Staying well in Kent County | Spotlight – MyEasternShoreMD

Mark your calendar for the free annual Kent County Health and Wellness Expo, being held from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 17 at Kent County High School in Worton.

In addition to health screenings and more than 65 exhibitors, there are 10 informal talks by experts, with definitely at least one talk of interest to you.

We will have the latest information on the most current health topics, said Jane E. Hukill, president of the HomePorts board.

Organizers of the event, in partnership with Kent County Public Schools, are the Kent County Health Department and University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

In the past we have offered talks on any number of illnesses and traditional medicine, said Karen Wright, executive director of HomePorts. There is increasing interest in various alternative medicines, and we thought it would benefit the public to learn more about them and have the chance to ask questions.

Topics for the 30 to 45 minute talks include Acutronics: Modern Tools for Ancient Medicine (i.e., acupuncture), Yoga, Stress Management, Botox, and Dermal Fillers, and Medical Marijuana.

The latest AARP newsletter features marijuana as its cover story. It notes that a tipping point has been reached. Many medical experts approve of its use for particular conditions. AARP supports the use of medical marijuana in the 33 states that have legalized it, which include Maryland.

Maela Rider, Kent County Medicare Program Coordinator at Upper Shore Aging, will speak on 2020 Medicare options. Medicare this year is attempting to improve its customer service. The on-line Medicare Plan Finder is designed to provide more information about plan options or drug prices.

For those preferring in-person assistance, Rider is available by appointment. She reminds seniors that the old Medicare card that showed ones social security number can no longer be used and also will no longer be accepted at any doctors office.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, most people with thoughts of suicide dont truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention will address this serious issue.

Look for the complete schedule of talks, exhibitors, health screenings and sponsors in next weeks Kent County News.

Upcoming events:

Upper Shore Aging, 100 Schauber Road, Chestertown, hosts a free caregivers support group each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fall meetings are Monday, Oct. 21; Monday, Nov. 19; and Monday, Dec. 9. Reservations are not necessary.

Have you had changes in your drug needs or do you anticipate some next year? The annual Open Enrollment period for Medicare, Part D, the prescription drug benefit, begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7.

Upper Shore Aging provides free counseling on the best insurance coverage for you. For an appointment, call Maela Rider, 410-778-2564.

October is Residents Rights Month, an annual event to focus on residents living in long-term care facilities. The federal Nursing Home Reform Law guarantees residents rights and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity, choice and self-determination. Visit a local facility this month and speak up about the quality of care and quality of services.

The Chestertown Lions Club Drive for Sight program offers free rides to vision appointments for all Kent County residents. Call 410-864-6880 for more information. Advance notice of at least 72 hours is requested.

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Staying well in Kent County | Spotlight - MyEasternShoreMD