Month: May 2020

2020-05-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s sometimes easy to get caught up in how vast the ocean is, but we need to be reminded of its importance and vulnerability. The ocean contains up to 80% of life on Earth, and provides an important source of fish protein to more than 3 billion people on our planet. To celebrate National Oceans Month, here are five small actions people can take to make a lasting impact on a healthy ocean and make sure we can enjoy the seafood we love for for years to come:

1. Reduce plastic pollution: One major but simple way to prevent plastics from ending up in the ocean is to refuse single-use plastics. Look for ways to make sustainable swaps around the home, like using reusable silicone bags instead of single-use plastic bags to store food, or #cutoutcutlery by opting out of single-use cutlery in food deliveries. For more information and ideas, look to organizations like Shedd Aquarium.
2. Choose sustainable seafood: Rely on nonprofit organizations like The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to make the connection from ocean to plate. For over 20 years, the MSC has been on a mission to end overfishing and help preserve our seas for future generations. The canned tuna we stock in our pantries can encourage ocean-friendly fishing. The fish sticks we cook for our kids can help protect a whole ecosystem. Choosing seafood with the MSC blue fish label is one way to help protect the ocean’s big blue future.
3. Find ocean-friendly products: In addition to reducing the amount of plastic we use, shop brands that create with the ocean in mind. Using terms like “ethical,” “sustainable,” and “ocean-friendly” when online shopping will take you to companies like Happy Earth or United by Blue that make everything from apparel and accessories to pet products so every member of the family can have a positive impact on the ocean.
4. Use less energy: At home or on the go, committing to a smaller carbon footprint can be done in just a few small steps. Create simple habits at home, like turning off the lights when leaving a room and unplugging electronics when not in use. When heading out, check to see if the destination is within walking or biking distance instead of driving. Walking will support a healthy ocean and your own health.
5. Keep learning: The more you know about the ocean and its inhabitants, the more you can do to protect them and encourage others to do the same. From online resources like the Ocean Project, MSC, and the Shedd Aquarium, to museums and exhibits, seek out information that leads to an ocean-friendly future.

Share the small changes you’re making to protect the ocean with your friends and family. The simple acts you take could inspire others to do the same, leading to a community that’s united in conserving our one shared ocean.

2020-05-20T12:01:01

(BPT) – If you have upcoming surgery planned, one of your concerns may be post-surgical pain. With all the news coverage about the opioid crisis in the United States, you probably have questions about the best kind of pain relief for you. You may want to know how you can recover quickly, with as little discomfort as possible.

To understand the role of different kinds of pain relief, it helps to understand how your body responds to surgery, as well as the risks of certain types of drugs that may be prescribed to help reduce pain.

Immediate post-surgery needs

Right after surgery, you may benefit from the local anesthetic your doctor uses to relieve immediate pain at the surgery site. However, most local anesthetics, including liposomal bupivacaine, are not designed to provide pain relief beyond 12-24 hours post-surgery.

Post-surgical inflammation is a significant component of discomfort, and peaks between 24-72 hours after surgery, and inflammation may prevent longer-acting local anesthetics from working effectively.

Because of this, doctors frequently prescribe opioids to help patients cope with moderate to severe post-surgical pain after most types of local anesthetics wear off. A 2017 article published in Annals of Surgery reported that 90 percent of patients undergoing surgical procedures are prescribed opioids for pain management.

The problem with opioids

Opioids are powerful drugs that can help reduce pain, but they also bring with them serious risks, from adverse side effects to addiction.

Opioids you may have heard of include medications such as fentanyl, oxycodone, Demerol, Percocet and Vicodin, just to name a few. According to a 2013 article in Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, opioids can have the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Itchiness
• Slow and ineffective breathing
• Low oxygen levels

Opioids are also far from ideal because of the risk of developing an addiction to them. You are at higher risk of addiction to opioids if you have a history of:

• Abusing alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs
• Using tobacco
• Depression, anxiety or other mood disorders
• Long-term pain

Or if you:

• Take opioids longer than a few days
• Take opioids more than prescribed

But the truth is, anyone can become addicted to opioids. And paradoxically, opioids can result in making you more sensitive to pain. One additional risk is the potential for other individuals to have access to leftover opioids after you are done taking most of your medication.

How can you avoid taking opioids?

First of all, talk to your doctor about your concerns before surgery. Make sure you are ready to ask about the options available to you and what is appropriate based on the procedure type.

Once your healthcare provider understands your concerns, you both can work together to develop a concrete plan to address any pain and discomfort — which is a normal response to most surgical procedures — in an appropriate way for your unique situation.

Non-opioid options for coping with post-surgical pain

Ask your healthcare provider to discuss potential alternatives to opioids for managing post-surgical pain ahead of your procedure. Be sure to mention all other medications you are taking, including supplements, plus any additional health concerns you have, as well as lifestyle issues.

Depending on your overall health, type of surgery and recovery plan, you may consider several strategies for your post-surgical pain management. Recent multimodal approach guidelines recommend asking your doctor about the following options:

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Nerve blocks
• Localized anesthetics
• Non-pharmacologic options

Planning now will help you recover from your surgery better, with a reduced need for and potential elimination of opioids that could cause more health problems down the road. Knowing your coping strategies for post-surgery pain management ahead of time can help give you peace of mind and may lead to better recovery.

2020-05-20T13:31:00

(BPT) – When Ashley Fajardo tested positive for the Huntington’s disease gene at 18 years old, she was devastated but not surprised. Having lost her mother to the rare genetic disorder five years earlier, she knew her odds for having the gene were high.

“It’s a terminal illness so of course I was sad; I was consumed by the results for a while,” said Fajardo. “But with the support of my family and through volunteering with the local chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society, I began to focus more on living for each day and how I could make an impact.”

An estimated 41,000 Americans are living with Huntington’s disease (HD), a hereditary disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain^[1],[2],[3] that causes uncoordinated and uncontrolled movements, cognitive deterioration, and behavioral and psychological issues.^[4] The symptoms of HD can affect those suffering in many ways by disrupting relationships, jobs and everyday activities.^[4],[5]

“I was 30 years old when I realized I was symptomatic. I was working in a restaurant and my constant foot twitching had worn a hole in my shoes,” said Fajardo. “At first it was hard to adjust because I liked to always be on the go. But I’ve learned to be more careful and aware of how I’m feeling, and to recognize that sometimes I just need to scale back.”

90% of people with HD will develop movement symptoms.^[4]

Chorea is the most visible symptom of HD and may appear as unexpected and uncontrolled jerking and twisting body movements. Signs may include the flicking of fingers, flailing of the arms or legs, shrugging of the shoulders, having a grimacing look, or irregular eye movement or blinking.^{[1],[4],[6],[7]} These movements can make it difficult for some to take care of daily activities such as pouring or drinking a beverage, brushing their teeth, bathing and dressing, forming words and speaking, and even swallowing or eating.^[1],[4] If patients are having difficulty with these actions, they may want to talk with their doctor about the impact of HD chorea and how to manage it. While there is currently no cure for HD, there are treatments available to help manage the movement symptoms caused by HD chorea.^[4]

Stay positive, connected and active.

While she has bad days, Fajardo remains hopeful and committed to helping others by sharing her story. “It’s never easy to talk about what I’m going through, but the love and support I get back from the community is so much bigger,” said Fajardo. Her message for people living with HD:

1. Get connected – no one should deal with HD alone. Tell your friends and family how they can help and take advantage of the information, community and services offered by local and national HD groups.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle – it’s important to eat healthy and remain active. To exercise safely, be in tune with how you’re feeling, take any added precautions, and scale back when needed.
3. Stay positive – it’s easy to dwell on the failures. Instead, celebrate little victories every day.

“I used to be worried about the future, but there’s so much to be hopeful for,” said Fajardo. “I’ve learned to just take a breath and enjoy each day.”

For more information and resources about Huntington’s disease and HD chorea, join the Honestly HD Facebook community (www.facebook.com/HonestlyHD/) and go to www.help4hd.org and www.HDSA.org.

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2020-05-20T07:11:01

(BPT) – As routines shift, people often have to make behavioral changes to adapt to their new daily schedules, which can come with excuses. Whether it’s learning to cook healthy meals more frequently, adapting to outdoor exercise or adjusting a skincare regimen, people tend to make excuses as they learn these new behaviors. No matter how healthy your lifestyle habits are, there has likely been a time you’ve made an excuse for skipping the sunscreen, whether it be the cloudy weather outside or the promise to yourself that you’re only stepping out for a few minutes.

Regardless of the reasons why, a new survey conducted by CeraVe reveals that 75% of Americans can agree that their dermatologist would be unsatisfied with their sunscreen habits, so if you have a list of excuses for ignoring proper sun care, you are not alone. Even so, skipping sunscreen can have serious consequences down the road for your skin’s appearance and its health, so it is an excuse no one can afford to make.

“Applying sunscreen is one of the most important steps in a healthy lifestyle routine, regardless of what your day looks like,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. “Whether you plan to spend a long summer day in your backyard or are working near a window, your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, so it’s crucial to incorporate this step into your daily regimen.”

According to the Melanoma Research Alliance, over 90% of all skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sun or indoor tanning devices, underscoring the crucial importance of using sunscreen and developing healthy habits to protect skin from the sun’s rays.

To debunk the most common excuses people make for avoiding sunscreen, Dr. Nazarian shares her insight into why it’s so important to stop making excuses and how to overcome them so you can start protecting your skin.

Excuse #1: “It’s cloudy outside.”

Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days and summertime. In fact, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays come through clouds, so sunscreen is crucial regardless of the weather or the season. UVA rays are often referred to as “aging” rays because they are responsible for damage like premature aging and wrinkles, as well as the development of skin cancer, while UVB rays are called “burning” rays for their immediate signs of damage.

Still, many people do not think their skin will be damaged from the sun. In fact, 39% of Americans say they do not apply sunscreen because their skin does not burn or that based on their natural complexion, they do not need to apply. However, since both UVA and UVB rays can cause damage, sun protection is necessary. Dr. Nazarian recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and applying daily no matter what the weather looks like.

Excuse #2: “I won’t be outside for too long.”

Many people only think about sunscreen when they plan to be in the sun for an extended amount of time, so they overlook the damage that can be done in just a quick walk around the neighborhood or while stepping out for a quick run to the grocery store. One-quarter of people admit that they will skip sun protection if they are only running errands and another 26% say that if they do not go into the sun, they don’t need to apply sunscreen. The reality is any time spent outdoors without protection can really add up.

“Every moment counts,” says Nazarian. “Sun damage is cumulative, so even if you get just one minute a day of unprotected exposure, this will still add up to hours of radiation damage.”

Excuse #3: “I’m staying indoors today.”

Even if you plan to spend the day inside, skin can still be at risk. Not only do UVA and UVB rays penetrate through clouds, but UVA rays can also penetrate glass, which means skin is susceptible to sun damage when indoors. Most of the sun’s rays are actually UVA, which penetrate skin the deepest.

Yet, more than one-quarter of Americans say they are least likely to apply sunscreen while working indoors next to a window or while driving. Dr. Nazarian recommends including sunscreen in your morning routine so that your skin is protected before you start your day whether it be working or hitting the road.

Excuse #4: “I don’t like how sunscreen looks (or feels) on my skin.”

Many blame their past experience with sunscreen as an excuse for lack of regular use, with the survey finding that 55% of people do not like the feeling of sunscreen on their skin or the sticky feeling it leaves behind afterward.

Nazarian explains, “Applying sunscreen is a personal, lifelong commitment and if you are going to use it every day, you need to find a product that feels cosmetically elegant and blends naturally with your skin so that you enjoy using it daily.”

Dr. Nazarian recommends using a non-greasy, hydrating formula suitable for sensitive skin, like CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30, which is a 100% mineral, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The lightweight formula features a sheer tint that blends seamlessly into all skin tones, helping to offset the typical whitening effect associated with mineral sunscreens, while hydrating and leaving skin with a healthy glow.

She also recommends looking for a sunscreen with beneficial skincare ingredients to help streamline a skincare routine. The CeraVe Sheer Tint face lotion is formulated with three essential ceramides to help restore the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture, as well as niacinamide to help calm skin irritation, making it a perfect addition to a morning routine.

Excuse #5: “I don’t have time to reapply it.”

For sunscreen to remain effective, it needs to be reapplied at least every two hours, or after water exposure or sweating, which can cause the formula to rub off and hinder its ability to protect skin. To ensure all-day protection, Nazarian recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before direct sun exposure and reapplying every two hours. That means that even if you are not spending the day in the park or by a pool, reapplication is still a must. Yet, people still find a variety of reasons to skip reapplication, like the 28% of people who say they don’t want to mess up their makeup. A tinted, noncomedogenic sunscreen makes reapplication even easier, as it helps to blend into makeup throughout the day without clogging pores.

Healthy skin starts with proper protection every day, no matter what, so no more excuses.

2020-05-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably heard the term “essential worker.” You might even know a few. Among them are those in the medical profession, education and food production. And they’re working hard to keep our nation going during the COVID-19 crisis.

That’s why workplaces are putting extra measures in place to keep them protected. Tyson Foods, for example, is providing facial coverings for all workers, conducting symptom screening (including temperature) daily and facilitating social distancing with physical barriers between workspaces.

But have you ever thought about the role you play in keeping essential workers safe?

Tom Brower, senior vice president of health and safety at Tyson Foods, says, “Combining protective measures is the most effective way to keep our team members safe.”

We all factor into that equation. Here are a few ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and the essential workers you might encounter.

Choose actions that protect others.

Keeping a safe distance from others takes many forms. If you do decide to go out in public: Keep those trips to a minimum, make sure you stay at least six feet away from others, avoid large gatherings (10 or less is best), follow directional signs in stores, and of course, wear a mask the correct way. If you don’t know where to find a mask, check for sales through social media classifieds or watch tutorials to make one yourself.

Let’s be clear: Masks don’t keep you safe, but they might keep the person next to you safe. In grocery stores and other places where social distancing is a challenge, wearing a mask can help ensure you don’t spread infection to others.

Communities that practice good social distancing play a key role in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Wash those hands as often as possible.

Did you know, if you’re like most people, that you touch your face 23 times … an hour? While COVID-19 is believed to spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing or even breathing, it could also be transmitted through shared surfaces. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds helps ensure you don’t transfer the virus from a shopping cart to your face or vice versa.

And don’t forget hand sanitizer. If you are unable to wash your hands the traditional way, the “CDC recommends consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.”

When in doubt, stay home.

If you feel like you may be sick, or getting sick, just stay home. This reduces the potential spread of any illness you may knowingly, or unknowingly, be carrying. Even if you don’t feel sick, it’s a good general rule to stay home unless you really need to venture out for work or basic items. Imagine cutting out a single errand a week, like making one trip to the grocery store instead of two. It could mean you avoid close contact with dozens of other customers.

Essential workers in your area are depending on the safe habits of people like you. The next time you enjoy a meal, receive medical care or turn on your lights, think about the hardworking people who made that happen — and what you can do to keep them healthy.

Remember, in the fight against COVID-19, we all have a part to play.

2020-05-19T08:05:00

(BPT) – Warmer weather is here, so it’s time to get back to the barbecue! This year will be a little different, though. Because of social distancing, you may not be able to throw large cookouts — you may just be grilling for your family. While everyone can’t grill together, with over two-thirds of Americans owning a grill or smoker, and more than half of them grilling on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, you can all be together in spirit.

Move over, basic burgers and hot dogs

Now that you’re home cooking more than ever, why not take that spirit of experimentation you’ve been following the past few months in your kitchen and use it to create exciting new tastes for your grill?

Experimentation doesn’t have to be complicated — it can just mean adding fun new ingredients to a favorite dish, or taking a meal you’d normally cook in your oven and transforming it for your outdoor kitchen.

Here are four ideas for simple experimenting to help you enjoy cooking outdoors this season from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association:

1. Go seasonal

Make the most of what’s in season at your grocery store, farmer’s market or in your own garden.

Try this recipe for Grilled Asparagus and Corn Salad with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette from celebrated author and television personality Steven Raichlen.

“Grilled asparagus and grilled corn are two of our favorite summer vegetables,” says Raichlen. “This salad brings them together — where else? On a hot grill. Grilling accentuates the sweetness of any vegetable by caramelizing the natural plant sugars. It also imparts an intoxicating smoke flavor.”

Raichlen recommends choosing asparagus with thick spears so they’re easier to pin and grill. He lays the stalks side by side and pins them together to form a raft so they’re easier to grill and turn.

To grill other veggies, try small bamboo skewers or toothpicks, or use a grill basket or vegetable grilling grate.

2. Blend it up

If you’re having trouble finding your favorite meats at the grocer, add mushrooms to stretch meat further. Mushrooms have a meaty quality and flavor that tastes great, and their moisture content helps keep your burgers juicy. Blend 25–33% chopped mushrooms into meat to make more burgers with the meat you have, while also making them tastier.

Make a delicious Classic Blended Burger. Use a food processor, if you have one, to chop mushrooms quickly — pulse 4-5 times for a finely chopped, crumbly consistency.

3. Breakfast for dinner

A great example of simple experimentation is mixing and matching favorite breakfast foods — only for dinner. And kids love it. Anything you make for breakfast in the kitchen you can make on your grill — except cold cereal, of course. All you need is a cast iron skillet or griddle.

Turn your favorite breakfast foods into an evening meal, like eggs, bacon and cheese in this tasty Chipotle Egg Sandwich recipe. It’s easy to make and serve on English muffins, which you can also toast on the grill, of course.

4. Grill your fruit

Everyone enjoys grilling veggies, but have you tried grilled fruit? Capture the true taste of summer by slicing and grilling up firm fruit like apples, pears or pineapple steaks. Fruit kebabs, anyone?

Cooking watermelon on the grill adds a bit of smoke and enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness for a delicious summer treat. In addition to honey, lime and cilantro, this recipe for Grilled Spicy Watermelon adds extra zip with garlic chili sauce.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon lime zest
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons garlic chili sauce
Pinch salt
1 medium watermelon
1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro

Directions

1. Preheat grill to high. In bowl, whisk together lime zest, juice, 3 tablespoons of the honey, garlic chili sauce and salt.

2. Cut watermelon into 1-inch-thick wedges. Lightly drizzle each side with remaining honey and place on grill. Grill until just browned, about 2 minutes per side.

3. Place watermelon slices on plate and drizzle with lime dressing. Garnish with cilantro.

Can’t wait to get back to the barbecue? Check out whyigrill.org for recipes, tips and inspiration.

2020-05-19T08:31:00

(BPT) – The recent transition to widespread working from home has shown that the experience has been both educational and eye-opening for many. Working at home means learning to cope with distractions, space constraints, managing time with family and learning new skills. And, according to new consumer research, it has also meant reassessing what is most important.

A nationwide survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of LG Electronics reveals the many ways working from home has challenged and surprised Americans.*

Connecting with loved ones

The most striking survey results show the importance of close relationships. Social distancing has caused many to reassess who is most important to them, and how much they may have taken friends and family for granted.

The global health crisis has turned socializing into a more deliberate act. More than half (53%) of homebound people said they felt closer to loved ones than before the outbreak, and 27% even said that they felt much more connected than before.

When asked what they want to do first when the crisis is over, the top answer was to visit loved ones, followed by going out to a meal.

Managing work-life balance

For many people, juggling priorities and obligations was difficult even before the switch to remote working. But having to work at home has shined a brighter spotlight on how we cope and find a healthy work-life balance.

Here are some of the tricks people have discovered:

• Half said they take frequent short breaks to balance work and home responsibilities.
• 37% are starting work earlier, while 17% are starting work later to manage schedules better.
• 35% are learning to keep their whole household to a schedule.
• 23% use visual cues (like signs) to let others know when they’re working.

Mastering technological challenges

Most people affected by the crisis say they have had to master (or learn from scratch) how to complete their work entirely from home, including the new norm of conducting video conferences from somewhere in their home.

Technology has been crucial to this adaptation. Almost half (47%) have discovered a new app or service they say they now can’t live without — especially video chat apps that have helped them learn how to communicate better with colleagues and loved ones.

As one might expect, a majority of respondents admitted to making conference calls from a common area in their house. However, some said they were stuck calling from a makeshift workspace in a lesser-used part of home. One-fifth of respondents admitted to calling from a basement or attic, while others said they took work on the go. The research shows 18% have called from their cars, and perhaps most surprisingly, 12% admit taking work calls in the bathroom.

For many, the time they’ve spent working at home has helped them appreciate how successfully technology has kept them connected on all fronts, including their work and personal lives.

Reevaluating life’s priorities

Overall, the experience of working from home has had everyone reassessing what — and who — is most important to them. Among those who said they’ve discovered new apps, digital services or technology, many said that they were spending significant time using it for family or relationship management.

An overwhelming number of survey respondents said that they plan to continue at least one of their new practices even after returning to a “normal” work situation, including:

• 39% plan to do more cooking.
• 43% said they’re likely to arrange more family dinners.
• 39% also said they would do more video chatting.

As a result of spending some more time at home, many have been rethinking their priorities, with nearly half considering buying or using fewer things. Some (16%) have thought about beginning a new career, and others are considering starting their own business (14%).

No matter what your work-from-home experience has been, chances are it’s changed your attitudes about work and family life — and how to balance the two — in ways that will stay with you long into the future.

*The LG WFH Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. adults, working from home due to COVID-19, between April 10 and April 15, 2020, using an email invitation and an online survey.

2020-05-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic presents daunting challenges for many seniors and other vulnerable populations. Social distancing and shelter-in-place requirements are necessary for their continued health and safety. But with it comes the risk of social isolation, and the mental and physical tolls this can take.

How can older people balance the requirements for social distancing with the inherent need for social engagement? Here are a few recommendations.

Explore new technology

Apps like FaceTime, Zoom and Skype offer fun and interesting ways to connect face-to-face with family and friends, even if it’s a screen version. And most don’t require a terrific amount of tech-savvy: a neighbor, niece or nephew can help with a quick tutorial.

Even popular board games have gone virtual. Classics like Monopoly, Scattergories and Scrabble can be played online together, and there are a host of sites with card games, trivia and other fun activities to do together. A game night is a great way to bring people closer, and take your mind off your worries.

If you need help getting started with a smartphone or tablet to use this technology, check the offerings from a carrier like Consumer Cellular. They’ve been an approved AARP provider for more than 10 years, and in addition to low prices and a wide variety of phones, offer top-rated customer support, which makes setting up and using your service easy.

Stay active in the community, from home

It may sound counterintuitive. How can you remain a part of the community if you need to stay separated from it?

Many organizations, like political parties, faith-based groups or nonprofits, offer remote options, relying on volunteers to make phone calls. Explore your options for doing community-based activity right at home.

Go on a news diet

While it’s important to stay informed, don’t get locked into endlessly watching “breaking news” on the 24-hour news channels. Typically, not much changes hour to hour, and enduring the repetitious pummeling from TV all day long can bring needless anxiety.

Instead, try watching a news update in the morning, then check in again at night. And don’t stay with it all evening: 30 minutes or an hour is usually plenty to stay well informed.

Find a buddy system

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that communities create “buddy systems” to make sure vulnerable and hard-to-reach people stay connected, particularly to news about COVID-19. This can be done through a church group, social group or daily neighborhood email blasts.

Reach out to people in your communities to locate these groups, or start one of your own. Something as simple as a message with a kind word can go a long way during uncertain times.

Make a phone call

All the digital options available today may make a simple phone call seem old fashioned. But sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. Just hearing someone’s voice can be enough to lift both your spirits. Even if you only reach voicemail, you’ve let someone know you were thinking about them, which is always good medicine.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation, and even a threat like coronavirus should not force us to be alone. Now, more than ever, people need to find smart ways to stay connected.