PROVIDING ASSISTANCE – VOICE OF THE TOWNSHIP

Most of us are aware that we should: eat the right foods, exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep, not smoke or use tobacco, not drink alcohol excessively, not “do” drugs; brush and floss your teeth. Even though we are aware of these things, we often don’t do what is best for our bodies. Some people don’t seek medical help when they are feeling ill. Some use all of their medicine, and then wait days or months before refilling it. Some make a conscious decision to discontinue medication, without consulting a physician. It’s best to get a clear understanding of why your medication has been prescribed, and what happens if doses are missed. Physicians and pharmacists can help with providing this information. Reading the written information that is provided when the prescription is dispensed is beneficial to you.

When asked why they quit taking prescriptions, some clients answered: they forgot; the symptoms went away; they were trying to save money; they didn’t like the side effects of the medications. Using a pillbox with daily compartments or marking the calendar as you take your medicines might help with the problem of “forgetting”. There are programs that provide free or reduced cost medications. If you have problems paying for prescriptions, ask your physician to refer you to such programs. If you have unwanted side effects from a prescription, discuss it with your physician. He or she may be able to switch you to a different prescription which doesn’t have the side effects.

We encounter clients who are suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease and other ailments. Literature about diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease is readily available in many physician offices. Read some of the literature provided in the offices. Ask your physician or nurse about scheduled training sessions for the diseases, and then attend the sessions. Do searches online using the ailment as the keyword, to get useful information.

Most of us know that there are some organizations that offer free or reduced health services. The Northeast 211 Center can be reached by dialing 211, or (260) 744-0700. If you need medical assistance they can provide names of organizations that may be able to help you.

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According to the Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic website, they offer medical, dental, vision and hearing services. They are located at 413 E. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Their online address is matthew25online.org. Go to the website and view the information provided. According to the Living Luke’s Legacy Clinic website, some of the services the clinic offers are: blood pressure screenings; TB tests; general check-ups; treatment for minor illnesses; health trainings on site. The address shown on the website is Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 3705 South Anthony Blvd. Door #9, Fort Wayne, IN 46806. Their online address is livinglukeslegacy.com.

When seeking medical assistance from our office, you may make a request on days other than your assigned letter day. When medication is needed, come in as soon as you can to request it. Call our office for additional information on medical assistance, (260) 449-7000.

Providing assistance to those in need opens the door for Township employees to see many happy endings to some stories. However, we also see sad endings. As clients come into our office, we get to know them and know much of what is going on in their lives. It touches us deeply when the last communication relating to someone is a request for burial for the person. It is truly a sad day then. Know that The Wayne Township Trustee Office is here to help with your difficult circumstances. Contact us for help with your medical and other issues, so that your story doesn’t end as a sad story because you needed assistance and didn’t request it.

Richard A. Stevenson, Sr.
Wayne Township Trustee
www.waynetownship.org