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One Stop for Seniors Tired of traveling from place to place for preventive health? You no longer have to. The MatureWell Lifestyle Center opened in March to offer seniors a comprehensive wellness facility. CHI St. Joseph Health partnered with Texas A & M Health Science Center to bring senior medicine, education and wellness to the community. "It's a one-stop shop for all mature adults," said Leena Kodali, M.D., medical director, MatureWell Lifestyle Center, CHI St. Joseph Health. "Providers come together, coordinating their efforts, so nothing gets lost in translation between visits. It's a manageable system set up to keep patients' care at the forefront." STRUCTURED APPROACH The center was organized with care. The first floor is dedicated to wellness, including rehabilitation therapies, health and wellness coaching, and educational resources for preventive health lifestyle changes. The second floor houses medical offices for primary care and multiple care management. "Our goal is to create a multidisciplinary environment where we can guide patients through all aspects of their health plan and update it in real time," Dr. Kodali said. For referrals to providers outside the center, MatureWell providers gather details and schedule appointments in motion, so patients can focus on the next step ahead. A patient advocate who is a registered nurse is on staff to be a resource for seniors. COMMUNITY HEALTH The two floors offer a plethora of resources, and seniors are free to pick and choose what they need, depending on their unique situation. "Our vision is to create a comprehensive approach to senior health and wellness," Dr. Kodali said. "If patients currently see a provider who is not located in the center, we still welcome them for other services. The MatureWell Lifestyle Center offers a spectrum of wellness services to anyone above age 55." Come here to exercise, meet new people, train together, and work toward health or rehabilitation goals in a community of seniors. To learn more about MatureWell services, ask your physician, call 979-731-6126 or visit MatureWell.CHIStJosephHealth.org. Patient Checklist Want to engage more with your doctor at your next visit? Prepare using this list: Write down your concerns. Any new symptoms? Are medications interfering with your current lifestyle? Feel lonely and isolated? Jot down how you are doing, physically, mentally and emotionally. Bring your medical history. This information should include your family history, along with current diagnoses, medications and therapies. You want to present your doctor with a complete view of your health. Invite trusted counsel. Maybe you need a ride to your next visit or want a companion. Pick someone you trust. Go to MatureWell.CHIStJosephHealth.org to download a checklist for your next doctor's appointment. 4 CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH /// CHIStJoseph.org