Better Health - November 2021

Study: Best and worst behaved dog breeds, online at masslive.com/living

Better Health D

|

TRAVEL: On your mark, get set, travel, D5 FRANK MANZI: Album release party slated for Nov. 26, D9 GIFT GUIDE: Ideas for book lovers, D9

| SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

“Alzheimer’s is a specific disease.

Dementia is the general term for the set of symptoms including memory loss and changes in thinking and behavior,” Explained Meghan Lemay, regional manager of the Western Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association.

(ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK)

Alzheimer’s is the sixthleading cause of death in the United States.

By Cori Urban

Special To The Republican

An estimated 6.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than one in nine people (11.3 percent) age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s dementia.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

“Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is the general term for the set of symptoms including memory loss and changes in thinking and behavior,” explained Meghan Lemay, regional manager of the Western Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association. “Many different types of dementia exist, and many conditions cause it.

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time.”

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a series of virtual education programs to help caregivers navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter has planned a special calendar of virtual programs, especially for caregivers.

Programs include Dementia Conversations with a Caregiver Panel, Holiday Tips, Managing Dementia-Related Behaviors and Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options. Visit alzprograms.org for a complete listing or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 to

learn more.

Alzheimer’s disease can be isolating because a caregiver might think he or she may need to spend most or all of his or her time at home caring for the loved one with the disease and miss out on normal social activities and opportunities for engaging in the community.

“It can also be isolating because sometimes families are hesitant to share a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s because of the tremendous stigma that is still associated with this disease; sometimes families try to hide the disease for a long time and therefore don’t reach out to friends/ family/ neighbors,” Lemay said.

The disease can also be isolating for those living with a diagnosis because the person may not reach out to friends and social networks like he or she once did, or friends may turn their backs on someone living with dementia. “It is extremely helpful when friends or family put effort into reaching out to someone they know living with dementia and offer to socialize, go out to lunch, visit, etc.,” she said.

“Our communities are also often not set up to be inclusive of those living with memory loss in the community, even though we know dementia impacts a significant percent of the population. We must work towards reducing the stigma around dementia and this is why it is encouraging to see that the Dementia Friendly movement has taken off and become more widely known.”

According to the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts website: “Dementia-friendly communities address the needs specific to their residents, advocating for dementia awareness and providing services, programs and public spaces that support people with dementia and their care partners. Each dementia-friendly community is different. Some towns organize workplace training so professionals can identify and offer solu-

tions to problems commonly encountered with people living with dementia. Other regions focus on introducing programs like memory cafes or respite programs to directly assist people with memory loss. All dementia-friendly communities share one thing:

mer’s reach out to friends, neighbors and extended family members, talk about the disease, help educate others about it and ask for help. She also recommends that individuals living with dementia and caregivers attend support groups that are available

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION)

a mission to make their neighborhood inclusive, welcoming those touched by dementia to continue to be active, contributing citizens.”

Lemay recommends that families coping with Alzhei-

online, over the phone and in person.

“Caregivers should also not feel guilty about taking some time to themselves or having lunch with a friend,” she said. “There are many

resources and services in the community that can help support a family coping with this disease and may provide home care services or Adult Day programs for those living with a diagnosis.”

There are more than 16 million family members and friends providing unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States, Lemay noted.

In Massachusetts alone, there are 130,000 people living with the disease, and 281,000 residents serving as unpaid caregivers. “There is also a significant number of people living with younger-onset dementias, meaning they are diagnosed with some form of dementia in their 40s or 50s,” she added.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease usually first impacts the part of the brain associated with learning. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion and behavior changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult.

“Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages: early, middle and late. Since Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways, each person may experience symptoms — or progress through the stages — differently,” Lemay said.

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.

Middle-stage Alzheimer’s is typically the longest stage and can last for many years.

As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s will require a greater level of care. During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, the dementia symptoms are more

pronounced; the person may confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and act in unexpected ways, such as not wanting to get dressed.

In the final stage of the disease, dementia symptoms are severe. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating becomes difficult.

“As difficult and heartbreaking as this disease can feel, many caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s learn to find joy and use this diagnosis as a reason to prioritize planning activities that they enjoy,” Lemay said.

“Often this disease is slow moving and allows for time to spend with family, friends and prioritizing your passions.

We also strongly recommend reaching out and calling the Alzheimer’s Association, join a support group, educate yourself and your family about helpful caregiving techniques and disease information.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is a leader in providing help and hope for people living with the disease and their families. It works on a national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, offering a number of resources online, in person and on the phone – wherever caregivers are most comfortable accessing information when they need it most.

Education programs for the general public, both online and in person, feature information on topics such as diagnosis, warning signs, communication, living with Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving techniques.

The 24/7 Helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900.

For more information go to alz.org/manh or alz.org.

Don’t Sugar Coat It: %%SATFOL-%%3MONTH%%2DATE

D2 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Prediabetes, Know Your Risk heart disease, stroke, and limb amputation. In addition, it’s one of the chronic conditions that increases the risk that a coronavirus infection will lead to severe illness, hospitalization or even death.

Simply put, detection is key to preventing any of the potential negative outcomes of the disease.”

its progress. The key to it all is insulin. According to Gordner, “Your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. The good news is you can actually exert some control over your insulin levels through lifestyle changes and habits and potentially delay or even prevent the onset of full-blown diabetes.”

Some of the most beneficial actions you can take include:

Try setting an alarm on your phone to prompt you to stand, stretch and move about every half hour.

3. Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Getting too little sleep has the potential to undermine your other efforts to gain control of your insulin levels.

Are You At Risk Getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night can increase For Prediabetes? insulin resistance (raising 1. Eat Healthy Dr. Chelsea Gordner You’re at risk for developing your blood sugar level) and prediabetes if you: A diet low in fat, sugar, and make you feel hungrier the next day. It can also increase • Are overweight. calories is key to managing Diabetes is a blood sugar. The good news is the chances you’ll reach for • Are age 35 or older (based unhealthy foods and make you can find plenty of flaon new guidance in 2021). growing health you feel less full after eating.

• Have a parent, brother, or vor and sweetness in fruits, crisis in America. vegetables, and whole grains Lack of sleep can even raise sister with type 2 diabetes. that can actually help you your blood pressure, increase Nearly one in ten • Are physically active less than 3 times a week. the risk of a heart attack, and feel fuller longer and lead to American adults— • Have ever had gestational increase your risk of depresweight loss without making sion and anxiety. you feel deprived.

It also helps diabetes (diabetes during that’s 34.2 million to pay attention to the amount pregnancy) or given birth individuals—now 4. Kick The of sugar in the foods you eat. to a baby who weighed When choosing packaged more than 9 pounds. has diabetes, the Habit foods, check the label for • Are African American, highest rate on resugar levels and recommendPeople who smoke are 30Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska ed serving sizes.

Download 40% more likely to develop cord, and another this infographic to learn more type 2 diabetes than those Native (some Pacific Island88 million — one in ers and Asian Americans about the hidden sugars in who don’t smoke. Smoking common foods.

If you strugwhile you have diabetes are also at higher risk). three Americans— gle to figure out what to eat, makes it more difficult to have prediabetes. Experts Urge ask your doctor or contact a manage insulin levels and registered dietitian for help opens you up to more serious Earlier Screenings Submitted by Baystate Health creating an eating plan that health problems including “Perhaps most disturbing of For Prediabetes works for you. heart disease, kidney disease, (INFOGRAPHIC COURTESY OF BAYSTATE HEALTH) nerve damage, poor circuall,” says Dr. Chelsea GordAs recently as late August 2. Get Moving lation, and more. For help ner, an endocrinologist with 2021, the United States Pretion 60-second risk test. age. Gordner notes, “Early ventive Services Task Force Exercise can help you lose quitting smoking, talk to your Baystate Endocrinology, “is doctor and see these tips from the fact that so many people detection is critical as the lonrevised its recommendation weight and lower your blood for screening for prediabetes ger you have prediabetes, the Prevention pressure and harmful chothe American Cancer Society. aren’t even aware they have either condition.” in adults. The revised recom- greater the risk of developing Is Possible lesterol levels. It also lowers Visit baystatehealth.org / Gordner adds, “The cause complications. Screenings mendation suggests people blood glucose (blood sugar) are relatively simple and if it between the ages of 35 to 70 for concern is very real as diType 2 diabetes is caused by levels and boosts your body’s services/endocrinology/ reveals someone has prediaabetes is the leading cause of who are overweight or have a combination of genetics and sensitivity to insulin. Aim for diabetes for more betes, they can then take steps lifestyle factors. While preblindness, the seventh leading obesity should be screened.

150 minutes of aerobic activinformation. to prevent the progression The previous recommendcause of death in the counity a week—a simple walk will vention may not be possible to type 2 diabetes.” Take the ed age range was for people try, and can result in serious do—and avoid sitting for more in every case there are steps you can take to delay or slow American Diabetes Associabetween 40 to 70 years of health problems, including than 30 minutes at a time.

(ENDOCRINOLOGIST WITH BAYSTATE ENDOCRINOLOGY)

Join Baystate Health Senior Class

A FREE loyalty program dedicated to health and wellness offered exclusively for people ages 55 and over.

Member Benefits Include: • Educational seminars on health topics (currently held virtually).

• Discounted or free admission to select Senior Class and

Medical Center.*

• Employee Cafeteria Discount at Baystate Medical Center

Baystate Health sponsored events and health screenings (currently held virtually).

and community hospitals.*

• The Senior Class Newsletter mailed quarterly to all members

detailing seminars, special events, and Baystate Health news and initiatives of community interest.

• Senior Class eNews, a bi-monthly online newsletter with timely updates, links and announcements.

• 20% discount certificate to the Marketplace at Baystate

• Tuition discount for Mini Medical School, an eight week course featuring faculty from Baystate Medical Center.*

*Benefit may be impacted by COVID-19.

>> For more information or to register, visit BaystateHealth.org/SeniorClass

3158801-01

BaystateHealth.org

CS13178

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | D3

%%SATFOL-%%3MONTH%%2DATE

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

After Turning 65 Understanding Your Health Insurance Options

Above: (Left to Right) Kerry Trotta, Richard “Lee” Jaggi, Sarah Fernandes and Carla Figueroa of Health New England’s Medicare Sales team. (PHOTO COURTEY OF HEALTH NEW ENGLAND.)

designed to fit different lifestyles, health needs and budgets. Known as Medicare For retirees, it’s common Advantage and Medicare to have more questions than Supplement plans, these opanswers about Medicare. tions are popular for seniors While most people turning 65 know they’ll be eligible for looking for a little extra out of health insurance after they re- their Medicare benefits. Howtire, this coverage – known as Original Medicare – may not include important benefits that seniors need to make the most of their retirement. For people looking for prescription drug coverage, a new set ever, with so much to learn of glasses or hearing aids, relying on Original Medicare and so many different plans benefits alone could cost to choose from, it’s important retirement-age individuals for seniors to understand the thousands of dollars over the differences between Medicare course of a single year. plan options.

As a result, Health New EnWhat Do Private gland and other health plans attempt to fill in the gaps that Medicare Plans Cover?

Original Medicare does not, Most retirement-age individuals know that Original offering a variety of options Submitted by Health New England

Medicare has two parts: Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers hospital care, skilled nursing and hospice. Part B covers outpatient services, such as a retiree’s primary care physician, specialist, labs, x-rays and more. Seniors

a set network of healthcare providers, and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans, which offer more flexibility to see providers outside of a health plan’s network. These plans combine Medicare Part A and Part B benefits into one package, usually offer Part D prescription drug coverage, and may include additional coverage and benefits beyond those covered by Original Medicare.

While additional benefits may vary from plan-to-plan, these benefits generally focus on addressing some of the most common health care expenses that seniors face.

A Medicare Advantage plan can help save thousands of dollars on a set of hearing aids, provide coverage for eye exams, contacts and glasses, and include a dental allowance. These plans also offer initiatives to help seniors facing a variety of conditions, from a post-hospitalization food delivery service, Mom’s Meals, to over-the-counter (OTC) allowances, to Teladoc services, to ongoing health and wellness support.

Medicare Advantage plans also have the benefit of resembling health insurance policies commonly offered by employers. They have set monthly premiums, copays and cost-sharing when you use services, yearly out-ofpocket maximums, and many plans offer emergency coverage when traveling anywhere in the world.

In Massachusetts, seniors

Original Medicare, such as deductibles, co-payments and health care needs outside the United States, making these policies desirable for seniors looking to travel.

Under a Medicare Supplement plan, seniors are covered anywhere in the United States and U.S. territories where Medicare is accepted.

However, Medicare Supplement plans only cover a range of needs and conditions.

These plans do not cover long-

ment Period, or during the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period, you may be responsible to pay a late enrollment penalty, unless you continue to work and receive creditable prescription drug coverage through your employer or union.

Choosing the Right Plan – At the Right Time

With so many different options available, it’s important for seniors to weigh their personal needs against Medicare plan benefits. In addition, retirement-age individuals should also understand when they’re able to enroll in, or change, their Medicare plan.

Seniors have three main options: their initial enrollment period, annual enrollment period, and Medicare Advantage open enrollment period.

Eligible seniors moving off employer coverage or moving to a new area are also offered a special enrollment period.

The Initial Enrollment Periterm care, vision or hearing od refers to the period of time benefits or offer a dental allowance. In addition, these when a senior is newly eligible for Medicare benefits. This plans do not include Part D period last 7 months, starting drug coverage, requiring seniors to purchase prescription 3 months before the month you become eligible, the drug coverage separately. month you are eligible, and Medicare and Your ending 3 months after you bePrescription Drug Coverage come eligible. In addition, the Medicare Advantage Open In addition to not being covered by Original Medicare, Enrollment period extends it’s important for seniors to from January 1 to March 31 each year, allowing Medicare know that prescription drug Advantage members to make coverage can only be purchased two different ways: a one-time change to their coverage, such as switching by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes from one plan to another.

Finally, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period lasts between October 15 and December 7 each year, allowing Medicare members to make specific changes to their current Medicare Advantage prescription drug coverage, can also choose to purchase (Part C) or Prescription Drug one of three Medicare Supple- or enrolling in a stand-alone (Part D) plans, move from one ment plans instead: Medicare drug plan. These Part D drug carrier to another, add or drop Supplement Core, Medicare prescription drug coverage, plans follow all federal drug program guidelines and your or switch between Medicare Supplement 1 and Medicare Advantage and Medicare out-of-pocket expenses may Supplement 1A. Also known as “Medigap,” these plans are vary depending on the plan Supplement Plans. you choose. designed to work alongside For more information visit Original Medicare benefits to If you do purchase a Part healthnewengland.org/ help seniors pay health care D prescription drug plan medicare costs that aren’t covered by during your Initial Enroll-

“With so many different options available, it’s important for seniors to weigh their personal needs against Medicare plan benefits.” looking for additional coverage have the option of selecting a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, Prescription Drug (Part D) coverage, or a Medicare Supplement plan.

Health New England’s Medicare Advantage plan options include both HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans, which have

Medicare Made Easy Get simple retirement answers. Connect with your local Medicare team to find out more.

Now, more than ever, you need health insurance you can count on at an affordable cost.

Don’t miss out on the benefits you can get from Health New England! We can help you understand your options so you can make the best decision for your health care needs.

Our plans include:

9 8 plan options with NEW PPO plans for 2022

9 11,000+ contracted providers

9 Premiums starting at $0

9 Fitness reimbursement

9 No referrals to see specialists

9 $160 annual over-the-counter items benefit

9 No-cost preventive services

9 Worldwide emergency coverage

9 Prescription drug coverage with

9 We are your local health plan

a low deductible

Call (877) 443-0033, TTY 711 | Visit healthnewengland.org/medicare

Y0158_2022_198_M Accepted

MED4577_1021

3155557-01

Health New England Medicare Advantage is an HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health New England Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal.

%%SATFOL-%%3MONTH%%2DATE

D4 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

Seniors can protect their vision

Effective exercises

for seniors

Losing interest in an exercise regimen is a situation many fitness enthusiasts have confronted at one point or another. Overcoming a stale workout routine can be simple for young athletes, whose bodies can typically handle a wide range of physical activities. That flexibility allows younger athletes the chance to pursue any number of physical activities when their existing fitness regimens grow stale. But what about seniors who have grown tired of their workouts?

Even seniors who have lived active lifestyles since they were youngsters are likely to encounter certain physical limitations associated with aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the likelihood of dealing with one or more physical limitations increases with age. CDC data indicates that 8 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 59 have three or more physical limitations. That figure rises to 27 percent among adults age 80 and over.

Physical limitations may be a part of aging for many people, but such obstacles need not limit seniors looking to banish boredom from their workout routines. In fact, many seniors can successfully engage in a variety of exercises that benefit their bodies

and are unlikely to grow stale. exercise that can be ideal for seniors with bone and joint Water aerobics: issues. According to SilverSneakers®, a community fitSometimes referred to as “aqua aerobics,” water aerness program for seniors that promotes living through physobics may involve jogging in the water, leg lifts, arm curls, ical and social engagement, Pilates can help seniors build and other activities that can safely be performed in a pool. overall strength, stability and coordination. SilverSneakers® The YMCA notes that water even notes that seniors can aerobics exercises are low impact, which can make them experience improvements in strength and stability by ideal for seniors with bone and joint issues like arthritis. committing to as little as 10 to 15 minutes of daily Pilates exercises.

Resistance band

workouts:

Strength training:

Resistance band workouts can be especially useful for seniors who spend a lot of time at home. Resistance bands are inexpensive and don’t take up a lot of space, making them ideal for people who like to exercise at home but don’t have much space.

Resistance bands can be used to strengthen muscles in various parts of the body, including the legs, arms and back. Resistance bands can be pulled or pushed in any direction, which allows for more versatility in a workout than weight machines and dumbbells. That versatility allows seniors to spice up their workout regimens when things get a little stale.

Seniors on the lookout for something more challenging than a daily walk around the neighborhood should not overlook the benefits of strength training. The CDC notes that seniors who participate in strength training can stimulate the growth of muscle and bone, thereby reducing their risk for osteoporosis and frailty. In fact, the CDC notes that people with health concerns like arthritis or heart disease often benefit the most from exercise regimens that include lifting weights a few times each week.

Physical limitations are a part of aging. But seniors need not let such limitations relegate them to repetitive, boring workouts.

Pilates: Pilates is another low-impact

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

be minimized with wise lifestyle choices. For example, a healthy, nutrient-rich diet can protect vision over the long haul. The National Council On Aging notes that studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in foods like spinach, kale and salmon, can reduce individuals’ risk for age-related eye diseases. Seniors can speak with their physicians about other ways to utilize diet to combat age-related vision Modern seniors look and act problems. a lot different than traditional depictions of retirees.

Protect your eyes and The shift in attitudes regardlook cool at the same ing aging is noticeable in the time. Active seniors growth of active retirement spend lots of time communities, which are outdoors, and that may have designed for aging men and an adverse effect on their women who want to engage in vision. The NCOA notes that activities where no chairs are lengthy exposure to the sun’s required. Active seniors may ultraviolet rays can cause not fit outdated stereotypes of both short- and long-term cardigan-clad grandparents eye damage. Thankfully, such shuffling about dusty retireissues are easily avoided if ment homes, but even the seniors wear sunglasses with most energetic retirees may UV protection when going still be vulnerable to age-related health complications.

For example, the American Optometric Association notes that men and women over the age of 60 may be vulnerable to age-related vision problems. A certain degree of vision loss is natural as men and women age, but that doesn’t mean active seniors have to sit idly by. In fact, there are many ways for active seniors to protect their vision so they can continue to get up and go without having to worry about losing their eyesight.

Retirement may be seen as a time to slow down and enjoy some wellearned rest and relaxation, but today’s seniors clearly did not get the memo.

2

outside. Brimmed hats also can protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.

Be mindful of screen time. Much has been made of how much screen time is healthy for young people. But seniors also are not immune to the potentially harmful effects of spending too much time staring at their phones and other devices. The NCOA recommends seniors employ the 20-20-20 rule in regard to screen usage. Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This quick exercise can reduce eye strain.

An active lifestyle benefits seniors in myriad ways.

Seniors should take steps to protect their vision so they can continue to get up and go long after they retire.

3

1

Make your diet work for you. The AOA notes that a number of eye diseases can develop after an individual turns 60, and some of these conditions can

MESSAGE TO PATIENTS OF MERCY HEARING CENTER OSAGE PATIENTS OFare MERCY HEARING CENTER TO PATIENTS OF HEARING CENTER Message to the Community We soMERCY thankful for you!

sage the Community Message to the Community Since to Mercy Hearing Centers Springfi eld and Agawam MESSAGE TO PATIENTS OFinMERCY HEARING CENTER

For your protection, our office is currently closed due to the Hearing Centers in end Springfi and Agawam Mercy Hearing Centers in eld Springfi eld and Agawam at 2018, you might beseeconcerned COVID-19 health crisis.

Although are unable patients, protection, our officethe isour currently closed dueclosed towe the For closed your protection, office isof currently due to theto end of 2018, you might be concerned dehealth at the end of 2018, you might be concerned Our office is open with regular hours and we arecrisis. monitoring ourfor telephone and and email.

We will crisis.

Although we are unable tohearing see patients, Since Mercy Hearing Centers inmessages Springfi eld Agawam COVID-19 health Although we are unable to see patients, about your options care.

Rest assured respond to your message as soon as we can.

Follow us on our onitoring our telephone messages and email.

We will we are monitoring our telephone messages and email.

We will ercy Hearing Centers in Springfi eld and Agawam Since Mercy Hearing Centers inofSpringfi eld and Agawam options for hearing care.

Rest assured service ishearing provided by appointment only. your options care.

Rest assured closed atforthe end 2018, you might be concerned that we are accepting new patients.

Our Doctors Facebook page updates and information. orespond your message asmessage soon asfor we can.you Follow us on ourcare. to your as soon as we can.

Follow us onRest our assured the end of 2018, you might be concerned closed atcontinue the end of 2018, might be concerned about your options for hearing We to follow CDC guidelines for your health andyou. safety. eat accepting new patients.

Our Doctors we are accepting new patients.

Our Doctors of Audiology would welcome the opportunity to help We page for updates and information.

Facebook page for updates and information. our options for care.

Rest assured about your options forreopens, hearing care.

Restyouassured When ourhearing office we will contact to reschedule your

GEMESSAGE TO PATIENTS OF MERCYOFHEARING CENTER CENTER TO PATIENTS MERCY HEARING

MESSAGE TO PATIENTS OF MERCY HEARING CENTER

Message to the Community

that we are the accepting new patients.

OurWeDoctors Since Mercy Hearing Centers in Springfi eld you. and Agawam would welcome the opportunity to help We diology would welcome opportunity to help you.

MESSAGE TO PATIENTS OF MERCY HEARING CENTER For your protection, our office is currently closed due to the provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing canceled appointment.

Our Doctors of Audiology will beWe aid office reopens, we will contact you toARE reschedule your When our office reopens, we will contact you to reschedule eclosed areCOVID-19 accepting new patients.

Our Doctors that we accepting new patients.

Our Doctors ofare Audiology would welcome the opportunity toyour helpalso you. at the end of 2018, you might be concerned MASKS REQUIRED health crisis.

Although we are unable to see patients, rehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid de hearing evaluations and hearing aid accepting new patients.

We wish you continued good healthyou and appointment.

Our Doctors of Audiology will also be canceled appointment.

Our Doctors of Audiology will also fiwould ttings and service to adults.

Weeld want toWeassured be sure that ogy welcome the opportunity to help you.

We ofcomprehensive Audiology would welcome the opportunity to help you.

Wehearing we are monitoring our telephone and email. willbe Since Mercy Hearing Centers inmessages Springfi and Agawam provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and aid are about your options for hearing care.

Rest We look forward to seeing you! we look forward to seeing you soon! new patients.

We wish you continued good health and accepting new patients.

We wish you continued good health and respond to your message as soon as we can.

Follow us on our rvice to adults.

We want to be sure that you are shatprovide and service to adults.

We tohearing beus, sure that you areyou are closed the end evaluations ofWhen 2018, you might be concerned comprehensive hearing and aidto comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aidthat fiatpage ttings and service towant adults.

We want bebesure we are accepting new patients.

Our Doctors hearing your best. you need we’ll here. rward to forward seeing you soon!

Facebook for updates andsoon! information. we look to seeing you about your options for hearing care.

Rest assured nd service toyou adults.

We want toWhen be sure that you are fiAudiology ttings and service toyou adults.

We want to bebe sure that you are est.

When need us, we’ll be here. ng your best.

When need us, we’ll here. hearing your best. you need us, we’ll be here. of would welcome the opportunity to help you.

We When we willnew contact you to reschedule your that our weoffice are reopens, accepting patients.

Our Doctors

our best.

When you need us, we’ll beofus, here. hearing yourappointment. best.

When you need we’ll be here. provide hearing evaluations and hearing canceled Our Doctors Audiology will beWe aid ofcomprehensive Audiology would welcome the opportunity to helpalso you. accepting new patients.

We wish you continued good health and fittings provide and service to adults.

We want to be and surehearing that you comprehensive hearing evaluations aid are we look forward to seeing you soon! and service adults.

Weus, want to bebesure that you are hearingfittings your best.

Whentoyou need we’ll here. hearing your best. When you us, we’ll be here.Care Theneed Finest Hearing Doctors Audiology The Finest Hearing Care By

By Doctors OfOf Audiology ~ Since 1984 ~ ~ Since 1984 ~ The The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Of Audiology The Finest Hearing Care By Doctors Of Audiology Finest Hearing Care

By Doctors The Finest Hearing CareOf ByAudiology Doctors Of Audiology 3134518-01

3134518-01

3134518-01

200 North Main North Building, Suite 103 103 200~North Main Building, Suite ~~Since ~ Since 1984 1984 ~~Since 1984 ~Street,North Since 1984 ~Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Longmeadow, MA103 01028 200 North MainStreet, Street, North Building, Suite 103 200 North MainStreet, Street,East North Building, Suite 103 200 North Main North Building, Suite 103 200 North Main North Building, Suite (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com East Longmeadow, MA 01028 East Longmeadow, MA 01028 (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com East Longmeadow, MA 01028 The The Finest Hearing Care Doctors Of Audiology East Longmeadow, MAOf01028 Finest Hearing Care By

By Doctors Audiology info@hampdenhearing.com (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com 525-7979 ~(413) 1984 ~Since Since 1984 ~~ (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com 200 North Main Street,North North Building, Suite 103 103 www.hampdenhearing.com 200 North Main Street, Building, Suite Jennifer Lundgren Garcia, Au.D. Susan Bankoski Chunyk, Au.D. East Longmeadow, MA Doctor of Audiology Doctor of Audiology info@hampdenhearing.com East Longmeadow, MA01028 01028 (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com (413) 525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com

Mental Health | Addiction | Crisis | BHN TeleCare

Get Well. We Can Help.

Call BHN today at 413-BHN-WORK (413-246-9675) 24-Hour Crisis Line: 413-733-6661 bhninc.org

3134518-01