RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter
12.13.23
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Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
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Tips for Managing Mental Health at the Holidays
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As we approach the holiday season, many of us are looking forward to celebrations and interacting with friends and loved ones. Even as we celebrate, it is very common to feel added stress. The “holiday blues” can stem from a variety of sources: current events, personal grief, loneliness, illness, financial concerns, relationship issues, even a lack of sunlight. Stress from the holiday blues can worsen symptoms of a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorder.
Here are some tips for managing stress and protecting your mental health at the holidays:
- One place to start managing stress is to manage expectations for the season. If you feel a disconnect emerge between your actual situation and a fantasy version of the holidays, keep an open mind about what the holidays are meant represent, and consider focusing on what makes you feel grateful in the present moment. Studies have shown that feelings of gratitude, even for small things such as sunshine, a hug, or a warm bath, can reduce the risk of depression and increase feelings of well-being.
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- Being constantly on the go can leave you feeling exhausted. Accept your limitations, manage your time and don’t be afraid to say no to plans that don’t fit into your schedule. Recognize that you are in control of your expectations and reactions, and that you can decide when to take a break from the busy season with music, exercise, a hobby, or whatever else feels right for you.
What steps can be taken if loneliness casts a shadow on the holidays?
What local organizations offer mental health education and assistance?
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2023 RCAHD Respiratory Season Survey Results
We appreciate the more than 1,200 readers who voted in our most recent RCAHD Respiratory Season Survey. Your responses are valuable to inform our public health clinic and outreach activities. Some takeaways from the results include:
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In comparison to other Virginians, a higher percentage of RCAHD newsletter readers who responded to the survey (70%) have received or plan to get both their 2023 COVID and flu doses. (As of December 12, about 10% of eligible Virginians have received their 2023 COVID dose; about 25% have gotten their flu dose.)
- More than half of eligible respondents over age 60 have either received or plan to receive the newly authorized 2023 RSV vaccination.
- When they responded to the survey, a majority of responders (80%) reported that they have not had COVID or flu since September 1.
(Survey responses were recorded between Nov 21-28, 2023.)
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RCAHD Health Situation Update
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RCAHD respiratory disease activity contains some mixed indicators this week. Rather than focus on any single number, we will continue to monitor trends for a more complete picture of respiratory disease activity. In addition to staying up to date with their updated 2023 doses, we strongly recommend that people who are sick should stay home to avoid spreading illness.
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Planning to make some New Year's Resolutions?
Learn how public health resources can help get your year off to a healthy start:
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Want to learn how to prevent overdose deaths? Sign up for one of our free monthly trainings to learn how to recognize and respond to an overdose. We also have naloxone, an opioid reversal medication, available at no cost for household first aid kits. RCAHD Overdose Prevention
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Looking to quit smoking, vaping or using tobacco, or looking to support someone who is trying to quit? Residents ages 13+ can visit Quit Now VA or call the quit line, 800-QUIT-NOW, for information and certified confidential coaching at no cost to you.
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Ready to get caught up on recommended adult and childhood vaccinations? Schedule an appointment with us! We accept most insurances and offer some free or reduced cost immunizations for the uninsured.
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Effective January 1, 2024:
The new RCAHD business hours for in-person payments for fees or vital records requests (including certificates for births, deaths, marriages, divorces or Environmental Health program licenses or fees) will be between 8:00AM – 4:00PM.
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We're Hiring!
Do you have a passion to help improve our local communities by helping residents improve their overall health and well-being?
Visit the RCAHD Employment Page to see a list of our current openings and how to apply. Recent positions include:
- WIC Nutritionist
- WIC Supervisor
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RCAHD Holiday Hours
In observance of upcoming state holidays, we will be closed from noon on Friday, Dec 22 through Monday, Dec 25.
We will re-open on Tuesday, Dec 26 at 8:00AM.
We will be closed Monday, Jan 1.
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