Is it a cold or the flu? Here’s how to tell“My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have

the flu or is it just because I’m stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?”

Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

Flu—influenza—is caused by a virus that attacks your respiratory system. Health experts agree that if you’re generally in good health, the flu—either seasonal or H1N1—will likely do no more than make you feel rotten for a few days. You probably won’t develop complications or need to go to the hospital. If, however, you have an

already weakened immune system or are among those considered high risk—such as infants, young children, pregnant women or the elderly—the flu can be a serious and even fatal illness.

Common symptoms of both the seasonal and swine flu include:• Sudden onset. Colds usually develop over a few days

and are only a nuisance. Flu hits you quickly and hard.• Chills, sweats, headache and body aches, especially in

the back, arms and legs.• Fever higher than 101° F in adults and up to 103° or

105° in children.• Nasal congestion but a dry cough.• Overall weakness and fatigue.

• No appetite in adults and children, and diarrhea and vomiting in children.

• Worsening of chronic ailments.Most healthy adults will only need to treat the symptoms

and let the illness run its course. Infants, young children or adults at risk of complications, however, should see the doctor right away. Antiviral drugs, taken in the first 48 hours that symptoms develop, may trim the length of the illness and help prevent the development of serious complications like pneumonia.

Ultimately, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated. n

Secure Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit at Medford Multicare CenterMedford Multicare Center for Living of-

fers a dedicated secure unit for Alzheim-er’s and Dementia patients who wander or require a higher level of personal care. Medford Multicare Center’s goal is to pro-vide the best quality of life possible based on each individual’s capacity, and to give their family members peace of mind.

Medford Multicare Center for Living cares for Alzheimer’s and Dementia pa-tients of all functional levels. Each resi-dent is evaluated by Medford’s interdis-ciplinary team to develop a personalized care plan. Caregivers who have exhibited extraordinary compassion and exception-al understanding of the special care needs of these residents are hand-picked to care for residents on this unit.

The team at Medford focuses on depres-sion and behavioral problems. With the active involvement of psychologists and

psychiatrists, the team addresses psycho-logical and behavioral concerns associ-ated with dementia. “We recognize the uniqueness of each person with dementia. We strive to create an atmosphere that celebrates each person’s individuality and supports a community where fami-lies and residents can feel secure”, said David Fielding, Administrator and Eden Alternative® Associate. The challenge is to address loneliness, helplessness, and boredom, and Medford aims to engage residents in meaningful activities in order to reduce dependence on medications.

Socialization with peers and activities are an important part of life at the facility. Medford’s staff encourages socialization and participation as much as tolerated to promote an active lifestyle. Medford’s unit has a private, gated patio where out-door events are held. They have recently

installed a wheelchair garden where resi-dents grow fresh vegetables and herbs in warm months. Medford Multicare Center has dedicated therapeutic recreation staff members specifically assigned to the unit. The Therapeutic Recreation staff engages residents in programs including intergen-erational programs, reading, exercise, trivia, pet therapy, barbecues, and arts and crafts including painting, clay proj-ects and cooking.

Family members are welcome and en-couraged to volunteer and be active par-ticipants at Medford Multicare Center for Living.

Medford Multicare Center for Living also provides short-term restorative re-hab, skilled nursing, long term geriatric services, respiratory care services and has a dedicated ventilator unit.

For further information, or to tour our

facility, please call 631-730-3000 or visit www.medfordmulticare.org. Medford Multicare Center for Living is convenient-ly located at 3115 Horseblock Road in Medford, NY, right off LIE exit 64. n

A resident and family member enjoy an activity at Medford Multicare Center for Living.

• Macular Degeneration (Wet & Dry)• Diabetic Retinopathy• Retinal Detachment• Retinal Complications of Trauma• Retinal Complications of Cataract Surgery

• Retinal Vein Occlusion• Retinal Artery Occlusion• Macular Pucker and Hole• Macular Edema• Complex Vitreomacular Disorders

233 Union AvenUe - SUite 103 - Holbrook (Exit 61 of the LIE)

(In the Holbrook Medical & Professional Center)

Call for an appointment 631-585-7771

Practice Specializing in theTreatment of Macular Disorders

Convenient offiCe HoUrS

(Saturday Hours Available)

MoStinSUrAnCeSACCePteD

CoUrteoUSStAff

Geoffrey Weisman, mDFellowship trained retinal specialist and member of American Society of Retina SpecialistsFellow of American Academy of Ophthalmology • Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Retina – Macular – Vitreous Specialist

Specializing in the following retinal/macular conditions:

w w w. m a c u l a r s p e c i a l i s t . c o m

Combines intraocular drug therapies, laser and vitreoretinal surgery techniques in the maintenance and restoration of vision.