Meet some of our newest providers Jessica Larsen, NP Primary Care Lac Nguyen, MD Primary Care Alea Garces, NP Cardiology Our providers care about your whole health, including your body, your mind, and your spirit. They bring broad clinical expertise to help you experience the best of what life has to offer. Say hello to: 4 LIVING WELL Druanne LaPlante, DO Diabetology Greg Johnson, NP Cardiology Connect with us. You can find out more about our providers by searching for their names at AdventistHealthPortland.org/Doctors or by scanning the QR code. SCAN ME With fall underway, one preventive measure, a flu shot, can help keep you healthier in the weeks and months ahead. “Fall is a good time to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Karen Kostenko, board-certified physician assistant at Adventist Health Urgent Care – Sandy. “A flu shot can significantly reduce your chances of getting the flu. And with few exceptions, a flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.” Kostenko and other health experts share seven great reasons to roll up your sleeve: 1 Immunization is the No. 1 best way to prevent the flu. And even if you do get sick, your symptoms will likely be less severe. 2 Spare yourself. The flu can bring miserable symptoms and lead to missed work or school. 3 Influenza makes some people seriously ill. Every year, flu complications lead to hospital stays — and even deaths. 4 Viruses tend to change each flu season. Scientists review U.S. flu vaccines yearly to make sure they best match circulating viruses. 5 Influenza spreads. Be ready — get vaccinated as promptly as possible. 6 Flu vaccines have a solid safety record. Vaccines can’t give you the flu — and serious side effects are very rare. The flu vaccine contains an inactive or weakened form of the virus to help your body build immunity. 7 Shot or spray? You can have it your way. Flu vaccines are available as shots or nasal sprays. The nasal spray is an option for healthy people ages 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant. If you wonder whether a flu shot is right for you, ask your primary care provider. reasons to get your flu vaccine Karen Kostenko, PA-C Urgent Care
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