NORWICH – The 365 seniors who got flu shots Wednesday at the Norwich YMCA also had the opportunity to test their blood sugar, learn more about preventative health measures and gather information on health care coverage.
The annual clinic, organized by the county Public Health Department and the Area Agency on Aging, also featured a blood pressure station, cancer screening literature, confidential HIV testing and nursing home and housing information.
Organizers say the event is designed to serve two purposes: Lessen the impact of seasonal influenza on local seniors – who are at the highest risk, along with small children, of being hospitalized by the virus – and educate them about healthy living. Several smaller clinics are scheduled throughout October across the county.
Siiri Fernandez says getting a flu shot every year is a good habit, one of many health-conscious practices the Oxford resident believes are important as people get older.
“I’m fairly healthy for a 75-year-old woman. I’m on no medications, I have no chronic conditions, no heart problems or high cholesterol,” Fernandez said Wednesday, just after receiving her vaccine. “I am most concerned about brittle bones.”
Fernandez fell in a meadow two years ago and broke her leg. The bone healed quickly, she believes, as a result of taking vitamins, educating herself and taking preventative health measures prior to the fall. And, luckily, she wasn’t by herself when it happened.
“Fortunately, I wasn’t alone, there were people there to help me,” Fernandez said. “I think it’s important, if you don’t have someone close by, that you’re able to line up people, develop a contact list, and create a list of resources in case something does happen, before it happens.”
The theme of this year’s clinic was “Aloha for Good Health.” Approximately 25 volunteers helped run the event along with nurses from public health – most wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis.
Jay Brown, 55, Norwich, had triple bypass surgery earlier this year, and his doctor recommended he get a flu shot this year. He’s also had to keep a stricter diet and exercise more.
“Mainly I have to watch my diet, the portions, and stay away from fatty foods,” said Brown, who also has low-level diabetes. “I’ve found that breads, more than anything else, take my sugar way up.”
