IN Millcreek Winter 2019 | Page 23

2019-2020 MEMBERSHIP REMINDER! It’s not to late to join! H MPS drive began Sept. 1, 2019 and runs through Nov. 30, 2019. H Both new and renewal memberships can be purchased at any time during the year. H Memberships cannot be prorated nor backdated for services already provided. H An MPS membership covers you anywhere in Erie County. H For more information on our membership program or to purchase a membership, visit our website at: www.millcreekparamedics.com or call our office at 836-8677. Our website : www.millcreekparamedics.com Check us out on Facebook: “Millcreek Paramedic Service” Also find us on Instagram: millcreekparamedics1999 Administration Office Information: Business Office Location: 3608 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 Business Office Phone Number: 814.836.8677 Mailing Address: PO Box 9038 Erie, PA 16505 Emergency Phone Number: 911 W ith the weather change upon us, it’s important to keep yourself and those around you healthy. With these simple reminders, the winter months could be those spent with family and friends, instead of secluded at home feeling lousy. Keep your hands off: Touching your nose and eyes may give that flu bug easy access. Wash your hands every time you come in contact with someone, especially those with cold symptoms. Go to bed: When you are tired, your body isn’t fighting germs. Getting enough sleep when healthy is important to daily function, and vital when you are under the weather. Doctors recommend 8 to 10 hours a night. influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Build a healthy body: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables supports your immune system. Drinking water helps you to stay hydrated. Dehydration can easily occur on top of cold/flu symptoms, especially if you are running a fever or vomiting. Who should get vaccinated this season? Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. Work out: Exercising regularly boosts immune function and helps to get a better night sleep. When should I get vaccinated? You should get a flu vaccine before flu begins spreading in your community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later. Get your shot: Simple, get your flu shot. Protect yourself and those around you! Why should you get vaccinated against the flu? Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different and an influenza infection can affect people differently. Millions of people get the flu every year, and hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including, reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children. How do flu vaccines work? Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the Children who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner, because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart. Please consult your primary care physician for more information regarding specific detailed information. (All information obtained by the CDC.) As the holidays approach, we want to wish you a safe, happy and HEALTHY Holiday Season! Thank you for supporting Millcreek Paramedic Service! MILLCREEK ❘ WINTER 2019 21