On Tuesday, we looked at the coronavirus in terms of facts versus myths. Now, we offer coronavirus thoughts from a high-risk perspective.
As those of you who read Living Well While Surviving Cancer already know, the author of this blog (Joel Evans) is a pancreatic cancer survivor with a compromised immune system. As well as a Type I diabetic. And a senior citizen. That puts me in the highest-risk category if I contract COVID-19.
Something else to worry about. Or not. After all, what am I supposed to do now? I refuse to lock myself in my house. But what smart things should I do?
Psychologically, I was fine until the CDC issued an advisory for older adults. According to a CNN report:
[On Thursday March 5, 2020] “Amid a coronavirus outbreak in the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging older people and people with severe chronic medical conditions to stay at home as much as possible.'”
“This advice is on a CDC Web site, according to a CDC spokeswoman. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious illness from the novel coronavirus, according to the CDC.”
Also, check out the CNN video.
My Advice to Myself
In light of the CDC’s warning and my health status, what am I to do? My answer for ME (which may be different than your advice for YOU) is to BOTH be smart and live life every day.
I will go out to restaurants, but not to movie theaters. Linda and are rethinking our vacation plans and not going on the cruise we were planning. Also, the thought of air travel does not excite me. I will wash my hands more often and more thoroughly. I will continue my volunteer work at United Cerebral. I guess I will fist pump rather than shake hands, even though this seems somewhat silly to me.
When I started thinking about doing this post, I looked for information from AARP. And as expected, it has a terrific section of its Web site devoted to COVID-19:
“Older Americans and adults who take routine medications to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, should make sure they have ‘adequate supplies’ on hand as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to climb in the U.S.”
“Avoiding sick people and washing your hands often are two preventive strategies public health experts have been pushing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Older Americans living in areas that are experiencing spikes in coronavirus cases may also need to think about the actions they take to reduce exposure to the virus. This may include social distancing strategies, such as teleworking and avoiding large public gatherings.”
“Health officials also advise taking everyday steps that can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Wash your hands often with soap and water (scrub for at least 20 seconds), and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is not an option. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. And cover your coughs and sneezes. “
Click the image to read a lot more from AARP.
Thanks I tweeted it out. Sue
Suzanne B. Phillips Psy.D,ABPP,CGP NYS LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, DIPLOMATE AMERICAN BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY,CERTIFIED GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Visit Suzanne B. Phillips Psy.D.,ABPP’s Facebook, website, Psych Central Blog, and Psych Up Live Radio
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From: Living Well While Surviving Cancer Reply-To: Living Well While Surviving Cancer Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7:59 AM To: Suzanne Phillips Subject: [New post] Coronavirus Thoughts from a High-Risk Perspective
Living Well with Cancer posted: “On Tuesday, we looked at the coronavirus in terms of facts versus myths. Now, we offer coronavirus thoughts from a high-risk perspective. As those of you who read Living Well While Surviving Cancer already know, the author of this blog (Joel Evans) is a “