By Kristy Warren
All Laurel Health sites will be closed for Labor Day on September 2, 2024 in recognition of the holiday, including all Laurel Health Centers, Laurel Dental, Laurel Pediatrics, and Laurel Behavioral Health. We wish everyone a healthy and safe Labor Day weekend to connect with friends and family!
Need help over the holidays? Our 24/7 nurse triage team will be available to address general health questions and schedule or reschedule appointments. Simply call your LHC office after hours to be automatically connected or call our after-hours support line directly at 1-844-284-6589. If you need immediate medical assistance over the holiday, please always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
The Labor Day holiday is often seen as an official send off to summer with large parties and events. Keep the festivities fun by stopping the spread of germs and bacteria. Don't leave perishable food out at room temperature for too long; it's best to move leftovers promptly back into the fridge by the two-hour mark, or even earlier if you're picnicking outdoors or in hot weather. Remember to wash your hands for a full 20 seconds with soap and warm water before handling food or after touching shared serving utensils in a potluck or a buffet.
With back to school in full swing, illness is beginning to circulate more widely. Here are some simply tips to help keep you and your family healthy during your holiday gatherings:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for a full 20 seconds; hum "Happy Birthday" twice to gauge how much time you're spending at the sink
- Use hand sanitizer on the go when you can't get to a sink and rub the solution into your hand for 15 seconds or until your hands are dry to assure it's fully absorbed.
- Avoid touching or rubbing at your face, particularly around your eyes, nose, or mouth as these are easy entry points for germs.
- Follow cough and sneeze etiquette. If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into the crook of your elbow to contain the spray or into a tissue that you immediately dispose of and promptly wash your hands.
- Stay home if you're sick. While no one likes missing out on the fun, skip the party if you're feeling under the weather and stay home to recover with rest and plenty of water.
Feeling under the weather after your Labor Day gathering? Laurel Health is here to help. We offer same-day access through our walk-in care program and primary care services. Our team can quickly evaluate your symptoms to diagnose what's wrong and get you on the path to feeling better. To make an appointment, simply call the Laurel Health office of your choice.
If you need to reach us over the holidays, call 1-844-284-6589 or visit our list of Laurel Health office locations and contact information.