New Program at WILC
To Promote
Health And Wellness

It has been documented by numerous studies that individuals who have a physical disability are at higher risk for secondary disabilities and illnesses. Osteoporosis and diabetes are just two examples of afflictions that are attributed to limited mobility. Compounding the problem, inaccessible health care facilities create barriers that limit access to good preventative care.

This Spring, the Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) will offer Living Well, a new program designed to help individuals incorporate lifestyle changes that promote health and wellness by teaching strategies that can help prevent secondary illness and disability. Participants will learn goal setting and problem solving skills important for maintaining optimal health. They will be taught strategies for positive thinking and coping with depression. In addition, they will be coached in developing effective communication and advocacy skills for dealing with health care professionals, as well as the skills necessary to evaluate information and recommendations from those professionals. The curriculum will also include information helpful for preventing specific secondary health problems.

Twelve participants are now being recruited for this eight (8) week program. Each participant will be asked to complete a survey before participation in the program, as well as two post-program surveys, receiving a $10 stipend for each completed survey. Participants will also be reimbursed for travel expenses.

If you are interested in being recruited for the Living Well Program, please contact Evelyn Fernandez, Intake Specialist at (914) 682-3926, ext. 106.

Westchester County Launches
Discount Prescription Drug
Program

Westchester County residents can now save on prescription drugs by enrolling in the county's new WestchesterRx Program. Utilizing a national network of participating pharmacies, WestchesterRx negotiates discounted prices and passes them on to participants. If you are a Westchester resident, you are eligible to participate. However, people without health insurance, those on Medicare, or those whose health care plans do not offer prescription drug coverage will benefit most.

The program offers three (3) ways to save. Savings can be realized at your local pharmacy. Still larger savings can be had using the Program's mail order service. Orders through the Program's Canadian pharmacy network will be the most cost effective.

Customer service representatives are available at WestchesterRx's toll free telephone number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To get more info, or to enroll, call 1-800-771-9196 or visit WestchesterRx's website at www.westchesterrx.com.

New Westchester County
Human Rights Website

Westchester County's human rights law went into effect March 2000 making it illegal in Westchester County to commit discriminatory acts against individuals because of their group identity based on their race, color, religion, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in the areas of employment, access to places of public accommodation, housing and real estate, and credit. www.westchestergov.com/ humanrightscommission contains helpful info about your rights under the law, how you can file a complaint, and useful links to other websites.