The Council on Aging offers a variety of heath-related programs including;
A NOTICE ABOUT 2009 H1N1 VACCINE
Why aren't people 65 and older recommended to get early doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
· People age 65 and older are least likely to get sick with this virus, and,
· There will be limited amounts of vaccine available at first, so the first doses are recommended to go to those who are most likely to get infected and become very ill.
There has been very little 2009 H1N1 illness in people 65 and older since the 2009 H1N1 virus emerged. Studies show that people 65 and older are the least likely to get sick with this virus.
Because there has been so little 2009 H1N1 illness in people 65 and older, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that CDC and immunization programs focus on getting the first doses of 2009 H1N1 to include all children and young adults (6 months through 24 years old), pregnant women, and adults 25 through 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from flu.
In addition, the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is prioritized for people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, and health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact.
Will people age 65 years and older be able to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine this season?
Yes. The U.S. government has purchased 250 million doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, so anyone who wants to get the vaccine will have the opportunity to do so. While people 65 and older are not included in the groups recommended to get the earliest doses of vaccine, they can get the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine as soon as the high risk groups have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Some communities will offer the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to people 65 and over sooner than others, depending on how quickly they meet the needs of the initial prioritized populations.
Note: The Norwell Board of Health has ordered vaccines for all residents, however, clinics will be based on actual availability.
What should people age 65 and older do if they feel like they have the flu?
If you develop flu symptoms seek medical advice quickly to see whether further treatment is required.
Why are people 65 and older prioritized for antiviral treatment if they get sick with the flu, but they are not in one of the early groups prioritized to get 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
People 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, but, if they become infected, they are more likely than people in some other groups to develop serious complications from their illness. That is why people 65 years and older are prioritized for treatment with antiviral drugs this season if they do become sick.
Source: Center for Disease Control
WINTER TIPS FOR ELDERS
(Tips for Staying Warm and Safe)
Winter is once again upon us in New England and forecasters are promising a cold and snowy season. It is particularly important that elders, among the most vulnerable to inclement weather, are prepared for cold winter temperatures and take measures to stay well. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs has prepared “Winter Well-Being Tips for Massachusetts Elders” as an aid for seniors and their caregivers to have a healthy and safe winter.
Stay Warm this Winter
How Cold Is It? The first line of protection is to be aware of weather forecasts and prepared for days when you are unable to go shopping, keep medical appointments and get to personal and social appointments. Find out how cold it will be by listening to, reading or watching the weather forecast, and remaining indoors during very cold weather. Make sure to pay attention to the Wind Chill, which is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin by combined effects of wind and cold.
What do I wear to stay warm? When it’s very cold, make sure to dress in warm, dry clothes. You should wear a hat, layers of loose-fitting clothing, a scarf, mittens, thick pants, heavy socks, and closed-in shoes or boots.
How Do I Keep My Home Warm? Heating your home is expensive, but important to staying healthy in the winter. Make sure that you have insulated your home and sealed any air leaks. Be very careful of space heaters, which can pose a burn and fire risk. If you are having trouble paying your home heating bill, contact:
· LIHEAP Fuel Assistance Program: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
("LIHEAP") provides payments to energy providers to defer some of the costs of
for more information.
· Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund: To apply or learn about eligibility, call (800)
· Oil Co-ops: They are buying groups formed to help consumers purchase energy at
part of the fuel assistance tip sheet or you may contact DOER at (800) 351-0077.
· Shop Around: The Massachusetts Oil Heat Association offers a statewide list of
· Gas/Electricity Discount Rates: Income eligible applicants may take advantage of
discounted rates and protection against service termination. Look into arranging
winter payment plans with gas and electric utilities.
Stay Safe in the Snow and Ice
Avoid over exerting yourself. Shoveling is very strenuous exercise and can quickly take a toll on your body. Ask someone to shovel for you if you are at high risk of a heart attack or other injury. If you must shovel, always go slowly, take breaks, drink a lot of water, dress warmly, lift carefully and stop if you have any pain or exhaustion.
Try to stay indoors when the weather is very bad. If you need to leave your home, try to use public transportation. If you must drive, make sure that you are well stocked with:
· A full tank of gas;
· An emergency winter storm kit (flashlight, flares, candle, first-aid kit, tow line or
rope, paper towels);
· Sand or kitty litter for traction;
· A windshield scraper and de-icer;
· Cell phone and/or an emergency radio; and,
· Blanket, gloves, socks, hat and boots.
Stock Up For Snowy Days
Big snow storms can stop us in our tracks and keep us indoors. Elders should always be prepared to remain inside their homes for a few days. Make sure you have these items in your home to be best prepared for a big storm:
· Emergency phone numbers and contact information (doctor, family, friends,
neighbors, police, fire, board of health, your local Council on Aging);
· Extra medications: prescription and over the counter;
· First-Aid Supplies (bandages, tape, gauze, anti-bacterial ointment, alcohol, cold
pack);
· A 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and drinks (1 gallon of water per person and
extra for pets, ready-to-eat canned meat, fruit, vegetables, snack bars, cereal,
juice, powdered milk);
· Battery operated flash lights, radio, manual can opener, candles, matches/lighter,
cash;
· Hand sanitizer, paper products and garbage bags; and,
· Clean, warm clothes and footwear and blankets/sleeping bags.
Stay Healthy During Flu Season
It is not too late to get vaccinated. February is when the flu season is at its height. Contact your health care provider about getting a flu shot and a pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot. For additional information on the flu, pneumonia, and where to obtain shots visit the Department of Public Health’s website: www.mass.gov/dph/flu or call the DPH information line at 866-627-7968.
Ask Yourself: Who Is Looking Out For Me?
· In bad weather, tell a friend, family member, or neighbor where they will be able to
find you. Ask them to call you regularly to check on your well-being. Tell them
where an extra key is located so that they can get into your home in the event of an emergency.
· If you have special health needs such as oxygen, contact your police station and let
them know you may need assistance if the power fails.
For additional information, visit the websites listed in this release.
Courtesy of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs
BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS
The Council on Aging, in conjunction with the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association (NVNA), offers blood pressure clinics twice a month. Clinics are held on the following days, times and location:
The second Thursday of each month
11:00 A.M - 12:30 P.M.
Council on Aging
293 Pine St.
The third Wednesday of each month
11:00 A.M - 12:00 P.M.
Norwell Gardens Community Room
399 Washington St.
For more information, call the Council on Aging office at 781-659-7878.
GLUCOSE SCREENING
The Council on Aging, in conjunction with the Norwell VNA, will hold a glucose screening program at the Norwell Council on Aging once a month. For more information about this program please call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
The second Thursday of each month
10:00 A.M - 11:00 P.M.
Council on Aging
293 Pine St.
UPCOMING NORWELL VNA PROGRAMS
PNEUMONIA CLINIC
The COA, in conjunction with the Norwell VNA and Hospice will hold a pneumonia clinic on Thurs. Nov. 12 at 10:00 a.m. This clinic is by appointment and will be done prior to regularly scheduled glucose and blood pressure screening. To sign up for a pneumonia vaccine, call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
Do I need a vaccine?
Here are guidelines for pneumonia vaccinations:
· If you are 65 and older and have not had a vaccine previously, then you can be vaccinated. The vaccine is usually given only once in a lifetime, however, some people may require additional doses.
· If you are older than 65 and your last vaccine was more than 5 years ago, then you may be revaccinated.
· If you have certain health risks, concerns or are unsure whether this vaccine is right for you, please consult your physician.
NAVIGATING HEALTH CARE TRANSITIONS
Did you know that, according to The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
· One third of all Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 90 days of discharge; and
· Americans, 65 years of age, with two or more chronic diseases, see an average of seven physicians every year?
Join Allison Sheridan of the Norwell VNA and Hospice on Mon., Nov. 16 at 12:45 p.m., for a one-hour presentation to learn how to navigate through the many health care settings, such as the emergency room, hospital, rehab facility, nursing home, and back home again. Participants receive a health care communication tool to assist them with the coordination of and communication with multiple physicians. Using a patient-centered care model, participants develop self management skills. Participants also learn about the four pillars of care:
· medication self-management,
· personal health record,
· primary care and specialist follow up, and
· “red flag” disease management.
Each participant receives their own personal health record and three chronic disease “red zone” pathways. To sign up, please call the COA office at 781-659-7878. This program is funded in part by a Title IIID grant of the Older Americans Act through South Shore Elder Services, Inc.
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