Nathan Adelson Hospice rolls out new version of community-based program

Susan Holecheck , Nathan Adelson Hospice's Community Outreach Representative, is bringing back a once-defunct program to the community.

'Lunch and Learn', an informal community information session where experts provide talks on a number of varying issues returns Monday, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Pahrump Community Library's conference room.

Of course, a lunch consisting of sandwiches, is free.

"I thought to myself it would be a good idea to start doing these again," she said. "It's a great way to invite members of the community to learn about different issues. The first one is going to be a great one called, 'Medication Education'."

Through research, Holecheck said she learned that too many people, especially seniors, are not properly taking their medications, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

Holecheck said education is the first step in addressing those problems.

"I found out that about 4 out of ten people who are taking more than one medication are taking them incorrectly," she said. "Many times some people would crush your pills if they have trouble swallowing, but the fact is, some pills should not be crushed."

Holecheck also said there are those who make errors when they get a new prescription filled.

She cautioned about blending newly-prescribed medications with older ones.

"When that happens, some people tend to mix them together and you shouldn't do that. Because one is a little older and one is a little newer," she said. "Some people who have to take their medication multiple times a day will double up if they forget and they shouldn't do that."

Monday's discussion will also focus on non-prescription medicines, such as herbal medications and supplements.

"Those are still chemicals," she said. "We thought this would be a great first topic and we have one of our RN's who has been with us for well over 10 years. She's a very valued employee and very knowledgeable. She will be the one that is speaking about medication education. I hope we get a lot of people to show up."

Holecheck plans to hold regular 'Lunch and Learn' sessions throughout the year.

She noted that some might be uncomfortable to those who attend, but the information is invaluable.

"We have one coming up about mastering the difficult conversation of death," she said. "Nobody really likes to talk about death but it's important to communicate about it. We are going to try to do this every other month. I believe the next one might be in April, but I have not set a date yet.

Those interested in attending Monday's inaugural 'Lunch and Learn' should RSVP Holecheck at 751-6700.

The Pahrump Community Library is located at 701 East St.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com