Residents will learn how to find health info online

JACKSON - Ocean County area residents can take advantage of a free seminar on online health literacy and the Medicare Part D program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive.

"The public will have an opportunity to meet directly, one-on-one, with health professionals from the Ocean County Health Department and learn how to access accurate online health information from reliable, knowledgeable resources," said Edward Rumen, the department's public information officer.

Trained representatives from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services also will be available to meet individually with the public and explain the Medicare Part D program as well as review the 2007 plans in the Medicare Plan Finder.

"In order to serve the public better, it is necessary to pre-register for the programs," Rumen said. "Any Ocean County resident wishing to take advantage of the program should call Denise Garon at the Ocean County Health Department, (732) 341-9700, ext. 7235 by Nov. 3," Rumen said.

For those individuals with limited computer experience, a "basic mouse" program will be available, reviewing keyboard and mouse use skills.

Participants wishing to take this program should arrive about a half-hour before their scheduled one-on-one appointment, Rumen noted.

"This is a great opportunity for residents who may want additional factual information on an illness or condition that they or a relative may have, and don't know where to go to get it," said Ocean County Freeholder Direc-tor Gerry P. Little, who serves as the liaison to the Board of Health.

"For those persons eligible for Medicare, having a chance to discuss the new Medicare Part D program face-to-face with a knowledgeable person is a terrific opportunity to get all your questions answered," Little said.

The upcoming program at the Jackson library is being sponsored by the Ocean County Health Department, the Ocean County Office of Senior Ser-vices, the Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Board of Freehol-ders.

Additional Ocean County branch libraries will host the program in the future at dates to be announced.