Helping Out with COVID-19
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News on the coronavirus is alarming as we ourselves or our loved ones may be at greater risk of serious consequences as a result of infection. Our sense of community is also at risk. All of us have colleagues and friends who work in healthcare on whom extraordinary demands are already taking a toll. Awareness and taking up social responsibility by all Canadians really matters right now and will continue.
I'm writing strictly as an individual without any medical credentials. This bit of advice really hit home when I read it this morning:
What can be done to mitigate the consequences of quarantine?
There is evidence to suggest that support groups specifically for people who were quarantined at home during disease outbreaks can be helpful. One study found that having such a group and feeling connected to others who had been through the same situation could be a validating, empowering experience and can provide people with the support they might find they are not receiving from other people.
SOURCE:“The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence” Lancet 2020; 395: 912–20, Published Online, February 26, 2020
I thought that PAN might help with mutual support and knowledge sharing. Here are few resources for fact and solid advice to counter both complaisance and false information that's abundant on social media.
Perhaps you have especially useful information sources to share? If so, don't just post a link. Tell us a little bit about its content and why it is helpful.
My best advice? Act as though you are infected and are trying to prevent others from catching the virus. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands, wash your hands. Soap and water is better than alcohol gel. Don't touch your face. Help others to feel connected and well loved.
Thanks and take care, Carolyn
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” from the Washington Post. This is a very clever lesson about how infection spreads and what we can do about it.
“Who is Infectious?” By Harlan Krumholz in Forbes, March 15, 2020
We should all consider ourselves infectious. We may carry the virus and can be a threat to others even if we feel well.
Dr Krumholz is a cardiologist and a clinical investigator, professor of medicine, epidemiology, and public health at the Yale University School of Medicine and Director of the Yale-New Haven Hospital Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation.
I think that André Picard is not only the finest health journalist in Canada but a global treasure. If you have a Twitter account, consider following him. He curates online sources without compare.
https://twitter.com/picardonhealth
You can also read André Picard in the Globe and Mail that has dropped its paywall on all coronavirus news stories.
Of course, basic stats and facts are on the government websites:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Your province will have a website, too.
I love the BC Centre for Disease Control website with FAQs
Take care, everyone. Thanks for reading and contributing to the PAN community. Best regards, Carolyn
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Thank you Carolyn!
I just moved to Toronto 10 days ago from California. The reason was largely due to the fact that I have chronic health conditions, including a primary immune deficiency. Our lovely, healthy, off-the-grid desert oasis town, had only had one doctor with a 1-1/2hr mainly back road drive to the next doctor or medical facility.
COVID-19 was not too much of an issue only 10 days ago. Now, the town is having to figure out how the little medical clinic and one doctor can serve the community.
As a person with an immune deficiency I had become a member of the IDF, the Immune Deficiency Foundation. shortly after being diagnosed. I was clueless and feeling the need for peer support. That's what they do.
The IDF has been a fantastic resource providing literature, peer mentors, and lists of local medical professionals who have signed up with them as specialists in immune deficiency. I found my wonderful immunologist through them.
The IDF has a very sophisticated network of peer volunteers who run in-person groups and provide peer support, mentoring, and counselling by phone. My support volunteer would pick me up at the airport and accompany me to my appointments with my specialists.
I have not yet reached out to them for a Canadian connection, and will let you know what is available.
In the meantime, here is a link to a great video from March 10th about COVID-19 to share:
Kathleen Sullivan, MD, PhD is the Chief of Allergy and
Immunology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the IDF
Physician Advisory Committee. She put together a video update with
some helpful information about COVID-19. The information is divided into
five sections. Those sections include:- An update (as of March 10,
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What is the testing?
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Is there lifelong immunity?
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What are the risks to
patients with PI? -
Is immunoglobulin
protective?
Useful links at the end, especially Henry the Hand--to learn how to not touch your face
...Susan Katz
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Thanks Carolyn -- here is the Ontario gov't site... it contains a lot of information, and much of it is not germane to most people, but it is updated twice daily for those who need to know that frequently.
The links you provide are helpful... especially André Picard's pieces.
I made a recommendation to HQO for Ontario Health to set up an interactive FAQ website for just patient-focused information ...where we could ask questions and get public answers back -- so we'll see what emerges.
I also recommended a dedicated corona phone line to take the pressure off Tele-Health and the 911 lines (which is being reported) -- or expanding the Tele-Health capacity. Again, we'll wait to see what might be done for ordinary patients, families, and the general public.
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I am not alone in finding that getting out and walking, especially on routes not normally taken, is not only good exercise and gets us out of the house into a safe social distance setting but provides variety. If fortunate to be walking with someone else 0n trails walking in line 2M apart still enables conversation. Rather than adjourn to a coffee shop at the end of the walk take a thermos full and find a good spot to drink coffee and talk.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
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I am in the most vulnerable group regarding COVID-19 (senior living with Diabetes Type1 for coming on 50 years). A member of my family recently travelled to England on business and is now showing the symptoms and is in quarantine like John Tory and Trudeau's wife.
My son a cardiologist begged me to not go to the Diabetic Management Centre today even though I have lost weight and needed modifications to diabetic protocol. In addition access to funding for my diabetic supplies is dependent upon regular appointments of this nature. I was able to download information from my insulin pump into the computer and send it to my health care provider. We then carried out suggested changes on the phone as she walked me through needed adjustments. It mean a lot to me to have a way to be able to have a meaningful appointment that brought about recommended changes to my healthcare routine and not have to leave my home.
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Sorry to be late in the game but we have been in a flurry of dealing with family changes due to the CORONA-19. We have decided to self isolate as we are in that age group and not in the most robust health. Having said that, we did go out for a wonderful walk in the sun. It's time for the simple pleasures in life.
Thanks goodness my pregnant daughter-in-law has returned from her job in Africa on Fri and my other son and his family canned their planned trip south for March break. Wow! Such changes!
Now my biggest challenge is how to carry on in a reasonable fashion, how to have family times but virtually, how to change focus to some of the work we patient partners do so when we come up for air, we can move ahead. I would love to hear how others are managing and what parts of the patient partner work remains important and can move ahead.
Thanks to you all for posting helpful sites. I follow André Picard daily and the CBC has a special site that is updated regularly https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-march-16-covid19-canada-world-1.5498835
There are also good resources for caregivers of those with the virus. I'll post those as I find them.
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MUST READ from André Picard, Sunday March 15
"Look for the helpers" - In these scary, pandemic times, we could all use a little Mr. Rogers-like re-assurance
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Hi All,
I received this wonderful list of resources from my local North Toronto Fibromyalgia Group. We're not going to meet in person next week, so here are some resources that have been shared:
The
Workwell Foundation has a webinar about Post-Exertional Malaise
scheduled for Tuesday March 24th at 2 pm ET. The link for this ishttps://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zqHqLg6eRrGwqP20gzUnUw
Post-exertional
malaise is a key component of ME. We may be able to perform some
activities, but we are practically guaranteed to feel the effects later.
We thank Action CIND for bringing this webinar to our attention.Action
CIND has also invited us to participate in monthly online chats, which
are currently scheduled the first Wednesday afternoon of each month from
4-6 pm EST. The next chat is scheduled Wednesday April 1, 2020. The URL
in the poster for this chat isThe poster for the Online Zoomers chats can be found at
https://mcusercontent.com/ec4094030612e02da03957013/images/0ebedf1d-e3d0-4c5a-b77e-6d6a3fd89afd.png
If you are a member of Facebook, you may be interested in joining one or
more of the groups that provide support and/or information for people
with our chronic illnesses. In particular, the GTA ME-FM-MCS Support
group is a closed (private) group for people with these illnesses who
live in the Greater Toronto Area. If you are interested, please sign in
to Facebook, search for the group name, click that you want to join,
then answer the questions for the benefit of our administrators.Social Distancing info:
https://content.oma.org/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-Social-Distancing-OMA.pdf
How to self-isolate:
COVID-19 info:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
COVID-19 self assessment tool:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment
Take Care,
...Susan
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Thanks Carolyn,
Here is another resource that the Community Education Service_Alberta Health Services has shared:
COVIBOOK for Kids: Designed for children 7 and under. Access in 16 languages through this link: https://ces.hmhc.ca/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=view_in_browser&action=view&data=WzcyLCI2YTU3MWQwMTdkMTkiLDY1MTEwLCJoM2JhNWp3MXJ4c3NjNHdjc2c4Y2NzOG9vd3NvY3NzZyIsNjAsMF0
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Hi Folks,
The following are more links specifically for people with
ME/CFS--Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (formerly called Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome) which is often caused by, or exacerbated by, an immune system
that is deficient against viruses.-
This is from the #MEAction group specifically addressing our needs and COVID-19.
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A video from Dr. Nancy Klimas of The Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, one of our ME/CFS champions, addressing ME/CFS and COVID-19. Her expertise is with the neuro-immune basis of ME/CFS.
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An article from The Guardian addressing the message that COVID-19 is relatively safe for 98% of the
population, which isn’t exactly reassuring if you fall into the other 2%. -
Here's a form that someone with ME/CFS can fill out ahead of time and have handy in case they have to go to a hospital or urgent care clinic. Being able to present a form with details of what we have, and what symptoms are flaring up can make a world of difference in the quality of care. My ME/CFS doctor once sent me to the ER to be checked out during a flare up: the ER doctor there was quite dismissive of any symptoms, but did offer me a colonoscopy! Nothing like a for-profit healthcare system (this was in the USA). Bringing this form already filled out would have bolstered my intake answers.
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Here's a checklist of other items to bring along, if anyone is needing emergency care.
Best regards,...Susan
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Thank you. That is good and from a reliable source. I have shared it.
(Act like you are quietly carrying the virus and do everything you can to stop spreading it to others. Dr. TheresaTam)
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I sent that out and got several replies from MOST grateful parents, Children are particularly vulnerable to our obvious worries. We need more like this to help.
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Hi friends,
I know that not everyone follows Twitter. Here are recommended articles to help parents (grandparents, aunties, uncles, etc) talk to kids about coronavirus. Thanks to @katebirnie, a clinical psychologist at the University of Calgary School of Medicine.
Best to all, Carolyn
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"How to talk to kids about coronavirus", The Globe and Mail, (Canada) March 14 (updated)
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"Answers to 7 questions your kids may have about the pandemic", The Conversation (USA), March 14
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"How to talk to kids about coronavirus", The New York Times (USA), March 18 (updated)
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Carolyn,
Do you mind If I clip and paste this to send out as a good suggestion for parents with children now at home for an extended period?
John
(Act like you are quietly carrying the virus and do everything you can to stop spreading it to others. Dr. TheresaTam)
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Hi John, that’s the whole point here.
Please, everyone, share these resources to support your family, friends and wider networks. We’re all in this together! Strengthening our ties will help everyone feel a little less anxious and function a little better.Best wishes to all, Carolyn
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Hi John, Here is another great resource for parents and kids. Also for ALL of us who find our daily schedule is upended. See what you think and post it here.
The inspired dad here is John Spencer, an Oregon-based former middle school teacher and education specialist. Here's what he says...
Last night, we brainstormed a schedule together as a family. Half the day is free time but for 4 hours we're doing scheduled, choice-based options. Here's what we came up with. I'm sharing this recognizing that every kid and every family is different.
Check out his Twitter feed at @spencerideas.
I don't know about you, but I feel somewhat blasted by the shock of this societal upheaval. I need all the help I can get to focus on what's important and manage the noise. How about you?
Best wishes to all. Wash your hands. Stay at home. Keep connected.
We're all in this together.
Regards, Carolyn -
Thank you for forwarding these valuable survival strategies. Nothing has more power and meaning than the words of someone who has walked the talk.
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Hi all,
I thought I would share the information page we developed at the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance. I'm trying to keep it current since so much is changing all the time including with some of the medications we regularly take, like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's) and Hydroxychloroquine (yes, the Trump announcement).
http://arthritispatient.ca/covid-19-information-resources/
Some information is general while other information is specific to arthritis or living with chronic disease.
Hope this is helpful!
Laurie
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This from an oncology nurse in the US on how the coping skills she learned as a cancer patient help with COVID 19.
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Putting on my Spiritual Care Chaplain chapeau now, here is a nice reference resource for navigating the existential and spiritual questions that may arise, from both adults and children:
Responding to Spiritual Questions and Emotional Needs after Tragedies
Following a terrible event or loss, these questions may arise, tempting others to
offer their own religious understanding or to engage in philosophical discussion. These
are valid questions... to be engaged at other times.In times of deep crisis and pain, such questions – when posed by adults – might be heard
as:-
“How could this have happened?”
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“Does anyone care about and protect me and those whom I love?”
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“What did I do to deserve this?”
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“How can this terrible and unfair thing have happened?”
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“Is there any order and security or is the world just chaos and
mayhem?”
When posed by children, depending upon their ages, they may be heard as:
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“Why didn’t my parents/teachers/caretakers protect me?”
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“Is it safe to be away from my parents?”
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“Is it safe to go to sleep?”
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“Are there bad guys everywhere?”
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“Is the world a scarier place than I thought?”
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“Is anyone in charge?”
How We Can Help
We needn’t try to convince these individuals of anything or to challenge their doubts and
disappointments, nor is it helpful to add our own negative conviction to theirs. If we hear
them saying (directly or others) that life and the world seem devoid of love, order, and
meaning, then agreeing or disagreeing isn’t the issue. Rather, the issue is how the world
feels to them right now – and thus, anything we can do on the side of life, calm, and
meaning will be most valuable.The kindest response we can offer is one of listening, conveying acceptance that the
questions are being asked, and doing and saying things that help restore a sense of love,
justice, protection, and order in our world – even though what has happened is shocking,
unfair, hateful, or a result of temporary chaos.We don’t necessarily have to convey all that in words. Instead, it can be in
compassionate care provided, accompaniment through agonizing tasks such as
funeral preparations, and the gentle and timely restoration of routine. We try to provide
living proof for one another that we live in a world in which there is great goodness, even
though it is also a world in which terrible tragedies sometimes occur.When Children Have Questions
Children sometimes raise religious questions in the midst of tragedy too, although less
often than their parents. It is important to ask them what they think and to try to support
what they wish to and are able to believe, particularly if it is strengthening and
reassuring.As adults, we needn’t profess beliefs we don’t have, but we can be respectful of our kids’
hopes – even when our own beliefs and faith are shaken.Children need their sense of security restored and anything that helps with that (and isconsistent with their family's practice and belief) is what counts. Young children may not be able to conceive thatsomeone who was once here is now not somewhere (this is difficult enough for adults);most older children can conceive of people living on within our hearts, or of souls. It’s essential that we listen to children’s questions before we compose our answers, asvery young children age may not be clear about the permanence of death and thedifference between being alive and no longer alive. They still may be most concernedabout being separated from parents themselves and are reassured that the child or adultwho has died is not "somewhere" suffering and crying out in loneliness. At moments of traumatic crisis, children’s faith and trust in the people they have countedon to protect them may be more significantly shaken than their religious faith. Anythingadults can do to restore their sense that the people around them are working to restoresafety will matter most. They need to be allowed to remain close to caring adults and tohave a sense of calm – and, eventually, joy – returned to their lives. Perhaps in this way, children and adults are more alike than different: All of us need tofeel we are not alone and that there are trustworthy sources of hope, security, and joywithin our world. Rabbi Edythe Held Mencher, LCSW, serves as Union for Reform Judaism faculty forSacred Caring Community and is director of the URJ Presidential Initiative forDisabilities Inclusion. -
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If you're not on Twitter you wouldn't have seen this. It's practical advice on isolation from a guy who spent a lot of time on submarines
Jon Bailey @SloopJontyB Mar 20
During my time in the Submarine Service, I - along with many others - endured many weeks and months cooped up in a steel tube under the waves. I just thought I'd share a few coping strategies for many of you now facing a Covid-19 "patrol".
More
ROUTINE: Life at sea is dictated by shifts and routines. You can tell what day it was by what was for dinner.Make a routine now, test it then write it down & stick to it. Divide your day up in to work (if home working) rest, exercise, meals, hobbies, etc. Do the same for kids.
PRIVACY: the only place private at sea was your bunk. Make a dedicated private time / place in the routine. Even if you timeshare the front room get everyone a couple of hours alone. Do whatever you want: watch shit films, pray, yoga, arrange matches: whatever gets you through.
EAT: scran onboard was usually pretty good and broke up the monotony of patrols. Take time to prepare meals. A good mix of "feast & famine" will stop the pounds piling on - one boat dis Steak Saturdays, Fishy Friday, Curry & Pizza nights. On other days soup & bread was enough.
EXERCISE: you'll have the advantage of not having to use a spinning bike in a switchboard. 20-30mins a day of whatever as a minimum. Fitness Blender on YouTube has workouts for all. It's a natural antidepressant, breaks up the day and keeps you healthy. Get outside when able.
CLEAN: that house is going to get grungy now you're spending a lot more time in it. Put time in your daily routine to clean and stick to it.
CONNECT: even during radio silence we still got a weekly telegram from loved ones back home. This was a weekly highlight. Keep in touch with your people. My current work have agreed a daily "coffee" catch up online even if there's no work to discuss.
PERSPECTIVE: like all other patrols, this one will end. It's a dirt sandwich but better than dodging barrel bombs. Don't obsess the news or Twitter. Bring your world closer, focus on little things that you enjoy & make plans for the future. At least you should have a window!
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Susan, this is marvellous. HERE is a link to Rabbi Mencher's good counsel. These perspectives are definitely worth sharing, so this might be easier than cut and paste. Thank you, again. I will re-read this again and again through the upcoming weeks and months.
Another big challenge to all of us is information overload. And finding an escape from the onslaught of scary stuff. It's hard to look away and easy to become obsessed. Here is an excellent short guide to lowering our anxiety by managing our exposure to news. Choosing sources of information carefully is critical to COVID-19 mental well-being from the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Back to kids...
I find that advice purportedly for children actually boils down what's best for me and good guidance for everyone with whom I interact. Here is a short article in today's Guardian that offers the insights of three psychologists. 'No, we aren't all going to die': experts on how to talk to kids about coronavirusThanks to everyone for contributing here. I am sure we are all immersed in support for others, and that also helps ourselves navigate through the stress. I do feel that offering our greatest generosity and patience to others repays in so many ways.
We feel good in helping others --that's why we do our usual patient partner work! Now, making an extra effort for calm conversations and gentle acts of kindness allows us to share in the effect.
Thanks for all you are doing. Don't forget to get enough sleep. And please share what you find online to post here: bright ideas that others may value. Don't forget to offer a few of your own remarks on what it is about and why you think it is helpful. Thank you and take care.
Warm regards, Carolyn
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Along with our helpcare providers we need to think of those companies like Walmart whose employees ensure the basics are there for us to survive this unprecidented COVID-19 threat. I found Walmart canned goods whose prices had been cut in half, meat products reduced to cost etc. See below how this company works to ensure that their efforts do not go unnoticed.
Thank you!
We are incredibly proud of all of our Associates. Tens of thousands of our team members are working hard every day to take care of our customers, service our communities and support each other across Canada.
Our Associates truly show spirit by rising to the challenge of these unprecedented times. Each member of our team is going above and beyond to organize and deliver products to stores, ensure shelves are stocked, checkout is fast and customers have access to all their family needs. We are also grateful to our Associates’ spouses and loved ones who have had to take on extra responsibilities - particularly with many schools and daycares closed.
We are pleased to announce some programs we have put in place to thank our store and supply chain Associates during this time:
1. Appreciation Bonus – To thank over 90,000 store and supply chain associates for all of their hard work this past month, we will be providing all active Hourly Associates a March Appreciation Bonus of $200 for all Full-Time Associates and $100 for all Part-Time Associates.
2. Thank You Premium – Effective April 3 through April 30, for every hour worked, we will be providing a Thank You Premium of $2.00 for every Store and Supply Chain Hourly Associate on top of their hourly rate. This premium will be included on each pay for hours worked throughout this period.
3. Associate Discount Enhancement – In addition to their existing discounts, Walmart Canada will be offering every Associate an additional 10% discount for two shopping days in April. This will help enable Associates to purchase the essentials they need.
4. Store Incentive Program – We have accelerated the deposit of Annual Incentive Plan payouts by 2 weeks for all Store Associates. All eligible Associates will receive their payment earlier on April 3.
5. Access to Online Physician Care – We’re offering access to live online physician care for all 90,000 Associates at no cost so that they can get the advice and care they need.
6. Support For Quarantined Associates – We’re providing two-week replacement pay for Associates under mandated quarantine and additional supplemental income for those with confirmed cases who are require to stay home beyond two weeks.
Once again, we want to thank our Associates for everything that they’re doing to help serve our Canadian customers. -
Susan, thanks for shedding some light on the existential and spiritual questions. I imagine these will become more important as the crisis continues.
I am struggling personally with managing the stress and frankly my husband's stress which is exponentially more than mine.
On the positive side, a) I find routine and focussing on what I can actually do -- sort, clean, talk with friends and family -- helps with normalization and connections and b) I have been asked as a patient partner to contribute to work that is dealing directly with the COVID crisis which gives me a sense of meaning.
I have not yet been able to parse through the flood of info to pick out good resources and am grateful for those of you who have.
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Good morning. It is the last day of March and my Prairie Soul yearns for life to get back to ‘normal’. I find myself reflecting on what that new ‘normal’ will look like. For many of us we will retreat into our spirituality and come to our own conclusions. I very seldom talk about my Path as it is outside of mainstream religion. But each of us has a Path and what we believe is what will sustain us as we say here on the Prairie.... we carry on.
For myself as a Patient Family Partner I have been forced to slow down, take a breath, catch my breath and as I am a planner I have been planning my next steps. The positive for me in this Pandemic is that although I am frustrated that I have not been in the loop as a Patient Family Partner within my Healthcare Organization to bring the Patient lens to the discussion I have been processing.
As a ‘chronic’ with more than one ‘condition’ I called my Primary Care Physician and the next day she called. We have collaborated on a plan for my needs over the next three months that will keep me ‘safe’ and that same time reduce my anxiety. We also have a plan for me to see my Ophthalmologist to get my injection. I have also had deep discussions with Family about Advanced Care decision making.
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Hello Brenda; Not sure from what prairie longitude you write, but as a former geographic centre of Canada resident 'gone down the road', I can empathize with your soul-searching regarding for how long we may (or may wish to) occupy space and consume non-renewable resources that could by used by children and grandchildren on our collective Earth.
I have found two groups to be informative on these issues:
Dying with Dignity Canada https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/ and
World Population Balance https://www.worldpopulationbalance.org/content/one-planet-onechild
With the extra time we have to contemplate, we need to consider the implications of this virus (and those likely to come in future) in relation to our own consumption and mortality... and how we may wish to Exit this 'mortal coil'.
Stay Well;
Toby
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It sounds like we are moving from a short term, 'temporary' situation, into a new normal of extended time of social isolation.
So we now have to create new strategies for maintaining some sort of equilibrium, socially, economically, for health, and overall.
Here are a few more resources on the topics of resilience and the value of experiencing anger for yourselves and to share.
They take two approaches, pragmatic tips and wisdom stories.
This is from the American Psychological Association with tips for how to build resiliency;
One is from a professional Chaplain/Rabbi who discusses the value of how anger is natural and motivates us toward problem solving; you can ask me for this one, the pdf is not available online yet.
Here is a link from Men's Health about anger and COVID-19
Sometimes a Fact Sheet with tips on how to organize the chaos that brings anger can help you feel more in control.
These references help us to engage with this ongoing change and all the feelings it
arouses, rather than avoiding or inhibiting our painful reactions to it. These are keys to successful personal and social coping, and a part of
staying healthy.Just having an approach of curiosity, in itself, can be helpful.
Wishing You Movement and Stability,
...Susan
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Thanks Alies and others, glad the resources are helpful.
The whole world now seems to be doing what I've been doing for the past 5 years to manage my ME/CFS: social distancing!
Instead my normal life of being on my own, either being left out of or missing meetings and social events, there are now Zoom meetings galore. It is tiring me out. Can't win! I still have to pace my social interactions.
It has been interesting to hear how people struggle with the isolation, and how I am reacting to the e-invasion of isolated people.
There must be a great cartoon or sitcom for this. Along the lines of dogs who are hiding under furniture because everyone is home now and incessantly taking them for a walk.
Watch your bottom line, try to right yourself when tipped,
Best,
...Susan
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Dear COVID-Coping pals,
PAN is about to launch a new discussion board related to adapting to COVID. Keep your eyes peeled for the headings. I'll be leading this change, and will also post directions here.
Suggestions on topic headings? Do you like "COVID-coping"? Or is that too grim?
Here is my preliminary topic list. Do you think I'm on the right track for the PAN community? Headings may change with more clever wording. Suggestions welcomed!!!
PAN community on COVID-Coping (please respect confidentiality)
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My questions needing your answers from experiences during COVID
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What I’ve learned during COVID
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Building outreach for community during COVID
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How my past helps me now with COVID
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My favourite distractions from COVID
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Maintaining my health during COVID
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Continuing patient partnership during COVID
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?
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?
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?
Thanks for your energy and help! And thanks for bringing this discussion alive.
Best regards, Carolyn
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I came across this and thought to share. It is a blog post by someone experienced in adapting to crisis who shares the stages we go through as we adapt to a crisis. I find it comforting to know that I am not totally losing it.
Why You Should Ignore All That Coronavirus-Inspired Productivity Pressure by Aisha S. Ahmad Mar 27, 2020
I was also reflecting on my mother's stories of being in occupied Europe during WWII. She spoke of the unreality of the first weeks which I am only now starting to viscerally understand as I grapple with the scope of this crisis. She was 14 and playing tennis when the German planes went overhead and assumed it was an exercise that mistook where the border was. When she got home for tea, she learned that Rotterdam had been leveled by bombs and 4 days later the Netherlands fell to the German army.
She also talked of living with uncertain and the specter of death and how the decisions you make are so different from when you can plan with certainty -- so much like the feeling today.
We were in the midst of starting major renos with all these wonderful plans... and now we have moved to Plan Z having moved through the alphabet through these last few weeks.
I am not so worried about myself and my husband although I definitely don't want to experience COVID, but I worry for my sons who are in their mid-40's. They are just blooming in their careers and are being cut down in mid-stride. I pray they remain resilient and adaptable and find new opportunities. In the meantime, we remain close (virtually) and look to humour and love to move from day to day.
All the best to everyone
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Carolyn, reflecting on the topics related to COVID:
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My questions needing your answers from experiences during COVID - yes
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What I've learned during COVID - yes - my previous post may come under this category
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Building outreach for community during COVID - yes
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How my past helps me now with COVID - combine with What I've learned?
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My favourite distractions from COVID - yes, we all need this
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Maintaining my health during COVID - yes, need online yoga, breathing, etc.
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Continuing patient partnership during COVID - yes, because in the urgency of the moment, we are not necessarily being included and that does not bode well for the future. Patient Partners are not a frivolity, they are what grounds the actions now and in the future around the patient. Without that, we are in trouble.
I am involved in some COVID tables and projects which I will talk about more later. Stay well, all.
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I am interested in knowing how some of you are getting involved in the fight against COVID. I understand some people are volunteering around food banks and food delivery. For those who are health compromised, I have also heard that there is a great need for volunteers to help with tracking - all phone-based.
Check out this Govt of Canada site for volunteers:
Alies
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Using Zoom - There have been security issues lately with Zoom. A
number of school boards have cautioned against using it. I would be
careful of what you share using it. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/04/the-zoom-app-has-a-lot-of-security-problems.html
and https://jewishjournal.com/news/313842/nyc-department-of-education-bans-schools-from-using-zoom-due-to-zoombombing/ -
Thank you. I know they are working on the security issues but all my work is via other platforms and won’t be using it. It is handy for families and non-private chats. To check on the updates/issues for Zoom just Google zoom and them click on the news tab.
Stay safe.
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Here's another type of toolkit for coping: Humour! Laughter and sharing humour with others is a well-known tonic to maintain health and wellbeing.
This just came from a friend. Don't forget to LOL.
My Self-Isolation Quarantine Diary:
>>> Day 1 – I Can Do This!! Got enough food and wine to last a month!
>>> Day 2 – Opening my 8th bottle of Wine. I fear wine supplies might not last
>>> Day 3 – Strawberries: Some have 210 seeds, some have 235 seeds. Who Knew??
>>> Day 4 – 8:00pm. Removed my Day Pajamas and put on my Night Pajamas.
>>> Day 5 – Today, I tried to make Hand Sanitizer. It came out as Jello Shots!!
>>> Day 6 – I get to take the Garbage out. I’m So excited, I can’t decide what to wear.
>>> Day 7 – Laughing way too much at my own jokes!!
>>>
Day 8 – Went to a new restaurant called “The Kitchen”. You have to
gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have No clue how
this place is still in business.
>>> Day 9 – I put liquor bottles in every room. Tonight, I’m getting all dressed up and going Bar hopping.
>>> Day 10 – Struck up a conversation with a Spider today. Seems nice. He’s a Web Designer.
>>> Day 11 – Isolation is hard. I swear my fridge just said, “What the hell do you want now?”
>>>
Day 12 – I realized why dogs get so excited about something moving
outside, going for walks or car rides. I think I just barked at a
squirrel.
>>> Day 13 – If you keep a glass of wine in each hand, you can’t accidently touch your face.
>>> Day 14 – Watched the birds fight over a worm. The Cardinals led the Blue Jays 3–1.
>>> Day 15 – Anybody else feel like they’ve cooked dinner about 395 times this month?...Cheers!
...Susan
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No rreferences to share, but it seems to me that since Zoom was made aware of these issues, they have worked on the problem, and it should be a lot better now. If I come across a reference, I will try and remember where this conversation is, and post for you all.
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That is a good link to have! Thanks for posting - I haven't gone there yet, but I will.
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Susan
thank you for this post, we indeed need humour in this new time of being. Settling and finding joy in this time is neceessary!
Luci
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Recorded Webinar: STAYING PATIENT-CENTRED DURING A PANDEMIC
Charmaine Jones sent me a link to a wonderful, detailed webinar that dives into family visiting and engaging patient partners. It takes an hour but is most worthwhile and practical as we get involved in groups making changes to accommodate during the pandemic.
I have found that mostly the COVID working groups in Ontario did not include patient partners and we are now trying belatedly to change this. Also, there has been rightly a huge push back on the visitor policies for hospitals and long term care facilities. This webinar addresses creative ways to add compassionate nuance to the policies and practices and how to communicate in a kind way.
Here is the translated Guidelines for visiting policy for nursing homes in Corona time from the Netherlands: https://resources.planetree.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Handout_Nursing-Home-Visitation-Policy-During-COVID-19_TheNetherlands.pdf
The Dutch have some great ideas! Makes me proud to be half Dutch!
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Great resource Alies, thank you for sharing.
Does any one have other resources to help organizations to ensure that partners/advisors be part of the preparedness plans for eventual crisis?
Thanks
Claudia
