Coping — Can we help make it easier for you?

You may be experiencing stressful effects due to anxiety,

worry, or fear related to:
 Your own health status
 The health status of others whom you may have exposed to
the disease
 The resentment that your friends and family may feel if they
need to go into quarantine as a result of contact with you
 The experience of monitoring yourself, or being monitored by
others for signs and symptoms of the disease
 Time taken off from work and the potential loss of income
and job security
 The challenges of securing things you need, such as groceries
and personal care items
 Concern about being able to effectively care for children or others in your care
 Uncertainty or frustration about how long you will need to remain in this situation, and un-
certainty about the future
 Loneliness associated with feeling cut off from the world and from loved ones
 Anger if you think you were exposed to the disease because of others’ negligence
 Boredom & frustration because you may not be able to work or engage in regular day-to-
day activities
 Uncertainty or ambivalence about the situation
 A desire to use alcohol or drugs to cope
 Symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, or sleeping
too little or too much
 Travel restrictions or worries about traveling with others.
 Loss of someone you love caused by the virus.

Read our material. You may become better informed, and find better coping strategies as re-
lated to the stress and restrictions.

Content of this publication is derived from Stress Relief 101, with excerpts provided by SAM-
HSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), CDC, WHO, The National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), UChicago News, Johns Hopkins University,
Mayo Clinic, National Academies of Sciences, Center for Immunization Research at JHU,
www.COVID19reopen.com, National Institutes of Health, RAPS, Web MD, Reuters, Smithson-
ian Magazine, Healthline, as well as our contributing authors, and others.
Coping — How can you protect yourself?
The CDC and WHO have learned a lot about
COVID-19 , formerly known as the Corona Virus. Are
you confused from the info changes? You don’t need a
mask; wear a mask. The virus stays on surfaces for days;
you are less likely to catch the virus by touching objects
as the virus loses potency within hours. It is not air-
borne; it is airborne. Soaking items including clothing is
good; scrub each spot for at least 20 seconds, don’t
need to wash items if you wash your hands afterwards.
Wash gloves; dispose after each use, don’t need gloves. So, what do you do?
Our first bit of advice is for you to do your best. Make your own decisions based upon
safety first. Don’t get lax and let one mistake make your sick (or kill you) or cause you to pass
the virus on to someone else… who may die.
I still avoid touching doorknobs and elevator buttons with my hands unless hand sani-
tizer is available. I often use small pieces of scrap paper and throw them away after I exit the
building and after I enter my home.
Have hopes, protect yourself and your family, wear clean masks, social distance, stay
away from crowds, and wash your hands often.
So, what can you to relieve some of the stress effects? Read on as we may be able to
help you….
 What Can You Do?
We emphasize ACCEPTANCE. The pandemic is a reality that you cannot change. Are you
overconcerned about how much longer you have to cope with this new way of living?
Our next point is to control your ATTITUDE. There are no easy answers, but you must
find ways to cope. Do you have cabin fever? Do you miss others? Are you fearful? Are you
angry because you had to postpone travel plans or gave up some social events?
You must ADAPT to the situation your own way. To be safe, make certain your own way
is based upon reality, not apathy. You may find yourself living a new lifestyle that you had
never imagined. Are you working at home now? Did you lose your job? Are your kids con-
stantly at home with you? On the other side of the proverbial coin, you may be separated
from family and friends. Are you bored? So, what do you do on a daily basis? Is your financial
situation adversely affected by this virus? Do you find acceptable ways to spend your time?
You need to adjust to various new ways of enjoying your regular and new ACTIVITIES.
Perhaps staying home is a blessing. Look for advantages such as time for things you put off.
You must make unusual PREPARATIONS. Your shopping habits may have changed. Vis-
iting others may be limited or eliminated. Perhaps you had to set up your own home office.
You must develop ways of PROTECTION. Your ways of thinking should have significantly
changed. For example, you may put groceries in the trunk instead of the back seat. Don’t for-
get your mask when you go out. Don’t get too close to anyone (social distancing). Are your
hands peeling from washing them so often or putting on hand sanitizer?
How are you handling “RE-OPENING”? That is a major dilemma of which you must
make your own decisions. Don’t let others influence you to go somewhere that you fear is a
risk. On the other hand, should you constantly stay in close quarters? It’s your choice. Choose
wisely!
I heard about two neighbors who handle this pandemic situation on opposite terms.
One person regularly holds parties while the other person is afraid to get near anyone, includ-
ing a dog.
Concluding this introductory article, we want to emphasize that no one knows the fu-
ture, but you have the major part in deciding your outcome. You must take the best care of
yourself. This includes taking precautions to stay safe, finding ways to pass the time while ad-
justing to lifestyle changes.
Live your life your way, but we ask that you life it safely.
 What We Can Do For You
You may Join our online stress relief course. Stress Relief 101: The TLC Way. We will
discuss causes of stress and provide many ways to help you relieve your stress affects.
You may select a code name to protect your confidentiality. Active, online participa-
tion is required. You will need internet connection and an email address. Yes, you may use
your cell phone or a computer. However, a computer should be easier to participate in our
assignments.
You will receive:
 Online Newsletters/Magazines or articles similar to this one based upon Body, Mind,
and Spirit.
 Resource materials such as question and answer sheets, discussion sheets, charts and
statistics, reflections (thoughtful articles that will help you relate to the topics present-
ed), and other materials
 Chances to give us feedback by answering questions that will help us know what infor-
mation you need
 A chance to offer suggestions and evaluate our course
Price: Check coverage with your insurance company to see if you are covered. Our course
will be taught by a professionally-licensed psychologist.

Email us at stressrelief101.online@gmail.com Simply put in the subject line or write in the

body “Stress Relief”.
Are you aware of all the symptoms
of COVID-19?
Most common symptoms include:
• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness
•
Less common symptoms:
• Aches and pains
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Loss of speech of movement
• Difficulty focusing and thinking

You should seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.
Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus
for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days

Yes, you can transmit the virus to someone else before you even know you
have it. So, if you think you MAY have been exposed to it, self-quarantine
for a few days and observe your symptoms. If you show some symptoms,
get yourself tested. If you test positive, stay isolate yourself until your
symptoms pass and you test as negative.

C O V I D—1 9 C A N K I L L !!!
General Information: Facts

FACT: People should NOT wear masks

while exercising
People should NOT wear masks when exercis-
ing, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe
comfortably.
Sweat can make the mask become wet more
quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and
promotes the growth of microorganisms. The
important preventive measure during exercise
is to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet (one meter) from others.

FACT: The likelihood spreading COVID-19 from shoes is very low.

The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread from shoes and infecting individuals is very
low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small chil-
dren crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your
home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the
soles of shoes.

FACT: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by

bacteria
The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibi-
otics do not work against viruses and cannot prevent them.

Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as
a complication. In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a health care provid-
er.

There is currently no licensed medication to cure COVID-19. If you have symptoms,

call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for assistance.

FACT: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be
dangerous
The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.
FACT: Catching COVID-19 DOES NOT mean you will have it for
life
Most of the people who catch COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from
their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have
cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call your health fa-
cility by telephone first. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. However,
some case have proven that COVID-19 can cause long-term or permanent health
problems by affecting the heart and lungs.

FACT: Ultra-violet (UV) lamps should NOT be used to disinfect hands or

other areas of your skin
UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes.

Cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing your hands with soap

FACT: Vaccines against pneumonia DO NOT protect against the COVID-

19 virus
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influ-
enza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Vaccines are currently
being approved for world-wide distribution. However, final distribution will be towards
the third quarter of 2021 or later.

Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against res-
piratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

FACT: Rinsing your nose with saline does NOT prevent COVID-19
There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people
from infection with the new coronavirus.

There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help
people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the
nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
FACT: Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot cure COVID-19
Micronutrients, such as vitamins D and C and zinc, are critical for a well-functioning immune
system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being. There is currently
no guidance on the use of micronutrient supplements as a treatment of COVID-19.

WHO is coordinating efforts to develop and evaluate medicines to treat COVID-19.

FACT: Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to the
virus away from others.
Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows
they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in
quarantine should stay home away from others at least 14 days monitor their health,
and follow directions from their state or local health department.

FACT: Isolation keeps someone who tested positive with the virus away
from others, even from those who live with them. The time period is usually
ten days after testing positive.

FACT: As of November 20, 2020, the CDC announced that up to 50%

of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) cases are contracted from people
who do not show any symptoms of having the virus.
Yes, there was a lot of controversy, especially from WHO (World Health Organization)
concerning the spread of COVID-19 (Corona Virus). Now it is estimated that more
than half of all infections are transmitted from people who do not show any symp-
toms. Masks are definitely recommended at all times when near anyone, especially
indoors. Closed quarters are more dangerous.

FACT: You can pass on the virus to others before any systems show.
Yes, so if you think you may have received COVID-19, you should self-quarantine to
determine if you get symptoms later. Even if you don’t show any symptoms after po-
tentially being exposed from someone else, you should get tests and isolate if you
test positive for it.
 Warning!
We all do it. Yes, we all touch our faces, proba-
bly several times each day. We usually don’t notice
that we just scratched that little itch or moved some
hair that was near our eye. Keeping your face covered
can help you protect yourself and help keep youfrom
getting the flu and other viruses such as COVID-19.

Suppose you just got tested for COVID-19. You

practically jump for joy that you don’t have it. It’s pos-
sible that you just got it that morning and the test
doesn’t detect it yet. Or, perhaps you get it on the way
home. Yes, these are possible scenarios.

You know you were exposed to someone who showed signs of sickness such as cough-
ing and/or sneezing. You do you part and stay home for 14 days. You don’t feel sick at all.
Does that mean you don’t have COVID-19? NO! You may have contracted it and be asympto-
matic, which means you don’t show any symptoms of the disease, but you can spread it to
others. If you have doubt, get tested.

What if you had COVID-19 but got tested again and were cleared. So, does that mean
you can’t get it again? No, it does not. Many people got it a second time. On many of those
occasions, the second time around was worse than the first time. Your body may have devel-
oped some temporary immunity, but that diminishes with time. Take extra precautions. Try to
figure what mistake you made the first time, and don’t repeat it.