Kern Family Health Care | Family Health | Spring 2021

HEALTH TM SPRING 2021 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 88 Dementia is a term that covers a range of conditions. It includes Alzheimer’s disease. COVID-19 or Valley Fever Telehealth Sexually transmitted infections In this issue 7 Page 4 Page 2 Page What is dementia? y Having trouble with money or bills. y Misplacing things in odd places. For example, putting mail in the freezer. y Repeating questions. y Taking longer to complete daily tasks. y Losing track of the day or year. Dementia is caused by changes in the brain. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s include: y Getting lost in familiar places. —Continued on page 2 —Continued on page 5 You can help stop the pandemic by getting the COVID-19 vaccine! We know that some people may be concerned about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Routine steps and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is allowed or approved for use. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are good at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Experts also think that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is a good tool to help us get back to normal. COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the COVID-19 virus. That means a person could still get COVID-19 just after the vaccine. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide immunity. To help protect yourself before and after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine: y Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19. y Stay at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you. y Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the