Social Distancing COVID-19 What I can do!

The time is now  that we as a community  need to work together.  This is not the time to sit in judgment and cast blame for the decisions made.  The wake left behind is just that, a wake.  It is not what is driving the course of the boat.  Looking backwards will not help.  It is time for calm and set our sights on a  swift corrective course of  action toward a solution.

The social distancing is not in place to prevent the illness but slow to  it down.  The health care system needs to be able to care for the COVID-19 patient as well as for example:  your father with a heart attack,  grandmother with a stroke or a pregnant mother and her child.  If we work together, we can and will overcome and  beat this.

So, what can we do?

1.        Stay home.  Practice social distancing.  Refrain from going out into public except for vital necessities.  For example, food or medicine.  Avoid gatherings.  If you must go to work, follow the CDC guidelines and the current recommendations set in place by your local and state governments.  Good hand washing and keeping your distance as much as possible.  This is particularly important  after you have been out and about touching surfaces that are commonly  touched by others. 

2.       Check with your local health departments and the CDC for the most up to date and accurate information. Stop the social media misinformation.

3.       If you become symptomatic or sick,  check with your provider or regional health care organizations web page for the local number to call for screening and how to get testing.

4.       If you require testing for COVID-19, make sure it is done by personal trained in the process of obtaining and caring for the sample. 

5.       If you feel you need to be seen because of a COVID-19 related illness, call ahead to the Insta  Care or ED you wish to be seen at for instructions on where to go and the check in process. 

6.       If you are pregnant, please discuss  any changes in your current birth plan because of this outbreak.   Address any concerns or fears you may have with your Obstetrician or Midwife.

7.       If you need to see your health care provider,  check to see if Telehealth is an option.

8.       What can I do for me and my family at home?

a.       Stay calm.  Work to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Respect the social distancing.

b.       Make sure you have your basic needs met.  When you shop try to buy just what you used and what you plan on using over the next week.  Leave food and supplies for others.  My understanding is our supply chain is strong but only if we remain calm.

c.       Have a daily routine.  A routine brings stability and lessens stress. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.  Make sure you are getting plenty of rest.  Studies now show we all need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night.  Fatigue can lead to a weak immune system.   Once out of bed hydrate.  Start a daily breathing meditative practice.  Spend time in positive self-talk.   Exercise daily.  A Yoga practice is good or find YouTube videos to help get educated on home related exercise routines. Write in a daily gratitude journal. 

d.       Spend time in nature every day.  Walk your dog for example. 

e.       Eat a healthy diet.

f.        Pick up or order gift cards to local restaurants/business that you frequent to give them support now and for you to use in the future when things calm down. 

9.       We need to look after one another.  Check in regularly with loved ones.  Create a phone domino in your neighborhood and or family.  Each person calling/checking in on the next if there is an issue, alert those that can help.  A Closed Neighborhood Facebook page may be a way to let neighbors know there is a friend is in need. 

10.   Most important to help those in health care we need you all to stay healthy.