Health Happenings Newsletter 2021

March 4, 2021

A Conversation about Covid-19 vaccines with Dr. Tess Lombard, Chief Medical Officer at StayWell

It’s easy to get confused with all of the information about vaccines circulating in the news and social media.  To clarify some of your questions, we asked our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tess Lombard to answer some important questions posed by many of our patients and supporters.

Question: Should I get the vaccine even though I’m only 28?

Dr. Tess: Yes. If your Primary Care Provider recommends the vaccine for you, please consider receiving it. 

Question: Can I take Tylenol right after I get the vaccine to ward off any unpleasant side effects?

Dr. Tess: Do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen before your vaccine. After the vaccine, do not take them if you don’t have any symptoms, but if you have symptoms, you may take them according to the directions. 

Question: When is it safe to socialize after I’ve had my two shots?

Dr. Tess: There is a period of several weeks until your antibodies reach their peak, so don’t take the mask off just yet! Even after that time, it is still recommended to maintain social distancing, wash your hands and wear your mask. 

Question: Do I still have to wear a mask even though I got both vaccines? 

Dr. Tess: Yes. Until the majority of the population is vaccinated, we all need to remain vigilant and continue our safe practices. 

Question: Should I be worried if I can’t get my second dose exactly when I’m supposed to? 

Dr. Tess:  It is suggested that the second vaccine occur within four days of your target date.  People can receive it up to two weeks later and the CDC says it can happen up to 42 days or six weeks after the first dose. 

One thing we have ALL Learned from the Covid-19 pandemic is that-

The health of ONE most certainly impacts the health of all.

Help us provide access to high quality care for ALL by donating now.

 

The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages health care facilities to participate in a program designed to lower patient’s blood pressure called Target:BP.  Nearly 1,100 organizations expressed their commitment to improving blood pressure control rates by submitting data to the 2020 Target: BP Recognition Program. The AHA and the American Medical Association recognized these organizations for their efforts and continued support of improving their community’s heart health. 

StayWell is proud to achieve GOLD status for 2020. Congratulations to all medical staff for this stellar achievement.

 

Thrilled StayWell patient receiving her first shot of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccination. Click here to find out if you are eligible for a COIVD-19 vaccine in CT. 

Connecticut National Guard members supporting StayWell with the logistics of vaccine administration. 

StayWell is excited to announce the launch of our new online experience at www.staywellhealth.org thanks to a collaboration with Junction Creative Solutions! The new interface will support easy access to services, the patient portal, and online donations. Check out the StayWell Bog while you are there and stay up to date on healthy tips, featured articles, and personal stories from our staff!

“We greatly appreciate the services StayWell is providing to its communities and the opportunity to work with them on this project,” says Julie Gareleck, CEO and Managing Partner, Junction Creative. “StayWell understands the importance of remaining ahead of the trends in technology, marketing, and design in order to make important connections with its users. Amidst a global pandemic, it’s even more critical for users to find the right information at the right time.”

 

Always there when you need care

In March 2020, StayWell quickly adopted to remote work platforms and tele-health models to help patients and the community combat COVID-19.  Medical and behavioral health services for adults and children continued at full speed; while emergency dental visits kept people out of the emergency room.  COVID testing was added for the community with all hands on deck! 

StayWell partnered with St. Vincent DePaul homeless shelter to provide daily medical check-in’s of their guests, who were staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Waterbury, at the height of the pandemic.  Pictured here are StayWell healthcare heroes performing COVID-19 testing at the Marriott.  StayWell has continued its commitment to provide healthcare for the homeless with weekly medical services on-site at the shelter.