by Stephen Vrattos Thursday, October 27, the Health and Financial Fitness Expo returned to Towers on the Green, giving North Shore Towers residents the unique opportunity to enjoy important advice and counseling in their own home absolutely free. No other event gathers so many experts and learned professionals in the health, medical, elder care and financial sectors in such an intimate setting. Unsurprisingly, the hall filled early, well before the expo’s scheduled 10 a.m. start, gathering both NST residents and local visitors alike, despite the chilly, windy conditions outside. Attendees had ample time to meet the pros, gather information, score some cool freebies, and enjoy refreshments and live entertainment, before the featured speakers took the dais. Publisher Vicki Schneps of Sponsor Schneps Communications, which counts the Queens Courier, North Shore Towers Courier and “Best of Long Island” among its many media offerings, welcomed everyone, before introducing Keynote Speaker Dana Sherwin of AgeWell New York. “Everyone who works for us is an expert in the field,” she proudly said of her company, which dedicates itself to Medicare recipients only. It is a focus, which elevates AgeWell above other companies that also cater to general insurance recipients. Anthony Caratozzolo asked for exuberance when he approached the podium, so as to counteract the somber nature of his business. Caratozzolo is a pre-planning counselor for non-ecumenical Sinai Chapels. He explained how important it was for families to build a strong rapport with funeral providers and urged attendees to plan today for the eventual passing of a loved one. Preparing now ensures that a person’s interment wishes are followed; it eases the emotional burden on a family already suffering, and financially, locks in the cost for services, which may not be needed for many years. The casual environs of the Health Expo provide the ideal atmosphere to begin addressing such sensitive, but essential, subjects. To wit, home health care. Maureen Schneider, RN and Director of Adult Day Health Care for Parker Jewish Institute, revealed the secrets behind choosing a good provider for your loved one’s particular needs. It begins with a good doctor visit. “Don’t let the doctor run the visit,” she explained. Take time the night before to put together a list of questions and make sure you have directions—is there parking? Arrive early and observe how the staff treats other patients. Check the cleanliness of the bathrooms and examination areas. Most important, be honest and don’t shy away from delicate issues like urinary problems, alcohol intake or depression. Why suffer the hassle of navigating an unforgiving phone system trying to get medical advice? The Health and Financial Fitness Expo provides the opportunity to speak with a doctor face-to-face. And not just a General Practitioner, either. MDVIP’s Dr. Adam Cohen is a gerontologist, specially trained in the physiological, mental, emotional, cognitive and physical needs, unique to older patients. And because Dr. Cohen works in the specialized environment of MDVIP, he is more attentive to his patients, typically spending an hour and a half per visit to ensure a comprehensive evaluation, unlike general practitioners who may see 30-40 patients a day. Legal advice is also freely available at the expo. Managing Attorney Elizabeth Forspan was on hand to explain the importance of Health Care proxies, which ensure someone you trust making decisions for you in case you are unable to do so yourself. “Appoint someone who has your best interests at heart, not their own.” Similarly, a Living Will should be drawn up, so your wishes are on paper and respected in case of incapacitation. For legal decisions, appoint a trusted person with Power of Attorney over your affairs, without which loved ones will have to petition the courts to make any legal decision for you, costing thousands of dollars. Assistant Security Manager Glen Doyle of New York Community Bancorp alerted the audience to financial phone scams, such as calls allegedly from the IRS, demanding payment for supposed violations or else face jail. Or calls from wouldbe attorneys, alerting you of a grandchild being arrested, and their willingness to provide legal help, if you wire them monetary recompense. “Hang up!” Doyle directed for both scenarios. Doyle spoke of the persistent mail fraud lottery scheme, whereby a professionally fabricated letter announces your winning a large sum of money, but in order to collect, you must first send a check to cover the taxes and processing fees. “Tear it up and throw it away.” When accessing an ATM, Doyle advised checking the surroundings for loiterers and always give the card slot a strong shake to ensure a device isn’t attached that will skim the personal information off your card… especially after hours. Invest in a professional shredder and destroy credit card offers and other pieces of mail, which contain personal info, and check your credit report at least once a year for any wrong doing to your identity. Home Instead Senior Care’s Michele Wachter spoke of the dramatic change in her life many years ago when she decided to become a homecare provider. She was able to develop a bond with her first client, who suffered from dementia, through their mutual love of cooking. “It’s important to treat people like they’re your own mother or father,” she said of Home Instead’s approach to providing service. “How many of you are looking forward to spending the rest of your lives in a nursing home,” asked Jennifer Skula of Gerwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, partners with Aetna Better Health, as a way of driving home the idea of people taking the time and effort to do their homework when it comes to their Medicaid and Medicare options as they get older. “Medicare is not going to take care of you, if you need long-term 24/7 care.” Marie Gilchrist and Lakeisha Hall from Companions Plus provided the perfect ending to the presentations, leading attendees in a series of simple exercises. She advised the importance of exercising everyday, but urged speaking with a doctor beforehand to discover the regimen best suited for you. “Such valuable information… from everyone I spoke with,” said Rachel Stambler, who traveled with her husband from Hollis Hills to attend. “I’m so glad we came; it was so worthwhile.” Get Well Now Popular Health & Financial Fitness Expo returns to NST Companions Plus RN Marie Gilchrist takes attendee’s blood pressure Photo by Stephen Vrattos North Shore Towers Courier n December 2016 43
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