COVID-19 Vaccinations:
What You Need to Know
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8 Things You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccination Plans
1) The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority.
2) Many vaccines are being developed and tested, but some might be ready before others—CDC is planning for many possibilities.
3) At least at first, COVID-19 vaccines might be used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
4) There may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines before the end of 2020, but supply will continually increase in the weeks and months that follow.
5) If there is limited supply, some groups may be recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine first.
6) At first, COVID-19 vaccines may not be recommended for children.
7) Cost will not be an obstacle to getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
8) COVID-19 vaccine planning is being updated as new information becomes available.
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National Handwashing Awareness Week
December 1 - 7
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Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands. And though we’re taught as youngsters to wash our hands before dinner, it’s important to remember that germs don’t care what time of day it is. Clean hands prevent sickness. So it’s especially important to learn the basics about hand hygiene so that you, too, can become a champion hand washer! Let’s examine some handy (see what we did there?) tips and info in honor of National Handwashing Awareness Week, which takes place each year during the first week of December.
- Do it Right. Experts recommend washing your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to get a good lather going and clean the back of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails. Dry them using a clean towel. There is a lot of science behind these recommendations, so be sure to follow them each time you wash your hands.
- Memorize the five steps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls hand washing "a do-it-yourself vaccine" and suggests remembering five easy steps: Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry.
- Learn the Four Principles of Hand Awareness. Endorsed by the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians, the four principles are:
1) Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating.
2) Do not cough into hands.
3) Do not sneeze into hands.
4) Don't put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Changing How We Provide Care:
Lessons Learned From the Pandemic
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It's hard to believe until it happens to you, but caregiving and crisis can strike at any time. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced all of us to face that possibility. Since the beginning of the year, many Americans have become caregivers for the first time. And half of those have become caregivers because of COVID-19. People who were already caregivers have been affected too. Nearly half of family caregivers are reporting that their caregiving responsibilities have increased because of the virus.
Even for experienced caregivers, there's been a forced adaptation. By today's estimates, we can expect the virus to be a part of our lives for years to come. This means present and prospective caregivers need to account for the virus in their medical, legal and financial planning.
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Need a nurse, therapist, or home health aide to help keep you safe at home?Our staff is trained in infection control and prepared to navigate these challenging circumstances. Rest assured, we'll continue to provide care you can count on. Call VNLV to learn more: 860-767-0186. |
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Stay Home, Stay Safe for the Holidays |
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December Snack of the Month:
Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts
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Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- 3 cups whole roasted unsalted cashews (14 ounces)
- 2 cups whole walnut halves (7 ounces)
- 2 cups whole pecan halves (7 ounces)
- 1/2 cup whole almonds (3 ounces)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons ground chipotle powder
- 4 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves
- Kosher salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a sheet pan generously with vegetable oil. Combine the cashews, walnuts, pecans, almonds, 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, the maple syrup, brown sugar, orange juice and chipotle powder on the sheet pan; toss to coat. Add 2 tablespoons of the rosemary and 2 teaspoons of salt and toss again. Spread the nuts in one layer. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring twice with a large metal spatula, until the nuts are glazed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 2 more teaspoons of salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons of rosemary. Toss well and set aside at room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking as they cool. Taste for seasoning. Serve warm or cool completely and store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week.
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Stay Vigilant: Sanitize Your Hands,
Wear Your Mask, Keep Your Distance
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RN Per Diem Positions
Registered Nurses to work per diem weekdays. Duties include, but not limited to: client assessment, OASIS time points, HHA supervision and functioning as part of the team. Must be a graduate of an accredited or approved school of nursing, licensed to practice in the state of CT, have a minimum of one year med-surg clinical experience. Home health care/OASIS experience preferred.
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Let's Stay Connected!
To learn more about Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, click here.
To learn more about Lower Valley Care Advocates, click here.
Questions? Call Us! 860-767-0186
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