As the chaos over the Coronavirus pandemic takes over the headlines, social media, our inboxes, and the conversations we have with loved ones, anxiety can become overwhelming. It’s important to take a step back and learn how we can relieve anxiety over things we cannot control.

Test your knowledge about this vital annual vaccine.

True or False:

• If you received a flu shot last year, you don’t need to get another one
• Everyone should get a flu shot
• A flu shot is the only way to protect yourself against the flu

Although social distancing may reduce the risk that older adults face from the coronavirus, it can leave seniors vulnerable to social isolation. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation in seniors are linked to depression, declining physical health, and increased stress and cognitive changes. Conversely, seniors who are socially active receive many physical and emotional benefits.

Like everything else during quarantine, this holiday season may be filled with tough choices and changes for families.

The good news is that the holidays are also a time when gratitude is front and center – and gratitude has been shown to help kids (and adults) be resilient through tough times, from experiencing more positive emotions to sleeping better.

The holidays bring opportunities to celebrate special traditions and meaningful moments with the people in our lives. As you prepare for November and December holidays, these Holiday Planning Safety Tips can help protect you, your family, friends, and your community from COVID-19.

Contact tracing helps protect you, your family, and your community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing more severe complications from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Learn how you can be an effective caregiver while also taking care of yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic. Always follow guidelines from the CDC, and consider the following tips.

Walking can be one of the best ways to get exercise and stay healthy. You can walk alone, with a pet, or with a partner – even a socially distant one if you walk at least 6 feet apart or on opposite sides of the street. You also can try chatting with someone on a hands-free device while walking. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a safe place to walk.

Care begins at home, so parents have to ensure that their children are well aware about the critical situations around. The following steps can be of great help.

The two could come together, making things worse—or our new hygiene habits may actually reduce the flu’s spread

Earlier this week, I overheard my kids engaged in a round of “I heard” and “Did you know?” while they were getting ready for bed.

“I heard that Margaret’s dad has it,” said my six-year-old.

“Did you know that it’s the worst sickness ever?” added my eight-year-old.

The coronavirus can significantly affect mental health for everyone, but especially for those with mental illness. Both the anxiety of contracting the disease as well as the increase in loneliness and isolation can worsen and trigger symptoms.

Acknowledging, recognizing and acting on mental distress in these uncertain times is key to lessening the impact.

Important information from the CDC.

• How to Protect Yourself

• What to do if you think you are sick

• What you need to know

It’s time to call lights out on this common sleep disorder.

Affecting at least 10% of the adult population globally, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly common sleep disorder characterized by the frequent obstruction of your airflow while you sleep.

Afraid of illness? Wash your hands ALREADY!

Ask the Nurse: Christine Hammerlund
President of Assured Healthcare Staffing and Nurse

The days before the New Year are a reflective time for a lot of people. Many of us decide we are going to start off the year with a clean slate and a few well-intentioned resolutions. This holiday season, why not launch the new year by making time for three small tasks:

Hypothermia is a condition of abnormally low body temperature. Exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia.

Go for a walk even when the weather is really cold – your body has to work overtime to get warm and you may burn up to 50% more calories than you would on the same walk in summer!

My parents used to say “listen to your elders”as if they had some kind of knowledge only their generation understood. But maybe there’s something to that wisdom, especially when it comes to healing the body. After all, Hippocrates, the Greek physician and “father of Western medicine,” said, “Let medicine be thy food and let food be thy medicine.” Science has proven what our elders have known for thousands of years: that certain foods can naturally help prevent and treat disease. Here are six healing foods with medicinal superpowers. (Illustration by Sam Falconer)

Medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) products are gaining popularity, as patients find them effective in managing a wide range of conditions. But there also is confusion and misinformation about how and when to use these plant-based therapeutics.