NURSE'S VISITS ARE GOOD MEDICINE FOR SENIORS.Byline: Terry Kanakri Daily News Staff Writer Every Monday Monday: see week. at the Senior Center, Shirley Shir·ley , William 1694-1771. British colonial administrator who was governor of Massachusetts (1741-1749 and 1753-1756) and commanded British forces in the French and Indian War. Christopher measures the blood pressures of her fellow seniors and advises them on how to lead a healthier life. The 69-year-old retired nurse is popular among the seniors who look forward to their weekly meeting with Christopher, sharing a laugh or two while she keeps track of their wellness. ``If she's she's 1. Contraction of she is: She's going away for the weekend. 2. Contraction of she has: She's been to the symphony twice this month. even a minute late, seniors will come up to the front desk and they'll they'll Contraction of they will. they'll will ask, `Where's Shirley Christopher? Where's the blood pressure lady?' They get worried,'' said Kathy Medley med·ley n. pl. med·leys 1. An often jumbled assortment; a mixture: "That night he dreamed he was traveling in a foreign country, only it seemed to be a medley of all the countries he'd ever been to and , senior services coordinator for the center. Born and raised in Iowa, the mother of three children moved to Texas where she graduated from nursing school. She later moved to New Jersey, where she lived for 38 years before moving to Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. in 1995. Christopher was a registered nurse for 25 years before retiring in 1994. ``It was a tough decision because I enjoyed working so much, and I enjoyed the interaction with the patients,'' she said. ``When your patient is well and comes back after a serious illness just to say hi . . ., it makes me feel so pleased that I've been a part of this caretaking that has improved the function of life.'' Christopher, who now lives with her daughter and brother-in-law BROTHER-IN-LAW, domestic relat. The brother of a wife, or the husband of a sister. There is no relationship, in the former case, between the husband and the brother-in-law, nor in the latter, between the brother and the husband of the sister; there is only affinity between them. , Jill and Mark Upson, and helps to take care of her three grandchildren GRANDCHILDREN, domestic relations. The children of one's children. Sometimes these may claim bequests given in a will to children, though in general they can make no such claim. 6 Co. 16. , says providing free blood pressure checkups to fellow seniors helps her to keep in touch with her medical background. ``I wanted to help my fellow senior to make them aware of their blood pressure and the need to take their medicine so they'll have a longer and more functional life,'' she said. ``It's just great to see their smiling faces and see them feeling happy about their lives.'' The seniors appreciate her help and advise. ``She loves us, and we love her,'' said Rose Harrison, 70. ``She makes us aware how well we are. She keeps us definitely on our toes.'' Clara Shields, 72, agrees. ``I think it's terrific,'' she said. ``She's concerned about us and she loves people. She likes to take care of people.'' And Alberto Sulip, 74, said Christopher's service has given him peace of mind, knowing that he can keep track of his blood pressure. ``Once I knew I had a good blood pressure, it boosted my morale,'' he said. Christopher's commitment and volunteer work has earned her volunteer of the month at the Simi Valley Senior Center, an award given only to the most dedicated volunteers. Medley, the city's senior services coordinator, who runs the Senior Center, said Christopher's work has made a big difference in many seniors' lives. ``She encourages seniors to do whatever they can to reduce their blood pressure,'' Medley said. ``She gives them tips on diet, exercise, and other things that will help put their blood pressure in check.'' CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: (color) Volunteer Shirley Christopher checks the blo od pressure of Ruth Ewing Ew·ing , James 1866-1943. American pathologist. An authority on cancer, he established oncology as a clinical specialty. at the Simi Valley Senior Center. Andy Holzman/Special to the Daily News |
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