St. Ignatius Seniors: Cultivate a healthy gut

Tending to Mending is Oct. 16 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Open enrollment for Medicare starts Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. Call Area VI Agency on Aging to schedule an appointment: 406-883-7284.

Did you know our gut contains trillions of good bacteria and microorganisms called a microbiome? A healthy diet promotes healthy digestion and microbiome. Processed foods can disrupt this balance.

Fruits, vegetables, fermented foods (eg., yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso) and high fiber foods support a healthy microbiome and digestion.

For breakfast, substitute part of your omelet with your favorite vegetables and have a piece of fruit on the side. Cut back on the amount of cereal in your bowl to make room for bananas, peaches, strawberries or blueberries.

For lunch, add sliced pepper, tomato or cucumber to your sandwich for added crunch. Have another piece of fruit for dessert.

For dinner, try making at least half of your dinner plate vegetables and fruit.

The next bingo game is Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.

Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. If you want a take-out meal, please call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday and by 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday; lunch is served at noon Tuesday and Friday and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Menus for the month are available in the entryway.

Main dishes for the upcoming week include chicken pot pie, Friday, Oct. 16; chili with frybread, Tuesday, Oct. 20; scalloped potatoes with ham, Wednesday, Oct. 21; and fish with mac ’n cheese, Friday, Oct. 23.

Our senior center is available for rent; call for information. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and an application.

Gentle yoga is 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and costs $5 per week. Bring your own mat.