Prichard Senior Health Fair Brings Screenings, Flu Shots and Heart Health Advice to Family Life Center

Older residents in Prichard got free health checks, flu shots and practical advice on protecting their hearts at a Prichard senior health fair hosted by the Prichard Housing Authority and the Prichard Senior Center. The event, held at the William “Bill” Clark Family Life Center on West Main Street, focused on heart health, preventive care and overall wellness for the city’s seniors.

Screenings, flu shots and wellness information

Seniors who attended the health fair received health screenings along with information on keeping their hearts healthy, staying on top of preventive care and maintaining their overall well-being. Attendees also had the opportunity to get flu shots on site.

Health fairs like this one bring several services together under one roof, which can make a big difference for older adults. Seniors who have trouble getting to multiple appointments, who do not drive, or who live on fixed incomes can often get screened, ask questions and receive a vaccine in a single visit close to home.

A partnership between housing, the senior center and the city

The fair was a joint effort between the Prichard Housing Authority, which provides public housing for many of the city’s lower-income and older residents, and the Prichard Senior Center, which serves as a gathering place and source of programs for seniors.

Organizers said events like the health fair benefit senior residents in the community. One organizer credited the partnership with the City of Prichard and the senior center’s leadership for turning a simple idea into a full event.

“I’m loving it. And this great partnership with the city, the city of Prichard and the Senior Center. She does a lot for the seniors. And it was just one idea to another. And we thought about it, and we bring it to a grand event,” the organizer said.

Why flu shots matter for seniors

The timing of the fair lines up with the start of flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine every year for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and it advises getting vaccinated by the end of October when possible, before flu typically spreads widely.

Adults 65 and older face a higher risk of serious complications from the flu, including pneumonia and hospitalization, because the immune system tends to weaken with age. For that reason, the CDC recommends that people in that age group receive one of the higher-dose or enhanced flu vaccines designed to produce a stronger immune response.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build up protection, which is another reason health officials encourage getting the shot early in the fall rather than waiting until flu cases are already climbing. The vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate, so last year’s shot does not carry over.

For seniors on Medicare, the annual flu shot is covered under Medicare Part B at no cost when the provider accepts Medicare. Seniors who missed the health fair can still get a flu shot at many pharmacies, doctors’ offices and the Mobile County Health Department.

Focus on heart health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, and the risk rises with age. Many of its main risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and physical inactivity, can be found and managed long before they cause a heart attack or stroke.

That is why screenings matter. High blood pressure in particular often causes no symptoms, so many people do not know they have it until they are checked. A quick reading at a community health fair can prompt someone to follow up with a doctor, adjust their medication or make changes to diet and activity.

Common steps that health professionals recommend for protecting heart health include:

• Getting blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked regularly
• Taking prescribed medications as directed
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and lower in salt
• Staying physically active, even with regular walking
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
• Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke and calling 911 right away if they appear

Preventive care for older adults

Beyond flu shots and heart screenings, preventive care for seniors often includes vaccines against pneumonia, shingles and RSV, along with cancer screenings, vision and hearing checks and regular reviews of medications. Medicare covers a yearly “Wellness” visit, which gives beneficiaries a chance to sit down with a provider and make a personalized prevention plan.

Community health fairs can serve as a starting point for those conversations, giving seniors information they can take to their own doctors.

Supporting Prichard’s seniors

Prichard, which marked a century of history this year after its 1925 incorporation, is home to many longtime residents who have watched the city change over the decades. Events like the health fair are one way local agencies are reaching those residents where they live.

Seniors and caregivers who want to learn about future health events and programs can contact the Prichard Senior Center or the Prichard Housing Authority.

Health fair at a glance

• Hosts: Prichard Housing Authority and Prichard Senior Center, in partnership with the City of Prichard
• Location: William “Bill” Clark Family Life Center, West Main Street, Prichard
• Services: Health screenings, flu shots and information on heart health, preventive care and overall wellness
• Audience: Senior residents of Prichard