Here’s some news you can use for March!

Coronavirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronaviruses are common in animal species, and most don’t affect humans. As of now, only seven different coronaviruses are known to infect humans. In their lifetime, most people will be infected with at least one common human coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Common coronaviruses typically cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illness, and those affected exhibit cold-like symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Some cases of coronavirus can be more severe, and individuals experience more serious lower-respiratory tract illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. For the elderly, infants and those with weakened immune systems, coronavirus can be even more dangerous.

How is coronavirus diagnosed?
If you’re exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, you should call your doctor, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms and have traveled to countries where outbreaks have been reported. Your doctor will likely order a lab test to detect coronavirus. Be sure to disclose any recent travel to your doctor. your doctor.
Read more about coronavirus (PDF)

Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Eating a well-balanced diet is a key component of living a long, healthy life. Many Americans think that eating healthy means they have to empty their wallets, which isn’t necessarily the truth. Keep the following moneysaving tips in mind next time you’re grocery shopping:

• Make a weekly meal plan. Before you go to the store, think about what meals and snacks you want for the week. Read recipes thoroughly so you can make an accurate list of everything you need, reducing the risk that you’ll have to run back to the store later in the week.
• Create a list – and stick to it. Make a detailed list of what you need to buy before you go to the store. When you get to the store, don’t buy anything besides what’s on the list.
• Plan where you’re going to shop. Many grocery stores run sales or offer coupons for various healthy foods. Check out the ads and plan your grocery list around what’s on sale.

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5 Sleep Habits You Need to Adopt

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked insufficient sleep to the development of chronic diseases and conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. In honor of World Sleep Day, which is March 13, try adopting the following five healthy sleep habits:

1. Keep a regular schedule—try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends.
2. Create a good sleep environment, including a comfortable room temperature, minimal noise and sufficient darkness.
3. Keep track of habits that help you fall asleep, like listening to relaxing music or reading before bed. Repeat those activities each night.
4. Avoid caffeine and nicotine three to four hours before going to bed.
5. Limit alcohol before bed, as it can reduce sleep quality.

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Experts Are Warning of Another Bad Flu Season

Although it’s just a few months into flu season, experts are warning of another bad season. At the end of December 2019, health departments from 46 states were reporting “widespread” flu activity. Additionally, the CDC revealed that the number of patients with flu symptoms was almost as high as the peak of the historic and deadly 2017-18 flu season.
Based on this early flu activity, public health experts are predicting heightened mid- to late-season activity as well. As such, experts are urging the public to take proper prevention measures, which include:

• Getting the flu vaccine
• Washing your hands often with soap and water
• Avoiding contact with those who are sick and staying home when you feel under the weather

Read more about eating healthy, sleep habits and the flu season (PDF)

March 2020 National Health Observations