Mel Kuntemeier is a caregiver and current volunteer at the Smith Alzheimer’s Center’s Beyond the Medical Center programs. If you would like to submit a question for the next column, please email care@siumed.edu.

The Smith Alzheimer's Center is excited to bring its Minds in Motion program, designed for persons experiencing memory loss or dementia and their caregivers, to the NAACP. From brain games, music, exercise, art and more, the goal of Minds in Motion is to have activities using all five senses to improve or maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Stop by for light refreshments and an overview of the programs on Nov. 9. We're looking forward to meeting you and demonstrating this program firsthand! For more information about the event, please email care@siumed.edu or call 217.545

Virtual health care options have become much more widespread in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Most Illinois residents can now access telehealth services from their home or workplace. A patient can use an app on their phone to call, message or video chat with a health care provider who can assess their symptoms and give advice. What is telehealth? Telehealth (or telemedicine) is a method of receiving medical care using common communication technology to deliver advanced medical, educational and research information to patients and practitioners. Telehealth activities can be conducted

Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of monkeypox. For the Springfield region, the Sangamon County Department of Public Health has expanded eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine. Expanded eligibility criteria are as follows: Anyone regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation who: Had recent skin-to-skin contact or intimate contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox. Exchanged goods or services for sex in the last six months. Is living with HIV, especially persons with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease. Is eligible to take or currently taking PrEP (pre-exposure