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Nonprofit Coalition Educates Seniors About Discount Drug Programs

A new online service has been developed to help Medicare beneficiaries determine their eligibility to enroll in one of the more than 340 prescription drug savings programs through federal and state programs.

  
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The Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC) also has formed 52 local coalitions in 34 states to educate and enroll Medicare eligible seniors and younger persons. For more information visit http://www.accessbenefits.org

 

Home Health Specialist Exams Given for Last Time in May, 2005

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has announced it will offer the exams for Home Health Nurse Generalist and Specialist for the last time in May of 2005, after which these offerings will be discontinued. For more information visit [email protected] or call (800) 284-2378.

  
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Prevention Tips for Flu Season

Confronted by an unprecedented flu immunization supply shortage, the CDC is urging persons in priority groups (see http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm53d1005a1.htm) to search locally for vaccine if they did not qualify for the vaccine.

 

Below is a list of common sense, clinically accepted steps that everyone can take to minimize their risk from influenza, compiled by the Visiting Nurse Associations of America.

 

For flu protection, consumers should follow these steps:

  
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* Frequent hand washing with water and soap.

 

* Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose appropriately and immediately.

 

* If you think you have the flu, stay home from work or school.

 

* Talk with your physician about whether or not antiviral medicines could be right for you either during an outbreak or if you have early signs of influenza.

 

* If you think you have the flu, avoid elderly or frail relatives and friends.

 

* Stay Healthy!! Eat well and get enough rest. Avoid getting "run down" which can lower your immunity to illness.

 

 

See the CDC Web site for more information on prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect