Healthy Aging Today Newsletter
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COVID-19 Resources |
Public Health Institute
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During this very unique time, there is a lot of uncertainty in our lives. We hope to break through those barriers of uncertainty and provide all of our community members with uplifting, useful, relevant, and accurate information. We know that many older adults do not have access to internet, therefore we created a newsletter, "Stay Informed While Staying Safe". This newsletter is emailed to those who have access to internet and mailed out to those who do not have access to internet. To be added to our email list please email: [email protected]
For the most updated vaccine information:
Coronavirus Vaccine Homepage: www.schsa.org/coronavirus/vaccine
Vaccine Clinic Information Line: 1 (833) 954-3566
Coronavirus Vaccine Homepage: www.schsa.org/coronavirus/vaccine
Vaccine Clinic Information Line: 1 (833) 954-3566
Some pharmacies in Stanislaus County are providing the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Please visit the pharmacy websites to see if vaccines are available and if you are eligible.
CVS | Rite Aid | Walgreens
Please visit the pharmacy websites to see if vaccines are available and if you are eligible.
CVS | Rite Aid | Walgreens
Stay Informed While Staying Safe
A newsletter in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
A newsletter in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The following issues of the newsletter are directed towards older adults in Stanislaus County. We strive to get updated, relevant, and reliable information to older adults in our community. Newsletter published by Healthy Aging Association from April 2020 - present
2023 Editions
2022 Editions
2023 Editions
2022 Editions
- December 2022 English | Spanish
- November 2022 English | Spanish
- October 2022 English | Spanish
- September 2022 English | Spanish
- August 2022 English
Scroll below for local resource to assist you through this difficult time!
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SMARTER Plan Update
For the most current and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and the State of California please visit: covid19.ca.gov/ or read the complete SMARTER Plan at covid19.ca.gov/smarter/ |
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Omicron Variant
The Omicron variant was first reported in the United States on November 22, 2021. Since then, the variant has been detected in most states and territories. The Omicron variant spreads much easier than the original virus and the Delta variant, and it is currently the most dominant variant in the United States. Since the increase in cases from this variant, healthcare resource and hospitals have had more strain put on them, which can limit resources and help available to individuals. As scientists continue to study the Omicron variant and other variants, their current studies suggest that the authorized vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) work to fight against the circulating variants. Here are some recommendations for individuals to take to protect yourself against COVID-19:
The Omicron variant was first reported in the United States on November 22, 2021. Since then, the variant has been detected in most states and territories. The Omicron variant spreads much easier than the original virus and the Delta variant, and it is currently the most dominant variant in the United States. Since the increase in cases from this variant, healthcare resource and hospitals have had more strain put on them, which can limit resources and help available to individuals. As scientists continue to study the Omicron variant and other variants, their current studies suggest that the authorized vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) work to fight against the circulating variants. Here are some recommendations for individuals to take to protect yourself against COVID-19:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine AND booster shot (when available).
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose, especially if you have underlying health conditions and are over 65. *N95 masks are recommended for increased protection from virus spread*
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer.
COVID Testing
At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
At-home covid-19 test kits are free and now available! To get your home testing kit simply visit: covidtests.gov and order yours today! Currently, testing kits have one order per household, and 4 tests are provided in total.
At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
At-home covid-19 test kits are free and now available! To get your home testing kit simply visit: covidtests.gov and order yours today! Currently, testing kits have one order per household, and 4 tests are provided in total.
- Another way to get a home test kit is to visit your local pharmacy for availability.
COVID Vaccines
COVID-19 Vaccines (February 2022) Receiving a safe and effective vaccine is the most important tool to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is using the most relevant science and data available to address COVID-19’s threat to our health and economic well-being, including providing the COVID-19 vaccines. By getting vaccinated, we can slow the surge and help our community, including our healthcare system, schools, fellow community members, and businesses, recover.
MYTH: COVID-19 Vaccines can make me sick with COVID-19 (February 2021)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), none of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, therefore the COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Stanislaus County (February 2022) The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all individuals ages *5 and older! Here are a few ways on how you can get your vaccine. There is also a new Vaccine Clinic Information Line you can call to receive information on Vaccine Clinic locations and hours. Call 1-833-954-3566 for the Vaccine Clinic Information Line.
Option 1: Ask your healthcare provider (appointment based)
Option 2: Through your local pharmacy
Option 3: MyTurn
For the most updated vaccine information:
Coronavirus Vaccine Homepage: www.schsa.org/coronavirus/vaccine
StanEmergency Facebook: www.Facebook.com/StanEmergency
Vaccine Clinic Information Line: 1 (833) 954-3566
Steps to Take After You Receive Your COVID-19 Vaccine? (February 2022)
To improve the effectiveness of the vaccine, please remember the following public health measures:
COVID-19 Vaccines (February 2022) Receiving a safe and effective vaccine is the most important tool to help end the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep everyone safe and healthy, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency is using the most relevant science and data available to address COVID-19’s threat to our health and economic well-being, including providing the COVID-19 vaccines. By getting vaccinated, we can slow the surge and help our community, including our healthcare system, schools, fellow community members, and businesses, recover.
MYTH: COVID-19 Vaccines can make me sick with COVID-19 (February 2021)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), none of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, therefore the COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Stanislaus County (February 2022) The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all individuals ages *5 and older! Here are a few ways on how you can get your vaccine. There is also a new Vaccine Clinic Information Line you can call to receive information on Vaccine Clinic locations and hours. Call 1-833-954-3566 for the Vaccine Clinic Information Line.
Option 1: Ask your healthcare provider (appointment based)
Option 2: Through your local pharmacy
- Rite Aid Pharmacy | https://www.riteaid.com/
- Walgreens Pharmacy | https://www.walgreens.com/
- CVS Pharmacy| https://www.cvs.com/
- Walmart Pharmacy | https://www.walmart.com/
Option 3: MyTurn
- Visit https://myturn.ca.gov/ to schedule your COVID-19 appointment at a site near you!
For the most updated vaccine information:
Coronavirus Vaccine Homepage: www.schsa.org/coronavirus/vaccine
StanEmergency Facebook: www.Facebook.com/StanEmergency
Vaccine Clinic Information Line: 1 (833) 954-3566
Steps to Take After You Receive Your COVID-19 Vaccine? (February 2022)
To improve the effectiveness of the vaccine, please remember the following public health measures:
- Wear a mask indoors over your nose and mouth.
- Stay 6-feet apart from others.
- Avoid crowds.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
- Stay home when sick or not feeling well.
Booster Shot
Booster shots are valuable in providing additional protection from COVID-19, due to the possibility of decreased protection from the original vaccine doses. This can especially occur for those 65 and older, or with a weakened immune system. In addition, booster shots are 90% effective in reducing hospitalization from COVID-19 and its variants!
When to get Boosted?
Where to get Boosted?
For more information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
Booster shots are valuable in providing additional protection from COVID-19, due to the possibility of decreased protection from the original vaccine doses. This can especially occur for those 65 and older, or with a weakened immune system. In addition, booster shots are 90% effective in reducing hospitalization from COVID-19 and its variants!
When to get Boosted?
- Pfizer - At least 5 months after completing primary COVID-19 vaccines; for everyone 12 and older.
- Moderna - At least 5 months after completing primary COVID-19 vaccines; for everyone 18 and older.
- At least 2 months after receiving J&J vaccine; for everyone 18 and older.
Where to get Boosted?
- At the original location where you received your first COVID-19 vaccine doses
- At any one of your local pharmacies (Rite aid, CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
- Search at https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find a location near you with available boosters.
For more information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
Mental Health and Well Being
Ways To Cope With Stress
Try this helpful breathing exercise!
Ways To Cope With Stress
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or try meditation.
- Make sure you are eating healthy, whole foods.
- Exercise safely and regularly.
- Try to get good quality sleep.
Try this helpful breathing exercise!
- Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breathe for 7 seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds.
Staying Optimistic & Contented During Trying Times (November 2020)
Dr. Robert McGrew, MD
How do we cope with all of the problems affecting both us and our loved ones during these prolonged, tough times with Covid? The anxiety, disruption of our daily routines, and isolation from others can bring down our emotional and social health. For me, keeping healthy starts with concentrating on the basic things of life.
This includes
Thankfulness is another new emphasis. On my daily walk, I always find several things to be thankful for. Other people find writing things for which they are grateful down in a journal and reviewing those things often greatly improves their optimism. For me, prayer and other spiritual practices seem to flow out of thankfulness, and boost my happiness.
Staying connected to others is much tougher now for many of us. Calling other people to say 'hi' and catch up comes easily for some of us, yet very hard for others. However, having a good talk with another person for just 10 minutes daily is enough to maintain our sense of optimism and well being!
If our emotional health is good, then everything else seems to fall into place. We'll have the motivation to get some regular exercise, which will help us to have more energy, less worry and better physical health. We can plan for a well-balanced diet, and make sure to get 7 or more hours of quality sleep. Finally, we'll have the energy to find ways to make the world a better place for others, which is a great source of contentment!
Dr. Robert McGrew, MD
How do we cope with all of the problems affecting both us and our loved ones during these prolonged, tough times with Covid? The anxiety, disruption of our daily routines, and isolation from others can bring down our emotional and social health. For me, keeping healthy starts with concentrating on the basic things of life.
This includes
- Being optimistic about today and the future
- Having good energy
- Sleeping well
- Living an intentional life that brings contentment
Thankfulness is another new emphasis. On my daily walk, I always find several things to be thankful for. Other people find writing things for which they are grateful down in a journal and reviewing those things often greatly improves their optimism. For me, prayer and other spiritual practices seem to flow out of thankfulness, and boost my happiness.
Staying connected to others is much tougher now for many of us. Calling other people to say 'hi' and catch up comes easily for some of us, yet very hard for others. However, having a good talk with another person for just 10 minutes daily is enough to maintain our sense of optimism and well being!
If our emotional health is good, then everything else seems to fall into place. We'll have the motivation to get some regular exercise, which will help us to have more energy, less worry and better physical health. We can plan for a well-balanced diet, and make sure to get 7 or more hours of quality sleep. Finally, we'll have the energy to find ways to make the world a better place for others, which is a great source of contentment!
The Department of Aging & Veteran Services is Here and Ready to Serve (February 2022)
Vintrica Grant, LCSW | Project Hope, Mental Health Clinician
For Stanislaus County, The Department of Aging and Veteran Services mission is to “Help Seniors and Veterans obtain services and benefits they need to live secure, healthy, independent lives”. We have a multitude of free in-home services to assist those who are 60 years of age and over and that can address the specific needs expressed by the older adults interviewed in this survey.
Older adults can access food by way of the Congregate Meal sites or Home Delivered Meals Program. Project Hope provides short-term counseling, socialization options and system navigation for those who are experiencing difficult emotions and situations. For In-home support, medical equipment, case management and medication management, MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program) and Family Caregiver Support Program are available. These are just a few of the many resources we have available through the department. For more information please visit our website at http://www.agingservices.info or call our main line at (209) 558-8698 to speak with a senior information specialist who’s available Monday-Friday from 8:00 am -4:30 pm.
Vintrica Grant, LCSW | Project Hope, Mental Health Clinician
For Stanislaus County, The Department of Aging and Veteran Services mission is to “Help Seniors and Veterans obtain services and benefits they need to live secure, healthy, independent lives”. We have a multitude of free in-home services to assist those who are 60 years of age and over and that can address the specific needs expressed by the older adults interviewed in this survey.
Older adults can access food by way of the Congregate Meal sites or Home Delivered Meals Program. Project Hope provides short-term counseling, socialization options and system navigation for those who are experiencing difficult emotions and situations. For In-home support, medical equipment, case management and medication management, MSSP (Multipurpose Senior Services Program) and Family Caregiver Support Program are available. These are just a few of the many resources we have available through the department. For more information please visit our website at http://www.agingservices.info or call our main line at (209) 558-8698 to speak with a senior information specialist who’s available Monday-Friday from 8:00 am -4:30 pm.
Friendship Line
If you are feeling isolated and alone give the Friendship Line California a call at 1(888)670-1360. The Friendship Line California is a 24-hour, toll-free life line dedicated to Californians over 60 years.
The Friendship Line acts as a crisis intervention hotline and “warm-line" for non- emergency emotional support calls. The phone line is staffed by friendly specialists who provide emotional support, grief support, and active suicide intervention. Just a telephone call can help you feel better! Pick up the phone and give it a try, 1(888)670-1360.
Senior Meals & Special Senior Hours
Senior Luncheon Sites Reopening - updated August 2021
The Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging is happy to announce that the majority of our Senior Community Centers are reopening for in person dining. These meals will be made fresh daily and will replace the previous frozen box meal program. Reservation required at least one day in advance. There are Senior lunch sites located in Riverbank, Hughson, Modesto, Grayson, Patterson, Newman, and Turlock. Seniors 60 or older that are interested in the Senior lunch program should call the Senior Information Line at (209) 558-8698. Eating healthy food leads to a healthier body and mind!
Senior Luncheon Sites Reopening - updated August 2021
The Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging is happy to announce that the majority of our Senior Community Centers are reopening for in person dining. These meals will be made fresh daily and will replace the previous frozen box meal program. Reservation required at least one day in advance. There are Senior lunch sites located in Riverbank, Hughson, Modesto, Grayson, Patterson, Newman, and Turlock. Seniors 60 or older that are interested in the Senior lunch program should call the Senior Information Line at (209) 558-8698. Eating healthy food leads to a healthier body and mind!