Source: NJ.com
The Union County Senior Citizens Council is a non-profit organization devoted to living longer and living smarter.
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Council will hold its twelfth annual Health and Lifestyle Fair at The Westwood in Garwood.
In addition to providing attendees with health screenings and a wide range of information on health care concerns and lifestyle issues such as recreational programs and in-home care, this year’s speakers panel will be “Taking your Meds.”
The doors for the Health Fair will open at 9 a.m. with exhibits from service companies and local and county agencies and free on-site health screenings. Flu and pneumonia shots will also be available.
A free continental breakfast will be served followed by the featured presentation at 10:15.
“99% of us take some type of medication. Many of us have been taking three, four or more pills each day for years. How is this really affecting our health?” said Ellen Steinberg, Chair of the Union County Senior Council. “Whether they’re used as a cure or to alleviate pain or other symptoms, drugs have become a part of our lives,” she added.
The featured speakers will cover a variety of topics from mixing medications to drug usage for heart, diabetes and other conditions to PAAD and Part D insurance for drug coverage.
Following an overview including over-the-counter v. prescription drugs, generics v brand names, and vitamins, supplements and home remedies, attendees will hear from Brian Pinto of Tiffany Natural Pharmacy. He’ll discuss the pharmacist role as gatekeeper and will address mixing meds, cutting pills, expiration dates and compounding.
Dr. Matthew Young of Robert Wood Johnson Hospital-Rahway will speak about medications for certain conditions, how to take them, when to revisit them and when to stop. They will also hear from the medical professionals from Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Since it is now Open Enrollment, how can we make sure our drug plan is covering what people need? Justin Lubenow will discuss the tier system and how to make it work for you.
And Officer Victoria Smith from the Union County Sheriff’s Department will address painkillers, addiction and safe drug disposal.
From 9 to noon, attendees will also be able to take advantage of the free on-site health screenings from local hospitals including sponsor Trinitas Regional Medical Center in addition to Overlook Hospital and special information from RWJ Hospital-Rahway.
Flu and pneumonia shots will also be available.
Open to the public, there is no charge for this program, but it is requested that you RSVP. For more information or to RSVP, please contact the Senior Council at 908-964-7555.