Dear Red Hot Mamas- August 2019

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: August 21, 2019

“Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you”…

-Mother Theresa

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

August is National Immunization Awareness month. The increase in our life expectancy has largely been due to immunizations. Everyone needs vaccinations to protect us from serious diseases like flu, measles and pneumonia. However, many women are not aware of the vaccines they actually need. It’s important to know which shots you need, when to get them and keep in your files your immunization records so you know when you were vaccinated.

You can take charge of your health by staying current on your immunizations. Your clinician should discuss ways to help you improve your health and recommend certain immunizations during your office visit. Talk to your clinician about a schedule that’s best for you.

Women’s schedules usually include:

* Flu vaccine every year
* Tetanus-diptheria every 10 years and a booster that contains pertussis (Tdap)
* Shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 60
* Pneumococcal vaccine if you are age 65 or older or if you are at high-risk for developing pneumonia
* Hepatitis A and B vaccine if you have specific risk factors (healthcare workers, chronic liver disease) and for any others who want protection against hepatitis A or B

It is important to discuss vaccination with your clinician at your annual physical but also when you plan to travel abroad. And, make sure that your family gets the shots they need as well.

In closing, all my life I have tried to help others, including all the Red Hot Mamas out there. From doing so, I have received such satisfaction. It’s brought me closer to thousands of women and it’s made a huge difference in my life.

So, I am grateful for all of you who are reading this newsletter, or those who log onto my website www.redhotmamas.org, or attend Red Hot Mamas programs.

I am grateful to have you all in my life. I also admire your quest for acquiring health information and it is my hope that you all will live long, healthy and happy lives.

Good Health to You All,

Karen Giblin