Orlando Health Health Central Hospital Community Newsletter (Spring 2020)

SPRING 2020

WEST ORANGE

7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

The best way to deal with any medical condition — even COVID-19 — is 5 Vaccinate against other
by practicing prevention. It’s important to do whatever you can to avoid infections.
getting sick, and that includes washing your hands thoroughly, regularly and It’s possible to get more than one
effectively. Many viruses are transmitted by our own hands. infection simultaneously — and it’s
also dangerous. Contracting the flu on top
Orlando Health registered dietitian Ashlee Wright and family of COVID-19 would result in a much more
medicine physician Todd J. Sontag offer seven more ways to complex medical situation.
fight off infections:
6 Stop smoking/vaping.
1 Establish (or continue) 3 Get an adequate As a general rule, anything you put
an exercise routine. amount of sleep. in your lungs unnecessarily will lead
Regular exercise keeps your immune This means doing to a higher likelihood of respiratory
system functioning at top levels. When what you can to get quality shut-eye infection.
you’re physically active, you can keep for the right number of hours. Aim for
pathogens out of your lungs and airways, 6-7 hours of quality sleep each night. 7 Support a healthy gut.
minimizing illness. A healthy gut allows you to fight
4 Drink less alcohol. infections more effectively.
2 Minimize stress. Studies show that excessive alcohol Add foods rich in vitamins
When you experience stress, it consumption leads to an increase A, C and D as well as zinc
can release the hormone cortisol, in respiratory infections and impaired into your dietary regimen.
increasing inflammation and immune responses. U.S. Dietary Guidelines Consume them often —
suppressing your immune system, making it for Americans recommend up to one drink a at least five servings of
less effective. day for women or two per day for men. fruits and vegetables daily.

ChooseOrlandoHealth.com

5 Ways

to Increase
Optimism
and Reduce
Anxiety

In today’s world, anxiety is Change the story. When we worry, we focus on the worst-case scenario. Choose
ever-increasing from
overexposure to news 1 a realistic story instead. Rehearse it. Share it.
and social media. This 2 Find the other track. People often think of life as seasons. During difficult times,
causes people to assume
only bad events are taking we wait for the season to end. Instead, look at life as two sets of tracks, the good and
place. Kenny Tello with
Orlando Health’s Wellness 3 the bad running side by side. Look toward the good to find a reason to be hopeful.
& Resilience program offers Establish a support system. We often feel as if we’re going through everything
five ways to counteract the by ourselves. In reality, you are not alone; there are others who have experienced
effects of negativity:
4 similar situations. They can provide invaluable support.
Do for others. Find ways to give back. When we worry, we become self-centered.
But you find optimism in collaboration, not in isolation.

5 Rely on your spiritual resources. Difficulties do not happen to you, they
happen for you. There is higher purpose and meaning in our struggles. When we
seek it, life can appear differently.

Anxiety often tells you no one cares, and your problems will only get worse.
That’s a lie. You have a two-track life, and it is worth living with joy!

How Mindfulness Can Improve Your Life

Mindfulness is the process of To get you started, here are four suggestions from Mary Senne, PhD, with
actively noticing aspects about Orlando Health’s Wellness & Resilience program:
yourself and your environment,
and choosing to put yourself in Incorporate breathing exercises. When we’re aware of our breathing, we are more
the present. attentive to our bodies.

Yoga, meditation and walking are Create a visual prompt as a cue to have mindful moments in your day. When you think of
ways of developing mindfulness. that prompt — the color red, for example — you will remember to reflect.
They allow you to slow down and
engage. Watch what is happening Program your phone or fitness tracker to send reminders. Take a minute to focus when
outside. Really look at a piece of alerted. Notice what is going on with you and your environment.
art. Make it a habit to be present
with your surroundings. Take 120 seconds. Don’t grab your phone when you wake up. Instead, take two minutes to
be with yourself. Then start your day.

There is no right or wrong way to practice mindfulness. Being aware and focused on
oneself for even a brief moment offers many benefits.

2 Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital | West Orange Community Newsletter

Lower Your Stress Level
in 10 Minutes

Everyone experiences stress. A Letter from Our President

Whether it’s short-term stress from To Our West Orange Neighbors,

a busy day or long-term concerns During these difficult times, uncertainty can cause added
stress and uneasiness. Please know that Orlando Health –
over finances, the more stress you Health Central Hospital is here with you – and for you.

have, the more it affects your health As we continue our COVID-19 preparedness efforts, the safety and well-being of
your family and our care teams continue to be our top priorities. Our teams are
and well-being. expertly trained and dedicated to serving you. Regardless of your medical needs –
whether it’s surgery, cardiac care or emergency services – you can have confidence
Sometimes we all need a few minutes to slow down, knowing we are prepared to provide the same great care you have come to expect
reevaluate and relax. Diane Robinson, PhD, a from us.
neuropsychologist with Orlando Health, offers these
options for coping with stress in 10 minutes or less. We also understand that as the threats of COVID-19 evolve, so do your needs.
Orlando Health offers virtual visit options whether you’re concerned that you have
Practice Your Breathing: an ear infection, the flu or COVID-19. Board-certified doctors are a click away via
Slowing down your breathing your smartphone, tablet or laptop – go to OrlandoHealth.com/VirtualVisit.
is one of the simplest ways
to de-stress. One technique Orlando Health also stands ready to care for COVID-19 patients with severe
is known as Sama Vritti, or symptoms, including a temperature of 100.4 or higher and shortness of breath.
“equal breathing.” Inhale while Our experts in infectious diseases and emergency management are well-informed
counting to four, hold your about this new coronavirus disease. They are prepared to respond quickly and
breath briefly, then exhale as appropriately for these most severe cases. We also remain in contact with public
you count to four. This tells health officials at the national, state and local levels as well as with our medical
your brain to stop releasing stress chemicals. partners to ensure the proper protocols are in place at all times. We have more
than 500 inpatient beds, including those in intensive care units (ICUs), available at
Aromatherapy: Essential our network of hospitals across Central Florida.
oils can help relax the body and
promote better sleep. Oils such as To keep our patients, visitors and care teams safe, we have made changes to
lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang, our visitation policies. For the latest visitation policies as well as COVID-19
clary sage and jasmine can be information and FAQs, visit OrlandoHealth.com/COVID-19 or call our
diffused into the air or applied to COVID-19 hotline at (877) 321-COVID.
acupressure points on your body.
These are times that require courage, clarity and calm. You can lean on us for
Take a Walk: Walking helps your body produce strength. Together, we will make a difference in the lives of our community.
endorphins — Mother Nature’s “feel good” chemicals
— and release physical tension in your muscles. With warm regards,
Exposure to sunshine helps our bodies produce
vitamin D, a natural stress buster that regulates
serotonin.

Bring Your Pup: Take that

walk a step further and bring Mark Marsh, President
your dog along. Walking your Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital
dog can increase oxytocin,

another stress-busting “happy”

hormone.

3Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital | West Orange Community Newsletter

What’s Inside 1414 Kuhl Ave. WEST ORANGE
This Issue? Orlando, FL 32806
Nonprofit
7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System p1 Organization
U.S. Postage
5 Ways to Increase Optimism and
Reduce Anxiety Every Day p2 PAID
Permit No. 3459
How Mindfulness Can Improve Orlando, Florida
Your Life p2

A Letter from Our President p3

Lower Your Stress in 10 Minutes p3

Social Distancing p4

Social Distancing Means Staying Home

As we work to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, one act

we should all practice is social distancing. But what does that mean exactly?

Deliberately increasing the distance we are from those we don’t live with.

Staying at least six feet away from each other decreases our chances of being

infected, says Dr. Fior Rojas with Orlando Health Physician Associates.

Stay at Home
At a time when schools, restaurants, gyms and seasons of sports have shut down, it’s
important to point out the obvious: Stay home, even if you don’t feel sick. Avoid large
gatherings, work from home if your job allows and stop going to friends’ houses. For the time
being, only “visit” using your phone or computer.

Act Like You’re Already Infected
Most people who spread the virus do so without knowing it. Because the virus spreads from
person to person, it needs others to stay alive. If you’re home, you’re doing what you can to
slow the spread of COVID-19.

Over-the-Phone Diagnosis
Social distancing even means being diagnosed over the telephone before coming into a clinic.
You also can refill medications over the phone, so you don’t risk unnecessary exposure.

By practicing social distancing, we limit the spread of infection.
It is up to all of us to promote an environment of safety and
responsibility, for our own health and that of our neighbors.