Alameda Health System is holding a blood drive at Alameda Hospital on March 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Conference Room A. To sign up, go to redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code alameda.

Did you know that there is a severe blood shortage nationwide? The American Red Cross recently announced that the national blood supply dropped by approximately 35% last month, an alarming decline. Efforts to replenish supply were largely thwarted by severe winter weather across much of the country over the last few weeks. Weather disrupted blood drives and prevented thousands of donations from being collected.

Giving blood is easy and it saves lives. Patients who lose blood due to traumatic injuries often require massive, rapid transfusions of red blood cells and plasma to replace lost blood. Those undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy need platelet or red blood cell transfusions to recover strength. People with chronic conditions like sickle cell disease, anemia, or kidney failure often depend on regular blood transfusions to survive. And blood is often needed when treating moms and babies for complications during childbirth.

Type O blood donors (both O positive and O negative) are currently the most needed to combat severe shortages and meet high, consistent hospital demand.

Last year, Alameda Health System blood drives collected more than 225 units of blood from community donors and staff members. Those donations helped save up to 672 lives.

“Alameda Health System remains steadfast in its mission of caring, healing, teaching, and serving all, despite unprecedented budget cuts to the safety net,” said AHS CEO James Jackson. “Please join our mission by taking care of yourself, taking care of each other, and giving blood on March 27.”

In challenging times, small acts of compassion compound. Donating blood is one of the most direct ways to ensure that lifesaving care remains available to every member of our community who needs it.

Healthy Alameda is a healthcare column provided by Alameda Health System (AHS), the public safety-net health system that serves all in Alameda County. AHS operates five facilities in the City of Alameda, including Alameda Hospital, Creedon Advanced Wound Care Center, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Marina Wellness and Surgical Associates.

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Every hair is in place and you are wearing the new cool activewear you got over the holidays, which sits neatly and wrinkle-free on your body while you pump iron or stretch. Should you appear to be breaking a sweat, it is a glistening glow, and you are smiling and relaxed. It all seems so effortless. At least that’s what the ads that encourage you to join the club, get a membership, and hurry in for a “New Year, New You” so you can look just like these models, would have you believe. But in the real world, starting a new exercise routine can be tough.

There’s a reason that the second Friday of January is also known as “quitter’s day.” “Research conducted by Strava using over 800 million user-logged activities in 2019 predicts the day most people are likely to give up on their New Year’s resolution is January 19,” Inc.com reported.

Whether you want to call them resolutions or not, I firmly believe in making decisions when making those decisions will improve your life. As I wrote in ”Why Wait Until January?” just over a year ago, “There is nothing magical about resolutions made on January 1. Your state of mind is more important than the date you start.” So, if you wanted to but hesitated and didn’t make a resolution when the ball dropped at midnight, it’s OK. If you are ready to do it now, it’s the right time. If you are just not sure if you should, read that article with my thoughts on the topic and see if it resonates with you.

If you made a resolution and hit some speed bumps along the way—or even drove right into a ditch and are stuck—give yourself grace. What you do next is what matters. If you want to reevaluate your resolution and tweak it, I support you. If you are just not ready to tackle it right now, I support you. If you want to start over, I support you.

A great way to meet your fitness goals this year, if that’s one of your resolution target areas, is to work with a knowledgeable professional coach. As a coach guides you to be your best self, they do the same for themselves. Coaches are always researching and learning. As a matter of fact, certified personal trainers are required to update their knowledge and skills through continuing education units. It is vital to be sure that you hire and train with a personal trainer who has a current certification. It’s also important to train with a professional who has a good roster of other clients. Each client brings life experience that your trainer can learn from, and that broadens the range of tools that the trainer will use.

Here is a list that I put together for a client of mine to remind them of the basic benefits of staying on task until they reach their fitness goal. That person was so focused on what the end goal was that they didn’t realize all the benefits they were gaining along the way. The list reminded them that the journey to the goal is increasing their good health, not just accomplishing the goal itself. I hope that it encourages you as well and reminds you that on your way to your goal, every bit of movement is increasing your overall health.

Why Your Movement Matters

1. Increases circulation.
2. Improves cardiovascular fitness.
3. Increases your good cholesterol (HDL).
4. Burns calories.
5. Relieves stress.
6. Lowers your overall blood pressure.
7. Improves flexibility.
8. Improves posture.

Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via CoachDenise@alamedapost.com or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.

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We spoke with Pete Alimi, Alameda Health System (AHS) environmental health and safety manager, about concrete steps you can take to stay safe during the next emergency.

Alimi says every family should have an emergency preparedness plan and kit. Here are four essential things to prepare:

1. Water. Fill up water jugs with at least one gallon per person, per day. A three-day supply is the minimum amount you need. Having drinking water readily available is critical, in case public infrastructure is not functioning.
2. Non-perishable food. Keep a three-day supply of non-perishable food on-hand, or up to two weeks’ worth if you plan to stay home throughout the emergency.
3. First-aid supplies and essentials. Having up-to-date first-aid supplies is critical in an emergency, when injuries are more likely. Other essential items include flashlights and radios, blankets, and extra dry clothes. Alimi recommends checking the full American Red Cross earthquake kit safety-preparedness checklist.
4. Plan for phone service disruptions. Create a plan with your family members about where to meet, in case communication is out.

Earthquakes are not just a threat to individuals. It is critical that Alameda Hospital is able to stay open and continue operating in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake.

To that end, AHS is supporting the City of Alameda Health Care District in making critical seismic updates to the Alameda Hospital building. The contractor responsible for the seismic retrofit has already started work, and the planning, testing, and project coordination is underway. Read more about the planned seismic updates here.

AHS is also prepared for other emergencies that could affect Alameda residents and their community hospital. Preparing for power outages and infectious disease outbreaks are top priorities. Alimi says teams regularly run through drills of these scenarios, so that action is swift should an emergency arise.

His department has also worked to digitize and improve communications. “In disasters, communication is the most important factor,” Alimi said. “It’s how you collaborate internally that determines how effective you’ll be.”

While community members prepare to keep their families safe, hospitals prepare to continue delivering lifesaving care no matter the crisis.

“Our mission is caring, healing, teaching, and serving all, and preparedness is part of that promise,” Alimi said. “We have worked diligently to be prepared when disaster strikes, so that we are ready when our community needs us most.”

Healthy Alameda is a healthcare column provided by Alameda Health System (AHS), the public safety-net health system that serves all in Alameda County. AHS operates five facilities in the City of Alameda, including Alameda Hospital, Creedon Advanced Wound Care Center, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Marina Wellness and Surgical Associates.

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Move over pumpkin spice! It’s peppermint’s time in the spotlight. Pumpkin spice loyalists, you need not worry—your flavor is still available. It is just taking a back seat to a “refreshing” seasonal flavor.

My daughter is elated. Everywhere we go, she has the option to add peppermint to her favorite delights. She continually tries to convince me to jump on the mint wagon, but I remain ada-mint that I will not suffer from FOMOOM (fear of missing out on mint). It’s not that I do not enjoy mint, I just choose to add it to my diet in other ways. After all, this popular herb has health benefits.

Mentha, commonly known as mint, comes in many varieties, but peppermint and spearmint are the ones that are most commonly available. Mint may be used fresh or dried. I have pineapple mint in my freezer right now. I acquired it from a neighbor and use it as a refreshing addition to salads. I did not want the unused stems to go to waste, so I froze the leaves in lemonade, as cubes, to be added to beverages at a later time. That’s a tip for you: If you find that you have more fresh herbs than you can use, don’t panic. You can save them for future use. Depending on the herb and how you plan to use it, freeze it in broth, juice, or water, and then add the cube to your recipe when needed.

Back to our cool herb. Throughout history, mint has been used for its medicinal properties.

Suffering from indigestion or an upset stomach? Native Americans would brew a tea using wild mint leaves to ease stomach discomfort. “Tea, in general, is very beneficial for numerous reasons, but mint tea in particular has been shown to help with digestion and some irritable bowel symptoms,” Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at No Nonsense Nutrition, LLC, in Marietta, GA, told WebMD. It does this by causing the muscles of the stomach to relax and by improving the flow of bile, helping food to digest and pass through the stomach more quickly. This relieves pain and bloating. A friend recently shared Moroccan mint tea with me, and I was sold.

When consuming mint, do you experience a sensation of taking a breath of fresh air? Rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, is present in mint. In a 2019 study, rats with asthma responded to rosmarinic acid comparably to those treated with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid medication used to relieve inflammation and suppress the immune system. In some cases, the response was even more favorable than those treated with dexamethasone.

When my son needs to use his inhaler, he often follows up with a stick of mint-flavored gum. Mint can counter an unpleasant flavor, but menthol, a component of mint, as reported by the National Institutes of Health, can reduce the perception of breathlessness.

Even if you don’t enjoy its taste, you may still reap health benefits from mint. In capsule form, it has been used to treat stomach discomfort. The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges notes, “Studies show that taking peppermint oil capsules reduces symptoms and pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”

A 2024 review of 10 studies on aromatherapy found that inhaling peppermint oil successfully reduced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It is important to note that essential oils are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of ailments; therefore, the quality may vary.

You might find this article interesting, as I did: Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance, published in the National Library of Medicine. It describes a study that showed significant gains in performance in a group that received peppermint oil to the tongue over the control group that received a placebo of mineral water. I hesitate to take to heart the results though, as the study group was small and limited to athletic males.

So, if your holidays would not be complete without your favorite mint-infused beverage, the aroma of mint wafting in the air, or a tingle of mint on your tongue via a variety of edibles, delight in your minty madness while the season overflows with options.

But just as I warned in Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About (about overindulging in pumpkin spice goodies), loading-up on sugary treats and beverages enhanced with peppermint will diminish the healthful benefits. Don’t worry, I will not go Grinch-mode. If the excite-mint of the season’s bonus flavor is overwhelming, go for it. After all, the season is short, and as I encouraged you in It’s OK to Indulge, just don’t overdo it. Enjoy!

Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via CoachDenise@alamedapost.com or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.

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Changes to Medicaid, signed into law with the passage of H.R. 1, and subsequent changes to Medi-Cal from the state, will begin to take effect on January 1, 2026. Some adults with “unsatisfactory immigration status” may forever lose their opportunity to receive full-scope Medi-Cal if they don’t enroll by December 31.

About 25% of the City of Alameda’s residents were born in another country. Providers at Alameda Health System (AHS), which operates Alameda Hospital, know that these changes to Medicaid may impact immigrant patients and the health of the community. Many are already fearful due to increased enforcement activity. Some may avoid leaving their homes, postpone medical care, or skip medical appointments.

“I know many families are feeling uncertain right now,” said Alejandro Diaz, MD, vice-chair of internal medicine at AHS. “I want our community to hear that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you, answer your questions, and make sure you can get care in a way that feels safe and comfortable.”

Part of caring for our community is helping patients access the health coverage they need to be healthy. For adults with an “unsatisfactory immigration status,” enrolling by December 31 is essential to keep the opportunity for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage. AHS is here to help you and your family enroll, so you can get the care you need to stay healthy. You can get health care coverage one of these ways:

1. Go to BenefitsCal.com. This is the best way to get your health care coverage.
2. Visit one of the many Enrollment Sites at a location near you.
3. Call and get support to apply. If you need help, you can also call Alameda County Social Services Agency toll-free at 1-888-999-4772, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit the Alameda County Social Services website.
4. For information on additional health coverage programs, contact Alameda County Health Insurance Technicians (HITs) at 1-800-422-9495, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
5. AHS patients should call Enrollment Services at 510-437-4961, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As changes to Medicaid continue, millions of Californians are expected to lose their health insurance. AHS is preparing for a likely increase in uninsured patients seeking care, especially in our emergency departments. AHS is required by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to care for everyone who comes to our emergency departments, and will continue to stand by our mission of caring, healing, teaching, and serving all, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

There is a special trust between patients and health care providers, and no one should ever be afraid to seek care for themselves or their loved ones.

“I encourage my patients not to put off their health if they can help it,” Dr. Diaz said. “If you’re feeling unsure about insurance changes or worried about what this all means for your family, please call or come talk to us. We will help you make the decisions that feel right for you.”

Healthy Alameda is a healthcare column provided by Alameda Health System (AHS), the public safety-net health system that serves all in Alameda County. AHS operates five facilities in the City of Alameda, including Alameda Hospital, Creedon Advanced Wound Care Center, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Marina Wellness and Surgical Associates.

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Technology gives us visual access to images and information in seconds. What technology is not truly able to provide is the complete physical experience. Some might argue that Virtual Reality (VR) goggles can. Not fully, though. They can give you a sense of the experience, based on what you see and hear, and what the messages those visions and sounds send to your brain. You can even wear gloves or a full body suit that provides haptic feedback, technology that uses vibration or other forces to create a simulated sense of touch. But I know that even if I were to don all the gear, visiting Hawaii using tech is not the same as being there, where I can feel the gentle ocean breeze and smell the jasmine or plumeria growing nearby. A suit will not allow me to feel the sand under my feet and the water washing over them as the waves lap the beach. I will not be able to enjoy shave-ice within blocks in any direction, the way we find coffee here.

“In the last two decades, childhood has moved indoors,” the National Wildlife Federation states in Health Benefits and Tips for connecting kids with nature. “The average American child spends as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day and more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen. This shift inside profoundly impacts the wellness of our nation’s kids. Childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in the last 20 years; the United States has become the largest consumer of ADHD medications in the world; and pediatric prescriptions for antidepressants have risen precipitously.”

Richard Louv, journalist and author of Last Child in the Woods, coined the term “nature deficit disorder” to describe young people’s loss of opportunity to interact with the natural environment and the risk that poses to their health. A study posted in the National Library of Medicine states: “Louv argues that elements of our urbanized lifestyle, including fewer natural spaces, a car-focused culture, more screen time, changes in the perception of risk (e.g., “stranger danger”), less leisure time, and increased time pressures from work or school, combine to decrease or even eliminate contact with nature for both adults and children. He proposes that direct exposure to nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of both children and adults.”

Last May, I was invited to kayak with Sea Trek at what was then their new Alameda location, and I wrote in Sea Trek Expands to Alameda’s Ballena Bay that being on the bay was more than a great workout, it was an opportunity for nature to enfold me in its splendor. At the time, Sea Trek CEO Galen Licht shared that they would be participating in a program with Oakland Unified School District to give youth who might not otherwise experience it an opportunity to get on the water. I recently had an opportunity to speak with Oakland Goes Outdoors (OGO) Program Coordinator Jessica Oya and Executive Director Kaitlin Levenstrong. The passion that they have to remove barriers and provide equitable access to the outdoors to 6,200 students a year across 22 school sites is exciting.

Without OGO, many of these children may not ever walk among the towering redwoods, kayak on the rolling bay, enjoy the expansive views from the Marin Headlands, and other outdoor experiences due to barriers such as cost, access to transportation or other reasons. To provide these opportunities “takes intention” says Levenstrong, noting that “exposure and access matter.” Through these adventures, provided during the school day, allowing for academic and social awareness, OGO exposes the students to activities that could be transformative. As Oya shared, OGO provides the students with opportunities to try different outdoor experiences to see if they love being in nature, and if they do, they can then share that love with their families so they too can experience the joy and wonder of the outdoors and together create a sense of environmental stewardship.

If you would like to support this endeavor, Oakland Goes Outdoors, in partnership with Sea Trek Alameda, has a goal of providing kayaking outings for 500 students, through the OUSD 500 on the Water Project campaign. Another way to support OGO is a team-building kayaking event with your company. Keep your team healthy and therefore more productive, plus when you host a team-building event, one student’s kayaking adventure gets covered. It is a win-win.

I am so proud of our little Island City and the many ways that children can step away from screens and live healthier by connecting with nature. Whether they bike or walk our plethora of trails, explore Crab Cove, run and play in any of our expansive parks, feel the sand between their toes at the beach, fish along the shoreline, or get on the water in a kayak, canoe, or on a paddleboard, their risk for “nature deficit disorder” diminishes. Do not underestimate your influence—lead by example, or even better, experience nature together. It is not too early to make a resolution for the new year to spend more time outdoors together as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via CoachDenise@alamedapost.com or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.

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Even with the best precautions, emergencies happen, and Alameda Hospital is open and ready to care for community members 24/7. In fact, Alamedans are fortunate that Alameda Hospital typically has among the shortest ER wait times in the Bay Area.

We spoke with Dr. Sammy Hodroge, medical director of Alameda Hospital’s emergency department, who shared five essential tools everyone can use to avoid a trip to the ER.

1. Wash your hands.

One of the simplest ways to stop the spread of germs is one we all know: washing our hands. Viruses that cause colds, flu, and stomach bugs are often transmitted from contaminated surfaces to hands and then faces.

“Consistent handwashing is a cornerstone of illness prevention,” Dr. Hodroge said. “Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public spaces, removes pathogens that can make you and others sick.”

2. Wear a helmet.

Head injuries can be devastating and occur in an instant. People are at an even higher risk now with the proliferation of electric bicycles and scooters. Always wear a helmet, even for short trips.

“We see far too many patients with head injuries that could have been avoided,” Dr. Hodroge said. Helmets are a proven way to protect against concussions, fractures, and other trauma.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard. Accidents happen quickly, and a helmet can be the difference between a minor incident and a life-altering injury,” Dr. Hodroge said.

3. Consider a flashlight or reflective vest when walking at night.

Shorter days mean more nighttime street crossings and an increased risk of being injured by street traffic. Increasing visibility gives drivers a few seconds to slow down.

“We see a tragic increase in pedestrian accidents when the days get shorter,” Dr. Hodroge said. “It’s critical to make yourself visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, or use a reflective vest. Drivers can’t avoid what they can’t see, and these simple tools can be life-saving.”

4. Check your carbon monoxide detectors.

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises in the winter when we turn on the heat. The odorless, colorless gas from heaters can be fatal.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because you can’t see it or smell it,” Dr. Hodroge said. “Before you start heating your home, test your detectors and replace the batteries. Every home with fuel-burning appliances needs working detectors on every level, especially near sleeping areas. It’s a simple step that prevents tragedies.”

5. Get a primary care doctor.

Don’t wait to get established with a primary care doctor. Your doctor is your main partner in long-term health. They know you and your medical history. This allows them to offer specific prevention strategies, manage chronic conditions, and catch potential problems early.

“Prevention is always the goal,” Dr. Hodroge said. “We’d much rather see our community members staying healthy at home than see them here for something that could have been avoided. But when those emergencies happen, we are ready.”

Simple choices add up. By taking these small precautions, families can avoid unnecessary emergencies and focus more on living healthy, active lives. And if an emergency does happen, Alameda Hospital is here for you.

Healthy Alameda is a healthcare column provided by Alameda Health System (AHS), the public safety-net health system that serves all in Alameda County. AHS operates five facilities in the City of Alameda, including Alameda Hospital, Creedon Advanced Wound Care Center, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Marina Wellness and Surgical Associates.

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Your back is the posterior region of your body from the base of your neck to the top of your buttocks and includes the vertebral column and the muscles that support the back and spinal cord. Pain in your back could be caused by a variety of reasons.

A car accident may not just cause damage to your car, it may cause a traumatic injury to your back. When Jill tumbled down that hill, she also likely injured her back. After all, the hill seemed to be a steep one as Jack’s fall resulted in a broken crown. Medical conditions, diagnosed by your doctor, may also be related to back pain. Recently, two students from my group classes have shared with me that they received diagnoses explaining their back pain. One has arthritis on her spine, the other has a herniated disc. Accidents that result in injury or medical conditions affecting the back are unavoidable, and treatment is the solution. However, there are other causes of back pain that can be avoided.

As a coach, my first thought when someone tells me they are experiencing back pain, after ruling out injury or a medical condition, is that the core needs strengthening. Your core is the midsection of your body—the muscles and structures that support your spine, pelvis, and lower abdomen. As explained by the Osteo Med Clinic, “When core muscles are strong, they help distribute forces evenly throughout the body, reducing the stress placed on the spine and lower back. However, when the core is weak, it can lead to poor posture, muscular imbalances, and increased pressure on the spine, which can cause or worsen back pain.” Core-focused exercises such as holding a plank or a bridge can help strengthen your core.

Too much time on your tush can lead to pain in your back. A study published in BMC Public Health found that people who sat for 75% of their workday reported significantly more back and neck pain than those who spent less time sitting. Sitting for prolonged periods of time decreases blood flow which may result in stiffness. Some ways to stave off the stiffness in your back can be found in my article, Not Sitting is Not the Same as Exercising.

Vitamin D is essential to good bone and muscle health. We delve deeper in the article Hello Sunshine. A study published in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) found that 83% of patients of clinics in Saudi Arabia “who had experienced low back pain that had no obvious cause for more than six months had an abnormally low level of vitamin D. After treatment with vitamin D supplements, clinical improvement in symptoms was seen in all of those who had a low initial concentration of vitamin D.” If you are experiencing unexplained back pain, you might want to ask your doctor if you should be tested for a vitamin D deficiency.

Is it time to go shoe shopping? If you are consistently getting your steps in but back pain is starting to slow you down, you might need to retire those walking/running shoes and get a new pair. Your shoes may lose support, even if the soles do not appear worn. Looking at the soles will reveal uneven wear or loss of tread and traction, but it will not tell you if the supportive cushioning is lacking. You would think that is something you could feel. But sometimes, those shoes are comfy because they are familiar, your feet recognize them.

I first realized this anomaly when I played league volleyball in my early 20s. I only wore my favorite volleyball shoes for games. They never touched the pavement, only indoor gym floors. Fellow players would always comment on the great condition my shoes were in, even though I wore them for every game. It was not until I accompanied my friend to a shoe store for her to purchase another pair of shoes that she couldn’t stop raving about, that I realized my shoes only seemed to be in great condition. She convinced me to try on a pair of her favorites, and I immediately felt a familiar bounce and sponginess that my favorite shoes were now lacking. My shoes appeared fine, but were not providing the necessary support. So the aches and pains I sometimes felt following games may have been due to more than the game itself.

Do not just accept that back pain is something you must live with. If your back aches and there is not an obvious reason, do some investigating. As Joseph Pilates said, “If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”

Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via CoachDenise@alamedapost.com or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.

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Alameda Health System (AHS), which includes Alameda Hospital, saw an uptick in COVID-19 cases in August and September, driven by the new “Stratus” variant. Next comes respiratory virus season.

“The swell of seasonal COVID-19 cases appears to have peaked in Alameda County and is now on the decline,” says Dr. Deborah Ellis, AHS Director of Infection Prevention and Control. “We are hopeful this trend continues. But we are headed into respiratory virus season, which officially begins November 1 and runs through April 30. Experts project that we will see similar rates of RSV and flu this year as we did last year.”

Flu, RSV, and COVID often cause similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish one infection from another without testing. Your best protection is vaccination against all three.

This year, changes in federal vaccine guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caused confusion about vaccine eligibility and access. It is important to remember that federal recommendations are guidance, not law. States may adopt stricter public health policies and can issue their own immunization directives.

Last month, California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii formed the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) to issue coordinated vaccine recommendations for the respiratory virus season. The WCHA was created in response to concerns about declining trust in the CDC, and it ensures consistent guidance across our region. California also recently enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 144, a law requiring the state to base immunization guidance on recommendations from independent medical organizations, rather than relying solely on the CDC.

The WCHA recommends that all people older than six months receive the flu vaccine, people younger than eight months or over 75 years old receive the RSV vaccine, and that children six to 23 months and adults over 65 receive the COVID-19 vaccine—with additional guidelines for pregnant people and those with risk factors. See the detailed recommendations here.

For our community, this means broad access to flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines. They are available at retail pharmacies, health system clinics, and local health departments. AB 144 also requires that insurers regulated by the state of California, which includes Medi-Cal and most private insurance plans, cover the WCHA recommended vaccines.

To further support community health, Alameda Hospital is hosting a free Community Health Fair on Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the hospital parking lot at 2070 Clinton Avenue. Free flu shots will be available for everyone over six months of age. The event will also feature free bike helmets for children under 12, health screenings, information on stroke prevention and emergency preparedness, and other health and wellness resources. We encourage you and your family to join us.

“Vaccinations are among the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century,” Dr. Ellis emphasizes. “They have been so effective that many generations have never witnessed the devastation caused by diseases before vaccines. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community—get vaccinated this season.”

Healthy Alameda is a healthcare column provided by Alameda Health System (AHS), the public safety-net health system that serves all in Alameda County. AHS operates five facilities in the City of Alameda, including Alameda Hospital, Creedon Advanced Wound Care Center, Park Bridge Rehabilitation and Wellness, South Shore Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Marina Wellness and Surgical Associates.

The post Healthy Alameda: Respiratory Virus Season Is Here–Don’t Wait to Get Vaccinated appeared first on Alameda Post.

Even if you are often up off your seat, however, it’s a good idea to have a goal to work in at least 150 minutes of dedicated exercise each week. Ironically—and this is good news for us all—that can include minutes of seated exercise.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week for adults, even those with chronic conditions or disabilities. The National Cancer Institute defines aerobic exercise as “physical activity that increases the heart rate and the body’s use of oxygen,” noting that it helps to improve a person’s physical fitness.

What is “moderate intensity” aerobic activity? The American Heart Association (AHA) shares the following examples:

• Brisk walking (at least 2.5 miles per hour).
• Water aerobics.
• Dancing (ballroom or social).
• Gardening.
• Tennis (doubles).
• Biking slower than 10 miles per hour.

I know that some of you are looking at these recommendations and shaking your head. You want to hold me to my earlier encouragement that seated exercise counts. Referencing the definition above, seated exercise absolutely does count. If it increases your heart rate and your body’s use of oxygen, seated exercise is a great option.

I teach seated (in a chair) classes weekly, and the mobility of students that take the classes varies. Some students would not be able to do a class that requires them to stand, even for a short time, others are fully able to do a class on their feet but admit that they likely would not do so. As a matter of fact, none of my students who take the class via Zoom have physical barriers that prevent them from standing. They simply prefer seated exercise.

Whether sitting or on your feet, movement is what matters—and you are more likely to be active if you are having fun. Here are some of my suggestions to get those minutes in.

• Make a playlist that you cannot help but get up and dance to. Play it at least three times a week and have a blast.
• Have you wanted to try pickleball? You likely have several friends that play and would love to teach you the game.
• Do you love being on the water? Pick an activity in which you paddle or row. We are fortunate to live in a region where you have lots of options and you do not need to own any equipment. In Alameda you can rent a kayak or SUP from Sea Trek or Stacked Adventures.
• I love that an AHA example of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is “biking slower than 10 miles per hour.” Choose a route from Bike Walk Alameda and explore an area of Alameda that you have never been to, as it is not along your normal course.
• Volunteer to walk dogs for Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). Just be sure that you are walking at a brisk pace, the dogs will not mind.
• If you want to try a fitness class but being in a room with a bunch of strangers may feel intimidating, join me for a Fitness by D’sign Zoom session. You’ll find it fun and a good workout.

No doubt you’ve heard the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Along those lines, as a coach, I say, “Pick movement you enjoy, and you will never feel like you are exercising.”

Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via CoachDenise@alamedapost.com or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.

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