In this edition
- Shots for Seniors: Why Getting Vaccinated is Important
- August is National Water Quality Month – How much water should I drink?
- Does coffee or juice count as a fluid?
- Drink Swaps
- Fresh Fruit with Warm Honey Yogurt Topping
- Nevada SNAP-Ed
About the Newsletter
Immunize Nevada writes on the importance of being up to date with immunizations and encourages you to talk with a health professional about which vaccines you might need. In addition, for water quality month, tips are provided to increase water consumption and how to swap surgery drinks for a healthier drink choice.
Shots for Seniors:
Why Getting Vaccinated is Important
Immunize Nevada logo
AAugust is National Immunization Awareness Month.
It is important for all ages to get vaccinated.
Many recall those trips to the doctor or pharmacy as a child. Dreading the needle and anticipating the post-vaccine lollipop. Immunizations required for school prompted our need to get vaccinated.
Vaccines do not abruptly end in childhood. As we get older, our bodies require additional protection against certain diseases due to a weaker immune system. Vaccines are important preventable health measures to protect your body against potentially serious infections.
Why does getting vaccinated matter? It protects you and your loved ones from getting and spreading serious diseases. Getting vaccinated allows you to travel, see family and friends, and have peace of mind. We are coming out of a global pandemic and many of us spent a period not seeing our loved ones for safety reasons. The COVID-19 vaccine allowed vaccinated people to protect themselves and their loved ones against possible illness and hospitalizations. In 2022, over 1.9 million people over 65 had a risk of complications and hospitalization from the flu and COVID-19.
Approximately one million people develop shingles each year and 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is a viral infection that causes rashes and can lead to permanent nerve damage. Two shingle vaccine doses are over 91% effective preventing shingles and possible nerve damage.
Recommended vaccines for seniors. The CDC recommends adults over 65 years receive their shingles, pneumonia, high dose flu, and Tdap vaccines. Additionally, COVID-19 and Hepatitis B are recommended for all adults. Recently, the FDA approved RSV vaccines for older adults. Please talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which vaccines are right for you.
The high dose flu vaccine should be administered once annually. Shingles vaccines are in a two doses series. The pneumonia vaccine has several options and your provider or pharmacist will recommend what’s right for you. Tdap boosters are administered once every 10 years. While the COVID-19 vaccination series consists of two primary doses and at least one booster, it is common for many seniors to be on their fourth or fifth dose.
Importance of boosters. Boosters give an added layer of protection to your immune system. By the time you reach older adulthood, your immune system needs a refresher. The COVID-19 boosters will provide you with better protection against new strains of COVID-19 and improve your body's ability to lessen severe symptoms.
Where can I get vaccinated for free in Nevada? You know how important they are and you want to get your vaccines. The next step is to find out where to go. Free or low-cost vaccine resources include Immunize Nevada, the local health department, your pharmacy, your doctor’s office and often at your local senior center.
Want to learn more?
August is National Water Quality Month – How much water should I drink?
Woman drinking water while on a walk outside
Follow these tips to help ensure you’re drinking enough
water each day:
- Adults need the equivalent of 8-12 cups of water each day, based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.
- Some people may need more or less water, depending on how active they are.
- People who live in hot climates and those exercising may need more.
- Water is also found in drinks, like milk and juices, and foods like soups, fruits and vegetables.
Does coffee or juice count as a fluid?
Two glasses of sugary drinks
Any beverage can meet your water needs if you don't like water.
However, be aware of beverages that contain sugars, like soft drinks,
enhanced waters, sweetened milk and fruit cocktail juices.
Learn more at:
Drink Swaps
Two glasses of water with fruit slices
DIY Fruit Soda – Reduce the sugar but keep the flavor. Mix half 100% juice and half seltzer with a squeeze of lime juice!
Water and Fruit – Get the same electrolytes by recharging with water and a piece of fresh or frozen fruit. Simply add your fruit to chilled water for a yummy treat with no added sugar.
Check out:
Fresh Fruit with Warm Honey Yogurt Topping
Fresh Fruit with Warm Honey Yogurt Topping
Aug. 3 is National Watermelon Day and what better way to get some additional water into your body than to eat a delicious in-season fruit? Peach Day is Aug. 22 with peaches and watermelon making a great combination in the recipe below. National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 6-12. You can use your EBT card at most farmers markets in Nevada to stock up on these delicious fruits and other in-season summer vegetables and local honey.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of fresh fruit, such as berries, melons, pears, plums, peaches or a combination
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Wash and cut fruits. Rinse and zest lemon using the small holes on a boxgrater.
- Divide fruit evenly among four bowls.
- Combine yogurt, honey and lemon zest in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for one minute. Stir well.
- Drizzle honey yogurt topping over the fruit and serve.
For Chef’s Notes and Nutrition Facts visit:
Nevada SNAP-Ed
Nevada SNAP-Ed logo
An EEO/AA institution. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Nevada SNAP-Ed
