Health briefcase
STAYING HEALTHY
As winter illness season reaches its peak, communities across the country are grappling with the combined impact of Covid-19, RSV, influenza, and norovirus.
This convergence of viral threats — commonly referred to as a “quad-demic” — is placing significant strain on healthcare systems, workplaces, and families nationwide.
According to recent data, influenza activity remains high, according to the California Department of Public Health; RSV activity is at moderate levels; Covid-19 activity is currently low but remains a concern; and the CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks during the week of Dec. 5.
Dr. Jeffery Davies, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at St. John’s Hospitals, said that the thing these viruses have in common is that they can spread rapidly.
“It’s crucial now more than ever to stay vigilant — maintaining strict hygiene practices, staying home when sick, and considering vaccinations to protect yourself and others from potentially severe outcomes,” he said.
Davies said some effective strategies include: getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact when sick and disinfecting surfaces.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute CEO Elizabeth Thompson sent a list of crucial and necessary resources, especially for those managing diabetes and dealing with the aftermath of the fires across Southern California.
Here is a list:
Dexcom
- Technical Support: 1-844-607-8398
Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition
Lilly/Humalog
Medtronic
NovoCare/Novolog
Omnipod
- https://www.omnipod.com/poddertalk/diabetes-support/diabetes-disaster-response-coalition-helps-prepare-and-provide-relief
- Customer Care Team: 1-800-591-3455
Tandem
ADA
- https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/disaster-relief
- 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383), M-F 9am-5:30pm ET
Breakthrough T1D
Insulin for Life
LEADING THE CHARGE
Santa Barbara-based Cottage Health has elected Eric Seale as chair of its Board of Directors.
Announced Jan. 14, Seale succeeds Steven Zola, who served as board chair for a three-year term and will continue to serve as immediate past chair.
Seale has been a dedicated member of Cottage Health’s Board of Directors for two years.
Prior to that, he served on the Board of Directors for the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation from 2016 to 2022.
In addition to his board leadership, Seale is a managing partner at Accufy Analytics, a financial software firm specializing in renewable energy financing structures.
