How to Cope with the Covid-19 Pandemic
Dear Friend,
I hope this information brings you comfort with the coping tips during this serious pandemic. Here is the information to share with you from the Magellan Healthcare as follows:
While the pandemic may be causing you and your loved ones feelings of anxiety and apprehension, now is a good time to look for reasons to be happy. Practice these tips to nurture yourself, improve your mood and help others.
1. Be kind. Call your friends and neighbors. Maintain social distancing, but smile to all the grocery workers who are keeping the shelves stocked. Ask an elderly neighbor if they need anything. An act of kindness boosts serotonin, a natural antidepressant in your brain, in both you and others.
2. Be thankful. Don’t rush through your daily interactions on autopilot. Slow down and notice when someone is kind to you, even in the smallest way, and show them your appreciation. When you practice thankfulness, you become more positive; that helps others feel good too.
3. Deepen your connections: Share your feelings about this experience with those closest to you. Encourage each other to make the best of this moment in time, and come up with a game plan to support each other moving forward.
4. Move your body. Exercise is vital to maintaining physical and mental health. Get your heart pumping by taking a walk in your neighborhood, going on a hike in nature or using an app for a guided training or yoga session. If you do go outside for a walk, maintain social distancing.
5. Write down your thoughts. Keeping a journal is a powerful way to get perspective. Clarifying your thoughts and feelings on paper helps you get to know yourself better and release the stresses of daily life.
6. Meditate. All you need to do is sit quietly for a few minutes, breathe deeply and let your mind relax. Meditation alleviates anxiety and helps you get in touch with your inner self, helping you face the world in a centered and focused way. Find free guided meditation sessions online.
7. Determine what is really bothering you. Vague worries are harder to manage because they are all jumbled together. Try to get clear on what you are specifically concerned about. Finding the root of the worry helps you figure out what to do about it.
8. Play games. Engaging in a game with others online, or even by yourself on your phone, helps you take your mind off other things. Give yourself permission to have some fun.
9. Dine Well. Have fun with food. Make your favorite recipes. Set the table with your finest dishes. Cook a meal with others. If you live alone, share pictures with friends for fun.
10. Remind yourself that this will pass. Try and come to terms with what you can’t control, and focus on what you can do to move through this time in a positive way. Draw on skills you have used during other difficult times, and remember how those times eventually passed by.
Now, I would like to share some CDC information with you as follows: (for more details click on the CDC link)
Know how it spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
· The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
· The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
o Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet or 2 meters).
o Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
o Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Everyone Should
Wash your hands often
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
· It’s especially important to wash:
o Before eating or preparing food
o Before touching your face
o After using the restroom
o After leaving a public place
o After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
o After handling your mask
o After changing a diaper
o After caring for someone sick
o After touching animals or pets
· If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid close contact
Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
· Throw used tissues in the trash.
· Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
· Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
· If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
· Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
Monitor Your Health Daily
· Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
· Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
o Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
I would like to share a scripture from The Holy Bible - Psalm 23:4 (KJV) for comfort to you as follows:
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Here is a translation from The Living Bible (TLB) on the same scripture as follows:
4 Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.
Hopefully, this information helps you during the pandemic like it help me. With help from family and friends, you have support during this pandemic. Stay calm, relax, and be smart how to avoid it until FDA approved the vaccine.
FYI, I use vinegar with mother to boost my immune system. Do not use more than two tablespoons per day with water. I usually do one tablespoon with water in the morning and another in the afternoon. It seems to help me. I will refer to Ponti and Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect. With logical thinking and similarity to a virus, a campfire is easier to put out than a wildfire. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, use vinegar to cure people during Ancient Greek in the Ponti link provided.
If you would like to make a comment or ask a question, please contact me and thank you.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Joseph Crosby, Jr.
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