Wednesday, June 24, 2020 | Vol. 1, No. 5
A singular summer
You don’t need a calendar to know what season it is in South Louisiana. All you have to do is step outside. The speed with which your glasses fog up will immediately confirm: It is summer.

While that means oppressive humidity and afternoon storms, it also ordinarily means cookouts, pool parties, slow strolls along the Lakefront and long lines at snowball stands. 

But then this is no ordinary summer.

Gov. Edwards announced this week that he intends on delaying Phase 3 of the state’s COVID-19 reopening for another 28 days, meaning four weeks of trying to figure out new ways of beating the heat.

But that doesn’t mean this summer has to be a bummer. In today’s newsletter, we look at a few ways to stay cool – literally and figuratively – amid the COIVID outbreak.
Community Checkup with Joan Coffman
We live in challenging times, to be sure – but they’re also often inspiring times, as well, according to St. Tammany Health System President & CEO Joan Coffman in her latest video address.
Tangled up in Phase 2
It’s like Groundhog Day in June. With the news this week that Gov. Edwards plans to delay Phase 3 of the state’s COVID-19 re-entry amid a surge in infections, Louisiana residents face the prospect of four more weeks of treading water amid the partial shutdown of Phase 2.

And while we’re still learning new things about the novel coronavirus, St. Tammany Health System infectious disease expert Dr. Mike Hill says there are several steps people can take to hasten the end of the local outbreak, all of which boil down to two simple words: personal responsibility.
COVID-19: The new rules of the road
Some of the best advice for stemming the spread of COVID-19 is simply to stay home. For those times when that’s not necessary, St. Tammany Health System infection prevention specialist Leslie Kelt has some tips for what you need to take with you when you go out in public. 
Staying swimsuit-ready

For many, the summer months means fun, sun and family. But it can also mean weight gain, especially when you’re out of your routine. Luckily for you – and for your waistline – STHS nutritionist Julie Fortenberry has some solutions to help you stay swimsuit-ready this summer. 
Kids and COVID

COVID-19 presents parents with all sorts of challenges, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to teach your children a few coping skills, which will not only help them in the current crisis but for their entire lives. Learn more with these tips from Alexis Dill of the STHS Parenting Center.
Ask an expert

Summertime and swimming pools go hand in hand. But just how concerned should you be about the possibility of catching COVID-19 while splashing in the sun? Dr. Mike Hill, an infection disease expert at St. Tammany Health System, provides the answer.
Celebrating Juneteenth

Covington celebrated Juneteenth on Friday (June 19) with a parade and festival at Peter Atkins Park, and representatives of St. Tammany Health System were on-hand to help mark the occasion by shining a spotlight on community health efforts.