January 2008 Vol. 27. No. 1

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Warm beds
Ask HICAP: Using Your Medicare drug plan in 2008
Financial Abuse
A1AA: F.U.N. Play Center gives grandparents a place to call their own
Global Warming

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A1AA
F.U.N. Play Center gives grandparents a place to call their own
by Laurie Frasher

The Area 1 Agency on Aging is collaborating with First 5 Humboldt, the City of Eureka and the Humboldt County Office of Education to give grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren from birth to five years old a place to call their own.

The F.U.N. Play Center — for Family, Unity and Nurturing — will give grandchildren a safe place to play and will help grandparents’ with the challenges of caring for young children. It will give them a place to socialize with their peers, learn about nutritious meals and get information and resources that promote healthy living.

In Humboldt County some 1,129 grandparents are raising their grandchildren. There are significant health problems among grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. For grandparents, studies have noted high rates of depression, poor self-rated health, physical inactivity, and multiple chronic health problems including diabetes and obesity.

For the grandchildren, problems include high rates of asthma, weakened immune systems, poor eating habits, obesity, poor sleep, physical disabilities, low self-esteem and hyperactivity.

A primary preventive strategy for these health concerns is providing grandparents with a safe social atmosphere where they can play with their grandchildren and share information and resources with other caregivers. For the grandchildren, this play center will give them a fun place to play and develop friendships.

The Area 1 Agency on Aging will provide support and information for grandparents through its senior services, presentations, and senior-focused events. The First 5 Humboldt and City of Eureka will facilitate activities that provide support, education and enrichment for the grandchildren. A registered dietician from the Humboldt County Office of Education will demonstrate nutritious recipes from themes developed through the “Harvest of the Month” program.

The staff will help increase access to services and support systems that strengthen families and reduce social isolation. Plans to help with behavior changes for improved nutrition and active living are the main goals of this play center.

Donations are gladly accepted and scholarships are available. The FUN Play Center will be at the Adorni Center in Eureka Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Call 268-1844 or 442-3763 ext. 223 for more information.

Laurie Frasher is coordinator for the FUN Play Center. Her e-mail is infoassist@a1aa.org.