Five months into this pandemic, there are still many unknowns and great uncertainty about what tomorrow holds for each one of us and the healthcare system.
Hospitals and their ICUSs are at capacity in several states, as COVID-19 cases surge across the United States. Mandatory masking orders and a reversal in many reopening actions are underway, even in many locations previously resistant, in an effort to slow cases.
There are over 12 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus globally, and the number of deaths has far surpassed 500,000. The U.S. represents 25% of those numbers.
And now, there’s a new virus that could threaten the world. The CDC is taking action to prepare for “G4”, a swine flu virus recently reported in China. It’s similar to H1N1 and can spread from pigs to people. Current seasonal flu vaccines are reported to not be protective.
At some point, everyone’s life will be impacted if it hasn’t been already. Healthcare and other essential workers may well experience the impact long after the virus risk fades. And the emotional, mental, and physical toll suffered across the globe means ongoing reverberations with no end currently in sight.
Take a moment to get a rare glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of doctors on the frontlines. Then look inside and reflect on your life, decisions, and blessings.
- I’m an MD in a Family of COVID Deniers | MedPage Today
- Seven O’Clock | Annals of Internal Medicine
- On Becoming a Plague Doctor | NEJM
Hidden Blessings
Living in a world with COVID-19 is a new experience, and therein lies the opportunity to not only learn about yourself but others. Everyone is dealing with this differently, and knowing how to move forward can be confusing and challenging.
Listening and embracing the confusion and uncertainty can spark change and build resilience.
Why Listening is the Most Radical Act | Mindful
8 Ways To Live Life In The Present Moment | PeopleTweaker
How Mindful Communication Makes Us More Compassionate | Mindful
The Hidden “Blessings” of COVID-19: Let’s Not Blow It, People! | InsightMD
Stay Informed
- COVID-19 Dashboard | Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
- Overview of COVID-19 Testing | CDC
- Talking with Children About Coronavirus Disease | | CDC
- COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry | American Academy of Pediatrics
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).
