Help yourself to health: Be your own advocate
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
People of all ages should take an active role in looking after their own health. PCA helps older adults take control of their health and well-being.
PCA has many programs to support different areas of one’s life that support health, including information and resources to improve finances, education, health care, neighborhoods and community connections. These areas affect quality of life. Factors such as poverty, jobs and education have a big impact on health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these factors can impact up to 50% of local variations in health outcomes.
PCA wants to give older adults the tools and resources to make healthy choices. Even small changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Our programs aim to help people stay healthy, take care of themselves, and build strong social connections.
PCA’s work follows the Older Americans Act, which says that health promotion and disease prevention are important for older Americans to stay healthy and independent. We want to support older adults with home- and community-based services and supports.
Our mission is to provide services so older adults can live as independently as possible, knowing they are supported. We have been working toward this goal for over 50 years through education and support.
To advocate for your own health, you can: prepare for medical appointments by writing down your symptoms, current medications, and questions; bring someone with you to help talk to the doctor (if it would be helpful to you); and ask for clearer explanations if you don’t understand medical terms.
For more information on health advocacy, check out this article about Dr. Ala Stanford, who was awarded the Rodney D. Williams Award for Excellence in Service and Leadership for her dedication to older people and those with disabilities.
