Protecting yourself from the coronavirus
- Avoid crowds
- Wash your hands & surfaces regularly
- Avoid touching your face
- Schedule meetings or doctor visits wisely
- STAY HOME – practice social distancing
Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
While each of us play a role in flattening the curve, it’s interesting that a few of the items above go against our human nature.
“Don’t Touch Your Face”
One of the best ways to avoid the spread of the coronavirus – yet we struggle to avoid touching our faces. Psychologist Natasha Tiwari explains why and offers tips for how you can better avoid doing it.
“Stay Home”
As a species, humans are social creatures. And while not all seniors have access to online technology to stay socially active it is imperative that we continue to follow the recommendation of social distancing. Alexander Graham Bell’s invention, the telephone, is one of the safest (and easiest) ways we can stay connected.
A silver lining perhaps in all this? This may also provide our younger generation more opportunity to practice the art of conversation rather than defaulting to texting as a means of communicating.
Healthcare Visits
Avoid visits to healthcare facilities if possible. Now is the time to postpone any elective appointments / diagnostic testing that can wait.
If you have an urgent problems, begin with a phone call to your physician/practice. Many facilities first line triage includes telemedicine, which can provide you with answers and the care you need, in the comfort of your home.
If you must go to an office, most providers have implemented additional safety precautions to reduce interactions between you and other patients. Call your healthcare provider before your visit to learn more.