By Autumn Gray,
The 28th annual Prime Time 50+ Health Expo, Albuquerque’s largest free health fair for seniors, is scheduled for 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. October 9 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Place NE, near Downtown.
The event will offer ages 50 and older an opportunity to learn from about 60 vendors and providers giving information on Medicare, retirement living, immunizations, and general health and wellness topics. In addition, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico’s Care Van program will collaborate with Optum New Mexico and Walgreens to offer no-cost flu shots and screenings for blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, and cholesterol.
Free breakfast, a live band, a book giveaway, and door prizes will inject some fun into the event.
People seeking a ride to and from the Expo can catch a free shuttle provided by the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs. Shuttles will leave from the centers at 8 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. They will depart the hotel and head back to the senior centers at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Meet the 2024 Prime Time 50+ Health Expo Speakers
9 a.m. Alicia Pruitt, family medicine provider at Optum New Mexico
Alicia Pruitt’s background is in emergency medicine where she learned how to treat a variety of patient needs. As a former teacher, she enjoys not only treating patients but also educating them about their conditions and ways to manage their health to improve outcomes.
For example, Pruitt said, “Prescription medication can have important health and quality of life benefits, but these benefits are realized only if people take the medication as prescribed. Often, nonadherence goes unnoticed until harmful symptoms occur. The key to experiencing the most benefit from prescription medication in the safest possible way is to learn the facts.”
Making Medications Work Better: 1 Pill, 2 Pills, Red Pill, Blue Pill? Medications can be confusing, and older adults and people with long-term conditions often need to take many different types, including vitamins and supplements. What medications go together? Which compete with one another? Join Alicia to learn ways to be better informed about your medication, what questions to ask your provider or pharmacist, and more.
10 a.m. Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Shankar joined BCBSNM as chief medical officer in March 2022. She has served as a physician executive for about 11 years and is experienced in ambulatory, inpatient, and managed care settings. As chief medical officer, Dr. Shankar is responsible for the development and clinical oversight of BCBSNM’s health care management programs. In addition, she maintains effective relationships with physicians, hospitals, and medical service companies.
Dr. Shankar has a medical degree from Madras Medical College in Chennai, India, and holds a master of business administration degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has authored and co-authored various published articles on medical research and clinical and patient experience, and she serves on the board of the New Mexico Chapter of the American Heart Association. Keeping Healthy into Your Later Years. Dr. Shankar will cover a variety of topics, including exercise, how to eat right and simple steps you can take to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “Preventive care and health and wellness education are vital for maintaining good health,” Dr. Shankar said.
11 a.m. Donna Norris, President and CEO of Norris and Associates LLC
Donna Norris has 45 years of experience in the health insurance industry. In 1985, she started her agency, which specializes in Medicare, employer group, individual and life insurance. Her role is to guide individuals to apply for and choose the insurance option that best helps them meet their health care needs.
Norris also serves on several insurance advisory boards and is instrumental in providing consumer feedback to them. She was a past state president of the National Association of Health Underwriters and has received numerous top producer awards for her dedication to helping people understand their options.
Medicare 101: Norris’ presentation will review the different parts of Medicare, including how to enroll and what to consider when looking for a plan.
Thank you to our long-time presenting sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico as well as our other valued sponsors Optum New Mexico, Humana, Christus St. Vincent, Cigna, as well as the City of Albuquerque for providing transportation.
