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COAAA's Medicare Team Wins Honorable Mention
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When the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) was implemented in 2006, many older adults were left not knowing what to do - that's where COAAA's Medicare Team came in. The team has helped educate more than 9,000 professionals, community members and older adults in the past few years. Often team members spend hours or days resolving complicated issues for consumers through one - to - one consultations.
This is why the team was honored at Business First's HealthCare Heroes Awards Ceremony, held July 17. The team received an honorable mention award.
"Many times we get calls from people who can't afford their prescription co-pays. Once we screen them for the Social Security Administration subsidy, many are eligible and had no idea," said Andy Haggard, COAAA Medicare Outreach Manager in a recent Business First article.
"Not only do we let people know these services are available, we'll sit down and help them apply," he added. |
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Hot Weather Fact Sheet
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Sources: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, American Geriatric Society
Why should adults over 50 worry about the heat? As adults age, they can’t cool down as easily. Also, older people may not feel hot, even though the temperature is dangerously high. Older adults are also less likely to feel thirsty, even when their bodies have lost dangerous amounts of water. Heart disease, diabetes and some other diseases that are common among older adults can make it even more likely that they’ll have problems when it’s hot. Caregivers should check on older adults when temperatures hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips for Staying Cool:
- Turn on the air conditioner or go where it’s air-conditioned - a shopping mall, grocery store, senior center or library (Fans aren’t enough.)
- Drink lots of water and other clear drinks that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. If your urine is a light yellow color, you’re drinking enough water. If it’s darker yellow, you need to drink more.
- Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fi tting clothing.
- Wear hats.
- DON’T walk long distances, lift heavy objects, or do other strenuous things.
- DON’T stay in the sun.
Dectect Dehydration
What it is: A loss of water in your body; this can be deadly.
Warning signs: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.
What to do: Call your doctor or 911. Meanwhile, drink plenty of water and, if possible, “sports drinks” such as Gatorade, which contain important salts called “electrolytes” that your body loses when you’re dehydrated. |
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