Dear HCCUA Members:
As we enter the transition from summer to fall, we begin to experience cooler and shorter days, the autumn foliage season begins, and schedules become more hectic as the holiday season approaches. During this time of colder weather and busier schedules, it is vital that we take proper precautions towards cold and flu season which is most common during this time of the year. Under these kinds of conditions it is easy to catch a common cold or flu.
Our goal is to help keep our HCCUA members on track and remind you of the extensive benefits at your fingertips that can assist you in staying healthy. For instance, your access to physicians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through TeleHealth and the Adult Wellness Testing provided to members once a year that can help you pinpoint a variety of health issues (if any) and detect problems at an early stage. Moreover, the numerous discounts in prescriptions, entertainment, pet care, travel, dining and much more can definitely make your life easier!
Tips in fighting the cold and flu season through healthy eating can be easy! Begin by incorporating foods into your diet that research has proven to boost your immune system and may prevent you from getting sick. For example, natural garlic to build a resistance to stress and infections, low-fat dairy products that contain probiotics, vitamin C found in fruits and Zinc found in meats and peanuts or peanut butter.
Boosting your immune system and learning to keep germs away by continually washing your hands and coughing or sneezing into your inner elbow, always help! In addition, we cannot stress enough the importance of getting a full nights rest, eating a well-balanced diet, taking daily vitamins, exercising regularly, decreasing stress levels and cutting back on unhealthy habits such as smoking and over consuming alcohol. These all play a role in staying healthy.
Furthermore, you would be surprised how important exercise is to maintaining good health. In the HCCUA e-Newsletter we describe the benefits of regular Physical Activity. Being an active person can boost your mood and improve your life in multiple ways. By taking 30 minutes a day, every day, you can stay healthier, feel better about yourself and loose or maintain a healthy weight.
It is also important to plan your meals in advance so you can regulate your calorie intake and watch your diet. Remember to purchase necessary items beforehand and help shorten your prep time. Included in the e-Newsletter a healthy and quick recipe Sheet Pan Garlicky Shrimp and Veggies that cooks in 20 minutes!
In hopes that you are taking full advantage of the extensive services and valuable benefits offered through your membership, we at HCCUA are working hard to keep our members updated with the latest information related to your health and wellbeing. Have a pleasant month and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Kristine Eckardt, Director of Member Communications
HCCUA