You At Your Best

www.wRegionAl.com Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic's multidisciplinary team includes geriatricians, geriatric nurse practitioners, a neurologist, neuropsychologists and social workers who are specially trained in caring for older adults. With two convenient locations, the clinic offers: • Primary care services • Geriatric consultations • Memory Clinic • Movement Disorders Clinic • Education and outreach services Televisits are available! Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic (Located in the Pat Walker Center for Seniors) 12 E. Appleby Road Fayetteville, AR 72703 Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic (Located in the UAMS Schmieding Center) 2422 N Thompson Street Springdale, AR 72764 For more information, visit wregional.com/seniorhealth or call 479-463-4444. Washington Regional - committed to senior care Few of us have enjoyed the social distancing and other precautions necessitated by COVID-19 pandemic. But older adults — who are already at increased risk for social isolation because of illness, impaired mobility or living alone — have especially struggled with feelings of fear and anxiety during the pandemic. A poll conducted in April by AARP revealed that a majority of older adults are experiencing increased levels of depression, anxiety and concern about the future. So, what are some things older adults can do to combat these negative feelings? Get vaccinated First, get the COVID-19 vaccine. "If you haven't already gotten a COVID vaccine, talk to your primary care provider about the reasons behind your reluctance," Dr. Randy Shinn of Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic says. The Washington Regional COVID Hotline may also be able to help. You can call the hotline at 479-463-2055, Monday – Friday to speak with a medical professional about any questions you have about the vaccine. "While no vaccine prevents illness 100% of the time, the COVID vaccines have proved to be highly effective against severe illness, hospitalizations and death from the disease," Dr. Shinn says. Plus, being fully vaccinated can allow you to enjoy many of your favorite activities again. Do something fun According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's OK for fully vaccinated people to participate in most activities that they did before the pandemic, such as travelling and getting together with family members and friends who are also vaccinated. You can enjoy reconnecting with family or friends safely by continuing to wear a mask indoors in public, especially if you live in or are visiting an area of substantial or high transmission, but most fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outside unless you or someone in your household is immunocompromised or unvaccinated. Take control This is a good time to regain some control of your health. "Many people put off getting regular checkups and screenings earlier in the pandemic," Dr. Shinn says. "Making sure you address any health issues before they become serious is important to protecting your overall health." If you skipped an annual wellness visit, or another appointment with your doctor, now is the time to get rescheduled and plan for any screenings or tests you may need. The Washington Regional Senior Clinic helps make it easy to get the care you need by offering both in-person clinic visits and telehealth visits. "And, while you're taking care of yourself, don't forget your annual flu shot," Dr. Shinn says. "You still need this vaccine, which is updated yearly to protect against ever- changing influenza viruses." You can now get both a flu shot and a COVID vaccine — including a COVID booster if your doctor recommends it for you — at the same time, in separate doses. You can also discuss the pneumonia vaccine with your health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults age 65 and older. Stay health-aware Everyone, vaccinated or not, should find ways to stay physically active. If an in-person exercise class is not an option, look for ways to exercise at home. That may be doing chores around the house, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or playing with grandkids. "Physical activity doesn't have to look the same for everyone," Dr. Shinn says. "Some people are able to handle more strenuous exercise. Others may need to do something like chair exercises which can still help with muscle strength, balance and joint health. The key is to get moving." If you haven't already, embrace a nutritious diet to care for both body and mind. Dr. Shinn is a proponent of the MIND diet. This combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has been found to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. "The MIND diet limits fast food, sugar and fatty foods and instead focuses on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats such as poultry and fish, and beans, legumes and nuts," Dr. Shinn explains. "The MIND diet doesn't prohibit anything, which makes it easier to follow. It just prioritizes eating more of those foods that support brain and heart health." To learn more about the Washington Regional Senior Health Clinic, or to request an appointment, call 479-463-4444 or visit wregional.com/seniorhealth. Staying healthy & connected during COVID SpOnSOr COntent SunDaY, nOVember 28, 2021 | DeCember - SenIOr HealtH YOuatYOurbeSt.nWaOnlIne.COm | YOu at YOur beSt | 9

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