COVID-19 Mental Health Guidance From Private Home Care – Exercise and Movement

Take Care of Your Mind and Body Through Exercise and Movement

When you are staying home and social distancing, you may be less physically active than usual, especially for those who cannot leave the house at all due to being at a higher risk for COVID. We all know how important exercise is – it keeps your body strong and healthy, and also improves your mental health because when we exercise our brain releases ‘feel good’ chemicals that help us to manage stress and anxiety.

Please note to always consult with a doctor first before trying any new exercise routine, and stop immediately if you are feeling unwell.

Exercise tips:

-Walking
-Gentle yoga
-Stretching
-Following an exercise tape or video
-Make sure you are not sitting down for too long, stand or stretch your legs regularly.
-Playing upbeat music and putting on fitness clothes can help motivate you to move!
-Try to exercise or move at a time of day when you feel most energized.

Get creative when exercising from home!

Chair Yoga for Mental Health

Today we are going to focus on mental health – social isolation and the stress of COVID is not easy for anyone. Taking care of our mental health is especially important now, and chair yoga is a great way to alleviate stress and gently strengthen the body.

Remember, Private Home Care is here to help! We are happy to provide assistance in any way, no task is too large or too small. Call us at 781-639-8696 or email at aaaaa@verizon.net

Caring for Your Community

Life has definitely been a little hectic for everyone these past few weeks. By now, we all personally know at least one person who has been affected by the corona virus. This pandemic has taken a strain on communities all over the world. The most important thing is that it brought these communities together. We need to look out for each other and tend to those who need help more than ourselves, and while those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 need support, we cannot forget about those suffering with other illnesses during this time. People who are suffering with mental illness, cancer, and other medical conditions still need our help and it’s vital that we provide them with it.

While providing time and resources to corona virus patients and causes are extremely important, we cannot prioritize the well being of one sick person over another. Throughout this pandemic and continuing afterwards, we can reach out to those in our community that need our help. Reaching out into your community and offering help is a great way to support those in need, even something as small as posting on Facebook can go a long way. There are many ways to reach out. You can donate to local charities or reach out to people in your community directly to check in on them. Everyone can help in some way. If you cannot donate money you can donate your time by volunteering with service groups in your area.

Together we have the strength to overcome anything. Our power lies in our connections and our communications. It’s important for us to find solace in each other during these difficult times and it is even more important that we do not exclude anyone in need of help. Together, we have the strength to overcome almost any challenge that comes our way. We have to remember to take care of one another not only because it is the right thing to do, but because good things come to those who give.

Written by Alex Kapantais

It’s Time to Celebrate!

In times like these, it can often be difficult to find things to celebrate. But, just because you are stuck at home, that doesn’t mean you can’t find little accomplishments and events to celebrate. Whether you finished a puzzle or finally finished binge-watching that one show you never got around to finishing, it’s an opportunity to honor your accomplishments!

If it’s one of those days where it’s difficult to find something to commemorate, here are four things going on today to be happy about!

1. National Bulldog Day

That’s right, it’s national bulldog day! If you have one of these furry friends, today is the day to celebrate them! Dogs are man’s best friend and the best company to have during self-isolation.

2. National Kindergarten Day

After the past few weeks, many parents can now put “teacher” on their official resume. During times like these we must remember to celebrate the wonderful parents and teachers dedicating their time to helping the kids.

3. National Tea Day

Put the kettle on because it’s National Tea Day! Grab your favorite mug,  a cozy blanket, and your favorite herbal tea, sit back and relax. 

4. National Keep Off the Grass Day

This one is particularly easy to celebrate this year. Stay inside, stay safe, stay healthy, and – most importantly – stay off the grass!

Written by: Alex Kapantais

Help Support Children With Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Inc, any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

OI is a rare and complex genetic disorder of the collagen that is often characterized by fragile bones. Individuals wih OI may experience hundreds of fractures over a lifetime. The two girls in the photo (ages 2 and 4) grew up in full body casts due to their condition. With your donation, you will help support the OI Foundation’s mission and programs to help OI families across the country.

More information about The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Inc: The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Inc. (OI Foundation) is the only voluntary national health organization dedicated to helping people cope with the problems associated with osteogenesis imperfecta. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by OI through research to find treatments and a cure, education, awareness, and mutual support.

GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-children-with-oi

Written by: Alex Kapantais

5 Steps to Make Sure You Are Prepared for COVID-19

To keep yourself and those you care about safe during this outbreak, make sure to follow these preventative and proactive steps!

1. Know the symptoms.
Symptoms of the Corona-virus include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. If you or a family member have experienced any or all of these symptoms, it is recommended to stay home. By catching the symptoms early, you can help stop the spread of the virus.

2. Take preventative steps.
Frequent hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask while in public, and not touching your face are four major ways you can keep yourself healthy. These are important factors in keeping yourself and those around you safe from the virus.

3. Prepare your home for illness.
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, taking off masks and gloves worn outside, and making sure you have enough cough and cold suppressants are great ways to keep your home virus-free.

4. What do you do if someone in your home is sick?
After contacting your primary care physician and following their prescribed guidelines, some safety precautions you my take are keeping a safe distance from those infected as well as disinfecting and washing all items used by the sick resident.

5. Prepare a “grab-and-go” hospitalization kit for those at an increased risk of becoming sick.
For the elderly and immunocompromised, it is important to be prepared for immediate hospitalization as the symptoms of the virus can be life threatening. Packing a hospital bag that includes a journal of personal and medical information as well as any pre-existing medical conditions or medications taken can help medical services aid you more quickly.

For more information regarding COVID-19 in Massachusetts, feel free to contact your personal primary care physician or visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information. For any other information regarding COVID-19, you may refer to the Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Written by Alex Kapantais