Health In Your Hands Issue #6 Winter 2013 | Page 4

T O U G A L O O C O L L E G E O W E N S H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S C E N T E R Sheriff, Seniors and Safety! By Patrice Jacobs! In May 2011, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) released the results of a year-long study about fraud and the activities that can put potential victims at risk. The study included hundreds of individuals over the age of 50 who had been victims of fraud, identity theft, or other cons to determine what actions caused them to be susceptible to the schemes. Based on the study, the AARP offered recommendations on how older adults can protect themselves from similar scams. The AARP study focused largely on individuals at or near retirement age, but the findings of the study and the recommendation offered should be taken to heart by anyone who is concerned about the possibility of fraud and identity theft.! The Active Life Senior Outreach program invited Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis and representatives from the Hinds County Sheriff Department to address identity theft, home and internet safety for older adults in the Jackson metro area. ! ! 5 recommendations for how individuals of any age can better avoid becoming a victim:! • ! ! ! ! Seniors should do their homework before making a decision to invest in or purchase anything from any business. Check the references of a business online or through organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or the local Chamber of Commerce before making a purchase or signing an agreement.! • Refrain from accepting junk mail offers.! • Signing up for the national "Do Not Call" list to avoid unsolicited marketing calls.! • Wait at least 24-48 hours after hearing a sales pitch before deciding to make a purchase.! • Have a prepared a script which can be read to refuse services or offers over the phone. For more information on the Active Life Program for Older Adults, contact Patrice Jacobs, Health Educator, at (601) 977- 7701 or [email protected]. Is There A Doctor In The House?! By George “Chuck” Patterson! The Tougaloo College George A. and Ruth B. Owens Health and Wellness Center (OHWC) is a community resource facility designed to provide primary health care and preventative health services. Our clinic is a collaborative effort operated by Central Mississippi Health Services, Inc. (CMHS) and Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. Meet the medical doctor, dentist and Family Nurse Practitioner that you can see on campus between the hours of 8:00 AM -11:30AM & 2:00 PM - 5:00PM.! Dr. Janice Bacon, MD! Dr. Rose T. Straughter, DMD! Morlyn Russell, FNP! Pediatrician & ! Director of Clinical Quality! Dental Director! Family Nurse Practitioner ! Available Tuesday & Wednesday Available Monday through Friday Available Monday & Friday Our providers are dedicated to delivering the best medical and dental care possibles to our patients. For more information please contact our providers directly:! Central Mississippi Health Services, Inc. [phone] | Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center Dental Clinic [phone] "4 Health In Your Hands