Seniors in Rimbey were treated to a potpourri of valuable information, good food and a chance to socialize and have fun at a seniors’ fair held at the Drop-Inn Centre June 7.
Pharmacists Patrick Rurka from Rimbey Value Drug Mart and Carol Ziegler from Pharmasave were on hand to speak to the seniors about medications, shingles, health care and available benefits.
Rurka, who focused his talk on taking medications in a responsible, safe way, said pharmacists are always available to answer any questions.
“If you don’t know, give us a call. Ask us,” he said. “Our job is to make sure by the time you swallow that medication you will know everything that you need to know. If you miss a medication and you’re not sure what to do, give us a call.”
Rurka also suggested those who have trouble reading labels on their medications may wish to let their pharmacists know, so the printing on the labels can be made bigger.
The local pharmacist noted medication is available to help those who need it, but added he has an entire wall in his drugstore dedicated to helping people stay healthy.
“We can help fix you when you are broken, but we also have things to help keep you healthy,” he said.
Ziegler, who took the microphone after Rurka’s presentation, spoke about special needs assistance for seniors program.
He said this progam is available to help seniors with the costs of medical supplies. A single senior with less than $20,200 income is fully funded, as is a couple with income less than $31,800.
Ziegler said the program covers some expenses including assistance to help with the costs of diabetic supplies, nutritional beverages, hearing aids, lift chairs, medical trips, podiatrist visits and orthotics.
The guest speaker also told the seniors about a vaccination that can help protect a person against shingles.
He said the nerve pain that comes from shingles can last months or even years after the rash heals. For some the pain can be excruciating, interfering with normal everyday necessities including walking and sleeping. It can also lead to anxiety and depression and even result in a loss of mobility and independent living.
While there is no cure for shingles, a vaccine is available that can help prevent shingles in patients 50 years of age or older. The vaccine can also help reduce the intensity and duration of shingles pain if it occurs despite being vaccinated.
By Treena Mielke