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22 | THE COLONY NEWS | FEBRUARY 2023 | Health & More CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Thursday, Feb. 9, 10 am. This support group, presented by Kristi Necochea, is designed to help educate and support those who are caring for a loved one with any ailment. We meet the second Thursday of each month. HEARING AID CHECK Thursday, Feb. 16, 9 to 10:30 am. This free service is provided by Johnson & Johnson every third Thursday of the month in the Clubhouse Card Room. There is no charge for this service. TECH TALK Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9 to 10 am. Do you have questions about your cellphone or tablet? Come to the Meeting Room the second Wednesday of each month and we will help you. There is no cost to attend and no need to RSVP. SENIOR MEN'S SOFTBALL Stay tuned for exciting news from Men's Softball. If you would like more information, please call Kara in the Activities Office at 951-677-0541 The Colony is now offering multi-day tours and cruises, which include airfare, transfers and pick up from The Colony parking lot. Below is a partial list of excursions available. Please see Kara in the Activities Office for a full itinerary and information. Feb. 14 - 19: Countdown to Mardi Gras Mar. 10 - 16: Southern Delight June 6 - 13: The Mighty Wonders of the Southwest MULTI-DAY EXCURSIONS www.friendlyexcursions.com LAUGHLIN BUS TRIP Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 7 – 9. Are you feeling lucky? Join us on our Laughlin getaway. You will spend two relaxing nights at the Aquarius Casino, situated along the banks of the Colorado River. Trip includes deluxe transportation, two nights at the Aquarius (non-smoking tower), baggage handling, snacks, bingo for the bus ride, and tips and gratuities. We will leave at 9 am on Tuesday and return at approximately 6 pm on Thursday. Rates are $240 double occupancy. Trip hosted by Activities Director, Kara Hardy. COVID-19 PANDEMIC: WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2023 YOUR HEALTH MATTERS By Leslee B. Cochrane, MD, Executive Medical Director – Hospice of the Valleys, 951-200-7800 It has been almost three years since the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in California. In the past three years, we have learned a lot about how the virus spreads and now have several immunizations and various treatments available to help mitigate the effects of the virus. The current Public Health Emergency related to Covid-19 is set to expire on Jan. 11, 2023 but will likely be extended through April of 2023 to allow for the 60-day notice, which the Department of Health and Human Services has pledged to give before ending the public health emergency. The World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a public health emergency on Jan. 30, 2020 and later declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. When a new rapidly spreading disease develops, it is initially described as an epidemic. If that new disease begins to cause widespread disruption and illness, it is then described as a pandemic. Once the disease becomes more stable and manageable, it is then referred to as being an endemic disease or virus. The seasonal flu is an example of a virus, which has been with us for quite some time, and is now considered endemic. Although there may be seasonal outbreaks of the flu and occasional epidemics, there are vaccinations and treatments to help prevent the flu from becoming a pandemic. Although the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency remains in effect for now, most experts agree that the pandemic is moving toward endemic status at this time. This does not mean that the virus has been eradicated, but rather that it has now become less widespread and more manageable. Covid-19 will likely be with us for years to come, much as the seasonal flu, which changes strains from year to year. Just as we have immunizations and treatments for the flu, there are immunizations and treatments to aid in the battle against Covid-19. As Covid-19 transitions from pandemic to endemic status in the months to come, the CDC will continue to provide updated guidance regarding Covid-19. To learn more about the most up to date CDC recommendations for Covid-19 care and treatment options please refer to their website: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html.