Page 23 - Senior Times South Central Michigan October 2023 - 30-10

Senior Times - October 2023 Leaves Falling is a Reminder
Page 23
The Villa at Winston Court is a place seniors can receive the care and support needed to live fulfilling lives in a home-like environment.
208 Winston Court
Marshall MI 49068
• Medication Management • 24/7 Pharmacy Services • Personalized Care Plans • ADL & IADL Support • Meals Services
• Housekeeping
& Laundry Services
• Daily Activities & Entertainment
• All Inclusive Pricing
269-248-6226
www.thevillaalc.com
Family Owned & Operated
to Get Your Flu Vaccine
By: Brigette Reichenbaugh, Deputy Health Officer
Along with leaves falling and temperatures changing, Fall brings an increase in respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. We at the Calhoun County Public Health Department have already seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases.
infection risk and the importance of additional preventive behaviors such as more frequent handwashing or avoiding physical contact and avoid- ing crowded public places. A face- mask may also reduce contact trans- mission by preventing wearers from touching their mouths or noses with their hands or other objects potential- ly contaminated with virus.
The Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) encourages
all residents to get their vaccines to protect against severe cases of illness, hospitalization, and death due to flu, as well as reduce the spread of illness. Getting vaccinated also protects the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
CCPHD anticipates receipt of flu vaccines and is offering walk-in and online scheduling of appointments to take place on Thursdays and Fridays during the month of October at
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory infection that causes tens of thousands of hospitalizations among young children and older adults. Two new vaccines were approved in May of 2023 to protect adults 60 years of age and older from severe RSV. Ask your medical provid- er if the RSV vaccine is right for you.
both Battle Creek and Albion health department clinics. If residents prefer to schedule a time, they will be able to pre-register their information and schedule a time slot from the com- fort of their homes, reducing wait times and in-person congestion in the CCPHD waiting room. To access the Calhoun County Public Health Department's online scheduling tool for flu shot appointments, please visit https://bit.ly/3PV8gBW. We encourage all residents to utilize this convenient tool to help us maintain a healthier and safer community.
Influenza is a serious respira-
tory illness that occurs seasonally nationwide. The flu season typical- ly starts in October and can last as late as May. Anyone can get the flu, including healthy children and adults. Symptoms of influenza, which are similar to COVID-19 symptoms, include fever or feeling feverish/ chilled, body aches, cough, sore throat, or fatigue. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza is to get a flu vac- cine every flu season.
Getting a flu shot is a crucial step in safeguarding public health, partic- ularly in light of the ongoing chal- lenges posed by RSV and COVID-19. Influenza and COVID-19 can present similar symptoms, making it more critical than ever to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. While getting your flu shot, residents are encouraged to ask if the COVID- 19 vaccine is available.
Other tools we have to fight off the flu this season are wearing a mask. This can raise awareness of the
The Calhoun County Public Health Department is here for you. Please contact us (269) 969-6363 in Battle Creek or (517) 629-9434 in Albion if you have any questions.
PROTECT THE FLU
The Calhoun County Public Health Department is here for you.
Albion
115 Market Place
Battle Creek 190 E. Michigan Ave.
AGAINST
CALL US
ALBION - 517-629-9434 BATTLE CREEK - 269-969-6363
LEARN MORE
Calhouncountymi.gov/publichealth
Medicare Fraud
Shut it Down
The best way to stop Medicare fraud? Help prevent it in the first place. Follow these three tips to protect yourself from scammers:
1. If you get a call, text, or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Remember, Medicare will never call you unprompted and ask you for your personal information.
2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order (like a COVID-19 over-the-counter test), it may be fraud.
3. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Visit Medicare.gov, the official source for Medicare information, to learn more about pre- venting Medicare fraud.
Accepting New Residents - Your New Home Awaits!
Lakeview Assisted Living, a Ganton Senior Community, is committed to providing an atmosphere that gives people the opportunity to thrive. For admission and tour information call (269) 870-5537.
14661 Helmer Road South | Battle Creek, MI 49015 | lakeviewassisted.com