By CJ Blomquist OptumCare “New year, new me.” How many times have we said that to ourselves on New Year’s Day? It’s easy to set a goal, but then not follow through. This is especially true for exercise (at least for this writer). We’re almost into the second month of 2021, so if you’re struggling to keep up with your resolutions, try using the F.I.T. formula. F.I.T. stands for

The following op-ed is reprinted with permission from the Orange County Health Care Agency. There has been much debate around the concept of herd immunity since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a public-health term, the idea of herd immunity is that if enough people are protected against an infection because they have been exposed and developed antibodies, transmission of the infection

By CJ Blomquist OptumCare Vaccines for COVID-19 are finally available, which is exciting news. But you may be wondering if it’s right for you. As with anything else about your health, you should check with your primary care providers first, as they are your partners in helping to make the best decisions for your needs. Here are answers to some of the more common questions. Are the vaccines

As we use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and latex gloves to avoid spreading COVID-19, the amount of debris littering our surroundings has increased. Discarded disposable masks and gloves have been spotted around LW property, near trash cans (but not in them) and in parking areas. While experts say the risk of catching coronavirus from used masks and gloves is minimal, the litter

By CJ Blomquist OptumCare It seems the healthier the food, the higher the cost. But that isn’t the case. There are many ways you can enjoy nutritious meals without breaking the bank. A savvy shopper can get plenty of affordable foods. One of the main areas to focus is on fruits and vegetables. As you gear up for a new year, consider making some of these healthy and inexpensive options part

By CJ Blomquist OptumCare Here are some ways to get your year off to a fun start: Laughter yoga. We could all use a good laugh these days. Why not turn that laughter into some exercise? By combining laughter and yoga breathing, you can get more oxygen in your body, giving you more energy. All you need is a chair—no yoga mat required. One participant will get a raffle prize. This free Zoom