If you've had chickenpox, even as a kid, you're at risk for shingles. Shingles' trademark symptom is a painful rash or blisters on one side of the body only. But a vaccine can protect you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults 50 and older.

"You can avoid the pain and long-term issues caused by shingles with the vaccination," says Kendika Abrams, M.D., a gerontologist with Bolivar Family Care Center. "It's 90% effective at preventing shingles in people 50 and older with a healthy immune system."

Ask your primary care provider about the vaccine. Stephens Pharmacy in Bolivar and CMH Buffalo Community Pharmacy also have the shingles vaccination available.

CMH Foundation Impact Report

Thanks to our many generous donors, 2024 was a year of growth and transformation for the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation!

Read more about life-saving services and support provided by the Foundation in our 2023-24 Impact Report, now available online.

Philanthropy: A lifelong pursuit

Craig and Lisa Lehman of Bolivar have been inspired by their parents' lifelong commitment to community service, particularly through their involvement with Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH). They continue the legacy by supporting CMH events and through Lisa's volunteer work with the CMH Auxiliary.

Preparing for a joint replacement surgery

Advanced planning can make a big difference when it comes to recovering from a joint replacement surgery. As the orthopedic patient navigator at the CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center, Olivia Cumley, DNP, FNP-C, helps patients have the best possible outcomes. Read her five tips for preparing for a joint replacement surgery.

CMH Health News is an e-newsletter published by Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation twice a month. For more information, email marketing@citizensmemorial.com.