Seniors’ Days 2014 Draws a Record Turnout

Congratulations to the Health Centers! They provided a top-notch health and wellness event for older members of our Union and its great value showed, judging by the record number of visits Seniors’ Days 2014 drew. In fact, this year’s attendance topped last year’s by more than 25 percent! It’s further evidence of the success of the event, which has grown in popularity each year.

One of the most interesting things about Seniors’ Days is that members of any age can appreciate the purpose of the event, which is to provide information and instructions that are specifically designed for older members. People are living longer than ever and Seniors’ Days provides clear evidence that being older does not mean being inactive. In fact, the entire event focused on being active, as members can see from some of the photos in this week’s edition.

There were exercise sessions coordinated by Suzette Warburton. Exercise has been known to reduce the chance of heart attack and stroke, and there is emerging evidence that it even helps prevent some cancers.

Staff members from the Members Health Assistance Program (MHAP) were on hand at Seniors’ Days 2014 and they emphasized not only the importance of activity to improve mood and mental health, but also the various other services MHAP can offer seniors.

And when it comes to activity for seniors, two of the more interesting features of Seniors’ Days 2014 were the tai chi and laughter yoga instructions that took place.

Seniors’ Days 2014 and its concentration on the importance of activity for older members could not have been more timely. The week after the event was held, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report that concluded that exercise for older Americans helps reduce their risk of disability. It basically is the same news that was featured at Seniors’ Days 2014: Stay active!

There were other highlights of Seniors’ Days 2014. Staff members from the physical therapy department did their part at the event, providing important information that can prevent accidents. They talked to seniors about balance, safety and fall prevention—noting that falls are the most common source of injuries to older people. Falls don’t only injure seniors, they can cause death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that more than 22,000 seniors in the U.S. die each year from falls, emphasizing the importance of the Seniors’ Days presentations designed to help our older members avoid falls.

Nutritionists discussed the importance of eating healthy and making sure that diet includes adequate hydration. We should add that members of FDNY were present at all four health centers during Seniors’ Days 2014. The firefighters—New York’s Bravest—had many valuable tips for seniors about safety in the home.

There’s more. Staff members from the medical, nursing, dental and pharmacy departments all chipped in with interesting and educational presentations about a host of subjects that are important to seniors. Representatives from the pension department had staff available at several of the health centers to provide information regarding the pension and to answer any questions. The clerical staff at each health center explained the Happy Healthy Me patient portal to those who attended the event. This new interactive web feature is available to all members and their families, and we’re happy to say that many seniors signed up for the service.

And with all the health value of Seniors’ Days it should not be forgotten that the event is also great fun. There were gift bags distributed, raffles throughout each day, with great prizes, and plenty of other goodies for those who attended. Healthy snacks and beverages were served to all older members who visited the Health Centers for Seniors’ Day 2014.

It is obvious that Seniors’ Days provided a variety of valuable services to retired members of our Union who use the Health Centers. Visitors to the event had the opportunity to take home with them valuable printed information on a variety of important topics. More than a few retired members used the event as an opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow retirees.

“Seniors’ Days was designed to provide us with an opportunity to work directly with older members to keep them as healthy as possible,” said Dr. Robert Greenspan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Benefit Funds. He added that hosting the event in the environment where members who are seniors receive their health care is an invaluable tool toward achieving this goal.

Many of those who attended Seniors’ Days 2014 had plenty of praise for the event. It is further evidence of the value of the various Health Awareness events sponsored by the Benefit Funds office. Still to come this year are at the Health and Dental Centers are Kids Days, which will be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, August 13, 14 and 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day; Men’s Health Week, which will take place Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day, and Women’s Health Week, which is scheduled for Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 7, also 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. No appointments are necessary for any of these remaining health and wellness events in 2014.

Seniors and staff members at the Queens Health Center for Seniors’ Days 2014.

Pharmacist Hang Pham explaining prescription refill steps to Shahana Choudhury, Nick Kalamaras and Orlando Bolanos.

Tai chi was a popular presentation during Seniors’ Days 2014. Here, instructor Melvin Oliver teaches the art to members.