Image
Protect Yourself from Fall Infections
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisper, it’s only natural to get excited for fall. And while there’s plenty to look forward to, the change in seasons also brings a host of infectious diseases that can threaten our well-being. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is important. The good news is that vaccinations, along with simple safety measures, can protect your health and the health of those around you.
Understanding Fall Infections
- Influenza (Flu) — The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The flu can lead to hospitalization, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
- COVID-19 — The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the world, and the virus continues to affect communities globally. The symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe respiratory distress. Vaccination against COVID-19 is a crucial step in reducing transmission and preventing serious illness and hospitalization.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus — RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older children. However, it can lead to severe respiratory infections in infants and young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalization in some cases.
Why Vaccination Matters
Getting vaccinated against these fall infections is a proactive measure that benefits both individuals and the community at large. Here's why it's crucial:
- Protection for You — Vaccines provide immunity against diseases, reducing your risk of falling ill and experiencing severe complications. That means you won’t miss the best that fall has to offer.
- Protection for Others — By getting vaccinated, you contribute to herd immunity. This shields those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or age, preventing the spread of infections within the community.
- Prevent Overwhelmed Health Care Systems — Vaccination helps reduce the burden on health care systems, ensuring that hospitals can effectively treat those who require medical attention.
Why The Fall?
The timing of vaccination matters. Experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV in September or October. Here's why:
- Flu vaccine — The flu typically starts circulating in the fall and peaks during the winter months. By getting vaccinated in September or October, your body has time to build immunity before the flu season hits its peak.
- COVID-19 vaccine — COVID-19 is still a concern, and vaccination remains a primary tool in controlling its spread. By getting vaccinated this fall, (even if you have been vaccinated in the past) will help minimize the risk of contracting or spreading the virus during gatherings or indoor activities.
- RSV protection — RSV transmission tends to increase during the fall and winter. Vaccinating against RSV before these seasons begin can offer protection to vulnerable populations, particularly infants, young children, and seniors.
Other Safety Methods
Beyond vaccinations, taking simple precautions each day will help you and your family stay protected. Be sure to:
- Wash your hands, thoroughly — Lather with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing to ensure a proper wash.
- Carry hand sanitizer — Apply hand sanitizer regularly when running errands. Travel-size containers are available at drug and grocery stores.
- Isolate when sick — If you or someone you live with shows signs of illness, avoid unnecessary exposure to others. That means rescheduling plans, keeping kids home from school, and delaying errands until symptoms disappear.
- Wipe down surfaces — Use a cleaning spray or alcohol wipe on high-touch items like water bottles, lunch boxes, and handbags.
We Have Your Back
As fall approaches, prioritize your health and the health of those around you. Vaccination is a key strategy in the fight against infectious diseases. By getting vaccinated in September or October, you're taking an active step toward a healthier and safer season.
All the vaccinations the CDC recommends are available at AltaMed, most at no cost to you.
It’s more important than ever to stay safe and healthy. Call us at (888) 499-9303 to schedule an appointment with your provider and stay on track to prevent these viruses from affecting you and your loved ones.
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisper, it’s only natural to get excited for fall. And while there’s plenty to look forward to, the change in seasons also brings a host of infectious diseases that can threaten our well-being. Protecting yourself and your loved ones from illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is important. The good news is that vaccinations, along with simple safety measures, can protect your health and the health of those around you.
Understanding Fall Infections
- Influenza (Flu) — The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The flu can lead to hospitalization, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
- COVID-19 — The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the world, and the virus continues to affect communities globally. The symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely, from mild respiratory symptoms to severe respiratory distress. Vaccination against COVID-19 is a crucial step in reducing transmission and preventing serious illness and hospitalization.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus — RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older children. However, it can lead to severe respiratory infections in infants and young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. RSV can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalization in some cases.
Why Vaccination Matters
Getting vaccinated against these fall infections is a proactive measure that benefits both individuals and the community at large. Here's why it's crucial:
- Protection for You — Vaccines provide immunity against diseases, reducing your risk of falling ill and experiencing severe complications. That means you won’t miss the best that fall has to offer.
- Protection for Others — By getting vaccinated, you contribute to herd immunity. This shields those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or age, preventing the spread of infections within the community.
- Prevent Overwhelmed Health Care Systems — Vaccination helps reduce the burden on health care systems, ensuring that hospitals can effectively treat those who require medical attention.
Why The Fall?
The timing of vaccination matters. Experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV in September or October. Here's why:
- Flu vaccine — The flu typically starts circulating in the fall and peaks during the winter months. By getting vaccinated in September or October, your body has time to build immunity before the flu season hits its peak.
- COVID-19 vaccine — COVID-19 is still a concern, and vaccination remains a primary tool in controlling its spread. By getting vaccinated this fall, (even if you have been vaccinated in the past) will help minimize the risk of contracting or spreading the virus during gatherings or indoor activities.
- RSV protection — RSV transmission tends to increase during the fall and winter. Vaccinating against RSV before these seasons begin can offer protection to vulnerable populations, particularly infants, young children, and seniors.
Other Safety Methods
Beyond vaccinations, taking simple precautions each day will help you and your family stay protected. Be sure to:
- Wash your hands, thoroughly — Lather with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing to ensure a proper wash.
- Carry hand sanitizer — Apply hand sanitizer regularly when running errands. Travel-size containers are available at drug and grocery stores.
- Isolate when sick — If you or someone you live with shows signs of illness, avoid unnecessary exposure to others. That means rescheduling plans, keeping kids home from school, and delaying errands until symptoms disappear.
- Wipe down surfaces — Use a cleaning spray or alcohol wipe on high-touch items like water bottles, lunch boxes, and handbags.
We Have Your Back
As fall approaches, prioritize your health and the health of those around you. Vaccination is a key strategy in the fight against infectious diseases. By getting vaccinated in September or October, you're taking an active step toward a healthier and safer season.
All the vaccinations the CDC recommends are available at AltaMed, most at no cost to you.
It’s more important than ever to stay safe and healthy. Call us at (888) 499-9303 to schedule an appointment with your provider and stay on track to prevent these viruses from affecting you and your loved ones.
Get started with AltaMed
See how AltaMed Health Services can help your family grow healthy.
Image
Don’t Forget Immunizations Before Going Back to School
As fall approaches and a new school year begins, it's crucial to prioritize the health and safety of children, especially in light of COVID-19. It's important to remember that vaccines offer protection against a range of serious diseases, not just the coronavirus. Before embarking on back-to-school shopping and capturing those first day pictures, ensure that your family has the necessary immunizations to start the school year safely.
Adhering to a Vaccination Schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a recommended vaccination schedule for newborns and children. While infants receive essential vaccinations during their first years of life, additional boosters are necessary for school-aged children. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella(MMR), varicella (VAR), and an annual flu shot. It's also crucial to ensure children receive vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV), and the meningococcal shot.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Children
COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, even as we return to normal life and the pandemic no longer tops the news. Vaccines are approved for children as young as six months old. If your child is unvaccinated, multiple vaccine series are available, depending on their age:
Pfizer-Biontech Bivalent Vaccine:
- Children 6 months to 4 years old – 3 doses
- Children 5 years and older – 1 dose
Moderna Bivalent Vaccine:
- Children 6 months to 5 years old – 2 doses
- Children 6 years and older – 1 dose
If your child is between 6 months to 5 years old and has already received one or more monovalent doses, your health care team will provide you information on current recommendations based on your vaccine history.
Maintaining Prevention Habits
Given the ease with which COVID-19 and other viruses can spread, it’s crucial for children to adopt healthy habits. These include:
- Practicing washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of an arm.
- Wearing masks in public when you or a family member are sick.
Establishing a New Routine
In addition to vaccines and COVID-19 prevention measures, it's important to be prepared and establish routines for the new school year. Ensure that your child's school or care facility has your updated contact information for emergency purposes. Regularly check your children for signs of illness, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Stay informed about potential COVID-19 exposures and know whom to contact at the school in such cases.
Reinforce proper hand-washing techniques at home and emphasize their importance. Help your child develop daily routines for school, such as using hand sanitizer and a water bottle, as well as washing hands immediately upon returning home.
Stay Informed and Seek Support
Engage in meaningful conversations with your child after school to understand their experiences, and stay attuned to reports of excessive coughing, classroom disruptions, or students leaving school premises due to illness. Being aware of the happenings in their school environment can directly impact your home environment.
Dealing with Change
At AltaMed, we understand the challenges families face during these times. We are here to support you by providing resources for dealing with testing and treating COVID-19, as well as access to vaccines. Additionally, our counseling services can assist children in navigating the stress associated with returning to school.
To learn more about how AltaMed can help, visit AltaMed.org or call us at (888) 499-9303. For information about vaccines or testing, please visit our vaccine hub.
As fall approaches and a new school year begins, it's crucial to prioritize the health and safety of children, especially in light of COVID-19. It's important to remember that vaccines offer protection against a range of serious diseases, not just the coronavirus. Before embarking on back-to-school shopping and capturing those first day pictures, ensure that your family has the necessary immunizations to start the school year safely.
Adhering to a Vaccination Schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a recommended vaccination schedule for newborns and children. While infants receive essential vaccinations during their first years of life, additional boosters are necessary for school-aged children. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella(MMR), varicella (VAR), and an annual flu shot. It's also crucial to ensure children receive vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV), and the meningococcal shot.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Children
COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, even as we return to normal life and the pandemic no longer tops the news. Vaccines are approved for children as young as six months old. If your child is unvaccinated, multiple vaccine series are available, depending on their age:
Pfizer-Biontech Bivalent Vaccine:
- Children 6 months to 4 years old – 3 doses
- Children 5 years and older – 1 dose
Moderna Bivalent Vaccine:
- Children 6 months to 5 years old – 2 doses
- Children 6 years and older – 1 dose
If your child is between 6 months to 5 years old and has already received one or more monovalent doses, your health care team will provide you information on current recommendations based on your vaccine history.
Maintaining Prevention Habits
Given the ease with which COVID-19 and other viruses can spread, it’s crucial for children to adopt healthy habits. These include:
- Practicing washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of an arm.
- Wearing masks in public when you or a family member are sick.
Establishing a New Routine
In addition to vaccines and COVID-19 prevention measures, it's important to be prepared and establish routines for the new school year. Ensure that your child's school or care facility has your updated contact information for emergency purposes. Regularly check your children for signs of illness, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Stay informed about potential COVID-19 exposures and know whom to contact at the school in such cases.
Reinforce proper hand-washing techniques at home and emphasize their importance. Help your child develop daily routines for school, such as using hand sanitizer and a water bottle, as well as washing hands immediately upon returning home.
Stay Informed and Seek Support
Engage in meaningful conversations with your child after school to understand their experiences, and stay attuned to reports of excessive coughing, classroom disruptions, or students leaving school premises due to illness. Being aware of the happenings in their school environment can directly impact your home environment.
Dealing with Change
At AltaMed, we understand the challenges families face during these times. We are here to support you by providing resources for dealing with testing and treating COVID-19, as well as access to vaccines. Additionally, our counseling services can assist children in navigating the stress associated with returning to school.
To learn more about how AltaMed can help, visit AltaMed.org or call us at (888) 499-9303. For information about vaccines or testing, please visit our vaccine hub.
Image
Essential Vitamins for Boosting Your Health and Well-Being
Did you know there are 13 essential vitamins your body needs to operate at peak efficiency? They’re found across a wide array of foods, which is why experts always recommend a balanced diet with lean protein, low-fat dairy, and leafy green vegetables.
For most of us, however, eating perfectly can be a struggle. Even when you do strike a good balance, your body may still need an extra boost of nutrients. This is where supplements come in. Based on blood work, or a conversation about your diet, your doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements to round out any gaps in your nutrient intake.
Here’s the essential vitamins to know, their health benefits, and the foods they’re found in.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A — including retinoids and carotene — is essential for healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the skin and mucous membranes. Good food sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver.
B Vitamins
The B vitamin complex consists of eight different vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins are involved in energy production, brain function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Whole grains, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens are excellent sources of B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption. Citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, peppers, and leafy green vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for bone health as it helps the body absorb calcium and maintain proper levels of phosphorus. It also plays a role in supporting the immune system. While the body can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, food sources such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks can help with intake.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. It is also important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin E.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. It is available in two forms: vitamin K1, found in leafy green vegetables, and vitamin K2, synthesized by gut bacteria and present in fermented foods, meat, and cheese.
Incorporating essential vitamins into your diet is crucial for overall health and well-being. While a balanced diet should be the primary source of these nutrients, certain individuals, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or those with specific dietary restrictions, may benefit from vitamin supplementation. Remember to consult with a health care professional before taking any supplements to ensure it aligns with your specific needs.
Dietary Consulting Available
You spent a lifetime developing your current eating habits. It will take a while to build some healthier ones. The most important thing is not to beat yourself up over what you consume.
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be hard – especially when you have someone to empower you to make good decisions and teach you how healthy food can be delicious. Our registered dietitians provide individually tailored nutrition plans to members of every age.
Patients with the following are encouraged to see a dietitian: diabetes, heart-related conditions, those considering bariatric surgery, pregnancy, gastrointestinal-related conditions, and patients with any other nutrition-related condition.
Dietician consultations are available to all AltaMed patients at no cost. Ask your doctor for a referral or call (888) 499-9303 to enroll.
Did you know there are 13 essential vitamins your body needs to operate at peak efficiency? They’re found across a wide array of foods, which is why experts always recommend a balanced diet with lean protein, low-fat dairy, and leafy green vegetables.
For most of us, however, eating perfectly can be a struggle. Even when you do strike a good balance, your body may still need an extra boost of nutrients. This is where supplements come in. Based on blood work, or a conversation about your diet, your doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements to round out any gaps in your nutrient intake.
Here’s the essential vitamins to know, their health benefits, and the foods they’re found in.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A — including retinoids and carotene — is essential for healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the skin and mucous membranes. Good food sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver.
B Vitamins
The B vitamin complex consists of eight different vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins are involved in energy production, brain function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Whole grains, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens are excellent sources of B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption. Citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, peppers, and leafy green vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for bone health as it helps the body absorb calcium and maintain proper levels of phosphorus. It also plays a role in supporting the immune system. While the body can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, food sources such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks can help with intake.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. It is also important for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin E.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. It is available in two forms: vitamin K1, found in leafy green vegetables, and vitamin K2, synthesized by gut bacteria and present in fermented foods, meat, and cheese.
Incorporating essential vitamins into your diet is crucial for overall health and well-being. While a balanced diet should be the primary source of these nutrients, certain individuals, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or those with specific dietary restrictions, may benefit from vitamin supplementation. Remember to consult with a health care professional before taking any supplements to ensure it aligns with your specific needs.
Dietary Consulting Available
You spent a lifetime developing your current eating habits. It will take a while to build some healthier ones. The most important thing is not to beat yourself up over what you consume.
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be hard – especially when you have someone to empower you to make good decisions and teach you how healthy food can be delicious. Our registered dietitians provide individually tailored nutrition plans to members of every age.
Patients with the following are encouraged to see a dietitian: diabetes, heart-related conditions, those considering bariatric surgery, pregnancy, gastrointestinal-related conditions, and patients with any other nutrition-related condition.
Dietician consultations are available to all AltaMed patients at no cost. Ask your doctor for a referral or call (888) 499-9303 to enroll.