A Message from Dr. Van H. Dunn Chief Medical Officer

A Message from Dr. Van H. Dunn

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

These past few years have been challenging, taking a toll on the physical and emotional health of all of us. For healthcare workers and their families, it has been especially acute. Now that we have left the harshness of winter behind us and stepped into the sunshine of spring, it is time to renew our commitment to our physical and emotional well-being—one step at a time.

Protect Your Physical Health

Catching hidden

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many conditions early can people got vaccinated against the virus, many missed help you live aroutine vaccinations—such as for the flu, HPV, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and hepatitis—and lifesaving LONGER, cancer screenings. So, if you have not visited your HEALTHEIR doctor’s office in a while, go ahead and schedule that LIFE appointment. Even if you are feeling great, there could be hidden conditions that your doctor should screen for. Catching these conditions early can keep you on your path to health and help you lead a longer life. That is why it is important to have a doctor you can trust, who listens to you and who you feel comfortable talking with. Relationships matter, and so do you.

If you need to find a doctor, visit findadoc.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Protect Your Emotional Health

Many of us have suffered from greater levels of stress Reducing stress during the pandemic. An April 2021 national survey and anxiety can from the Kaiser Family Foundation and Washington DECREASE Post showed that almost two-thirds of frontline CHRONIC healthcare workers said that worry related to the pandemic negatively affected their mental health. CONDITIONS Something as simple as deep breathing can help reduce stress. Reducing stress and anxiety can decrease your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, gastrointestinal distress and other chronic conditions. So, start breathing deeply, and if you would like to talk to someone, you can reach out to our Wellness Member Assistance Program social workers to help you find a therapist or you can go directly to our network or Teladoc to find one.

If you need to find a therapist, visit findadoc.1199SEIUBenefits.org. or www.Teladoc.com

Stress Relief

Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.

Enjoy the extra daylight and sunshine outdoors by taking a walk.

Reconnect in person with friends and family members.

Don’t go it alone: talk to a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist.

For more information on boosting your emotional well-being, see “Your Mental Health Matters,” page 6.