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, Nov. 16 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 Oct. 15 and Dec. 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.

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About Nebraska SHIIP

Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling and education to help seniors and people with disabilities make informed decisions about health insurance. Services are provided statewide by 350 certified volunteers. Nebraska SHIIP is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Insurance and is federally-funded.

Group encourages and facilitates healthy lifestyles

It has been nearly a year since the Walk & Bike Fairbury Summit was held in October 2017. Our team has officially become JeffCo On the Move. We are working through a number of areas within the community to encourage and facilitate healthy lifestyles.

The City of Fairbury has been working on redevelopment plans for H Street and has nearly completed a plan which will include sidewalks from 14^th to 27^th Street.  We have completed an initial sidewalk assessment for priority pathways which connect the schools and parks.  The city is offering matching funds to assist property owners in upgrading or adding sidewalks, with emphasis on priority areas. Details and applications are available at the Fairbury City Offices, or learn more information by calling  402-729-5261 The city is also investigating an extension of the current trail to the east to connect with Nebraska Highway 15 south of Fairbury.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has launched a hashtag campaign: #jeffcohealthyforlife.  The goal is to have people snap pictures of themselves or others who are exercising or living healthy lifestyles and ultimately, encourage others to get out and life healthy lifestyles, as well. We want to create a culture of healthy lifestyles! JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is planning for youth swims for the school year, and has added a martial arts class for all ages.

The Fairbury Public Library is looking into a “story walk,” which is a children’s story posted on signage along a walking route.  The library is also working on identifying historic sites around Fairbury’s priority walking routes, with the possibility of adding signage to encourage exploration of the city’s history while walking or biking.

Fairbury Public Schools held a Color Run for the September elementary fun night on the cross-country course, and are working toward a walking club for kids who arrive prior to school start time in the morning.  They are also working with Public Health Solutions on possibilities of utilizing a new program for Safe and Active Routes to School, or a “walking school bus” program.

Anyone interested in being part of the JeffCo On the Move team is invited to contact Judy McGee at 402-729-6887.  We need your ideas and participation to move forward and make Jefferson County a place where we encourage everyone to stay “on the move” to build a healthier community.

FAIRBURY – The October Health Today Program will feature Medicare D by Lori DeBoer, business office staff member at Jefferson Community Health & Life and trained Senior Health Information Program counselor.

The session will be held at 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Large Conference Room at Jefferson Community Health & Life.

Health Today is a free monthly health education session offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life in a lunch-time session. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch, or are welcome to purchase lunch in the JCHC cafeteria, which is located near the Conference Rooms.

JCH&L works with a wide variety of professionals who bring educational programs on health-related topics each month. Please note that the day of the week for the session will vary.

Reservations are not required. The program is FREE. The only cost for participants would be lunch, if they choose to purchase it. Participants are also welcome to carry in their lunch.

Anyone who would like to be on a mailing list to directly receive notices about the monthly sessions or anyone with questions about the program should contact Likens at (402) 729-6855.

The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be the webinar, “Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease,” by Dr. Joseph H. Friedman, MD, director of the Movement Disorders Program, Butler Hospital, and Professor and Chief, Division of Movement Disorders, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence RI.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Conference Room.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month. The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost for participants.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402)-729-3351.