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Articles in
Keeping Well
do not necessarily represent the opin-
ions of doctors practicing at Methodist Healthcare facilities.
BEAUTY
SURROUNDS
US EVERY DAY
IN OCTOBER
I went on a mini-vacation to Colorado
with some family. It was beautiful! We were able to see
some of the fall colors—the as-
pen trees almost looked on fire
from the bright yellow leaves, as
they dotted along the mountains
among all the pine trees. The
views were breathtaking!
We rode the train from
Silverton to Durango, we drove
to Ouray, and we hiked around
my brother’s property. It was
amazing. And for just a mo-
ment, I thought, “I would love
to live here.” I mentioned it to
my husband, and he said, “What would you do here?” I
hadn’t thought about that. I was just enjoying the scenery.
As we got back into the swing of things in good old
San Antonio, I was immediately thrust into work, my
daughter’s school and cheerleading, bills, church, house-
hold, and pets. I began to get overwhelmed. I wanted to
be back in Colorado, to see all of those beautiful sights.
Then it hit me. Texas is just as, if not more (in my
opinion), beautiful. I just wasn’t taking the time to smell
the roses, as the saying goes. I began to look around and
really see all the beautiful things that surrounded me. I
watchedmy daughter laughing and smiling with her friends
at cheer practice; I listened to my husband talk about his
day; I smiled as my co-workers welcomed me back; and
I laughed as my four, yes four, dogs jumped all over me.
I share this with you in hopes that you are reminded
that beauty surrounds us every day. You just have to re-
member to slow down and appreciate it.
Carole Harris
Community Relations Specialist
WomanPlus® and 55PLUS®
Carole Harris
MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE
that influenza, more com-
monly known as the flu, is only a worse version of the
common cold. Not true. The flu is actually a serious
respiratory disease that not only causes you time away
from work, but in more severe cases, causes hospitaliza-
tion and even death.
“The good news is a yearly flu vaccine is the first
and most important step in protecting against flu vi-
ruses,” explains
Ken Davis, MD
, chief medical officer
for Methodist Healthcare.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
vention, vaccination against the flu is recommended each
year for everyone 6 months of age and older.
FLU SYMPTOMS
At first, the flu may seem like a
common cold, but colds usually develop slowly and
the flu typically comes on suddenly. Flu symptoms
include:
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A 100°F or higher fever or feeling feverish.
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A cough and/or sore throat.
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A runny or stuffy nose.
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Headache and/or body aches.
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Chills.
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Fatigue.
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Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in
children).
PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK FROM FLU
Though anyone can
get the flu and experience serious complications, those
most at risk include:
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People over 65.
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People with chronic conditions such as asthma, dia-
betes or heart disease.
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Pregnant women.
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Young children.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
The flu can be
dangerous if serious complications—such as pneumo-
nia, bronchitis or other infections—set in, and it can
make chronic health problems worse. Seek medical
attention immediately if you have any of the following:
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Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
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Purple or blue discoloration of the lips.
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Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
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Sudden dizziness.
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Confusion.
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Severe or persistent vomiting.
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Seizures.
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Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with
fever and worse cough.
For more information on the flu or on keeping
well while caring for someone with the flu, visit
www.SAHealth.com/your-health/flu .IT’S DECEMBER—HAVE
YOU HAD YOUR FLU SHOT?
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