An outreach effort is underfoot to make Fort Dodge a better place for its senior residents.
Part of this plan spawned a pilot program of a Senior Forum, which took place Thursday at Citizens Central, 617 Central Ave., and was sponsored by volunteers of the Fort Dodge Senior Coalition.
"Members of the coalition conducted a survey at the Active Aging/Senior Information Fair at Iowa Central Community College last spring," said Jeanine Nemitz, the RSVP and Foster Grandparents program director. "The result of those survey are the three panel discussions we're holding today."
A handful of senior residents attended the discussions which focused on transportation and the appearance of Fort Dodge, nutrition and healthy meals, and health care and fitness.
One attendee asked about the status of the Warden Plaza building on First Avenue South.
Stephanie Houk Sheetz, Fort Dodge senior city planner, said interested parties have walked through the building, but no offers have been made.
"It's a huge building with a lot of issues," Houk Sheetz said. "I think the sheer size of it scares off people."
However, Houk Sheetz said a newly named historic district, which includes the Warden Plaza, may make the property more attractive since the designation qualifies rehabilitation of the site for state and federal tax credits.
Chad Schaeffer, Fort Dodge City Engineer, updated the group on Fifth Avenue South construction which he said will improve traffic safety by constructing an additional center lane for vehicles turning left.
Further down Fifth Avenue South, in the corridor near Fair Oaks Middle School, a triangular piece of construction meant to protect pedestrians had to be removed by order of the DOT.
One resident asked why the construction was allowed to continue since the DOT said the piece could cause a car to go airborne if it was struck.
Schaeffer said the DOT initially signed off on the project, and only later when the project was complete did the DOT say it was unsafe.
"There will be no cost to Fort Dodge to rework that portion of the corridor," Schaeffer said. "The work will be paid for by a consulting engineer and the DOT."
Jay Krammerer with the DART program said the transportation service will not be cutting its route although ridership is down since the City of Fort Dodge was able to give the service additional funds of nearly $2,000. However, DART has reduced its Jefferson weekend service due to decreased number of riders.
The importance of eating nutrient-rich food and exercising properly were also discussed.
"I tell people to eat a rainbow," said Robert Hammen with Elderbridge Agency on Aging. "Any fruit or vegetable with deep rich color is my recommendation."
As far as nutrition labels go, be wary because those labels can be off by 20 percent.
"Look at the ingredients," Hammen said. "If it says zero percent trans fats and it contains hydrogenated oil, chances are it contains trans fat."
Health care is another important factor of senior health, and the last panel shared information about Trimark and Trinity Regional Health Care as well as health care reform.
According to Becky Groff with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, beginning in 2011, Medicare Part B beneficiaries can receive an annual wellness exam at no cost. The exam includes bone mass measurement, mammograms, colorectal cancer screening and medical nutritional therapy for individuals with diabetes and kidney disease.
Groff urged seniors to review their Medicare Part D coverage annually, which covers certain prescription drugs.
"In the fall I suggest everyone have a Part D comparison done to ensure you're able to buy the drugs you need at an affordable price," Groff said.
Contact Lindsey Mutchler at (515) 573-2141 or lindsey@messengernews.net