Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.

Professional foot care

When your feet hurt, you hurt all over! The human foot contains 26 bones and 33 joints. Good foot health is essential as your feet serve as the foundation for the rest of your body structure. If your feet are painful or not mechanically sound, that affects the knees, hips and even the lower back. So it’s important to take care of your feet!

Here are a few things to consider when deciding to get professional foot care.

People with diabetes, poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy can have a trained health professional make an assessment of foot health, make recommendations or referrals. Arthritis, poor eyesight and balance problems make it difficult for elders to safely accomplish adequate foot care themselves. Corns, callouses and thickened nails can be reduced, making it less painful to walk. Fungal nails, ingrown toenails and other nail deformities can be assessed and treated and recommendations or referrals made as needed. It’s good to be pampered! It’s been said that a person may walk up to 100,000 miles in a lifetime.

Under the direction of Sally Coffin, registered nurse, Master of Science in nursing, three nurses provide foot care services: Diane Keller-Batter, RN, Erica Bee, licensed practical nurse, certified foot care specialist, and Valentina Rivera, RN. Rivera provides services in English and Spanish. Appointments are offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and other days by arrangement. Call 360-376-2677 to book a spot. Through the spring Orcas Island Community Foundation Give Orcas campaign, the senior center is working to increase service and support the foot health of seniors. Your donations will provide free or reduced-cost foot care services to seniors, allow the purchase of necessary instruments and improve foot care facilities. Make your donations online at: www.giveorcas.org from May 1-17.

Lopez lamb trip

This celebration is all about local agriculture including gazing at the cute lambs and kids. Watch sheep-shearing and purchase crafts, food and farm products from local vendors on Saturday, May 11, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Mediterranean lamb extravaganza plate lunch will be available to benefit the Lopez Farm-to-School program. Call 360-376-2677, or stop by the front desk to sign up. Limited spots are available.

Exercise classes

We walk differently as we age. Our joints have propelled us through the decades of movement, and they remember the missteps and the giant leaps. It is up to you to take care of your body. Show yourself you care, and others will notice the change, the glow and the skip in your step. Spring means getting the spring back in your step. The senior center is offering a variety of exercise classes, including transitional movement, chair yoga, joy of movement, tai chi, balance and strength training. To sign up, call 360-376-2677 or visit the front desk.