This Father’s Day, Jim Furyk will be thinking about more than just strategizing for the next Major as he joins Pfizer to encourage adults 65 and older to take responsibility for their health. On Father’s Day 2003, Furyk won a Major with his coach and father, Mike, by his side. This year, Jim will be one of 156 golfers to gather in Oakmont, PA, to play in one of professional golf’s major championship tournaments.
For adults 65 and older, healthy aging includes eating well, staying physically active, seeing their doctor for regular health visits and making sure they are up-to-date on vaccines that may help protect against potentially serious infectious diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia.
“My dad’s been with me every step of the way, and frankly, I wouldn’t be the man and golfer I am today if it weren’t for him,” said Furyk. “But now it’s time for me to ‘coach my coach’ about taking personal responsibility for his well-being. Just like overcoming hazards along a golf course, understanding your risk for potentially serious infectious illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia can help adults 65 and older stay on the right track. Talk to your healthcare provider and make sure that you’re up-to-date on all of your appropriate vaccinations.”
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious and, in some cases, life-threatening illness that can strike at any time.2 Adults age 65 and older may be at increased risk for illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia because our immune systems naturally weaken as we age.3 But, vaccines can help reduce the chance of getting certain infectious diseases.4
In order to help further educate adults 65 and older about pneumococcal pneumonia and the importance of adult vaccination, Pfizer will host an interactive “KnowPneumonia” booth at the Quicken Loans National (June 22 – 26 in Bethesda, MD), the Barclays (August 24 – 28 in Farmingdale, NY) and the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola (September 21 – 25 in Atlanta, GA) tournaments. Tournament attendees who visit the KnowPneumonia booth will have the chance to attend an on-site meet-and-greet with Furyk.
Adults 65 years of age and older should speak with their doctor or pharmacist about their personal risk for illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia and check their vaccination status.
To get started, visit www.KnowPneumonia.com(link is external) to learn more and take a quiz to learn more about your own personal risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.
