By Vicki Scott
The George Wallace Senior Center in Glencoe was invaded by yours truly on Jan. 9, and I am so glad I showed up and surprised the residents! Not only did I enjoy seeing everyone (as I always do), I found out some information that might be useful.
A gentleman named Greg Lawrence shared the benefits and qualifications of genetic cancer testing and a clear captions phone. Medicare may pay for the genetic cancer test if you have or had cancer in the past or have a parent, grandparent or relative who has or had cancer. This test is to find out if one has the cancer gene. If it comes out positive, preventive measures can be made to combat cancer. The test is free for those who qualify. A health care advocate will meet you and perform the simple swab test after the qualification process. Greg Lawrence will be coming to the center in a few weeks to perform some tests.
The clear captions phone is a free phone for those with hearing loss. The phone and captioning service is provided through a federally-funded program. It has an eight-inch full color touchscreen display, amplified handset up to 50db boost, an answering machine with captioned messages, three tone settings for customized sound, integrated phone book and call log, hands-free speakerphone and free installation with lifetime warranty. High-speed internet is required for use of this phone.
Both pieces of information could be beneficial to anyone over age 60 with these qualifications. If interested, call Greg Lawrence at 205-733-7119 and see if you qualify.
Thanks for the information, and thanks to George Wallace Senior Center for welcoming me every time I visit, surprise or not! I love y’all so much!