Many seniors don’t see the doctor on a regular basis because
they’re scared or they can’t afford it.
Many seniors don’t see the doctor on a regular basis because they’re scared or they can’t afford it. The San Benito County Senior Health Fair will offer them a chance to be tested on everything from vision to bone density, and get educated on medication management and living a healthy lifestyle.
“The fastest growing age group in California right now is 85 and up,” said Clay Kempf, executive director of the senior council. “We want seniors to know what services are available to them. Everybody deserves to be happy.”
The fair is free and open to the public and will be held Thursday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Throughout the day, there will be lectures about new Medicare regulations and exercise classes to promote healthy living. Representatives from the Health Insurance Counseling Assistant Program (HICAP), will be on hand to answer questions.
During the day, seniors can stop by the Hollister Vision Care booth, and have their eyes checked. Dr. Richard Koleszar said as we get older and our bodies begin to fall apart monitoring vision is vital to healthy living.
“When your vision begins to go, it isn’t like a heart attack or stroke where it happens fast,” he said. “It’s a gradual loss, and some people don’t even realize how bad it has gotten. People want the best vision they can get, which is why it’s important to be tested.”
Along with vision, seniors can also test bone density, dental, hearing, blood oxygen, blood pressure, medication management and peak air flow.
Seniors tend to have multiple doctors for different ailments, which is worrisome if their doctors aren’t communicating about prescriptions, Kempf said.
“We’re encouraging the seniors to bring their drugs to the fair so the pharmacists can make sure the drugs won’t interfere with each other,” he said.
Respiratory therapists from Gilroy Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center will offer peak air flow testing, which tests the ability to exhale. This procedure tests lung capacity.
“The seniors love coming to the fairs,” Director of Nursing Jodi Mallare said. “They get a check up and advice, and it gives them added support from the community.”
The health screenings and
lectures are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building. The exercise programs will last 20 minutes each from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 831-688-0400.
