We all remember last year’s flu pandemic. You couldn’t turn on a television or radio without hearing about “swine flu”. When would the vaccine be available? Would there be enough? Is it safe? The country was in a panic.

 

This year, not so much. There seems to be plenty of flu vaccine available and hardly anyone is talking about it. Does that mean it’s not important this year? NO! It’s important EVERY year.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine as the first and most important step in preventing flu.

 

It's Not Too Late!

 

Many flu shot clinics are held in October, but it’s still not too late. "Flu season" is typically November through May, with the majority of cases occurring in January and February. According to the CDC, getting vaccinated in November, December or even later is most often still beneficial.

 

Who Needs the Vaccine?

 

Health experts recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza.

 

Nasal Spray Option

 

Don’t like shots? The CDC says anyone between the ages of 2 and 49 years can get the nasal spray vaccination as long as they are healthy and don’t have any underlying health conditions. Check with your health care provider to see if this is a good option for you.

 

 

HOW TO USE YOUR OEBB BENEFITS FOR YOUR FLU VACCINE

 

Along with getting vaccinated, these other simple steps will help prevent the spread of germs:

FACT: Antibiotics do not work for a common cold.

 

FACT: It is estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for viral infections.

 

If you are coping with an ongoing health condition like diabetes, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, depression, chronic pain or anxiety, OEBB wants you to know about a rare opportunity to participate in a free online pilot program available through the National Council on Aging called "Better Choices, Better Health". Find ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover new nutrition and exercise choices, and learn how to talk with your doctor about your health.

 

What is "POLST"?

 

Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a program that uses a bright pink medical order form about your goals of care and end-of-life treatment wishes when you have a serious illness that is in the advanced stages and is not curable. It may also be appropriate for others who have strong personal beliefs about their health care preferences.

 

The form is completed by your physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant and is designed to be easier to locate and more specific than other "advance directives" like living wills.

 

Accessible from Anywhere

 

There is also the option to submit your form to the Oregon POLST Registry, which creates a secure electronic record accessible to emergency health care professionals by phone. Emergency communication specialists will relay your POLST orders once they have confirmed your identity.

 

The POLST program originated in Oregon in 1990 and has been proven so effective 30 other states are developing similar programs.

 

To learn more about the POLST program, visit their website: www.polst.org.

 

And be sure to check out their FAQ page:

The holidays can be a tempting time, with parties and traditions often focused on food. To help you through the season, Weight Watchers® offers you these holiday tips.

 

Don’t starve

Arriving at the party famished could lead to overdoing it, so eat a healthy meal or snack beforehand, leaving just enough room for a few small treats.

 

Drink!

But make it water or other low-calorie beverage – you’ll slow down your eating and help fill yourself up. And limit your alcohol intake – it’s not only a major source of calories, it can weaken your ability to stick to your eating plan.

 

Know what you eat

Just because it’s the holidays, don’t forget all the weight management skills you’ve acquired. Even if you choose to indulge, keep journaling. By writing down what you’re eating you’re less apt to eat mindlessly.

 

Don’t deprive yourself

But do limit your portions. By eating small portions of only things you really want you’ll enjoy the specialties while staying on track.

 

Set priorities

Rate each dish on the buffet from 1 to10, with "10" being the best choices for you and "1" being foods you know you should limit or avoid. Fill your plate with the high numbers and only try a minimal amount (or none!) of the others.

 

Move!

Reduce sedentary behavior like surfing the net and gradually work up to 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. It will help in your weight-loss efforts or allow you to eat a bit more without guilt.

 

HEALTHY HOLIDAY COOKING

With a few smart, common-sense changes in food preparation and eating habits, you will save calories without losing the flavor. Here are some suggestions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Click here for a healthier pumpkin pie recipe from Weight Watchers

 

WEIGHT WATCHERS is the registered trademark of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and is used under license.

 Use these resources to answer your questions and understand your OEBB benefits. 

 

 
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