Health

Flu in a World of COVID-19: Why This Year’s Flu Shot is Critical

By Dr. Tara Ostrom

It’s 100+ degrees out, so you may not be thinking about flu season. However, there are sporadic cases of flu here in Arizona, according to community health data from Maricopa County, and already doctors are recommending people make a plan to get their annual flu shot when it becomes locally available. In addition, this year’s COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our nation and, of the many lessons we’ve learned as a result of this public health crisis, one of the most impactful is the importance of immunizations and vaccinations. For example, in part due to COVID-19, 30 percent of Americans said they are now more likely to get a flu vaccine this year.

Unfortunately, many adults still are under the mistaken impression that vaccinations are not needed for themselves or their children or are concerned about side effects. The reality is quite the opposite: in the U.S., vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed infants, children and adults. This year, seasonal flu vaccination is especially important as the stress on hospitals will be greatest if the COVID-19 and influenza epidemics overlap and peak around the same time.

While it isn’t possible to predict the future, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that cause COVID-19 will both be spreading in the fall and winter. So while vaccination is important, given pandemic concerns, how you go about getting your flu shot may look a little different. Additionally, some common places where people get their flu shots, such as workplaces, may not offer them this year due to social distancing challenges.

To help minimize risks, there are certain safety precautions and new protocols that health care facilities are implementing in order to help ensure that getting a flu shot is safe and accessible for all patients. For example, OptumCare Primary Care has been following the CDC’s guidelines to help ensure safe delivery of care during vaccination visits including: 1. Screening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms both when they schedule their appointment and when they arrive. 2. Assigning a dedicated screener at each clinic entrance checking the temperature of all patients, visitors and staff prior to coming into the facility. 3. Following social distancing protocols while waiting. 4. Ensuring all rooms are disinfected after each patient’s visit. 5. All staff, patients, and visitors wear surgical masks and staff practice respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and hand hygiene.

This year’s health crisis has made it a critical year for ensuring that you receive your annual flu vaccination. The cost of the flu vaccine is often covered by your health plan, whether you buy health insurance on your own, receive health benefits from your employer, or through a Medicare or state Medicaid program. Check with your health insurer and then schedule an appointment by calling your physician or going to a nearby urgent care clinic. Make sure you’re making your health a priority by getting your flu shot this year.

Dr. Tara Ostrom is the associate medical director with OptumCare Primary Care.

Health For Life

Naturopathic Medicine

We off er family and pediatric naturopathic medical care for those natural-minded individuals seeking alternative treatments.

General Practice Services Dietary & Nutritional Specialty Therapy Lab Services & Family Medicine Practice Counseling IV & Injection Therapy Supplements Women’s Natural Health Natural Elimination of Allergy Acupuncture & Biopuncture General Lab Services Pediatric Medicine Treatment Therapy Specialty Lab Services Preventative Medicine Clinical Nutrition & Lifestyle Homeopathy Nutritional Supplements Bioidentical Hormones Counseling Hydrotherapy Prescription Medications Detoxifi cation Food Allergies & Sensitivities “Naturopathic medicine is not just alternative medical therapy. It is also a mindset and lifestyle.

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Health

The Important Role of Custom Orthotics in Foot Stability and Overall Health

By Dr. Beau Horner

When we think about being at our best level of fitness we often overlook the importance of our feet and gait cycle. With respect to the foot, correcting misalignments and enhancing form and function allows athletes as well as non-athletes to work or perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Everyone can benefit when the foot and lower extremities are aligned, supported, mobile, and able to respond to outside forces.

What do we think about when studying the biomechanics of our gait? First, we consider the structure of the foot. The foot has three arches: the metatarsal arch, the medial longitudinal arch, and the lateral longitudinal arch. These arches absorb and transfer energy when we walk or run. Second, our movement from heel to toe-off is called a gait cycle. The first part of our gait, the heel strike, is important because it determines how forces are transferred in the foot. Often, when there are mechanical issues with the gait it can negatively impact lower extremity alignment like in our hips, knees, and ankles. If we have adequate support in the arches of our feet, like with a custom orthotic, there will be less strain on the lower extremities of the body.

Many lower extremity injuries like ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints can occur from having misalignments in the feet and a poor gait. Most of us have had an ankle sprain, which is the most common lower extremity injury. It usually happens from landing wrong on the foot or jumping poorly off the toe. Spraining your ankle just once increases your chances for more future ankle sprains. Therefore, examination and stabilizing of the foot structures is important when considering injuries like ankle sprains.

Custom orthotics is an effective way to address foot stability and support and can reduce the chances of injury to the lower extremities of the body. In my practice I have seen many athletes and non-athletes benefit form custom orthotics.

To inquire more regarding custom orthotics or other treatment options at our clinic, call 480-470-0133 or visit drbeauchiropractor.com.

Dr. Beau Horner is a licensed chiropractor. He provides patient-specific treatment plans that incorporate the use of chiropractic, physical therapy techniques, soft-tissue therapies, nutritional and ergonomic counseling, and home exercises to provide the most time-efficient and effective plan to treat patients with a variety of conditions. His office accepts insurance, personal injury, and accident cases.

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