COVID-19 and Animals

Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people, is a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, infect only animals and do not infect humans. According… Continue reading COVID-19 and Animals

Hosting Holiday Gatherings during The Pandemic

The pandemic has changed our lives in any number of ways, and holiday gatherings are no exception. Many families are deciding to skip the traditional dinners  instead of gathering as usual. If you do decide to host a gathering for the holidays, the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have some suggestions: Thinking ahead can… Continue reading Hosting Holiday Gatherings during The Pandemic

COVID-19 and Heart Health

As hospitals, health professionals and healthcare systems, governments and leaders work to reduce community spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. and protect the most vulnerable individuals, the American Heart Association (AHA) is offering further tips for heart attack and stroke survivors on preventing a second event in the midst of a pandemic. Reducing risk… Continue reading COVID-19 and Heart Health

Germ Warfare: How to Win It

With the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hear a lot about disinfecting and sanitizing. Here, from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are the basics we need to know to keep healthy., Where are germs found? Germs are a part of everyday life. Some of them… Continue reading Germ Warfare: How to Win It

How to Connect with Your Teen – despite COVID-19

Embracing the new normal of today can be daunting and stressful, especially for teens. So much has changed in their life. Many teens are feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the world around them. So, how can parents work to reconnect and build up their relationships with tweens and teens struggling during COVID while promoting positive… Continue reading How to Connect with Your Teen – despite COVID-19

Managing a Home Hot Zone: How to Self-Quarantine at Home

A National Emergency has been declared. Coronavirus cases are rising. The likelihood that you may soon be exposed is increasing. You’ll need to know what to do if you do get exposed and have to self-quarantine. Assume someone in your home now has the flu or coronavirus. The germs can go from one family member… Continue reading Managing a Home Hot Zone: How to Self-Quarantine at Home

How Seniors Can Protect Their Health and Finances During the Pandemic

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, health officials have been clear and consistent in their message to seniors: While anyone can fall victim to COVID-19, those who are 65 and older are in an especially high-risk group. That’s why older Americans need to be especially careful and – in the case of the very elderly – family… Continue reading How Seniors Can Protect Their Health and Finances During the Pandemic

Worry About COVID-19, but Don’t Forget to Get a Flu Shot

Since March, many of us have been consumed, rightfully so, by the Covid-19 pandemic. Months later, the virus continues to dictate our lives. But, as summer moves into fall, should we also start worrying about the flu? According to Dr. Daren Wu, Chief Medical Officer at Open Door Family Medical Center, protection against the flu… Continue reading Worry About COVID-19, but Don’t Forget to Get a Flu Shot

Creating Holidays with Meaning: Tips to Spend Less, Enjoy More in the COVID Era

Among predictions for the 2020 holiday season, the pandemic is expected to set new records for e-commerce while straining delivery capacity. It also has people re-evaluating what really matters in their lives.   Every crisis presents us with opportunities. The pandemic has resulted in a jump in the savings rate, most of which is in accounts… Continue reading Creating Holidays with Meaning: Tips to Spend Less, Enjoy More in the COVID Era

What COVID-19 May Do to The Heart, Even after Recovery

According to a news release from the American Heart Association (AHA), a growing number of studies suggest many COVID-19 survivors experience some type of heart damage, even if they didn’t have underlying heart disease and weren’t sick enough to be hospitalized. This latest twist has health care experts worried about a potential increase in heart… Continue reading What COVID-19 May Do to The Heart, Even after Recovery

How to Safely Wear A Face Mask

Masks are one of the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. You should wear masks in public settings, around people who don’t live in your household, and when you can’t stay 6 feet away (socially distance) from others. But not every mask is automatically helpful, and deciding what kind of mask to… Continue reading How to Safely Wear A Face Mask

Is There an Upside to Viruses?

It’s time we got in on the conversation, the one that’s happening inside of our bodies. If we better understood the surprising science of how very different cells—bacteria, brain cells, blood cells, gut cells—and viruses all speak to each other, we might better grasp the inner workings of COVID-19 and other life threatening diseases. We… Continue reading Is There an Upside to Viruses?

Coping with Grief Over Lost Opportunities and Connections During a Pandemic

Grief is a common topic I am seeing in my therapy patients and first, we have to know we have permission to grieve during the pandemic and grief comes in many forms. Grief ranges from disappointment and sadness to frustration and anger. People are disappointed by having to reschedule events like weddings, sad about not… Continue reading Coping with Grief Over Lost Opportunities and Connections During a Pandemic

COVID-19 Testing Basics

The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and keep you and your family informed on the latest developments. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions from consumers about testing: Q: Is there a test for COVID-19? A: Yes. The FDA has authorized two different types… Continue reading COVID-19 Testing Basics

Wildfires and COVID-19

Wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs, cause inflammation, affect your immune system, and make you more prone to lung infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that cause COVID-19. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing for wildfires might be a little different this year. Know how wildfire smoke can affect you and your loved ones during the… Continue reading Wildfires and COVID-19

How Dental Offices Are Protecting Patients and Staff During the Pandemic

It’s not exactly business as usual for the dental industry – or patients – as offices reopen for routine care amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the virus has brought several changes, some of which may be permanent, in how dental offices protect their employees and patients. Dentists have always prioritized safety, but now… Continue reading How Dental Offices Are Protecting Patients and Staff During the Pandemic

COVID-19 and Food Safety

Information on the COVID-19 pandemic changes almost daily. Here, from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are answers to your questions about food safety: Q: Can I get the coronavirus from food, food packaging, or food containers and preparation areas? A: Currently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being… Continue reading COVID-19 and Food Safety

Masks Can Pose Challenges for People With Hearing Loss

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in many parts of the country and health officials urging vigilant use of masks as protection, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is providing advice for people with and without hearing loss to help everyone communicate while their faces are covered. Masks can make communication difficult, especially for the approximately… Continue reading Masks Can Pose Challenges for People With Hearing Loss