Today, more than ever, our society is focused on health and fitness. Everywhere you look, healthy living is promoted. As a result, many of us are now eating healthier foods and exercising away excess weight. Many, more than before, are also educating themselves on good health and participating in health screenings. Such was the case at the Glenwood Center's Health and Fitness Day May 28, where the displays were both educational and interactive.

Linda Donaldson came to the event to gather information and have some screenings done. She participated in the Bone Screening offered by American Radiology, and was very pleased she passed. She also passed the skin cancer screening provided by the American Cancer Society. Its Derma Scan, an ultraviolet light apparatus, highlights areas on your face that have been damaged by the sun. Donaldson was also happy with the help she received from podiatrist Kerry Becker of Eldersburg Podiatry Care. She received a pad to go between her toes to help her maintain better balance. Donaldson is an active member at the center, where she takes Pilates classes, walks at the indoor track, uses the fitness room, plays bridge and attends lectures.

During the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Klaunberg, who have been married for 50 years, came through for the hearing screening provided by audiologist Dr. Ron Kaplan of Audiology & Hearing Care. According to Kaplan, hearing loss is the third most chronic condition in this country, and only 20 percent of folks seek help. Thanks to new technology, Kaplan offers hearing aids that are miniature in size, and thus remove the stereotypes attached to wearing corrective devices.

Of the other interactive displays that got much attention was the loveable dog, Harry, a Great Pyrenees. Harry belongs to Tricia Summers, and is a member of the Pets on Wheels program at the Howard County Office on Aging. Harry visits many members within the community who are in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers or other institutions. To receive more information on Pets on Wheels, call Summers at 410-313-7461. Other informative displays were presented by Home Instead, Heartlands Retirement Community, the Howard County Office on Aging, the Howard County Department of Health, Howard County General Hospital and many more.

If you have a health condition that requires you to add exercise to your daily routine, the Glenwood Senior Center has much to offer its clients. For low impact, you can participate in the Silver Sneakers Club, the hatha yoga class, Pilates class, or the Sit and Fit class. For a medium work out, try the Energize I.T. class or the Strength-N-Fit class. For a little more impact, try the Combattitude class or basic tap dance class. The fitness room is also available for all levels.

In keeping with healthy eating, the senior center will celebrate the beginning of summer with a Strawberry Festival Wednesday, June 11, 11 a.m. Musical entertainment will be part of the celebration. Cost is $5; register by June 4.

Calling all history buffs! The center's Civil War Series is in full swing. The second lecture is entitled "Mission Impossible: The Point Lookout Operation." It will be held June 18 at 10 a.m. Brett Spaulding will be the presenter.

Don't forget -- the Western Howard County Relay For Life is scheduled for June 20 at the Western Regional Park, behind the center. Relay For Life is a community overnight event in which members walk to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. For more information, go to www.events.cancer.org/rflwesternhoward. If you are able to volunteer prior or during the event, call Betty Frey at 410-313-5440.

For information on programs or events, call 410-313-5440 or go to www.glenwoodseniorcenter.org.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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