Aspirus | Aspire | Winter 2019

ASPIRE is a free magazine published by Aspirus and is intended to provide health information to the people living in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Aspirus is proud to offer this publication as a resource to you and your family. This publication is also available online at aspirus.org/aspire . Information in this publication is not intended to replace medical advice, nor is it for self-diagnosis. Individuals should speak with their primary care provider or other health care professionals regarding medical concerns. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 aspire Winter 2019 IT’S NOT TOO LATE! Get your flu shot With very few exceptions, everyone 6months and older should get a flu vaccination each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because flu viruses are always changing, new vaccines must be designed annually. That’s why you need a new flu shot every year. Also, the flu sometimes leads to serious complications. Protect your family While even healthy people can get very sick from the flu, thosemost at risk for complications that can result in a hospital stay include: w w Young children. w w Older adults. w w Pregnant women. w w People with certain health problems, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. When you get vaccinated, you help protect those around you who aremost vulnerable to the flu, including babies too young to get a flu shot. Aspirus offers flu shots to existing patients through their primary care clinic. Please contact your local primary care clinic for details if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet. COLD WEATHER Have fun with your kids this winter HELPYOURKIDSSTAYHEALTHY—YEAR-ROUND If you need help finding a health care provider for you or your children, go online to aspirus.org or call the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800.847.4707 . FINDACLINIC Go online to aspirus.org for clinic contact information. Winter can be long inWisconsin and Michigan, but it can also be fun and a great season to enjoy with your family. Aspirus pediatrician Susan Frangiskakis, MD, reminds parents to “get active, move and go outside. Enjoy this time with your children and set a great example showing a positive attitude about snow.” Many local communities offer free winter sports for children and families like ice skating, curling and programs for children to learn to ski. Winter weather offers plenty of outdoor fun. Here are five tips to help keep your little snow bunnies safe: Susan Frangiskakis, MD SET LIMITS. Set a time limit for how long they can play outside especially when the wind chill factor or temperature is below −15. BUNDLE UP. Kids should wear onemore layer than you would. Thin fabrics are best for layering underneath warm coats, boots, gloves and hats. DON’T NEGLECT SUNSCREEN. Protecting exposed skin fromharmful rays is just as important in winter as in summer. The reflection of the sun’s rays off of snow can actuallymake rays more powerful. DOWINTER SPORTS RIGHT. Skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding are activities children should never do alone. They should also wear a helmet to prevent head injuries. Don’t let kids sled around cars or into the road, and instruct them to slide feet-first. CHECK FOR SIGNS OF FROSTBITE. Fingers, toes, ears and noses are particularly vulnerable to frostbite. Frostbitten skinmay turn white or pale gray and formblisters. If your child shows signs of frostbite, have himor her come inside to gently warmup. Don’t rub the affected skin, and don’t pop any blisters. If you have questions about health tips for your children in the winter, talk to your child’s primary care provider.