Free Resource Guide Now Available For Area Seniors

by Bill Einreinhofer on Nov 3rd | Email View on Map

A student from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University discusses Medication Safety with two area Seniors at the 2010 Burlington County Senior Expo

When you take an active role in your healthcare, it is more likely that you will stay healthier. That’s especially true for Seniors. A new, free booklet called “7 Steps to Managing Your Health: A Resource Guide” focuses on what you can do to become more involved in your healthcare.

This easy-to-use guide was created by Healthcare Quality Strategies, Inc. (HQSI), the nonprofit Medicare quality improvement organization for New Jersey.

In it you will find out why using a Personal Health Record (PHR) is so important, and how to get a free PHR. It also tells you the best way to prepare for your next doctor’s visit. If you have chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you need to know the warning signs that can alert you to get medical help.

This guide lets you know where you can find useful resources about conditions common in older adults. Written especially for seniors living in Burlington and Camden Counties, “7 Steps to Managing Your Health: A Resource Guide” provides contact information for Senior Nutrition and Meals-on-Wheels programs, and gives advice on how to manage your medications safely.

Walking can make you “feel better” and actually “be better.” Find out where to get safe, proven, free exercise information.
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of health-related injury among people 65 years or older? “7 Steps to Managing Your Health: A Resource Guide” contains the simple things you can do to protect yourself. And do you need information about requirements and options for prescription assistance, home health services, long-term care, and other Senior services? This booklet will tell you where to look for it.

Free copies of “7 Steps to Managing Your Health: A Resource Guide” can be printed from the HQSI website http://www.hqsi.org. If you don’t have a computer, get a free copy by calling 1-732-238-5570, ext. 2120. Community and service organizations, as well as churches, can obtain multiple copies by calling the same number. A Senior Health Expert is also available to give a limited number in-person workshops to area groups. For more information, contact HQSI Communications Director Bill Einreinhofer by e-mail at beinreinhofer@njqio.sdps.org, or by telephone at the number above.