Update: Visit COVID-19 Resources for Goldenites for additional Resources
I hope this finds you healthy!
Someone said these past weeks “feel like quicksand.” The ground is shifting rapidly between the global financial shake-up and changing COVID-19 responses everywhere we turn: in our schools, work, health care, travel and governments.
As some of you may know, I am a community health Registered Nurse (RN). My background is in clinical education and facilitating workforce oversight for TB screening and flu vaccinations, as well as direct care for Hospice patients.
In that vein, I’d like to share a few thoughts. . .
First, I’ve added COVID-19 Resource Links for Goldenites to my website and will update regularly. Let me know if you have resources I should include.
Become educated and push back against fear and rumors
Know what COVID-19 is, and what it is not. Take appropriate precautions to reduce transmission risk, and work to keep our finances and households secure.
DON’T… panic and join the mobs grabbing all the toilet paper 😉
As we acknowledge the depth of concern during this unsettling time, I encourage everyone to consider ways to maintain both Mental Health and Physical Health – for ourselves and our families. Loss of mental and physical health can be an unfortunate and unintended consequence of working to avoid illness during a viral outbreak.
And while we may have little direct control over the events affecting us, know that we can maintain control over our reaction and response to these events.
Cabin Fever?
Let’s acknowledge the loss of both social engagement (e.g. school, concerts, work, clubs) and physical health options (e.g. canceled school sports, avoiding crowded exercise classes).
Find ways to stay socially engaged. Take advantage when Spring weather provides opportunities to be outdoors. Use virtual and social media at their best to keep us connected with friends, family, and interest groups. Offer to volunteer to help others in need who may be isolated. Be patient, with yourself and with others.
Epidemics and financial crises can trigger new-onset or exacerbations of mental health concerns including depression and anxiety – this is normal, please seek help (for example, through the Jefferson Center for Mental Health).
“It is safe to exercise, despite concerns about coronavirus,” concludes James Turner, professor of health science, in the New York Times.
Exercise, in fact, will probably lessen the risk of an infection, Turner says.
Be creative in staying physically active. Determine if the Golden Community Center or other exercise location is right for you – and get out there! Don’t let COVID-19 be an excuse to avoid maintaining physical health. Stock up on health foods and maintain an appropriate diet. See your providers for regular medical and dental health check-ups. Yes, all the normal stuff. Don’t let it slip!
Finally, the Golden Community Center truly is central to our community life, interacting with hundreds of residents daily. I am encouraging the City and GCC to take the lead as a source for trusted information, inspiration, education, and opportunity for engagement – both social and physical. I look forward to knowing the GCC staff are maintaining the highest level of hygiene precautions and providing education and resources for residents and families.
Let’s face this challenge together as a community, stay as healthy as possible, be kind to each other, and please reach out for support if you need assistance.
Cheers,
Bill Fisher, BSN, RN, CHPN
—William “BilFish” Fisher – Candidate for Golden City Council Ward 4
