O CTOBER 22, 2016 • B OOMER & S ENIOR E XPO
The Salvation Army
I often perform as “Cowboy Bill” at
retirement communities and nursing
homes. “Music and laugh-
ter are the best medicine,”
I tell my “concert” atten-
dees. Most do agree, and
for good reasons.
Physically speaking, a
good sing-along mixed
with laughter offers a nice
combination for healthful
living. Laughter, raising
hands, swaying back and
forth burns calories. A 10
to 15 minute session will
burn 50 calories, according to a research
study by Vanderbilt University. One’s
heart rate goes up moderately. Studies
show that with the increased blood flow,
stress levels are reduced and the immune
response systems are enhanced.
Laughing may raise the level of infec-
tion-fighting antibodies. There is even
evidence that laughter helps enhance the
natural relaxation and sleep modes that
our bodies need. I am happy when folks
are happily singing, laughing, stomping
feet and clapping hands.
Scientists won’t all
agree that laughter is the
remedy for all that ails us.
However, when we social-
ly share some melodious
and humorous songs, it is
magical. Good people
with “bad” voices can sing
boldly and without fear.
That’s my goal. Most of us
depreciate
our
own
singing voice unwisely.
We need to get over that.
You should seek out a good attorney
or financial planner for estate and retire-
ment planning. However, to enjoy the
fruits of your labors, look for frequent
occasions to sing a few songs and share
some humor with others to add gladness
to your hearts.
—By “Cowboy Bill” Olson, director
of gift planning at The Salvation Army
and member of the Financial Planning
Association
Be Ready: Disaster
Preparedness Expo
Florence Events Center • Nov. 5 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Be Ready Disaster Preparedness Expo is coming to the
Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., on Saturday, Nov. 5,
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Free admittance with one non-perish-
able food item for the Florence Food Share.
This will be a great educational and fun
event for the whole family!
While 72 hours of survival gear is OK for the California-
style 30-second earthquake, it is estimated that the Oregon
coast may be cut off from services a minimum of 10 days.
Siuslaw News and Western Lane Emergency Operations
Group are holding an event in order to connect residents on
the Oregon coast with businesses and emergency service
providers to raise awareness about disaster preparedness. The
expo will include speakers, a safety panel, demonstrations on
cooking with fire, emergency suturing and CPR.
Have an heirloom,
antique or vintage
jewelry?
FREE
BJ’s Ice Cream
at 1pm until gone.
Sponsored by
Siuslaw News
& BJ’s Ice Cream
Expired/Unwanted
Medication
Drop-Off
Clean out your medicine cabinets
and bring expired/unwanted
prescription and over the counter
medication to the Expo for proper
disposal. No needles.
Sponsored by
Florence Police Auxiliary
Bring it to be evaluated by
appraisal specialist
Tom Bassett,
partner at
Florence Antiques.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
iExhibitor
15