By CJ Blomquist OptumCare With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to break out the recipe books. If you’re looking for something new to add to your table this year, join Chef Pablo on Dec. 3 for a special virtual cooking class. “Chef Pablo has been here in Leisure World a few times, and he has always been popular,” said Grecia Nunez, the senior ambassador at

Though Leisure World Seal Beach has remained largely COVID-free, there’s a good chance many residents know someone who was affected by the virus. Social distancing measures have prevented people from helping sick friends and family, but experts say people need to be more supportive during the pandemic. “If you know someone who has become ill with COVID-19, do not to judge or blame them,”

LOS ALAMITOS MEDICAL CENTER Los Alamitos Medical Center (LAMC) recently opened a state-of-the-art Step Down Unit (SDU), just in time for the flu season. The new unit is for patients who are no longer required to be in an intensive care or critical care unit but are not yet well enough to be in general care. Among the modern technology introduced in the SDU is the use of on-the-wall

The first clinic the Health Care Center sponsored this fall was a tremendous success, with more than 1,100 GRF members taking advantage of the drive-through event. GRF has arranged for OptumCare to host a second event, and this one is free to all—even if your insurance does not cover it or you are not a member of OptumCare. The flu shot is more important than ever this year, and to help keep

FLU SHOTS The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) continues to urge people to get a flu shot. While it doesn’t protect anyone from COVID-19, it will lower susceptibility to influenza, which can help to keep immune systems healthy. According to the CDC, getting vaccinated prevented approximately 4.4 million influenza illnesses during the 2018-2019 flu season. Only about half of Americans