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Timely Hints for a Healthy Lifestyle
Adults should consider immunizations as well

As many parents of young children know, there have been a tremendous number of changes to childhood immunization schedules over the last several years.

However, many adults assume that they are still sufficiently protected by the vaccines they had as children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is not always the case, for a number of reasons.

For instance, newer vaccines have been developed, and as people age, immunity can begin to fade and people become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections.

"There have also been significant changes in recommendations for adults over the past two years," said Katie Kolbert of Lifetime Health Medical Group. "It's important for adults to revisit their vaccination history with their physician to make sure they're not missing any critical protection."

Kolbert has cited four of the most significant new immunization recommendations for adults:

+ Adults should receive a booster against Bordetella pertussis, or "whooping cough." Often referred to as the "100-day cough" because it can last for weeks and sometimes months, this is a common cause of chronic, persistent respiratory illness in the winter months.

+ For young adults going off to college or those in institutionalized settings such as the military, nursing or residential care facilities, the Menactra vaccine is recommended as protection against many strains of a virus that can cause bacterial meningitis.

+ According to Kolbert, adults older than 60 who have never had shingles may want to ask their doctors about the Zostavax vaccines. Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can develop into a chronic pain condition that can last for months or even years. The biggest obstacle to the vaccine for those older than 65 is that Medicare is not currently covering the $165 to $185 cost.

However, some Medicare Part D pharmacy benefits do cover the cost. It is recommended that patients check with their insurance providers regarding coverage of this very important vaccine.

+ As recently as two years ago, it was recommended that the flu vaccine be given to those in high-risk categories as well as all individuals older than 65. Now, it is recommended that all individuals 50 and older, as well as the high-risk group, be immunized against influenza.

Generally, people can receive more than one immunization at one time without adversely affecting the efficacy of the vaccines.

Red Cross teams up with

Buffalo Bills for blood drive

The Buffalo Bills and the American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region, will team up to host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 1 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the Paul Maguire Club, 1 Bills Drive, Orchard Park.

The first 500 presenting blood donors will receive a special edition mini football and be entered for a chance to win 2007 game tickets. Free parking and refreshments will be available.

All current eligible and new donors may schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE or 1-800-448-3543 or by visiting www.DonateBloodNow.org.

Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood.

Those older than 16 may donate blood provided they bring an original, signed New York State parental permission slip to the blood drive.

The form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16. Identification is required at the time of the donation.