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April 24-30 is World Immunization Week

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Immunizations, or vaccines, are the safest, most effective way to protect you and your child from certain infectious diseases. They work by helping your body develop antibodies against specific diseases, so you are better able to fight off these infections when exposed.  Most vaccines cause only minor side effects including fever, local redness and lymph node enlargement, symptoms which are far less serious than the disease itself.  True contraindications are rare but include Guillen-Barre and high fevers.

Dr. Michelle Miller
Dr. Michelle Miller

Most schools require each student to follow the immunization schedules recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Examples of vaccines recommended for children include flu, polio, pneumonia, hepatitis, meningitis and HPV, along with the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The CDC provides schedules for children from birth through age 18, as well as for those who missed immunizations during their early childhood. These schedules are reviewed and updated each year and can be found on Capital Health Plan’s Healthwise® Knowledgebase.
Immunizations can protect your child from dangerous diseases, while also helping to reduce the spread of diseases to others around you, especially those with compromised immune symptoms like the elderly and cancer patients. While a vaccine cannot completely guarantee a person won’t get sick, it will make the impact of the disease much less severe if it is contracted. The cost of an immunization is significantly lower than treating the disease.
It’s not just kids – adults should also stay up to date with their vaccinations as most vaccines require booster shots to stay active. The vaccines you need as an adult depend not only on your age, lifestyle, overall health, pregnancy status and travel plans, but also on who you are in close contact with and what vaccines you had as a child. Travel vaccine recommendations can be found on www.cdc.gov/travel. Vaccines often recommended for adults include flu, shingles and tetanus.
Vaccines save lives every day. In an effort to educate people about the preventive power of vaccines, April 24-30 has been designated as World Immunization Week. During the 2016-2017 influenza season, there have been 20 child fatalities in the United States. In Florida, there have been 185 deaths due to influenza and pneumonia across all ages.
This week, take the first step by checking out our Healthwise® Knowledgebase at www.capitalhealth.com, where you can find printable immunization schedules, in-depth articles, videos and interactive tools. Call your doctor to schedule any needed vaccines for your family to help them stay healthy.
Dr. Miller is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Capital Health Plan.

To Stay Healthy, Keep It S.I.M.P.L.E.

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Dr. Amy R. Neal, Family Medicine Physician with Capital Health Plan

Millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions every year. While many people are motivated to start good habits in January, the momentum can wear off in just a few weeks. So what’s the trick to maintaining a healthy routine all year long? Keep it S.I.M.P.L.E.:

Dr. Amy Neal
Dr. Amy Neal

Sleep Enough

The National Institutes of Health recommend adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. A good night’s rest will help prevent infection, weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. If you’re having trouble sleeping, make sure you’re getting regular exercise and plenty of sunlight, and go to sleep at the same time.

Increase Your Water Intake

Water keeps every part of your body working properly by flushing wastes and preventing dehydration, kidney stones and constipation. Most adults should drink at least 64 ounces of water every day, but this amount can change depending on your activity level. If you’re tired of drinking plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber for more flavor.

Move Every Day

Physical activity decreases the chances of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Even small adjustments during your normal day can help you move more – for example, walking during lunch or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Start with a goal of 5,000 steps a day and work your way up to 10,000. Most smartphones have a step-counter, or you can download an app.

Practice Positivity

Even if you feel like you’re not making as much progress as you’d like toward your health goals, try to remain positive. It’s natural to feel discouraged sometimes, but focus instead on the progress you’ve made and encourage yourself to stay on track. Try a new hobby that lifts your spirits or socialize with friends who make you laugh. Just taking a few deep breaths can relax your muscles, give you more energy and relieve stress. Focus on things you feel grateful for.

Listen to Your Body

Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Maybe you need some social time with friends … or a nap! Our bodies are not our enemies. We just have to learn how to listen to them to know what they need to thrive. One great way to be a better listener is by learning how to eat intuitively. Or, if you’re feeling stiff or distracted, try doing some stretches at your desk.

Eat Well

While we might not like to admit it, adults can be just as bad as kids when it comes to eating vegetables. When you’re at the grocery store, pay attention to which aisles you visit. While the center aisles of most supermarkets feature processed foods that don’t need refrigeration, the outside aisles of the store have healthier options like fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy.

Enjoy your healthiest year yet – and remember, keep it S.I.M.P.L.E.!

For health tips, videos and other resources, visit our Healthwise® Knowledgebase at www.capitalhealth.com.

Dr. Neal is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Capital Health Plan.