Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Fall 2021

FRHS.ORG 3 IT’S NOT HARD to lose your desire to exercise and eat right as winter weather sets in. As the holidays approach, schedules get busy, stress levels rise and our healthy habits may start to slip. It’s important to keep your immune system healthy and strong as we head into the colder months. Kelly Driscoll, RN, MHA, FACHE President and CEO Don’t leave healthy habits out in the cold Reduce stress. Find ways to manage stress, such as practicing deep breathing exercises or listening to music. I encourage you to turn to page 10 for tips on handling holiday stress. Get moving. Don’t interrupt your fitness routines just because the temperature has dropped. Try activities specific to the season, such as sledding or snowman-building with the kids or grandkids. If heading outdoors, dress in layers to help trap heat and provide insulation. Make healthy sleep a priority. Adults should try to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, our Sleep Disorder Center may help. Turn to page 6 to learn more. Eat well. While it’s OK to indulge in holiday treats, try to main- tain a healthy diet with lots of protein and leafy greens. Get vaccinated. Even as an adult, you need vaccines to help you prevent diseases that are serious enough to land you in the hospital. Talk to your doctor about what vaccines you need, such as your annual flu shot, a shingles shot, a pneumonia vaccine or Tdap. If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated for COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and even death. While no vaccine is 100% effective, getting your vaccines protects not only you but also your friends and family—including babies and older adults. Our article on page 5 explains how herd immunity works. Your health matters Faith Regional is dedicated to protecting your health and the health of our community. By continuing to recruit specialists (meet our new doctors on page 15) and expand our services in the region, we aim to provide convenient, accessible health care for northeast Nebraskans. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!