UMatter and Your Actions Matter!

#beWellUGA, Fontaine Center, health promotion

While celebrating the end of the school year, enjoying the start of summer, and navigating businesses re-opening, we all play an active role in keeping our community safe.

Social Activities

As part of a caring community, we should continue to adhere to CDC safety and social distancing standards  to reduce the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 in social settings.

It shows that we are part of a caring community that respects those who may have an underlying health condition and need our help in keeping them and others in our community healthy and safe.

Be kind, be caring, and show respect for those around you.  You may never know what risk, hardship, or struggle someone is facing.

Please remember to wear a mask, wash your hands regularly, and practice social distancing recommendations.

Minimizing Risk During Covid-19

Substance use can impact physical and emotional well-being in addition to lowering our immune system functioning. If someone chooses to use:

  1. Avoid sharing cups and other items that involve contact with someone else to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
  2. Remember, COVID-19 impacts the respiratory system, so inhaling smoke or aerosols can increase a person’s risk of respiratory infection.
  3. Both Alcohol and Cannabis can impact sleep cycles, so avoid using either substance regularly, especially before bed (three hours minimum) to maintain a strong immune system.
  4. Measure drinks (stick to one standard drink at a time) and limit the amount.

Here are some other healthy ways to spend the days:

  1. Keep nonalcoholic beverages on hand, including flavored teas (both hot and cold), flavored waters, or try some kombucha!
  2. Take time for yourself. Get some vitamin D from the sun, take in some fresh air, or even try doing daily deep breathing.
  3. Prepare some healthy snacks to boost your energy and nourish your body.  Check out a list of recipes put together by our registered dietitians to get started: www.uhs.uga.edu/nutrition/recipes.

Support Resources

If someone finds that their substance use has increased or if they have cut back and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, increased levels of anxiety, feeling tired, or foggy, know that we are here to help.  Call the Fontaine Center (706-542-8690) and schedule a free virtual check-in, or ask to speak with one of our trained Alcohol and Other Drugs Specialists.  

Written by: Liana Natochy, Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Coordinator, The Fontaine Center / UHC Health Promotion