Health, Fitness & Medical
Health, Wellness, Fitness, Medical News local to Boulder County Colorado To advertise please call 303-447-8531
Ever Fancy Yourself an Actor?? Now’s your chance gram and gramps
Aug 30th
Let out your inner Annie Hall or inner Dude VIVA’s Theater Lab Classes for Beginners!
VIVA is community theater with, by, and for older adults. VIVA’s Theater Lab classes are designed to educate older adults in the arts of acting. These classes can be experienced for fun and creative growth or lead to performances on stage in front of an audience. Join one (or both) of these Theater Lab Classes for Beginners and experience theater from the actor’s side of the footlights!
VIVA Theater Lab – Acting for Beginners
EAST | Tuesdays, September 16 – October 21 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $60/$75 (6 classes)
VIVA is community theater with, by, and for older adults. VIVA’s Theater Lab classes are designed to educate older adults in the arts of acting. These classes can be experienced for fun and creative growth or lead to performances on stage in front of an audience. Join one (or both) of these Theater Lab Classes for Beginners and experience theater from the actor’s side of the footlights!
VIVA Theater Lab – Acting for Beginners
EAST | Tuesdays, September 16 – October 21 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $60/$75 (6 classes)
This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of acting for the stage. In an atmosphere of fun and non-judgment, participants can connect with each other, learn the basics of story, character, voice, age-appropriate movement and observation, and practice acting in a scene with other actors.
Instructor: Anne Sandoe is an actor, director, and teacher who has been in the theater since the age of six, and whose father directed the very first show of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. She has performed with the Colorado, Oregon, Alabama, Virginia, and Antioch Shakespeare Festivals. She’s taught acting and voice for more than thirty years, including at UNC, San Francisco State University, and Wright State University in Ohio. Locally, Anne has performed at BETC, the Catamounts, Longmont Theater Company, the Arvada Center, Coal Creek Theatre, and has acted with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival since she was 16.
VIVA Theater Lab – Improv for Beginners
EAST | Fridays, September 12 – October 17 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Fees: R/NR $60/$75
(6 classes)
Improv (improvisation) is a form of live theater in which plot, character and dialogue are all made up in the moment – and hilarity often ensues. With fun warm-ups and collaborative games, beginners are guided in creating short scenes. Participants may stand or remain seated if desired.
Instructor: Rachel Trueblood has been involved in the world of theater all her life as a writer, teacher, performer, director, and professional mime. She specializes in comedy, including stand-up, and has trained and performed with Rise Comedy in Denver and most recently with Superior Improv Co last December. She was last seen on stage in VIVA Theater’s “The Man who Came to Dinner” and “Our Town” at The Dairy Center in Boulder. She teaches an ongoing improv class to older adults in Boulder.
CONTACT
West Age Well Center
909 Arapahoe Avenue | 303-441-3148
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
East Age Well Center
660 Sioux Drive | 303-413-7290
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please visit Older Adult Services online
Email: OlderAdultServices@bouldercolorado.gov
Drug Addiction and Alcoholism: Bo County must use A.A. and Step Denver or fail
Aug 4th
Proposed Ballot Issue No. 2. – Mental and Behavioral Health Sales and Use Tax Proposal
Proposal to impose for fifteen years an additional countywide sales and use tax of 0.15% for the purposes of unmet needs of youth, adults, families, unhoused individuals, and older adults in Boulder County with or at risk of mental health and substance use disorders by providing mental health crisis services; suicide presentation and intervention; mental health and substance use presentation, treatment, and recovery; treatment services for unhouses individuals; and assistance finding appropriate services through community-based organization, governmental entities, and other options; and a voter-approved revenue change.
Proposal to impose for fifteen years an additional countywide sales and use tax of 0.15% for the purposes of unmet needs of youth, adults, families, unhoused individuals, and older adults in Boulder County with or at risk of mental health and substance use disorders by providing mental health crisis services; suicide presentation and intervention; mental health and substance use presentation, treatment, and recovery; treatment services for unhouses individuals; and assistance finding appropriate services through community-based organization, governmental entities, and other options; and a voter-approved revenue change.
This plan is poorly thought out.
Yes, plans addressing homelessness that don’t prioritize or integrate substance abuse treatment are often criticized for their limitations. Substance use and homelessness are often deeply intertwined, and ignoring one aspect can significantly impede efforts to address the other.
Here’s why such plans might be considered “bad” or ineffective:
- Substance use can be both a cause and a result of homelessness: Individuals may turn to substances to cope with the trauma, stress, and harsh realities of street life, or pre-existing addiction can lead to job loss, financial instability, and eviction, eventually resulting in homelessness.
- Without addressing addiction, achieving stable housing can be challenging: Many individuals struggling with substance use find it difficult to maintain stable housing, even when provided, if their addiction isn’t treated. It can lead to behaviors that violate housing agreements or make it difficult to adhere to the requirements of support programs.
- Limited engagement with services: Individuals actively using substances may not prioritize or engage consistently with services like healthcare, mental health support, or job training, which are essential for long-term stability and exiting homelessness.
- Increased risk of relapse and further health issues: Without addiction treatment, individuals remain vulnerable to relapse, overdose, and developing or worsening co-occurring physical and mental health issues associated with substance use, making it harder to break the cycle of homelessness.
Alternative perspectives and solutions
- Integrated services: Many experts and successful programs advocate for an integrated approach, addressing substance use disorder and homelessness simultaneously, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Housing First Model: Programs like Housing First offer permanent housing without prerequisites like sobriety, alongside access to supportive services, including addiction treatment. Studies have shown that Housing First can be effective in reducing homelessness and improving housing stability, particularly when individuals are also connected to needed services like mental health support.
- Harm reduction strategies: Approaches like supervised consumption sites, naloxone distribution, and managed alcohol programs aim to minimize the negative consequences of substance use while encouraging engagement in treatment when individuals are ready.
- Tailored and person-centered care: Recognizing that each individual’s needs and experiences are unique, treatment plans and support services should be customized and delivered with empathy and respect.
In conclusion, while providing housing is a crucial step towards addressing homelessness, ignoring the role of addiction in many cases can undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of such efforts. A comprehensive strategy that integrates housing assistance with access
ible and effective substance use treatment and other supportive services is crucial for achieving lasting solutions.
When designing a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, especially among individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, incorporating resources like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and organizations like
can be beneficial. Here’s why:
Benefits of including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Peer support and community: AA offers a ready-made sober community where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. This network provides mutual support and accountability, which are vital for sustained recovery.
- Structured program: The 12 Steps of AA provide a clear, sequential path toward recovery, guiding individuals through self-examination, addressing past harms, and promoting spiritual growth. This structure can be particularly valuable for individuals who thrive with routine and goal-setting in early recovery, according to Recovery Centers of America.
- Long-term recovery focus: AA offers a long-term support system that extends beyond the confines of formal treatment programs, helping individuals maintain sobriety and navigate the challenges of everyday life.
- Accessibility and cost-effectiveness: AA meetings are generally free to attend and widely available in many communities, making them an accessible and cost-effective option for individuals seeking ongoing support, regardless of their financial situation.
- Enhanced outcomes when combined with other treatment: Research suggests that combining AA participation with professional therapies like individual counseling or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can significantly improve outcomes, increasing the chances of long-term sobriety, says the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
- Addresses co-occurring disorders: While not a replacement for clinical treatment, AA provides a supportive space for individuals navigating co-occurring mental health disorders alongside substance use, helping to reduce stigma and foster hope.
Benefits of including organizations like
- Focus on accountability and addressing addiction as a root cause: Organizations like
explicitly emphasize that addiction is a significant factor in homelessness and prioritize helping individuals address this issue directly, according to Step Denver.
- Integration of housing and recovery support: These organizations often combine providing shelter or housing with structured recovery programs and accountability measures, creating an environment supportive of sobriety and long-term stability.
- Tailored approaches (e.g., Sober Living Houses): Some organizations, like those employing the Sober Living House (SLH) model, provide communal living environments that actively promote abstinence and peer support, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These environments can be particularly beneficial for individuals needing a structured, sober living space after formal treatment.
- Addressing underlying issues alongside housing: By focusing on addiction and the recovery journey, these programs help individuals develop coping mechanisms and address the underlying behaviors and patterns that may have contributed to their homelessness.
Important considerations
- AA’s spiritual component: It’s crucial to acknowledge that AA’s emphasis on a “higher power” may not resonate with everyone. Plans should also incorporate alternative recovery options like SMART Recovery or secular support groups for individuals who prefer a non-spiritual approach.
- Not a one-size-fits-all solution: No single approach to addiction or homelessness is universally effective. A truly comprehensive plan will offer diverse options and cater to individual needs and preferences.
- Integrated services are key: The most effective strategies often involve combining AA and similar programs with professional treatment, housing assistance, mental health services, and other wraparound support tailored to the unique needs of each individual, says the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
By incorporating AA and resources like
, alongside other evidence-based approaches and support systems, plans can create a more holistic and effective pathway for individuals experiencing homelessness and struggling with alcohol addiction to achieve lasting recovery and stability.
Gevarda and Erik VanHansen
Sep 20th
Meet Erik VanHansen, Wholistic Health Integrator and Founder of the VanHansen Method A Holistic Health Integrator for more than 35 years, Erik learned the importance of health and agility at the young age of 5. Erik Hansen started out as a competitive swimmer and excelled to become an ultra-runner and a professional triathlete who won numerous awards and ranked in the national top 10 on the US Triathlon Series.
4890 Meredith Way #303
Boulder, CO 80303
Phone: (303) 819-4970
Email: erik@gevarda.com
