Expert doctors close
to home. Don’t delay
your health needs.
COURIER LIFE, NOV. 13-19, 2020 7
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Throughout the
COVID-19 pandemic, we
have all been paying close
attention to our respiratory
and lung health. Over
one million New Yorkers
struggle with asthma and
900,000 New Yorkers suffer
from chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, also
known as COPD.
With flu season fast approaching,
it’s especially
important to look after
your lungs and pay attention
to the quality of the air
around you. Asthma and
COPD can be especially difficult
to manage in colder
weather and make those
who suffer more susceptible
to the flu and COVID-19.
The coronavirus pandemic
has raised all of
our concerns about staying
healthy. Many of us
are on high alert for respiratory
symptoms that
may be linked to the flu or
COVID-19, but may also be
flare ups from asthma or
COVID-19. Although there
may be symptom overlap,
there are also distinct differences,
and it’s important
to check in with your doctor
regularly to manage
your condition.
For more than 80 years,
EmblemHealth has worked
to make quality health benefits
accessible and affordable
to all New Yorkers.
Along with our physician
partners, AdvantageCare
Physicians (ACPNY) we
offer a wide range of services
and resources to our
community members, including
care management
programs for those with
asthma and COPD.
If you or someone you
know has a respiratory condition,
here are recommendations
to keep you healthy
during the flu season:
���� Stay on top of your
chronic condition. For
those with asthma, monitoring
your daily health is
critical to staying safe during
this time. You should
also continue your asthma
routine to help control
your symptoms. For those
with COPD, in addition to
protecting yourself from
COVID-19, it is important
to take your medications as
prescribed to maintain optimal
health. Poorly managed
COPD can lead to serious
consequences if you
were to contract COVID-19.
You might also want to consider
creating or reviewing
your COPD action plan
with your doctor.
���� Protect yourself
from common allergies.
In addition to asthma and
COPD, many New Yorkers
may also suffer from fall allergies.
The best way to protect
yourself from allergy
flare-ups is to reduce your
exposure to pollen. During
high pollen days, try
to limit your time outdoors
and seek indoor spaces with
clean air. Create a cleaner
air space at home to protect
yourself from outdoor air
irritants during COVID-19.
When you return indoors,
take a shower, and change
your clothes.
����Don’t forget that basic
precautions are critical:
Wear masks in public, wash
your hands frequently, and
practice social distancing.
Taking these measures
will not only decrease your
chances of contracting
COVID-19, but also the flu,
the common cold, and other
viruses.
For more COVID-19 resources,
visit EmblemHealth’s
dedicated resource page
at emblemhealth.com/
healthyathome.
BUS INES S , B ROOKLYN S T Y LE
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Primary care and specialists, including Weill Cornell
Medicine doctors. There are 35 doctors’ offices with
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To find a doctor today, visit nyp.org/medgroupbrooklyn
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