How to celebrate Mardi Gras during COVID-19

 

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Healthy living tips from your friends at Ochsner MUST-READS EDITION Happy Mardi Gras! Sorry, COVID-19. You can't cancel Mardi Gras. Yes, parades, balls and other events have been canceled, and the City of New Orleans has announced additional restrictions for Mardi Gras, but people can still celebrate -- safely! It's not too late to follow these tips to have a fun day today. And hopefully, if we keep masking up and social distancing and get the vaccine when it's available to us, we'll be back to a more normal Carnival season in 2022. Wednesday, Feb. 17, is the first day of the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge. While the deadline has passed to sign up for the lab work that goes with this program, it's not too late to participate without the labs. You might be surprised how much better you feel -- and look -- if you give up alcohol for 40 days. The silver lining to Mardi Gras during a pandemic Never have New Orleans homes been decorated more beautifully and creatively for Mardi Gras as they are this year. Many residents, including our own Sarena Teng, MD, whose home is pictured above, joined the Krewe of House Floats to make up for parades being canceled. If you live in the area, enjoy a tour of these beautiful homes today. And no matter where you live, we have fun tips on how to make the day festive. Join the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge Wednesday is the first day of the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge. We have lots of resources to help you succeed. One idea: Learn to make mocktails. Having a delicious alcohol-free drink, like the Hurricane Mocktail pictured above, can make you feel better about giving up the booze. FEATURED VIDEO What Black History Month means to this nursing director February is Black History Month. Latwunya Randall, nursing unit director in the Emergency Department of Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank, reflects on why Black History Month is important to her. February is also American Heart Month Cardiologist Roland Bourgeois, MD, explains seven steps you can start taking today that will lead to better heart health. Speaking of heart health, here's why you should keep exercising Physical therapist Shellie Rovelo explains the many ways exercise can improve your health as you get older. Want to sleep better? Improve your memory? Feel less depressed? Get moving! Your dose of happy for today On the left is Ted Aucoin, age 91. On the right is wife Boni, 86. They've only been married two years. How did they meet? Ochsner's Golden Opportunity program, for people aged 50 and up. Read their love story. Want to know more about heart health? Take the first steps toward a healthier heart today LEARN MORE About this email: This email is provided as a service by Ochsner Health. To remove yourself from future mailings, please click here to Unsubscribe. Ochsner Health  |  1514 Jefferson Highway  |  New Orleans, LA 70121 ©2021 Ochsner Health  |  Privacy Policy All rights reserved.