Colors of Covid

This article talks about exciting results for a new experimental drug that can help patients recover faster from COVID-19. 

The drug Remdesivir is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration but they are planning to authorize emergency use. 

Results from the trials show that patients recovered from 15 days to 11 days, remdesivir not only reduces recovery time but is shown to reduce mortality rate. 

Parks and Rec is one of my favorite shows, and they are putting together a special episode to raise funds for Feeding America’s COVID-19 response fund.

This half an hour episode will air on April 30th and it is filmed entirely in quarantine. 

This is a great and creative way to provide some entertainment to those who are stuck inside and to raise funds for vulnerable communities. 

Since we have discussed how minority groups are often left out and not assessed the same because of the systemic inequalities in place, it made me think about the Native American population.

I know I haven't heard any news coverage about this population, so this article really shed light on what is going on within this already under supported community. Native Americans are being left out on important demographic data on the impact of coronavirus and often being labeled as “other” 

“By including us in the other category it effectively eliminates us in the data,” Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee), director, urban Indian health board and chief research officer stated. 

The States that do categorize Native American results show the health disparities and that they are at risk of getting infection and dying at higher rates than other populations. 

Protests regarding quarantine orders have now occurred in about 12 states.  The problem is that protests in their very nature involve groups of people together, and while as Americans we do have the right of assembly, for now, gathering in large groups is actually dangerous.  By gathering, the protesters are putting others in danger.  During a protest in Michigan, a group even blocked a hospital entrance. At this same protest, some protesters started shouting, “lock her up” in reference to the governor of Michigan.

Nurses have countered some demonstrations by silently standing alone at corners, yet President Trump seems to be supportive of demonstrations sending support through his tweets even though protesters gathering in groups is going against his own policy.  

This article talks about how for profit and non profit nursing home industries are asking to have immunity in regards to the pandemic. The immunity would protect nursing homes from COVID-19 related lawsuits. Lawsuits have already been filed by family members who have lost a loved one due to being infected by Covid-19 living in a nursing home.

In some circumstances, nursing homes may have used every precaution they could to keep residents safe, yet because of the nature of the illness it may have been introduced into some facilities inadvertently such as an employee going to work who was infected with Covid-19, yet had no symptoms.

On the other hand, there are likely to be nursing homes who were not taking the necessary precautions and this led to residents becoming infected with Covid-19.  Because of this, I am not sure if a blanket immunity is the best approach.  Maybe a case by case basis is would be a better approach, but then again, this may be impossible because it would be an enormous endeavor. 

Are you feeling Zoom fatigue? I am and so are my family members. Feeling more drained at the end of a long day on Zoom is a common complaint, so why is it so draining?  This article has some answers.  One answer is that the differing roles we live which would take place in differing spaces is all now taking place in the same place, Zoom or other online platforms.  Our work, our school, our friendships, talking to relatives, all taking place in the same site, is strange and unnerving for humans who are used to existing in different physical spaces.  For example, we go to a classroom for school, we hang out with friends in their dorm or apartment, we see our parents at home, we go to church at a church.  Now all of these differing roles of our lives, student, friend, daughter, parishioner are taking place on a screen.  

As the article explains, the screen time can also be draining because of the awareness of being watched.  We see ourselves and feel the performance aspect of being viewed.  In addition, we have to use our brains more to understand non-verbal cues.  Technology issues such as freezing or delays add to this tension.  So what is one to do in this time of COVID-19?

Some suggestions are to limit online meetings, take a break between meetings to go for a short walk and stretch, do not feel pressure to join in social Zoom meetings, spend some time when you are online to talk about how everyone is doing, and turn your screen to an angle. If something does not need to be in an live online platform, suggest an alternative.  

This article allows us to see the most recent work of a selection of artists.  The works are all inspired by the Covid-19 crisis.  The works include photographs, drawings, paintings, poetry, and even lip art!  

I was very much drawn to Odili Donald Odita: ‘Untitled’ (2020).  The piece reminds me of a cardiogram, or some sort of medical machinery graph. The artist talks about a rupture in continuity as we are living in now, the graph activity seems to be halted part way through the work, just like our lives have been placed on hold, and for some have ended because of Covid-19. 

 I am also reminded how helpful creation can be.  We can reflect on our experience through art and creation, we can make sense of the world we live in, we can release energy through art. Viewing art allows to experience the world through some one else’s eyes. 

Today I was thinking about pets and how helpful they can be for our emotional well being so I wondered if there was any discussion on pets being especially helpful during the Covid-19 epidemic.  Megan Mueller states in this article that pets give people emotional support without judgement. In addition she says that studies show, “contact with pets help reduces stress and anxiety, particularly when you are experiencing a stressful situation.” Mueller is researcher who studies how pets can help people.  

Pets are also very helpful for senior citizens providing them with companionship which is especially helpful as people self isolate.  Pets can also be good for our physical well-being.  If your dog needs a walk every day, you are more likely to be motivated to go outside to walk and breath some fresh air.  In addition, our pets are physically present with us while many people in our lives are not right now.  

If you are a student, you are probably at home now for school and need a break from the books.  Why not engage in some fun art projects?  This article had younger kids in mind, so it is a great resource for some easy ideas to do with kids, but older kids can join in the fun!  I especially liked the art idea in which you put tape on a paper then color all over it, then remove the tape! Modern art!  Art is a great stress reliever too.  With college winding down, college students could really use some stress relief right now. 

Another suggestion is to clean out all those magazines cluttering up your home and make a collage, then you can recycle the rest of the magazines. Take a break from your laptop and stack of books and make some art! If you do, post a pic here, I would love to see all your creations! 

A great quick read that students can share with their parents, but also some great tips for students, such as creating a distraction free space to do your school work and making time to have fun.