Last year, the world flipped. And then, it kept flipping. Change after change occurred as we dealt with the realities of a worldwide pandemic. Some of these changes like mask-wearing were a major struggle, while others like sanitizing more frequently and staying home when ill were perhaps for the better.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and listening to the advice of medical professionals is one way we can ensure we don’t face the challenges we’ve dealt with over the past year again in the near future. If you’re anything like me, then you might be a little apprehensive to get a shot. My fear of needles had me pacing my home the morning of my vaccine appointment, only for me to not even feel the needle enter my skin. Although some of my friends and family experienced some symptoms after getting their shot, I think they would all agree it was worth the piece of mind.
To know that you are not only safe, but not at risk of infecting others is a marvelous gift.
You might be wondering why you should bother getting a vaccine since it has been several months since the shot became available in our area. The truth, whether we want to face it or not, is that COVID-19 is going to be around for a long time and without the shot you and others with weak immune systems remain susceptible.
Don’t feel comfortable trusting my word alone? I get it. Luckily, there are lots of local resources, prepared by people you probably know from our community. If you have any questions, I would invite you to reach out to Eastern Idaho Public Health or local healthcare providers (see article on page 13). These medical professionals are passionate and ready to help you in any way they can. They have worked hard over the past year to not only keep us informed, but provide those of us that were ill with the best care possible. Next time you run into a nurse or doctor make sure to give them a big thank you.
In this issue of Idaho Falls Magazine, you will find advice from many of these professionals, including information on where to find your local urgent cares, updates on hip replacement technology and profiles on local medical centers. We hope you will find this issue to be a useful guide as you look for the answers to all of your health care needs.