As the holiday season is underway, sicknesses like influenza and COVID-19 are back in full swing. COVID-19 can affect all of us differently, so it’s best to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially those most vulnerable, from contracting the virus. Here are some of MGRMC’s tips for staying happy and healthy this Christmas season.

1. Consider Getting Vaccinated 

Receiving a vaccine against COVID-19 is one of the best things you can do to prevent severe infection and hospitalization if you get infected with COVID-19. Talk to your doctor to receive more information on which vaccine is right for you. Copper Mountain Clinic, our family medicine, offers the Moderna vaccine every Friday. You can schedule your vaccination appointment by calling 928-348-1600.

2. Wear a mask
Wearing a mask in indoor public places can help us stay healthy. Wearing a well-fitted mask covering both your mouth and nose can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

3. Wash Your Hands Often
This holiday season be sure to wash your hands often; it can help slow the transmission of COVID-19, noroviruses, influenza, and other viruses that cause common colds. Washing your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds can help remove harmful bacteria and viruses. Properly wash your hands by lathering the palms and backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet, Stay Hydrated, and Get Proper Sleep
Maintaining a rich and healthy diet as well as staying hydrated can be highly beneficial for remaining healthy during the colder months. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep allows your body to reset every day and will enable you to fight off sicknesses faster.

5. Social Distance
Staying socially distant ensures that we maintain our health. Stay at least 6 feet away from those outside of your household when you are in public settings.

6. If You’re Feeling Sick, Stay Home
One of the very best things we can do to keep our community healthy is to stay home if you feel sick.
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, or headaches, be sure to get tested for COVID-19 to prevent the spread to others. Copper Mountain Clinic provides a completely free drive-up testing located behind Mount Graham Regional Medical Center. They are open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

7. Follow Local Recommendations
We always recommend following local recommendations and guidelines for our area. You can find these guidelines for our community here: https://www.graham.az.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=181 and here: https://www.azdhs.gov/covid19/index.php. 

When we work together as a community, we will be able to get through this pandemic, alleviate the stress on our local healthcare system and workers, and get stronger through it.