Robert A. Ray, owner of “Caring Transitions” has a background as a Baptist minister, that led him to a new career that focuses with the emotional transition of moving and downsizing. He gave and informative talk on recognizing the signs of an individual who is hoarding, and understanding how to provide help.. Rev. Ray explained that there are three components to a hoarding personality: First, the person acquires possessions compulsively, such as free items or buying things at garage and estate sales, second, refuses to discard items insisting that they may have value in the future or that they have a sentimental attachment to it, and third, the items are not organized and are scattered around the home haphazardly.

Rev. Ray stressed the need to be sensitive as you handle this person. If there is a diagnosis of obsessive compulsive behavior, perhaps medication would help. Support groups are also helpful, and it can be helpful to get an independent source to make a reasonable assessment as to which items maven have value. In closing, club member Ellen Gillis suggested that since Rev. Ray could intervene on our behalf he could make it possible for us “to take it with us.”

Major Robert J. Rappoport of the Rockville police department was last week’s speaker, and gave an enlightening talk on Emergency Preparedness.

The Washington area, according to Rappoport, “is a potential target for manmade terrorist attacks, plus natural disasters due to hurricanes, tornados, floods, blizzards, and extreme temperatures.”

Citizens should prepare and maintain a “to go” kit that can be grabbed quickly and contains supplies that will last for 3 days (water, food, clothing, bedding, flashlights, medications, etc.). They should also create a family communication plan, the location of the water shut off valve in their home, learn the emergency evacuation details at schools and workplaces, alternate routes away from home or area, and be prepared to be able to stay in homes for at least three days.

Dr. Ryan Mullen, a Chiropractor with Pro Health Chiropractic Wellness Center in North Bethesda informed us of the “Five Keys to Health.” Before revealing those key elements, he stressed the importance to shift the focus of Western medicine from “sick care” to “health care” by concentrating on preventing disease rather than waiting for illness to occur and then treating it.

The five keys to good health are

1. Understanding our Genetic history.
2. Keeping a positive mental attitude.
3. Getting Proper Rest so our bodies can heal and remain strong .
4. Maintaining Proper Nutrition by eating a balanced diet and utilizing appropriate supplements to bolster our health, and
5. Incorporating Movement and Exercise in our schedule EVERY DAY to manage energy and weight.