At the time this newsletter is being written, the number of deaths in the U.S. since COVID-19 entered our lives has already been the equivalent of sixty-seven 9/11 events. Rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicide are on the rise, and COVID-19 survivors have the additional potential for PTSD and to move to a “long-hauler” status.
Flu season will soon be upon us, and our first wave of the novel coronavirus has not yet ended. Cases have surged following school reopenings and the Labor Day holiday. Many colleges that started with in-person classes have reverted to online learning due to a rapid number of infections during the first weeks of the semester and the quarantines necessary to keep students safe.
A second wave of COVID-19 is forecasted this fall. And now in the mix is smoke from the wildfires in CA and the Pacific Northwest (which has carried as far away as Europe), multiple hurricanes which have caused flooding, and the change to seasonally cooler weather in some locales. These additional factors all contribute to conditions which lead to more people being inside with less than optimal ventilation and therefore an increased risk of spread of the virus. Those in areas impacted by smoke are also at increased risk of getting the infection itself due to its blow to the respiratory and pulmonary (lung) systems.
Being vigilant about safety measures such as the 3 W’s (wear a mask, watch your distance, wash your hands) is critically important. And, now more than ever, your emotional well-being is paramount. So, don’t let your guard down for the sake of our global collective health.

- How To Forestall Anxiety and Move to Practical Action | Liz Kislik Associates
- How To Set Strong Work-Life Boundaries As A Remote Worker | Trello
- Why You Need Routines Now More Than Ever | Kevin Eikenberry

- Teaching Language Through Fun Activities and Games | Conjuguemos
- Resources for Math, English Language, Art, and Science | Great Minds: Knowledge on the Go
- Free Animated Online Lesson For Kids About Coronavirus | BrainPOP: Coronavirus
- Bring Lessons to Life for Students Through Animation | TedEd

- Long-Term Lung, Health Issues Common in COVID-19 | MedPage Today
- Considerations for Election Polling Locations and Voters | CDC
- Wearing a Mask May Reduce How Sick You Get from COVID-19 | Healthline
- CDC: Dining Out Tied to Coronavirus Infection | MedPage Today
This is one of several special editions of Are You Ready To Be Tweaked? It’s brought to you by PeopleTweaker and focused on COVID-19. Get all the resources and tips from previous newsletters here or in our COVID-19 resource toolkit.
Knowledge is power. Get the facts from the Centers for Disease Control.
DISCLAIMER: The information, resources, links and/or references (collectively, the “Materials”) contained herein are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as medical or other professional advice. No representation or warranty of any kind is made in connection with the content of the Materials. The Materials may not be current and no one should take any action based on the Materials without first consulting their health care professional. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions, or strategies of her employer, and/or their respective organizations. Publication in this book should not be considered an endorsement.
Be Less Stressed © Z. Colette Edwards, 2020 – These materials may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, or exploited for any purpose without express written permission granted by the author.
If you are in crisis, an additional resource may be the toll-free, 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).