Kate Sheppard, member of UUCWI and PhD, RN, FNP, PMHNP-BC, submitted this:
GREATEST RISK: The most likely source of COVID-19 is from your own hands!
HANDS: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth! This will reduce 99% of COVID cases!!
Wash hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds (sing a song). If you don’t have hand wash, use alcohol solution (minimum 60% concentration)
MASK: What about a mask? You don’t need an N95 mask but our health care providers do!
Home-made? Won’t prevent the virus but reminds you not to touch your face!
MENTAL WELL-BEING:
Get outside and breathe some fresh air.
Call a friend or even better, check in on someone else.
Get out your to-do list and start crossing things off that list.
Take the time to read that book, learn a language or instrument, or virtually tour museums.
Become unglued from social media and even the news: Give your mind a rest!!
GROCERIES and essential errands:
Imagine that everything in the grocery store is contaminated. You still need to eat! You pick up the jug of milk; who else touched that jug? Now the checker touches it, and then possibly the bagger. It is contaminated. The bag itself is contaminated. You touch the bags to load in the car; now your hand is contaminated. So don’t touch your face! And use your alcohol solution after you load your groceries in the car. Consider leaving your shoes outside or in a garage. Unload the groceries and put everything on one counter. Wipe down every item possible, remembering that the virus can live on plastic for 72 hours. With each item you wipe down, move to a clean counter. Fruits, vegetables, put them in the sink and wash them down. Now wipe down the contaminated counter. Wash your hands.
PHYSICAL HEALTH:
Don’t stop your prescription medications unless ordered by your provider!!!!
Listen to your own provider, not Dr. Google or worse, Dr. Facebook.
Get some physical exercise daily.
The best and most proven way to improve your immunity is to reduce your stress!
PHYSICAL DISTANCING: Still the safest way to prevent getting – or GIVING the virus.
Please remember, it isn’t just about you.
Every physical interaction you have with someone outside your own home places you at risk.
Every item you touch that was touched by someone outside your own home places you at risk.
And every person that enters your space (less than 6 feet) is now at risk for the virus you may unknowingly have.
WHAT IF….you develop symptoms that suggest COVID-19?
Dry cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, sore throat: Stay HOME and take care. Call your provider with questions.
You can call the Whidbey Health Community hotline but do NOT go to the emergency department.
The reality is you probably will not meet criteria for COVID-19 testing, and will be sent home.
Shortness of breath, chest pain: call 9-1-1
And if you have read this all the way through and are ready to watch a wonderful video, here it is. BUT WATCH THE WHOLE VIDEO! Effective ONLY if you follow all the instructions:
