Clay's Purpose — February 2022

The essential role – your role – of healthcare workers has never been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of you are a critical piece in the puzzle that ensures the health and well-being of our communities. Thank you.
 
Hospitalization rates are declining in West Virginia, but deaths are not and our vaccination rate is not what it should be. The data is clear. To protect our vital healthcare and hospital capacity, we must get fully vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer or Moderna and for anyone eligible, get boosted.

As Mountaineers, we must each do our part to protect one another.

Carmen Burrell, DO, answers important questions about COVID-19 vaccine boosters like when to get one, how long to wait after infection and which one to get.

I also remind each of you to take care of yourself, so you have the capacity to care for others.

Focus on gratitude. When you take time to notice positive moments in your day and for all you are thankful, your experience of that day becomes better.
 
Stay connected. Remember that others are willing to help during these challenging times, and spending time with loved ones can result in better psychological health and mental functioning. 
 
Be active and do things you enjoy. Exercise produces stress-relieving hormones in your body and doing activities you enjoy will help you ease stress and lighten your mood. 
 
Make sleep a priority. Adults generally need between seven and nine hours of sleep. 

As you practice self-care, it’s a good time to consider heart health. Each February, American Heart Month highlights the need to keep our hearts healthier by moving more, getting quality sleep and reducing stress.

Healthcare workers, we want to see you safe and taking care of yourself. 
 
Thank you for all that you do.

Clay Marsh, M.D.
Chancellor and Executive Dean
WVU Health Sciences