Make Time for Boomer’s Immunizations

Believe it or not, it is hard to get Karen G Clemenson to go to the doctor. You would think since she is such a cheerleader for your health that she would take great care with her own but she finds it difficult to get away from regular life, to do anything that doesn’t happen in the gym. Don’t get me wrong, Karen’s wellness journey has increasingly gotten healthier in the last 10 years or so. She has made a lot of good choices, while easing herself into a life of wellness to learn to eat better, get regular exercise, drink more water and take her medications and supplements properly and this has helped her reduce her weight and bring her blood pressure down while giving her more stamina. I have given up bugging her too much but luckily our doctor makes sure to force her to stop and get a check up annually by refusing to refill her medications until she comes in. It isn’t that she doesn’t like our doctor or that she is afraid of what the doctor will say, she just doesn’t want to miss out on anyone who needs her help.

Because she is a baby boomer and she recently has decided she wants to live to be 120 years old, Karen knows that there are several things she needs to make the time to have done. Yesterday she went to the doctor and found out she has lost another 20 lbs. and with her medication her blood pressure is in a good range. The doctor also mentioned that there are few that Karen should consider. She asked me to share with you some information about vaccinations for those of you who are 50 years old and older. As we age, our immune systems don’t work as well as when we were young. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they have found that more mature folks are also more likely to die due to complications from preventable disease more than any other age group; for both these reasons it makes sense to pay attention to the rest of the article.

Vaccinations that Baby Boomers Should Get

• Hepatitis A & B
• Influenza
• Pneumococcal
• Tdap

Hepatitis Vaccinations

There 3 major types of Hepatitis (A,B &C) and they all affect your liver. Baby Boomers are 5 times as likely to have Hep C. The highest transmission of Hepatitis was between 1960 through 1980.

• Hepatitis A is spread by sharing beverages or food with an infected person.
• Hepatitis B & C are spread through sexual contact, sharing dirty needles or coming in direct contact with blood or body fluids of someone who has Hep B or C.

Hepatitis A & B vaccinations are especially important for people who work in medicine or come in contact with a lot of people. People with certain chronic illnesses should also consider getting this vaccination. There is no vaccination for Hep C.

Influenza Vaccination

Nearly 36,000 people die each year from the flu in the United States. The Influenza vaccination can help to combat the current strain of flu; either to prevent it or prepare your immune system so that your body can heal from it more quickly. Flu season is between September to March so it is probably a good idea to have this immunization in early fall, annually.

Pneumococcal Vaccination

Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, blood infection, ear infections and bacterial meningitis. It is recommended that people 65 years old get this immunization. Sometimes people younger than 65 should get this immunization, I started getting this immunization every 10 years when I was 25 after many years of pneumonia and a bout of chronic bronchitis. You should discuss with your medical professional as to if and when you will need this immunization.

Tdap Vaccination

The Tdap vaccination protects your immune system from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough. Tdap vaccinations should be done every 10 years. People who spend a lot time with small children and infants should especially get this vaccination.

To Sum it Up…

People who travel a lot may need to have these and more immunizations; this is a good conversation to have with your medical professional.

Vaccinations are safer than ever. Side effect incidences have been greatly reduced and immunizations are lasting longer. Diseases that once were deadly are on the decline because of the use of vaccinations. Following the advice of your medical professional and keeping your immunization schedule can help you reach 120 years of age…or as close as God intends for you to get to it.

Wellness Works NW is located in Longview, Washington, inside Forever Fit Gym. We offer Fitness Assessments, Weight Management Counseling and Certified Personal Training. We are available to help you in any Local Gyms, homes and workplaces in Cowlitz County and the surrounding counties.

I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.

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Summer D Clemenson co-owns Clemenson Enterprises and Wellness Works NW with her wife, Karen G Clemenson. Their personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ ClemensonEnterprises.com. Her crochet art can be viewed and purchased @ KnottyWares.com & she loves special orders!