Aspirus | Aspire | Winter 2019

ASPIRE is a free magazine published by Aspirus and is intended to provide health information to the people living in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Aspirus is proud to offer this publication as a resource to you and your family. This publication is also available online at aspirus.org/aspire . Information in this publication is not intended to replace medical advice, nor is it for self-diagnosis. Individuals should speak with their primary care provider or other health care professionals regarding medical concerns. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 aspire Winter 2019 IT CAN BE HARD to stay healthy throughout winter. Low temperatures, ice and germs all conspire to slow us down this time of year. According to Deb Safford, APNP, a nurse practitioner at Aspirus Antigo Clinic, here are four steps you can take to help you stay free of injury and illness this season: 1.Beatbackviruses. Respiratory viruses that cause colds and the flu are lurking around every corner. Your best shot at avoiding the flu is to get the flu vaccine. Other ways to lower your likelihood of illness include: w w Wash your hands often and well, with soap and water. w w Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth between hand washings. w w Stay away from people who are sick. w w Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. If you do get the flu, ask your doctor about antiviral medication. It may lessen how long you’re down with the flu. 2.Holdoffhypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your Winter wellness Stay safe— and well—all season long IT’S NOT TOO LATE! Get your flu shot With very few exceptions, everyone 6months and older should get a flu vaccination each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because flu viruses are always changing, new vaccines must be designed annually. That’s why you need a new flu shot every year. Also, the flu sometimes leads to serious complications. Protect your family While even healthy people can get very sick from the flu, thosemost at risk for complications that can result in a hospital stay include: w w Young children. w w Older adults. w w Pregnant women. w w People with certain health problems, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. When you get vaccinated, you help protect those around you who aremost vulnerable to the flu, including babies too young to get a flu shot. Aspirus offers flu shots to existing patients through their primary care clinic. Please contact your local primary care clinic for details if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet. FINDACLINIC Go online to aspirus.org for clinic contact information.