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SIHF Healthcare Recognizes The Importance Of Keeping Safe Inside & Outside the Workplace!

July 24, 2020

SIHF Healthcare wants to remind the public of the importance of practicing safety measures for both your physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Now, more than ever, safety is crucial both inside and outside the workplace” says Amy Francik, SIHF Healthcare Corporate Safety Director.  Whether you are going into work or working from home, the pandemic has made a big impact on how our health relates to our work and our daily life. 

The good news is there are several steps we can take to help protect both our physical and mental health at home and within the workplace. 

Some of the basic pre-cautionary steps you can take to protect your physical health and that of others are as follows: washing your hands often and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, wearing a face mask or covering when in public settings or when around people who don’t live in your household, practice safe social distancing (at least 6 feet between you and other people), cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth whenever possible, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and most importantly stay home if you are sick.

While we know this pandemic can cause great physical ailments, immense stress and strain on your mental health can occur as well. Here are some coping strategies that you can practice at home or work to help build resiliency and reduce stress.

Take breaks from consuming too much media about COVID-19, make time to unwind by doing an activity you enjoy or practicing relaxation techniques, take care of your body by eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol/drug use, take care of your emotional health by assessing your needs, stay connected with others via any resource you have available and reach out for support if you are experiencing any overwhelming thoughts or feelings that may affect your well-being.

At SIHF Healthcare we care about you and your safety, so by taking these small steps and becoming more proactive in protecting your health and the health of others we can make life-saving differences during this pandemic together.

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About SIHF Healthcare

SIHF Healthcare operates a network of more than 30 health centers across 11 Illinois counties with more than 160 medical providers who deliver comprehensive healthcare services including: adult, family, women’s health, pediatrics, pediatric dental services, behavioral health, and population health services. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the country, SIHF Healthcare is devoted to leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.sihf.org.