Halloween
A Reminder
About COVID 19

It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both patients with flu and patients with COVID-19.

This means getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 there are many important benefits, such as:

• Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death
• Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for

How to Protect Yourself & Others

The first step to protecting yourself and others is understanding how COVID-19 spreads.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It’s important to keep in mind there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Best Practices to Avoid COVID-19
Following these best practices can help you reduce the risk of getting, or spreading COVID-19. While some of these are rooted in common sense, it is important to be diligent and follow these measures vigilantly.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Try to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people.
• If the people are “inside your bubble” this doesn’t necessarily apply, unless they are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Everyone should wear a mask in public when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing.

Being mindful to follow these best practices is one way that every Canadian can do their part to help minimize the impact of the coronavirus disease.

Getting Ready for Chritmas

Don’t you struggle with getting ready for Christmas this season? Here are 3 quick and simple tips for preparing for and finding joy this December.

1. wash your hands often with soap and Intentionally honour and bless people in your life. Make a list of people in your life, and take the time to thank them for what they mean to you.
2. Stick to a budget — there’s no need to break the bank.More stuff isn’t going to necessarily be a blessing to the people you want to intentionally honour. You don’t need to buy expensive gifts for everyone. Try baking some cookies and gift them with a short note.
3. Take time to prepare yourself for the season. Sometimes we can get overwhelmed with the pressure of the holidays. Take a step back, and remember the meaning of the season and is to truly appreciate all that you have in your life.

Health & Wellness

There are some straightforward ways to strengthen your immune system, but the best first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. The single best step you can take toward keeping your immune system strong and healthy is to follow general good-health guidelines.

To help you on the path to health and wellness we’d like to share a simple, but power-packed smoothie recipe. This healthy immune-boosting smoothie uses almond milk and is naturally sweetened with frozen fruit. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help keep colds at bay.

Ingredients
1 cup roughly chopped spinach and kale, packed tightly
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 1/2 cups frozen mix of mango, pineapple, and kiwi chunks
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 lemon, juiced

Add all ingredients to your blend, and blend until smooth.
Serve and enjoy!