FHN Leaders Share Tips to Strengthen the Immune System

September 21, 2020 – FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley, MBA, FACHE and Chief Hospitalist and FHN Community Healthcare Center Medical Director Clarence Parks, MD talk about the importance of keeping one's immune system healthy and upcoming free community testing in the latest FHN COVID-19 update video.

“While we can't control some factors about our immune systems like age and genetics,” Dr. Parks said, “We can work on maintaining a healthy diet, getting physical activity and enough sleep to strengthen our immune systems.” Working on one or all of these factors can help the body fight off illnesses like cold, flu, and even COVID-19.

Gridley talks about herd immunity and the increased risk it poses for people who are vulnerable to the serious effects of COVID-19 up to and including death.

“It's important to continue all of our precautions against the spread of COVID-19 to help protect those who are at greater risk,” Gridley said. “Keep washing your hands, wearing masks and staying away from large gatherings, and don't dismiss the importance of getting your annual flu shot.

The Stephenson County Health Department, Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Highland Community College will offer free community COVID-19 testing Sept. 21-23 at HCC in Freeport. Details on these, as well as FHN's COVID-19 precaution compliant flu shot clinics, are available at www.fhn.org.

The video, along with all of the previous weeks' videos, is available on FHN's COVID-19 information site, www.fhn.org/coronavirus.