Tips for a Healthier New Year

Focusing on wellness in 2018 can help ensure a better quality of life, offering an opportunity to take a fresh look at your health and address areas for improvement.

An annual checkup can detect hidden health issues early. During your exam, discuss aches or pains, medications and any concerns. “Your physician can identify issues and work with you to resolve them,” said CHS’s Executive Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, DO. “Physicians offer years of specialized training, knowledge and expertise, allowing patients who are actively involved in their care a better chance of staying healthy.”

When making New Year’s resolutions, select attainable strategies to successfully reach your wellness goals.

Resolution suggestions:

• Schedule a doctor’s appointment for check-ups, screenings and vaccination View video
• Make healthy food choices, preparing more of your own meals.
• Become more active; for example, why not take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Quit smoking.
• Wear sunscreen as needed, even in the winter months. View video
• Meditate to help with stress. View video
• Try to get a good night’s sleep. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends at least seven to eight hours for adults. View video

For more health information, go to CHS’s YouTube channel where you can view Dr. O’s Health Tips & Solutions. Speak to your physician if you are having health issues. Visit www.chsli.org to find a doctor

Tips to Avoid the Flu

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, people of any age can contract it. Some individuals, including the elderly, young children and those with certain health conditions, are at greater risk for serious flu complications. On an average year, as many as 49,000 deaths and almost 300,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. are attributed to the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated each year, as soon as the vaccine is available. Flu activity begins in November and can occur as late as May. For information regarding the 2017-2018 flu season visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2017-2018.htm

Here are some additional tips to stop the spread of influenza and other illnesses:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your arm
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (or an alcohol-based sanitizer) for 20 seconds
• Stay home from work or school and otherwise avoid contact with others when sick

Subscribe to CHS’s blog and receive a free hand sanitizer by calling 1-855-CHS-4500. Speak to your physician if you are having health issues. Visit www.chsli.org to find a doctor near you.