Preventative Measures

With this new virus being spread, I thought it'd be a good idea to give you all a list of ways to stay safe and, hopefully, healthy. The following is not to alarm anyone, it's just medical information I've received from many doctors over the years. I'm posting this in hopes that it'll help.

AT HOME PRACTISES::


Wash your hands with hot water and soap. Hand sanitizer is all well and good, but the bacteria it leaves behind are the heavy-hitting ones like E Coli. This information comes directly from a friend who has a degree in bioengineering. When washing your hands, make sure you wash all the way up to your elbows, like a surgeon. Use disposable towels to dry your hands.

Increase your vitamin C intake to 2000mg a day to help boost your immune system. Emergen-C is a great way to do this. It contains 1000mg of vitamin C per packet and has far less sugar than orange juice.

Make sure your environment stays clean. Wipe down surfaces with Lysol or Clorox spray/wipes as this virus is reported to have the ability to stay active on surfaces for up to 3 days. Keep used tissues in the trash, and gather up and dispose of trash as needed. Spray trash bins with Lysol or Clorox spray to keep germs and bacteria under control.

Wash your clothes, bath towels, washcloths, cleaning rags, dish towels, etc after you're done using them. Do not reuse bath towels or washcloths.

Change your bedding and pillowcases on a regular basis. Wash your pillows at least once a week.

Get some fresh air and sunshine. Medical studies have shown that fresh air and sunlight can actually reduce infection rates by 40% to 13% and that recovery times are shorter.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Soda pop, kool-aid, fruit juices, or anything else sugary doesn't count. The sugar will, in fact, make you more dehydrated. Dehydration alone can cause a fever, high blood pressure, infections, and sleep pattern disruptions.

Keep any open wounds/sores covered and clean. Having open wounds can increase your likelihood of becoming ill or developing Cellulitis (a severe and life-threatening skin infection).

Most of all, try to stay calm. Stressing out can put a strain on your immune system causing you to be more likely to get sick.




IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT::



Know what your symptoms are and when they started.

Have a list of your medications, including dosage and frequency.

Have a list of your allergies, be it food, environmental, or medications.

If you've had previous surgeries, they'll want to know that as well.

Know your preexisting conditions. I.E.: High blood pressure, Diabetes, Fibro, etc.

Know the name of your Primary Care Physician and where they're located.

If you've taken anything for your symptoms before heading to the ER, know what it is, what the dosage was, and when you took it. Not informing the Triage nurse could be dangerous if they set you up in a room and start an IV with other meds that may interact badly with what you've already taken.



Please remember, I am NOT a medical doctor. This IS advice given to me by medical doctors, but if you have any concerns or questions please speak to your Primary Care Physician before taking any other actions.

My Mental Health

Why does no one talk about depression? Why do we avoid the "uncomfortable" conversation about mental health? Is it really that uncomfortable? Or do people find it scary because they don't know what to say?

Yes, I'm depressed. I have PTSD, social anxiety, mild agoraphobia, and insomnia with occasional bouts of hypersomnia.

Lately, the depression has been getting worse. I'm tired. Mentally, emotionally, physically wiped out. I feel like I'm drowning. I haven't stopped taking my meds. I am seeing a doctor, though I should probably see a counselor.

Mostly, I think I just need a break. I'd love to go somewhere where no one knows me. Where I don't have to worry about finances, or what to cook, or if I even have the groceries. Somewhere where someone else does the cooking and the cleaning. Somewhere like... an assisted living center.

How early can you move into one of those? I think I'd be cool with 3 square a day that I don't have to cook or think about. Tottling down the hall to put the puzzle together with the other old ladies. Maybe one of them could teach me how to crochet better.

Anyway, I'm depressed. I'll be ok eventually, but there it is. Right now, I'm not ok.