Connections HEALTHY Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Platteville, WI Permit No. 7 AdventHealth Manchester 210 Marie Langdon Drive Manchester, KY 40962 Fall 2023 WITH FLU SEASON approaching, it’s good to remember that you can do a lot to lower your risk of getting this contagious virus. Take these actions: 1 Get a flu vaccine. And make sure everyone in your family age 6 months or older gets a flu shot annually before flu season starts, which is usually in September or early October. Why every year? Experts determine which flu viruses will be most prominent during the upcoming flu season and develop the vaccine accordingly. Before getting the vaccine, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) to determine: ● If there’s a health reason you should not get vaccinated this year ● If you should get a flu shot or the flu nasal spray 2 Try to keep away from germs. ● Wash your hands often with soap and water. ● Steer clear of sick people. ● Keep home, car and work surfaces clean and disinfected. ● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 3 Avoid infecting others. ● Cover your coughs and sneezes. ● Limit your contact with people. ● If you have a fever because of the flu, avoid people up to 24 hours after your fever breaks. ● Keep in mind that you might infect those who are vulnerable: young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic health conditions. 4 Ask your PCP about antiviral medication. If you do get the flu, prescription antivirals can help: ● Keep your flu symptoms on the mild side ● Shorten the time you spend sick ● Prevent serious flu complications Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Take action to prevent the flu Flu can be an emergency People can develop severe and potentially life-threatening complications from the flu, like pneumonia. The flu can also lead to dehydration. And it can make other health problems a person may already have worse. Although anyone can develop flu complications, people at higher risk include adults over age 65, younger children and pregnant women. People with underlying health conditions—such as diabetes or heart, kidney or lung disease—are also at higher risk. Warning signs of a flu emergency If you have flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, sore throat) and you’re in a highrisk group, ask your doctor about antiviral medicines. Seek medical care right away for signs or symptoms of a flu emergency: > Trouble breathing or fast breathing in children > Chest pain > Dizziness or confusion > Severe muscle pain > Seizures > A fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens > In children, a fever above 104 degrees or any fever in infants younger than 12 weeks > Dehydration > A worsening of chronic health conditions Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Red Cross; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention GOT THE SNIFFLES? Request an appointment for flu symptoms and other ailments at PrimaryCareForLife.com
2 ADVENTHEALTH MANCHESTER | FALL 2023 MAMMOGRAPHY CAN HELP detect early signs of breast cancer before you even notice symptoms. During this low-dose x-ray, which takes about 20 minutes, a radiologic technician will position your breasts on a special machine and slowly compress your breast between two plates, which helps produce a high-quality image. These tips can help the mammogram process go smoothly. Pay attention to timing. If you still get a period, try not to schedule your mammogram the week before or during your period. That’s when breast tissue tends to be more sensitive. Skip the deodorant. On the day of your mammogram, don’t use deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams, or perfume under your arms or breasts. These products may show up as white spots or shadows on the x-ray, which may lead to more testing. Pick pants, shorts or a skirt. For the test, you’ll need to undress from the waist up. If you wear a skirt or pants rather than a dress, you’ll only need to remove your top and bra. Speak up. Tell the x-ray technologist if you have breast implants or have noticed any breast changes or problems. Let them know if you have any trouble standing or if you’re feeling dizzy or light-headed. And alert them if you’re breastfeeding or think you might be pregnant. Know that it can be uncomfortable, but it’s quick. Breast compression only lasts about 10 to 15 seconds per image. If it hurts, the technologist can try to adjust the compression. Overall, you can generally expect to get the results of your mammogram within a few weeks. If there is a health concern, you will hear from the facility earlier. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Keep on moving with occupational therapy Do you struggle to do simple daily tasks, like turning a doorknob or staying steady when you shower? If so, occupational therapy can help. How it helps Occupational therapists will meet with you in your home, a skilled nursing facility or a clinic. They evaluate your condition and provide ways to overcome barriers. Then they work with you (and perhaps your family, care provider or friend) to develop a plan that will help you get back to your normal routine as much as possible. This may include ways to help you stay safe and independent, improve your quality of life, enhance your physical capabilities, and support your leisure activities. Occupational therapists can address any problems you may have as a result of things like surgery, arthritis, a fall or a stroke. They may teach you: > Safe ways to move to ease pain and prevent further injury > Exercises to build your strength and endurance > How to use assistive devices such as canes, grabbers and wearable splints for joint support In short, an occupational therapy practitioner can help you live life to its fullest. Sources: American Occupational Therapy Association; Arthritis Foundation YOUR MAMMOGRAM: How to prepare and what to expect To schedule a mammogram or discuss results, please call (606) 262-6931 or visit ManchesterMammo.com
ADVENTHEALTHMANCHESTER.COM 3 What to know about stress WHEN YOU FACE a problem or threat, your body releases stress hormones. They make your heart beat faster and increase your blood sugar and blood pressure to help you react quickly. You may feel emotional symptoms of stress, such as irritability, depression and difficulty focusing. You might have physical problems as well, such as an upset stomach or tense muscles. Over time, stress can lead to health problems like high blood pressure or a weakened immune system. Stress can make it hard to stay at a healthy weight and cause headaches and problems with sleep. HOW TO COPE Try these strategies to reduce your stress: ● Adjust your schedule. Plan time for yourself. ● Make a move. Exercise can ease tension. ● Choose healthy foods. Eating well can help you stay healthy. ● Get plenty of ZZZs. Sleep helps your body heal. ● Give caffeine a break. Too much can make you feel jittery or anxious. ● Plan ahead. Decide how you will handle a stressful family gathering, for example. ● Relax your muscles and your mind. Try simple stretches or mindful breathing. ● Talk to your inner circle. Ask your family and friends for support. WHEN TO SEEK HELP If stress is affecting you, let your primary care provider know. To find a provider, visit GetHelpManchester.com. If you are in crisis, go to the nearest emergency room or call 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Library of Medicine; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Why mental health matters Mental health is crucial to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. When you have good mental health, you have healthy relationships and are productive in school or at work. You can adapt and cope with life’s changes and challenges. There are many types of mental illnesses, and each has distinct symptoms. However, there are some common symptoms that could signal something is wrong. Ask yourself the following questions to see if your mental health is OK. If you answer yes to any of these questions and you’ve had these problems for the past few weeks or months, talk to your primary care provider: > Have you lost your appetite? > Do you think negative thoughts about yourself? > Do you frequently feel anxious or worry a lot? > Are you irritable or moody? > Are you having problems concentrating? > Is life not as enjoyable as it used to be? > Is it hard to do things like get out of bed or go to work? > Are you sleeping too much or too little? > Are you seeing or hearing things that really aren’t there? Get the help you need Getting help for a mental illness is a sign of strength—not weakness. Effective treatments, such as medications and counseling, are available. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, may help too. Your provider may refer you to a mental health professional for more help. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Psychiatric Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sissel Jacob President/CEO Anita Cornett Chief Medical Officer Jesse Kleven Chief Financial Officer James Nelson Chief Nursing Officer James Couch Vice President Christina Couch Editor Information in HEALTHY CONNECTIONS comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2023 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Makes 4 servings. Ingredients 1 can (141⁄ 2-ounce) reducedsodium chicken broth 1⁄ 2 cup water 1 pound (3 medium) potatoes, cut into 1⁄ 2-inch cubes 1 medium carrot, cut into 1⁄ 4-inch slices 1 pound boned and skinned chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1⁄ 4-inch slices 3 green onions, sliced 2 teaspoons dried basil 1⁄ 8 teaspoon salt 1⁄ 8 teaspoon black pepper OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Kids benefit too People of all ages, from babies to seniors, can benefit from occupational therapy (OT)—and it’s never too early to start if a child needs help. Pediatric occupational therapists can help children with a range of developmental and physical disabilities due to things like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other birth- or illness-related conditions. OT can help improve a child’s upper body function, fine motor skills, visual-motor function and sensory processing skills. And it can help a child develop the skills needed for everyday activities or tasks, such as feeding, eating, dressing or toileting. Ongoing support throughout childhood can help with more complex tasks, such as cooking, shopping or using a phone. Talk to your child’s doctor if you think OT would be a good choice for your child. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics A HEALTHY START AdventHealth Manchester offers comprehensive pediatric services to help keep kids healthy. To learn more, visit GetMovingKY.com Grandma’s chicken vegetable soup Directions > In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine broth and water. > Cover and bring to boil. > Add potatoes and carrot; cover and cook 5 minutes. > Add chicken, zucchini, onions and basil; bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and cook until chicken is opaque throughout, about 7 minutes. > Season with salt and pepper. Nutrition information Serving size: 1⁄ 4 recipe. Amount per serving: 240 calories, 3.1g total fat (1g saturated fat), 25g carbohydrates, 28g protein, 4g dietary fiber, 216mg sodium. Source: Produce for Better Health Foundation
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