MemorialCare 55+ Program
at Orange Coast Medical Center
The MemorialCare 55+ program at Orange Coast Medical Center is a free membership enrichment program available to all seniors, age 55 or better, and is a community service from Orange Coast Medical Center, the only nonprofit hospital in Fountain Valley. Members enjoy discounts in the gift shop, café and cafeteria at Orange Coast Medical Center, as well as free non-emergency, non-urgent medical transportation (limitations may apply).
For membership details and to join, please click here. If you need assistance enrolling, please contact the Orange Coast Medical Center senior liaison at (714) 378-5526.
More seminars and resources are available online. Click here to learn more.
You have questions about Medicare? Get the answers you need by clicking here.
Classes and Events for Seniors
Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms
Zoom Session
Tuesday, Feb 8, 2 – 3 p.m.
Join Susan Ortiz, B.S.N., RN-C, cardiovascular care coordinator at Orange Coast Medical Center, to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, as well as when to seek emergency medical care. Registration is required for this virtual presentation and registered guests will receive the Zoom information at least two hours prior to start of class at 2 p.m.
Joint Pain: Arthritis in the Knee and Hip
Zoom Session
Thursday, Feb 17, 3 – 4 p.m.
Join Winnie Elias, RN, nurse navigator at Orange Coast Medical Center, to learn about treatment options for joint pain in the knees and hips caused by arthritis. This is a Zoom presentation. Registered guests will be emailed the Zoom instructions at least two hours before start of class at 3 p.m.
Advance Directive: You Call the Shots!
Zoom Session
Thursday, March 17, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Join Beth Hambelton, senior program and community outreach liaison with MemorialCare, to learn what an advance directive is and why it's important to have one. This is a Zoom presentation. Registered guests will be emailed the Zoom instructions at least two hours before start of class at 3 p.m. Participants will be mailed a complimentary Five Wishes advance directive after the class.
Superfoods to the Rescue!
Zoom Session
Thursday, April 21, 3 – 4 p.m.
The term “superfoods” refers to nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. Join a MemorialCare clinician to learn about common superfoods and how they can help your body ward off disease, improve health and more. This will be a Zoom presentation. Reservations are required.
Mental Health Awareness
Zoom Session
Thursday, May 19, 3 – 4 p.m.
In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, join a MemorialCare clinician to learn about how to support your own emotional well-being, as well those in your life. This will be a Zoom presentation. Reservations are required.
When to Get Screened
A guide to preventive healthcare
Regular cancer screenings are a part of a healthy, proactive lifestyle. Read below for general guidelines on how often to schedule oncology screenings – timelines may vary by person due to individual needs and doctor discretion.
Yearly | Breast cancer
For women age 40 and above. Breast self-exams should be performed monthly. This promotes early diagnosis in some women and supports the goal of women being in control of their own healthcare decisions.
What to schedule: mammogram
Every one to two years | Prostate cancer
For men age 50 and above, or 45 and above for African American men and men with a close family member who had prostate cancer before 65.
What to schedule: consultation with your doctor to discuss screening and testing options
Every three to five years | Cervical cancer
For women age 30 to 65. Cervical cancer screening should begin when a woman becomes sexually active and ends typically at age 65 if all have been negative. The HPV vaccine is recommended after age 9 and ideally before sexual activity.
What to schedule: Pap test and HPV test
Every five to 10 years | Colorectal cancer/colon cancer
Beginning at age 45, earlier if there is a family history.
What to schedule: consultation with your doctor to discuss a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy
As-needed basis, as recommended by your doctor | Lung cancer
For those who are between 50 and 80, smoke now or have quit within the past year, and have a history of smoking a pack a day for 20 years or more.
What to schedule: consultation with your doctor to discuss screening options
Mammograms
after the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine, like other vaccinations, stimulates your immune system. This can cause a temporary enlargement of lymph nodes near where the person was vaccinated. The enlarged lymph nodes can sometimes be seen by the radiologist reading your mammogram and make it appear to be abnormal, resulting in a “false positive,” even when there is no indication of cancer.
Mammograms should be scheduled before your first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, or four to six weeks after the last dose. This allows time for lymph nodes to return to their normal size. Women age 40 and above should not delay recommended mammographic screening.
Schedule your mammogram appointment now by calling (714) 378-7955, requesting an appointment online by clicking here or scheduling via the myChart patient portal by clicking here.
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