Something wonderful has begun happening with this new column of ours. Folks are starting to e-mail me news of events that sound very exciting for us seniors. For instance, how would you like to join a group of seniors, 60 years and older, taking a new class through the Napa Valley College Community Education Program on riding adult tricycles?

This not only sounds like great fun, it would also be very healthy for us. You don't have an adult tricycle? My correspondent Howard says, "No bike, no problem." You just sign up for class and the tricycles and helmets are provided. By the way, Howard tells me that the local bike club donated these bikes. How generous is that!

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Kennedy Park, and the group rides along the Napa River bike path. Cost per week is $15. Pre-registration is required so call Napa Valley College at 967-2901.

Howard sent pictures of his class riding along the trail and the people looked fit and were having a great time. I think we should check this out.

Someone once said that we don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. That makes sense to me.

Check your meds

Another of our new friends, Kal Edwards, old us about the newly formed Napa chapter of AARP, which held a "Divided We Fail" meeting regarding health care policy earlier this month. On July 17, AARP Napa presents a "Meet the Pharmacist Day" at the Elks Lodge, 2840 Soscol Avenue, Napa, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The purpose of the program is to help prevent the risk of adverse drug reactions when taking multiple medications. This is a special opportunity to have medications checked by pharmacists who will be available for a personal consultation. We are asked to bring all prescription medications in their original pill bottles and any over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, dietary supplements, drops and creams. The organizers suggest we bring the medications in a brown bag for easy handling.

The event is free, however reservation are required. Phone 258-3083 or 255-8671. Refreshments will be served.

I think this is an excellent idea and I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to check my meds, how about you?

One more thing before we leave our friend, Mr. Edwards. He will be giving a seminar called "So you're retiring, now what?" June 30 at Queen of the Valley Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Lane, just off Trancas Street. Its part of the Living Well Series.

"A large part of wellness is being happy, productive and at peace with what you do during your retirement years," said Edwards.

I certainly agree with that, don't you? He continues: "This seminar will go beyond financial planning and offer guidelines in understanding retirement as an opportunity for your own personal renewal.

"One: Find new purpose for old skills. Two: Discover meaningful things to do. Three: Manage your 'new time' well."

This seminar is certainly one you won't want to miss. There is a fee of $25, but I'm sure it's going to be worth every penny.

Stretch it out

How often do you wish during the day that you could have a "second wind" -- a new dash of energy? May I tell you what works for me? Take five to seven minutes and put your feet up. This is a little different than what you're used to, but it works beautifully.

To get in position, sit on the floor, with your left side touching a wall, legs outstretched. Shift your weight to the right, pivot your pelvis, lie back and raise your legs (you'll be laying on the floor with your legs against the wall, forming an "L".) Let your arms relax at your sides, palms up. Roll the shoulders back to open up the chest. Take a deep breath, and then exhale completely. Spend five minutes in this position, or longer if you like, breathing deeply and letting go of the day's tensions. You'll find that you feel energized and ready to go. It's a nice tool to have to relieve tension and renew your energy. It works, honestly.

Turkey wrap

If you live alone, like I do, you probably find it a bit of a drag to cook dinner for just one. I found a quick and easy turkey wrap that is also nutritious that I'd like to share with you.

Spread one flour tortilla with 1 tbsp. low-fat cream cheese spread. Top with a lettuce leaf, 2 thin slices of tomato, 6 slices of shaved smoked turkey breast, a slice of low-fat cheese and 2 slices of cooked, drained bacon. Roll tortilla tightly and serve with fresh fruit and cut-up fresh vegetables.

Well, that made me hungry. I'm on my way to the kitchen for a turkey wrap.

See you soon. E-mail your favorite, easy, nutritious recipe and we'll put it in our column.

Reach Betty at bettyrrhodes@sbcglobal.net.