The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expect that illnesses due to the H1N1 (a.k.a. swine flu) virus will continue for some time; therefore, vaccination trials are underway and a vaccine should be available by the middle of next month. We do not know when - or if - we will receive the vaccine. Distribution will be government managed, from the federal and state levels to our local health departments. In the meantime, we urge you to get vaccinated for regular seasonal influenza as soon as possible and to take everyday precautions (hand-washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, etc.) to protect your health.
 
Who's at the greatest risk?

• Pregnant women
• Young people, ages 6 months to 24 years
• Caregivers and household contacts of infants ≤6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency workers
• Patients ages 24 to 64 years with chronic medical illnesses
  

 
While studies indicate there is a lower risk for infection among those 65 and older, we anticipate the vaccine will be offered to this group once the demand has been met among the younger age groups at greater risk.
 
For more information, including details on H1N1 symptoms, treatment, emergency warning signs and how to protect yourself, visit the CDC website.

An exciting new community for seniors has just joined our neighborhood! Barrington and Indianspring of Oakley offer a complete campus of care at the corner of Madison and Red Bank roads. 
 
An independent and assisted living apartment community, Barrington offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities galore, including an on-site movie theater, spa and beauty shop. Plus, there are no entrance fees or long-term contracts. And there's no need to move to another location if your health needs change and you need a bit of assistance. That's worry-free living at Barrington!
 
Indianspring is a state-of-the-art transitional care center specializing in short-term rehabilitation and nursing care. From its specialized rehab units and integrative medicine programs to its many private rooms and beautiful patio areas where residents can relax by outdoor fireplaces, Indianspring offers a perfect blend of care and home. There's also a Montessori school on site, where students and residents often visit. And residents and their guests alike enjoy the on-site Starbucks coffee shop!
 
Barrington/Indianspring of Oakley will soon expand their campus of care to offer residents convenient access to some of the city's finest medical providers and wellness experts, as retail space is filled.
 
For more information on these or other Carespring communities, visit their website.