - Additional information, www.kansasradonprogram.org

 

Contact

Teresa Hatfield

Teresa Hatfield

District Agent - Family & Community Wellness
Holton Office
114 W. 5th St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-4125
thatfield@ksu.edu

 

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams

District Agent
Food, Nutrition, Health & Safety
Oskaloosa Office
100 E Washington
Oskaloosa, KS 66066
Phone: 785-863-2212
csw@ksu.edu