MemorialCare Senior Plus
at Orange Coast Medical Center
MemorialCare Senior Plus 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. To join, complete the application form and mail it to:
Senior Plus, MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center
18111 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
MemorialCare Medicare seminars and other resources are available online. Click here to learn more.
Classes and Events for Seniors
Special Event
Save Lives Through Colorectal Screening
Zoom Session
Tuesday, Nov 10, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Please join MemorialCare Medical Group gastroenterologist, Ashkan Farhadi, M.D., F.A.C.P., and Orange Coast Medical Center oncology nurse navigator, Robin Philips, RN, M.S.N., B.S.N., P.H.N., for an informative presentation about how colorectal screenings can detect colorectal disease during its earliest stages. After the presentation, FREE fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits will be mailed to registered attendees who request one for at-home testing. Limited quantity available. Registration is required. Registered attendees will receive a class link prior to its scheduled time.
Robin Philips,
RN, M.S.N., B.S.N., P.H.N.
Understanding Medicare Webinar
Saturday, Nov 7, 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov 17, 5:30 p.m.
This is a free, educational webinar to learn
about Medicare parts A, B, C and D. To register, please contact Cheryl Hirtler, Medicare education specialist, by calling (714) 352-1119 or by email at chirtler@memorialcare.org.
Heart Healthy You!
Zoom Session
Thursday, Nov 19, 3 – 4 p.m.
As we age, preserving heart health is an essential priority. Presented by a MemorialCare clinician, this class will cover causes of heart disease as well as prevention strategies and treatment options. This is an online presentation and registration is required. Zoom instructions will be emailed at least three hours before start of class.
Bloomin’ Zoomin’: Skin Health
Tuesday, Dec 8, Noon – 1 p.m.
Join Tien Q. Nguyen, M.D., a dermatology specialist with Orange Coast Medical Center, for a virtual, interactive discussion about skin health as we age. This Zoom session is in partnership with the team at the Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center. Please register directly through the Center at (714) 593-4446.
Understanding Social Security
Saturday, Dec 12, 9:30 a.m.
Join us for our free webinar that will provide an educational overview of social security. To register, please contact Cheryl Hirtler, Medicare education specialist, by email at chirtler@memorialcare.org or by
calling (714) 352-1119.
Spine Pain Treatment Options
Zoom Session
Thursday, Dec 17, 3 – 4 p.m.
Spine pain keeps millions of people worldwide from living an active life. Jason Koh, D.O., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and triage physician for the Spine Health Center at Orange Coast Medical Center, will give this presentation. He will discuss causes of spine pain as well as treatment options. Registration is required. Zoom instructions will be emailed at least three hours before start of class.
New Year to Be Healthy!
Thursday, Jan 28, 3 – 4 p.m.
Zoom Session
With the new year in full swing, it's time to consider what it means to be healthy. A MemorialCare affiliated clinician will join us to discuss overall wellness as we age, including strategies to stay on track towards wellness goals.
Your Heart Health
Thursday, Feb 18, 2021, 3 – 4 p.m.
Zoom Session or Senior Center in Central Park
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2018 data, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in California. Join a MemorialCare affiliated clinician to learn about causes of heart disease, treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help improve heart health and quality of life.
March Into Better Nutrition!
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 3 – 4 p.m.
Zoom Session or Senior Center in Central Park
March is National Nutrition Month and a great way to start your spring by learning about the latest updates in nutrition for seniors! Join Angela Whitaker, D.O., an internal medicine physician with Edinger Medical Group, for this interactive discussion.
Staying Healthy in the Time of COVID-19
By Tamara Fogarty, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Edinger Medical Group
Understanding COVID-19 and how it affects seniors is important, but what can one do to stay healthy during this pandemic? Knowledge is power.
The range of the illness goes from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening respiratory failure.
80
percent of infected people experience mild symptoms.
Less common symptoms:
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Headache
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Runny nose
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Sore throat
Symptoms can appear:
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14 days after exposure
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Most commonly about 4 to 5 days after exposure
Most common symptoms:
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Fever
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Fatigue
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Dry cough
Some more information about COVID-19 symptoms:
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Some patients experience loss of taste and smell, but not all people with loss of those senses have COVID-19
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Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are not common presentations
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Shortness of breath (dyspnea) can affect 20 to 30 percent of patients and have varying degrees, usually arising about five to eight days after the onset of symptoms
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Pneumonia can be seen in severe disease
The population at higher risk includes those with heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, cancer, obesity (BMI > 30), smokers and advanced age. While loss of life is heartbreaking, the overall fatality rate is estimated to be 2 to 3 percent.
Healthcare matters
MemorialCare is dedicated to the health and safety of our community, and Orange Coast Medical Center is taking the appropriate precautionary measures to ensure that all patients are cared for safely. It is important that you seek medical help when necessary, and do not postpone routine visits or preventative screenings because of the pandemic. Your health comes first.
Nutrition, immunosenescence and exercise
Make good food choices! Comfort foods are not recommended, and portion sizes should be monitored, especially if you’re not as active as usual. Good nutrition is an important part of our immune system.
A few studies have suggested that fruit and vegetable consumption have improved antipneumococcal antibody response in 65- to 85-year-olds. Common nutritional deficiencies seen with age are Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Monitor what you eat and take steps to improve your immunity by incorporating more fruits, veggies, and vitamin-rich foods, such as fish, fortified cereals and eggs.
Evidence suggests that long-term, moderate exercise can also improve immunity. This includes walking briskly, bicycling, general gardening, dancing, golf and more. You can walk outdoors without worrying about COVID-19 – it is not felt to be easily spreadable beyond 6 feet. If going to the gym, wear a mask and wipe down all equipment before and after use.
Get help
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If you’re feeling isolated, please reach out to family, friends or your healthcare provider. You are not alone.
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Make a point to stay connected with people, using resources like Zoom and FaceTime, safe distance social gatherings or through phone calls.
Mental health during COVID-19
Common feelings include:
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Stress
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Isolation
Some patients are experiencing PTSD
Substance abuse has been shown to have increased during COVID-19. One study reported a:
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36 percent increase in illicit drug use
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55 percent increase incidence in alcohol use over past month, with 18 percent reported as a significant increase
Take home points
Be informed
Eat right, but not too much
Stay active
Stay positive – ask for help if you need help and support
Wear a mask
Wash your hands often, and well
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