Being Informed Makes a Big Difference

[Howard Hartman]

Here’s what you’ll find below:

• Health Enterprise Zone Public Forum on July 26
• Scammers Out to Profit from Affordable Care Act
• Warning Signs of Stroke 

Health Enterprise Zone Public Forum on July 26 

Join Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as they discuss Health Enterprise Zones. The goal of Health Enterprise Zones is to expand access to health services in areas currently underserved by healthcare providers. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 26 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring.  Montgomery County Health and Human Services Director, Uma Ahluwalia, will join the State officials.

 

Scammers Out to Profit from Affordable Care Act

Claiming to be from the Federal government, scammers are calling residents saying they need to verify personal information. For example, they might have the routing number of the resident’s bank and request the entire account number. Other times, they ask for credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, Medicare ID or other personal information. 

The Federal Trade Commission cautions against providing personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, e-mails or knocks on the door. To file a complaint about someone claiming to be from the government, call toll-free, 1-877-382-4357.

Warning Signs of Stroke 

A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack." If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage. Know the signs so you can take action right away.

 

Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion and trouble speaking or understanding are also common. Other signs include: trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness and loss of balance or coordination; and sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

 

Immediate treatment can save lives and reduce disability. Call 911. If the stroke is caused by a blood clot, a clot-busting drug may be given to dissolve the clot.

 

 

July Topics:  The Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging, the recent press event about the County's Senior Initiative with County Executive Leggett, Councilmember Leventhal and the Commission on Aging Chair, Judy Wells; and more.

Show Times:  Click here. 

Where to Watch:  Comcast and RCN channel 6; Verizon channel 30; or On-Demand at the County's website by clicking here.