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Jefferson County Hospitals and Clinics encourage senior health
JCHC Health & Wellness Manager and Therapy Services Manger give advice to the community’s seniors
As the weather becomes more inviting, everyone wants to get out and about.
Health and Wellness Manager of Jefferson County Hospitals and Clinics (JCHC) Christine Engwall encourages seniors of the community to embrace the good weather and enjoy outdoor activities to maintain and improve their overall health.
According to census.gov 16% of Fairfield’s population falls into the category of age 55 or older.
For all residents it is important to take care of your bodies and make healthy choices daily.
“We encourage seniors to make sure they are checking in with their primary care physicians,” Therapy Services Manager Hannah Losey said, “Our doctors are really great about preventative car. If they see that a patient is dizzy or having balance issues they are great about referring them to therapy services.”
Losey encourages seniors to stay active with at least thirty minutes of activity three to five days a week.
“As the body ages, warm ups and stretching become even more important,” Losey said.
Engwall also encourages seniors to stay active not just physically, but socially and mentally as well.
“When you are active socially and mentally it helps lessen the likelihood of depression or anxiety which helps build your immune system like exercise,” Engwall said.
The Jefferson County Hospitals and Clinics offer important services to seniors such as Primary Care Clinic, Dietitians, and the Therapy Clinic.
Engwall reminds seniors that some of the best ways to keep healthy might be as simple as talking with a dietitian about healthy eating habits.
There is a Community Resource Directory available on the JCHC website which includes information for housing, mental health services, churches, health care, and much more.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
Jefferson County Health Center's physical therapy registration staffers Morgan Pickard, left, and Natalie Smith are pictured here in between therapy services manager Hannah Losey. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Losey)
Christine Engwall leads a class on healthy eating habits. She is seen showing the equivalent of drinking two 12-ounce sodas every day for 1 month. That means consuming 5.6 gallons of soda and consuming about 5 pounds of sugar. (Photo courtesy of Wanda Bagby)
