Newsletter	August 2009

Topics in this Issue...

• "A Shot in the Arm" for Immunizations
  August is National Immunization Awareness Month. They're not just for
  kids; everyone can benefit from the appropriate vaccinations.
  


• Is it a Sprain or a Strain?
  Although they are often treated similarly, sprains and strains affect
  different connective tissues within our bodies.
  
  
• Puzzled About Medicare?
  You're invited to a Free Talk on Medicare at our newly re-opened
  Costa Mesa office.

"A Shot in the Arm" for Immunizations

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. They're not just for kids; everyone can benefit from the appropriate vaccinations.

Why Immunize?
The introduction of immunizations has been one of the most significant public health success stories in history. Thanks to the development of vaccines for smallpox and polio, they have all but been eliminated from the US. Additional vaccines for measles, rubella, pertussis and other diseases have greatly reduced the incidence and needless suffering from these vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we've done such a good job of getting rid of or significantly reducing the number of cases that, some people believe they no longer need the immunizations.

That can be a deadly misconception. Even with these successes, each year
thousands of people in the US die from those diseases because they weren't vaccinated. Getting immunized not only helps protect the recipient but also those around them: family, friends, and the community at large, by not being a potential source for spreading the disease.

Who and When?
Protecting your health and that of those around you through vaccinations is a lifelong commitment. Most immunizations are given to babies and small children within the first five to six years of life. Other vaccinations are recommended for adolescents or those preparing to go off to college. Still others are recommended for adults of certain ages. And, some vaccinations are recommended as "booster" immunizations to be repeated throughout our lives.

If you're a world traveler, you may need certain other immunizations to protect you from diseases now rarely seen in the US, but still active in other countries. Your destination will help determine which immunization(s) you should have in addition to those listed above. The CDC constantly reviews and recommends the list and schedule of immunizations. For the complete lists go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ and click on the appropriate age range.

Is it a Sprain or a Strain?

Although they are often treated similarly,
sprains and strains affect different connective
tissues within our bodies.

Sprains
A sprain is a stretching or tearing type injury to a ligament. Ligaments are the tissues that connect bone to bone in a joint such as the ankle. They are the ties that hold our skeleton together. The word "ligament" comes from the Latin "ligare" meaning "to bind or tie."

A sprain occurs when a joint is forced out of its normal position by a fall, external blow, or sudden twist, causing the ligaments to over-stretch or even tear. Ankles, knees and wrists are the most common sites for sprains.

Strains
A strain is an overstretching, partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon. Muscles are the tissues of the body which primarily function as a source of power or motion; from the Latin "musculus." Tendons are the tissues that connect a muscle to a bone. The term "tendon" comes from the Latin "tendere" and the Greek "teinein;" both mean "to stretch." While they can affect any muscle or tendon, backs, thighs (hamstrings), and elbows generally top the list of commonplace strains.

Care
Depending on the severity of the sprain or strain, treatment may range from rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), to casting and/or surgical repair of torn tissues, to rehabilitation. Anyone with concerns about the severity of a sprain or strain should always consult a doctor for evaluation.

Puzzled About Medicare?

You're invited to a Free Talk on Medicare at our
newly re-opened Costa Mesa office.

Are you or someone you know already on Medicare or turning 65 years of age in the near future? If so, here is a great opportunity to get all your questions answered. Come hear Frank Van Nostrand, Public Affairs Specialist and Medicare expert from Social Security Administration give an informative talk. Frank will cover:

• How it works and the costs (including late enrollment penalties)
• What it does and doesn't cover
• When to enroll and options for change
• How the Medicare Part D Drug coverage works
• How Medicare Advantage plans can provide more coverage for
  less out-of-pocket expense
• And so much more!