Healthwise

The Beat Goes On: Living with AFib Guest Speaker: Daniel Moller, MD Thursday, Sept. 14, 5 p.m. Tower at The Oaks Oak Room The truth is … a little fib (atrial fibrillation, or AFib) can lead to stroke, heart failure or other heart-related complications. AFib is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow to the body. More than 2.5 million people are living with AFib, according to the American Heart Association. The Oaks of Louisiana offers you the opportunity to gain the latest information on AFib, how you know you have it and what can be done to correct it in an open and intimate setting. Daniel Moller, MD, of Internal Medicine Associates, will lead this program held in conjunction with National Atrial Fibrillation Month. You’ll enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an informative presentation. Come on your own or bring a loved one. Cost: $10, nonresidents. Registration is required.

In a New York Minute: Carnegie Hall Guest Performer: Aristo Sham, pianist Friday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m. Tower at The Oaks Ballroom As part of The Oaks’ six-week walking initiative/Active Aging Week finale, where participants will log steps to well-known New York “sites,” pianist Aristo Sham will perform in a program reminiscent of one you might hear at Carnegie Hall. This young classical pianist from Hong Kong, first-prize winner of the Wideman International Piano Competition in 2015, will perform selections from Beethoven and Schumann. The hour-long performance is a preview of the Shreveport Symphony’s Sept. 16 opening concert. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Author Presentation

Bright Spots, Big Country: What Makes America Great Guest Speakers: Louis Avallone Jr., Stephen Parr and Louis Avallone Sr.

Tuesday, Sept 19, 3:30 p.m. Chapel Co-authors Louis Avallone Jr. and Stephen Parr, accompanied by Louis Avallone Sr., will discuss the book “Bright Spots, Big Country: What Makes America Great,” a collection of what the authors call “bright spots.” Bright spots, according to the authors, are big and small moments when everything seems to come into focus and we realize that life’s all about taking what works and doing more of that. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Get a Kick Start at Breakfast Guest Speaker: Julie Hartley, registered dietitian Monday, Sept. 25, 2 p.m. Franks Community Centre Everybody has heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why?

Registered dietitian Julie Hartley will discuss the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast and what can happen if you don’t. Breakfast refuels your body and choosing the correct foods to start your day is important for boosting energy and regulating your metabolism. Breakfast improves your concentration and productivity and skipping it can increase your risk for health problems. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Tips & Tools for Helping Seniors Avoid Financial Exploitation Guest Speaker: Shannon Nichols, assistant vice president of Regions Bank Thursday, Sept. 28, 3 p.m. Tower at The Oaks Ballroom When it comes to financial exploitation, there are many questions that come to mind. What are the common forms of identity theft? What if you suspect you are a victim? How can you prepare in advance? Don’t let your lack of knowledge turn you into a victim. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.

Staying Mentally Active Guest Speaker: Chris Kirkley, branch manager of Shreve Memorial Library Friday, Sept. 29, 3 p.m. Franks Community Centre Chris Kirkley, librarian with Shreve Memorial Library, will discuss how to stay mentally active through reading. He will talk about digital library services, including the “Overdrive” library application, which allows reading on mobile devices. Cost: $5, nonresidents. Registration is required.