Butler Health System | Health Link | Summer 2020

It’s been quite a few months since recommenda- tions to wear masks and make other changes to our lives have been issued because of COVID-19. While many of us have experienced significant dis- ruptions, there may also be some good things you’ve gained during this time. What new habits or insights can you take with you as you move forward? Here are a few things you might want to keep in or out of your life now. OUT: Handshakes. They turned out to be a great way to say “hello” to germs. If you got used to the wave, bow or virtual high five during the pandemic, keep that new greeting going. IN: Handwashing. Washing your hands well and often is one of the best ways to avoid spreading the coronavirus—and other germs. Make those 20-second scrubs with soap and water a permanent part of your life. OUT: Going to work or school sick. Many of us—kids included—did our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying home. That’s a good lesson to take back with us into the world. Whenever there’s a chance you’re sick, you can help everyone by keeping your germs at home. Don’t delay your medical care. We are open and ready to help you to determine if an in-office or virtual visit is right for you. Find the care and provider you need. What we’ve learned from COVID-19 We offer virtual care so you can stay home IN: Cooking from scratch. Did you dust off some healthy cooking skills while you were home? When you prepare your own food, you can make your meals as nutritious, fresh and flavorful as you want. That’s definitely worth hanging on to. OUT: Information overload. There is no shortage of news to consume right now. And sometimes it seems misinformation is spreading as fast as the virus. That might feed into your anxiety about the situation. If you’ve learned how to find trustworthy news sources and set some healthy media limits for yourself, those are skills that can serve you well going forward. IN: Face masks. Chances are you now have a cloth face mask on hand—or the know- how to quickly make one. Hang on to that. Anytime you’re sick, you can use your face mask to help cover your coughs and protect the people around you. OUT: Last-minute grocery runs. Wasn’t it nice not visiting the grocery store quite so often? Even if you don’t plan meals in advance, keeping a well-stocked pantry can make it easier to whip up dinner without an extra trip to the store. IN: Telehealth. Virtual visits with a doctor turned out to be a great way to bypass a waiting room full of contagious people. They can also be a convenient option when you need after-hours care, counseling or help for minor illnesses. OUT: Smoking. If this pandemic inspired you to quit smoking to protect your lungs, that’s a huge win that can serve up lifelong benefits for your health. Keep tobacco out of your life for good! IN: Planning ahead for emergencies. It pays to be prepared to shelter in place during situations like pandemics, natural disasters or power outages. If possible, choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Create an emergency contact list. And gather long- lasting supplies you’ll need in case of an emergency. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HelpGuide Call the BHS Care Center at 833-602-CARE (833-602-2273) today! ButlerHealthSystem.org | 3