T.J. Samson | Destination Health | October 2018

October 2018 3 Catching the flu can result in misery, missed work and, in the worst cases, even a hospital stay. Good news: Foiling the flu, and its potential consequences, is do- able. While there’s no guarantee, here are five strate- gies to try: Get a flu shot every year. Public health of- ficials urge almost everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated, ideally in the fall. Why? It’s the best way to lower your risk of the flu. Wash your hands often. Clean hands are especially important during flu season. Use soap and water or, in a pinch, an alcohol-based hand rub. Don’t stand so close. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and their flu germs. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. It’s a simple trick to avoid transferring any germs you might have gotten from door handles or other surfaces to your eyes, nose or mouth. Boost your immunity. Help your immune system fight off the flu with plenty of rest, exer- cise and healthy foods. 5 ways to foil the flu 1 2 3 4 5 1Jleieotne llP TJH e a/: h ol u mb i a Columbia Clinic PATRICIA DOOLIN MSN, APRN, FNP-C Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Campbellsville University Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Pracititioner: Chamberlain University ERIC TOWNSEND MSN, APRN, FNP-C Bachelor of Science in Nursing: University of Kentucky Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Pracititioner: Northern Kentucky University ------------�---------- 902 Westlake Drive • Columbia, KY 270.384.0451 Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The following providers are now seeing patients at UHealthColumbia Columbia Primary Care 81 O Jamestown Street • Columbia 270.384.4764 PULMONARY CLINIC Mondays & Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dr. Carlos Kummerfeldt Laura Howard, APRN Amanda Parsons-Cole, APRN PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alisha Risen, APRN TAKE THIS NEXT STEP If you do get the flu, taking a prescription antiviral drug (ideally within two days of feeling sick) may make your illness milder and shorter. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral if your age or other health problems put you at risk for serious complications from the flu. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Depression: It’s a guy thing too Like a lot of men, you may have grown up believ- ing a very dangerous myth that goes something like this: Men don’t talk about their feelings. And when they’re hurting, they just hold it inside. That kind of thinking may be one of the reasons why too many men with depression don’t ask for the help they greatly need and deserve. If you’re one of these men, seeking help is exactly what you should do. Depression is a serious medical illness, one that hangs like a dark cloud over millions of American men. It can leave you feeling run- down and angry and as though you just don’t care anymore about things that once made you happy. Worse, depression can increase the risk of suicide— especially for men. But with the right treat- ment, you can be on your way to feeling better again. DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS Depression is more than feeling temporarily down in the dumps. Its overwhelm- ing symptoms can last for weeks on end. Depression feels different for every guy. But it may be depression, for instance, if you: ●  ● Feel sad, empty or hope- less a lot. ●  ● Are irritable, anxious or angry. ●  ● Lose interest in work, family, hobbies or other things that once gave you joy. ●  ● Feel very tired. ●  ● Have trouble concentrat- ing or remembering things. ●  ● Sleep too little or too much. ●  ● Eat too little or too much. ●  ● Have trouble meeting work or family demands. ●  ● Think about suicide. YOU CAN FEEL BETTER AGAIN Remember: Depression is a treatable illness. By far, most people get better with treat- ment options that include counseling, medicines or both. Telling someone, such as your doctor, about your depression is the first step. Sources: American Psychiatric Association; Mental Health America; National Institute of Mental Health Health