Influenza vaccination clinics have been scheduled at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic and JCH&L Plymouth Clinic. Fairbury Clinic will have front lobby flu shot clinic days on Monday, Oct. 14, and Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 11;30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Plymouth Clinic will have font lobby flu shot clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 22, form 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For these clinics, no appointment is necessary. Bring your insurance card if you want the influenza vaccine to be billed to insurance. Most major insurances and Medicare cover the influenza vaccine. The cost of the influenza vaccine if private pay is $45.

Children 18 and under who are covered by Medicaid can’t get their flu vaccines at these clinics. They must use a clinic which participates in the Vaccines for Children program. The Blue Valley Community Action Immunization Clinic which holds clinics twice a month at JCH&L offers Vaccines for Children immunizations.

Influenza vaccines are available any day the clinics are open, or during office visits. Flu shots on days other than the scheduled front lobby days may require a few minutes wait time.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend annual influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

If you have questions about influenza vaccinations, contact JCH&L Fairbury Clinic at 402-729-3361.

Letting your Medicare Part D drug insurance automatically roll over from year to year could cost you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in unnecessary costs. Jefferson Community Health & Life is sponsoring “Pick the Right Medicare Drug Plan” on Thursday, October 31, in Fairbury.

Medicare uses competition between insurance companies to reduce the price of prescription drug insurance. Individuals with Medicare can learn how to avoid excessive prescription costs at a free enrollment event by Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Appointments are required.  To schedule an appointment time, call Lori DeBoer at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402) 729-3351.

“Every year Medicare drug plans change prices, drugs covered, even the pharmacies where you get the biggest discount. That is why it is so important for people to compare drug plans every year between October 15 and December 7,” said SHIIP-certified Medicare counselor Lori DeBoer. “With open enrollment just around the corner, it is time for people to start thinking about how to get the best drug coverage at the lowest price.”

SHIIP is part of a national network funded by Medicare, which offers unbiased counseling and information about Medicare. SHIIP does not sell or promote any insurance products. For information about Medicare, contact SHIIP at (800) 234-7119.

Cleaning and resealing of the exterior of JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center will be done in September, with work beginning Monday, Sept. 9. The entire project is expected to take about two weeks.

The contractor plans to keep the front entrance open throughout the project, but there will be times the sidewalk available for use will be narrowed.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Third annual event scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25

 Women of all ages have health issues specific to being a woman. To offer women education, fun and chances to win prizes and pamper themselves, Jefferson Community Health & Life is planning the third annual Women’s Health Fair for Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at JCH&L. Admission is free.

The event is designed in an open house format. Women are free to come for all or part of the evening. The evening will include presentations, health-related booths, “Just for fun” booths, screenings, opportunities to be pampered, and prizes. Features are still being added – here are some of the things we already know that you’ll want to come check out!

Presentations:

• Vaping: Harm, addiction and help, by Jessica Borrenpohl, PA-C
• Make Yourself a Priority, Too! By Kensly Williams, UNMC PA-S
• Annual Wellness Visit, by Kelsey Maguire, PA-C
• Bone Density: Risk Factors & Prevention, Jessica Borrenpohl, PA-C
• Women’s Self-Defense, by Martinez Combative Arts

Screenings:

• Depression
• Colorectal Screening
• Posture and back health
• Blood pressure
• Blood Sugar
• Blood typing

Participants can also sign up for vascular screenings to be offered by Bryan Health on Oct. 24, and Women’s Health Days to be held in future months.

Health booths:

Smart Moves/diabetes education; Fairbury Clinic; Chronic Care Management; Johnson Family Vision Care; Public Health Solutions; Skin and Nail care; Breast Cancer Awareness; Nebraska Community Bloodbank; Hands Only CPR—American Heart Association; What JCH&L has to offer in surgeries; Certified Trauma Recovery; Women’s Physical Fitness; Ask A Pharmacist; University of Nebraska Extension Osteoporosis Prevention

Just for Fun booths:

Pampered Chef, Keep Collective, Young Living essential oils, Stagecoach Mall, Luluroe, Indoor/Outdoor Crafts. And more to come. (Bring your wallet! Cash and carry items will be available.)

Door prizes

Six month JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center membership, women’s mountain bike, Bonham Theatre Golden Bucket, Ray’s Applemarket gift card, Fitbit, massages – and many more donated by our vendors.

Plus …. Health treats!

For more information on the Women’s Health Fair, contact Erin Starr at 402-729-6889.