COVID-19 Community Briefings

If you find the holiday season overwhelming, you’re not alone.

Wellstar experts say many people may have strong emotions at this time of year, especially since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"For many people, COVID-19 was a catalyst for alienation and isolation – further magnified at times by the loss of friends and family members," said Dr. Ryan Breshears, chief behavioral health officer with Wellstar Health System. "The research is unequivocal – loneliness is a driver of morbidity and mortality. Whereas feelings of grief are normal and understandable following loss, during the holiday season, it is imperative that we connect back to meaning, purpose and relationships. Prioritizing that human connection with others can, in essence, be a life-saving measure."

Tips to take care of your mental health

Difficult emotions may be unwelcome visitors this time of year, but you can take steps to help yourself feel better.

• Connect to purpose. Make time for meaningful activities and loved ones who bring joy to your life.
• Prioritize social interactions. Research indicates that just being around other people can generate a sense of belongingness that is therapeutically helpful. Activities that provide opportunities for human interaction (such as going to a local coffee shop, attending a sporting event, etc.) have the potential to mitigate the focus on what we’ve lost.
• Spend time with pets. When human companionship is limited, finding ways to connect with animals can also be healing.
• Use a gratitude journal.  The effects of gratitude are powerful. Shifting focus from what we have lost to the meaningful things and relationships we possess can help us manage the emotional residue of grief.
• Reach out for support. If you’re feeling isolated, connect with family and friends by setting up plans, speaking on the phone or sending a text message.
• Validate your emotions. Honor your feelings. There is no way we “should” or “should not” feel. Feelings are simply a byproduct of our experience. The way we feel always makes sense, even if we don’t understand why.
• Release expectations. Sometimes traditions change over time. Try not to worry if things don’t go as planned or exactly how they were in the past.
• Embrace self-care. Recharge and renew your spirit by making time for yourself this season.
• Plan ahead. Whether it’s gift-giving or holiday baking, planning in advance can alleviate last-minute stress.
• It’s okay to say no. If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that you don’t have to be involved in every activity of the season.
• Manage social media. Social media can help to drive a sense of connection with others, but it can also have drawbacks. Know yourself and your triggers. If it’s hard to manage your feelings when people portray a picture-perfect version of the holidays, take a step back and limit screen time.
• Limit media coverage. If news is upsetting, take breaks and limit your exposure.
• Seek professional help, if needed. If you are having a difficult time coping, find support from a behavioral health specialist.

Looking for more ways to stay well? Learn how to give yourself the gift of health and partner with a Wellstar primary care provider.

Whether you experience an injury, minor illness or simply need a wellness exam, the most important step you can take is getting the care you need. That way, you can find trained experts for your specific medical needs, stay ahead of potential health issues or even help prevent your condition from worsening. 

With primary, virtual, urgent and emergency care services available, as well as retail pharmacies, how do you decide which type of care is best for your medical situation? Learn the differences between each type of medical service so you don’t delay and get care right away. 

Local Pharmacies 

If you are ill and have minor symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help you feel better. At your local retail pharmacy, you can find over-the-counter treatments for minor conditions like colds. If your symptoms worsen or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments, contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care location. 

Local pharmacies also carry at-home COVID-19 tests, offering a convenient testing option for people who have been exposed or are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19. 

Virtual Care 

Whether you have a busy schedule or are just looking for a more convenient option, virtual appointments are an easy way to keep up with your health from anywhere. 

At Wellstar, we offer virtual visits with both primary care providers and specialists — no matter if you are an established patient or not. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re an established patient, simply request a virtual visit through MyChart. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to sign up for MyChart and keep all of your important health information in one secure space. You can also call your physician’s office directly and request a virtual appointment over the phone. 

These days, many types of appointments can be done virtually, including consultations, care for chronic conditions and prescription management. In addition to virtual primary and specialty care appointments, we also provide virtual urgent care through WellstarON for minor medical concerns. 

While virtual care is a convenient way to stay well, it should never be used in place of emergency care. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 right away. 

Primary Care 

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. 

Your primary care provider — either an internal or family medicine physician, pediatrician or OB/GYN, depending on your age and medical needs — gets to know you and your health history on a deeper level. That means they have a more accurate view of your overall wellness. 

Services include: 

• Annual wellness exams 
• Health screenings, labs and imaging 
• Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure 
• Immunizations for children and adults 
• Treatment for acute illness, such as the flu or colds 
• Coordinating care with other specialists 
• Physical and mental health concerns, such as weight loss or anxiety 

Find a Wellstar primary care provider in your neighborhood. 

Urgent Care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care Centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions. 

We also offer urgent care through WellstarON, which provides virtual health visits for minor medical concerns from the comfort and convenience of home. 

Wellstar Urgent Care provides: 

• Care for minor illnesses and injuries, such as coughs, colds, sprains and broken bones 
• Treatment for medical issues like bites, burns and cuts 
• COVID-19 testing and evaluation for patients 12 and older 
• Lab and X-rays 
• Sports physicals 
• Occupational health services 
• Worker’s compensation services 

Find a Wellstar urgent care location near you or make a virtual urgent care appointment. 

Emergency Care 

In a life-threatening medical emergency, every second counts. Never put off getting the proper care when lives are on the line. Remember, driving yourself to the emergency department (ED) may delay care, so call 911 for the fastest access to emergency care. 

When the unexpected happens, Wellstar is always ready in a medical emergency. Our trained team provides expert emergency care 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We even have several pediatric emergency room locations, specifically designed to treat children. 

Recognize the signs of a medical emergency: 

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
• Chest discomfort or pain 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Fainting or loss of consciousness 
• Sudden dizziness, weakness or vision changes 
• Sudden, severe pain 
• Uncontrolled or severe bleeding 
• Choking, coughing up blood or severe vomiting 
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts 
• Changes in mental status, such as confusion or unusual behavior 
• Traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle or other accidents 

Find a Wellstar emergency department close to you. Remember, call 911 right away in a medical emergency. That way, care can begin sooner during the crucial time it takes to be transported to the hospital. 

Small changes add up to big results. By incorporating simple habits into your life, you can kickstart your wellness journey and stay on track for the long run.

Schedule a wellness exam

Seeing your primary care provider at least once a year is the single most important thing you can do for your health.

At your annual exam, your physician will help keep you healthy and reach your wellness goals. They screen for diseases to stay ahead of medical issues and check in on your overall well-being.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to prompt you to book an appointment. You can also use an important date, such as your birthday, anniversary or holiday, as a marker to remind you to schedule a visit.

Get moving to stay well

If you’re focused on improving your fitness routine, put a plan in place to be more active and drop the extra pounds. According to Wellstar Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Asher Niazi, consistency is key to succeed.

“Raise your heart rate 45 minutes a day, at least five to six days a week,” Dr. Niazi said, stressing the importance of regular activity. “You don't have to go in gym and spend two hours working out. Exercise can be as simple as going on a brisk walk.”

For those looking to slim down, your healthcare provider can help jumpstart your health journey with a tailored diet and exercise plan.

Set a sleep routine

Having a bedtime routine is essential to catch more Z’s over the year. When you wake up feeling rested, you often feel more productive and energized throughout the day.

Get started by setting a specific time to go to sleep — and sticking to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.

Limit your screen time before getting in bed. Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, have a decaffeinated cup of tea or take a warm bath to help you relax.

Eat a balanced diet

When it comes to losing weight, many people look for a “quick fix” which can often create unhealthy ways of eating. Creating a healthy eating plan from the start can help avoid any fad diet pitfalls.

Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups, and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results, according to Wellstar Registered Dietitian Kelly Prian.

Diet trends can also create a negative relationship with food, which can make it harder to achieve your goals. Kelly Prian shared that those with long-term success focus on maintaining a plan that enables steady weight loss over time.

A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.

Try not to overcomplicate healthy eating. Focus on starting with small changes like filling half your plate with vegetables, or have fun trying new recipes.

Take care of your mental health

Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being, and should be made a consistent part of each day.

“Make self-care a priority and a non-negotiable,” said Dr. Rebecca Gomez, Wellstar clinical health psychologist and Clinician Resiliency & Well-Being Program Lead.

“Think of self-care as a form of personal healing and a way to strengthen resilience,” Dr. Gomez explained. “Much like the way exercise enhances physical health, self-care enhances mental health.”

According to Dr. Gomez, even small acts of intention can turn tasks we do on “autopilot” into more meaningful experiences.

“When washing your hands, give yourself a hand massage,” Dr. Gomez shared. “When driving, use red lights to practice deep breathing. Listen to a book on tape or language lessons rather than the radio, or call someone to reconnect.”

If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, Wellstar’s behavioral health specialists are here for you.

“Working with a mental health provider is different than speaking with a friend, or even a ‘life coach,’” Dr. Gomez said. “Mental health professionals are trained and licensed to address psychological or emotional wellness.”

Need support? Connect with a Wellstar behavioral health specialist.

Stay safe during the pandemic

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, things may feel uncertain. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your health.

Focus on what you can control. Get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, if eligible. You should also continue following the 3Ws — wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance around others.

If you are having a difficult time coping with your emotions, find support from a behavioral health specialist.

No matter what your health resolutions may be this year, we’re here for you. Learn how to win at your wellness goals with the help of Wellstar health experts.