Essential Health and Travel Safety Precautions

There is currently no vaccine for the 2019-nCoV infection. During this Novel Coronavirus situation, as always, you should practice essential safety and travel precautions, as advised by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Continue reading

Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Basics

A graphic showing the CDC's recommendations for reducing risk of being infected with coronavirus

The 2019-nCoV is a novel strain of a common family of viruses called coronaviruses. Coronavirus infections are most prevalent during the winter months and range in severity from the common cold to more virulent strains.

The Coronavirus presents as a mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illness like the common cold. Symptoms may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, headache, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. 

Coronavirus information and updates are being released up-to-the minute by such global health organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization

These sources offer timely, measured information, recommendations for prevention and treatment, information for travelers  and recommendations for action

In addition to staying informed, follow standard health and travel safety measures
(with increased rigor), and stay up to date with all recommended vaccines (include flu and travel-related immunizations).

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact RVNAhealth Community Nurse Manager, April Rodriguez, RN.

Tips for Understanding and Tracking Your Blood Pressure

An American Heart Association infographic with recommendations for understanding your blood pressure and getting an accurate reading.

Did you know that one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure? By 2030, it is expected that over 41 percent of U.S. adults will have this condition. The normal blood pressure for adults age 20 or over is no higher than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).

The first number in your blood pressure reading is always larger and refers to systolic BP (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats). The second number in the reading is always smaller and refers to diastolic BP, the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats and refills with blood.

RVNAhealth offers blood pressure screenings throughout each month. View our Community Events Calendar for dates, times and locations.

The infographic below from the American Heart Association is a handy source for understanding your blood pressure and recommendations for ensure that you get a proper reading.

Recommendations include:

  • Don’t smoke, exercise, drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol within 30 minutes of measurement.
  • Rest in a chair for at least 5 minutes with your left arm resting comfortably on a flat surface at heart level. Sit calmly and don’t talk.
  • Make sure you’re relaxed. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor with your back straight and supported.
  • Take at least two readings 1 minute apart in the morning before taking medications, and in the evening before dinner. Record all results.
  • Use properly calibrated and validated instrument, check the cuff size and fit.
  • Place the bottom of the cuff above the bend of the elbow.

Happy New Decade!

Several years ago, one of the New York City daily papers published the responses of passers-by in response to the question, “What is your New Year’s Resolution?”  Many of the answers were fairly predictable –  better health, more exercise, improved diet – but one stood out.

“Next year, I’m going to daydream more,” answered one woman. It was a notable response because it was less intended toward making oneself “better,” and more intended to make oneself “happier.” What a novel concept!

The good news is that the link between happiness and good health is no secret and ongoing studies continue to support the connection.

Here are some great articles on the matter.

The Health Benefits of Happiness, Psychology Today

Six Ways Happiness is Good for Your Health, Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley

Take a look!

And, as we embark on a new year and a new decade and as you ponder and practice your 2020 Resolutions, we hope you’ll consider your happiness as an important force and guideline for your time and your energy.

Happy 2020!