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Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccines
Only about 1 in 5 adults is up-to-date with their vaccinations. This leaves them at risk for serious illness from diseases like the flu, COVID-19 and tetanus.
Vaccines work with your immune system to help your body develop protection against diseases.They are the single best way to prevent and control the spread of many infectious diseases.
- Vaccines are carefully tested before they are available, and clinicians carefully monitor their use after they are approved.
- As with any medicine, vaccines can have side effects. Most often it is soreness where the shot was given.
Just as children need vaccines, so do adults. They help keep you, your family and your community healthy.
Here is a basic run down of the vaccines recommended for adults and when you should get them. Always check with your primary care team or on-site clinic provider.
It is recommended that all adults receive these vaccines at these times:
- COVID-19 - when the latest vaccine is available
- Flu (influenza) - ideally every fall (it’s not too late to get a flu shot in the winter, but getting one in October provides the best protection in case flu activity starts earlier)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria) - about every 10 years
You may need other vaccines depending on:
- Your age
- Certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney or lung disease, or one of several autoimmune diseases that put you at higher risk of getting very sick from these vaccine-preventable diseases. Pregnancy may also require additional vaccines to help protect mom and baby.
- The type of work you do, and the places where you travel
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At-a-Glance -- Vaccines you might need at certain ages
As we get older, our immune systems aren’t as good at fighting infections. And older age puts us at higher risk of serious illness and complications. Staying on top of the vaccines you need is important. For more information, visit Recommended Vaccines for Adults | CDC
Ask your workplace health clinic or doctor’s office about needed vaccines and make an appointment when you’re due for one.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Reset Your Health Goals
Life gets busy and often, the first thing we let go is attention to ourselves. We may think we’re taking care of what’s most important but when we ignore ourselves, we can end up feeling overly stretched and stressed. We may not be able to think as clearly. And we can also wind up with less energy, patience and ability to bounce back from hard things. Before long, this can set the stage for health challenges.
Luckily, resolutions and resets are not just for January. If you haven’t been prioritizing yourself lately, use the simple tips below to reclaim your health and peace of mind.
- Tune in. Music is arguably one of the key elements of health and wellness. It can reduce stress, anxiety and pain as well as improve your immune system, sharpen your memory and even help with exercise.
- Water works. One of the easiest things you can do to take care of your health is drink enough water. Water helps you digest your food and control your weight. In fact, every cell in your body needs water to work properly. It also gives you more energy and clearer skin. On average, women need 9 cups a day and men need 13 cups though you may need more or less, depending on your level of activity, your body size and certain health conditions.
- Sleep: Your health super power. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Less than that can have serious effects on how well you do at work, your mood and overall health. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day and make your bedroom a technology-free zone.
- Get outside. Nature is a powerful healer. In addition to helping you feel calmer and sleep better, it makes your immune system stronger which protects you against illnesses. Spending time outside also helps you manage stress.
- Get your heart rate up. You don’t need to take a spin class or run a 10k (though both are great options if you’re in shape for them). Walking briskly – even for just 10-minute bursts a day – can raise your heart rate, improve your circulation, boost your mood, improve your sleep and help you manage your weight.
- Snack on superfoods. While no one food can give us all the nutrition we need, superfoods pack a powerful punch for preventing illness and helping us feel our best. Some, such as berries, nuts, whole grains, yogurt and tomatoes, also make easy snacks.
- Don’t just sit there. Sitting for long periods of time can have serious effects on our health including high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Stand up and move at least once an hour during your workday. A bit of stretching, walking to fill up your water bottle, taking the stairs or just a quick walk outside if possible are all good choices.
- Connect, laugh, care. Among its many benefits, kindness, positivity and real connection with others decrease pain, stress, anxiety, depression and blood pressure.
- Limit sugar. For your best health, eat mostly plant-based foods and limit how much sugar you eat. Not only can sugar lead to weight gain and increase your risk of diabetes, it also causes inflammation (swelling in your body) that can lead to other serious illnesses.
- Start your day with gratitude. Few things are better than gratitude for eliminating stress and making you feel happier. And when you are happier, you are healthier and better able to handle the challenges that come your way.
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Maven - Support in honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month
During Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August, Ralph Lauren recognizes the importance of supporting mothers with expert guidance and resources no matter how you feed your baby.
Ralph Lauren benefits partner, Maven, provides a network of compassionate experts who are there for you every step of the way, whether you're seeking lactation support, bottle feeding support, nutritional advice, or simply a listening ear. You have free access to Maven’s 24/7 virtual support to connect with specialists on-demand, whenever you need it.
Maven is available for free to all Ralph Lauren employees and their medically-enrolled spouse/partner.
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