Educational Events for Elders

AST Public Health Nursing Department Programs and the Caregiver Program & Injury Prevention Program Co-Host Elders in Two Educational Events

AST Public Health grant programs hosted an elder outreach event Friday, November 30 at the AST Little Axe Resource Center. The “Brown Bag Special” elder event focused on medication safety and management, as well as the risk of elder fall injuries that can contributed to taking medications. A “brown bag” lunch was provided to participants during the speaker presentations. AST Health’s Director of Pharmacy, Nancy Phelps spoke on medication management and safety. Elders had the opportunity for an extended question and answer session regarding medications, use of AST pharmacy services and obtaining refills. The Caregiver program provided each participant with a personal wallet record to log their medication, allergies, doctor and pharmacy information to have available when they seek medical care. Each participant was given weekly medication planner boxes that Public Health Nursing provided instructions on and demonstrated use. Additional presentations on available program services and contact information were given by Behavioral Health Director, Dara Thorpe and Injury Prevention Program Coordinator, Sacha Almanza. Elder games and physical fitness activities, such as Tai Chi which promotes balance and mobility, were provided by the Resource Centers physical fitness staff.

The last AST Public Health grant programs elder event was held Thursday, December 20th at the Little Axe Resource Center. This “Winter Wellness Land” event included door prizes, fitness games and highlighted fire safety as weather conditions turn cold. AST physical fitness staff provided games and chair and strength band exercise demonstration to participating elders. Special guests included recently retired Shawnee Fire Department Captain of 24 years, Billy Mitchell , AST OEH Director Kenny Jones, and OEH Project Coordinator Dennis Burks. Mr. Mitchell’s presentation included a fire extinguishing safety education video and a offered a question and answer session concluding the presentation. AST tribal members are eligible for free Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors, including installation, through a program offered by the AST OEH staff. Many participants signed up for these OEH Services.

For more information, contact

AST OEH Services contact 405.214.4235

or

AST Public Health Nursing Programs 405.878.4702