Live Well Work Well – January 2023 – CoverLink Insurance

How to avoid winter slips and falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 million adults in the United States are injured each year due to slips and falls, and the likelihood of an incident occurring increases in colder conditions. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of slips and falls this winter, so you can live well and work well – January 2023. Consider the following:

• Dress appropriately. Wear proper footwear, such as shoes or boots with good support and equipped with snow grips.
• Take your time. Avoid speeding when walking in cold temperatures and pay close attention to any slip hazards ahead.
• Wait. Use handrails when available and consider a cane for additional support.
• Adjust your step. Taking small steps can help you maintain your balance.

Apart from these tips, it is also advisable to avoid risks altogether by not making any unnecessary journeys in adverse weather conditions. If you lose your balance, try to fall on your butt or back instead of bracing yourself with your arms.

Keep seasonal depression at bay

During the winter, you may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To combat this condition, consider the following measures:

• Light therapy—Some lamps can mimic the brightness of natural light, which may be lacking during the winter.
• Getting outdoors— Although winter weather can be unpleasant, spending time outside can still help you manage SAD.
• Eats well— Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can alleviate SAD.
• Exercising– Physical activity can help relieve stress and anxiety.
• Hang out— Feeling connected to others throughout the winter can help your mood.
• Medical services— Consider seeing a psychiatrist or talking to a doctor about medication.

Navigating the triple demi this winter

As the world continues to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, you and your family should be informed about the threat that covid-19 continues to pose. In addition, health experts are also warning the public about additional diseases that may be prominent this winter.

In addition to the continued presence of covid-19 and the annual threat of influenza (influenza), many hospitals across the United States are concerned about potentially high cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

What is RSV?

Although RSV may be common, it should not be underestimated. Infections are usually manageable for most adults; however, infants and older adults may be at greater risk. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 58,000 American children under the age of 5 are hospitalized annually because of RSV.

Symptoms of RSV can be similar to covid-19, the flu or a cold, including fever, runny nose and cough. In severe cases, RSV can lead to severe illnesses, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Why are the numbers of RSV infections higher this year?

Health experts are warning of a greater risk of RSV this year because many people, especially children, have weaker immune systems in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is because mask wearing and social distancing expose people to less bacteria. Now, as many health and safety guidelines related to covid-19 have been lifted, the risk of infection has increased.

How to stay healthy

To reduce the risk of infection this winter, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, do not interact with sick people and regularly disinfect surfaces. If you are sick, protect others by staying home and properly covering your coughs and sneezes.

Although there are currently no state-approved vaccines for RSV, staying up-to-date on covid-19 and seasonal flu vaccinations is a critical step in protecting yourself and your family.

Boost your immune system with these foods

Your diet plays a critical role in maintaining your health and well-being. The following can help boost your immune system this winter:

• Citrus fruit
• Seafood
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Yoghurt

Check out last month’s edition of Live Well Work Well – December 2022.

All of us here at CoverLink Wishing you continued health and safety this year!