Summer State of Mind
Summer State of Mind Despite the Pandemic
Pandemic or not, summer is here. For many of us summer means spending more time outdoors, taking vacations, leaving work early, planning long weekends, and enjoying long days and lots of sunshine. At this time of year, we get the urge to visit and laugh with other people, travel to exotic places, and eat out in our favorite restaurants. This summer might feel a little (or a lot) different due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and even though some restrictions are being lifted in many parts of the world, the number of cases continues to rise.
Many of us are trying to figure out how much fun we can have this summer and avoid getting sick at the same time. It is not easy to know what to do based on information we get from the news, social-media networks, federal and local governments, and various health and wellness sources. We can find many (often contradictory) opinions based on very little science, because the data concerning this virus is not available yet. Several months after the WHO declared Covid-9 a global pandemic, we still don’t know how to understand, treat, and prevent this threatening bug.
The CDC and WHO have compiled and published some facts that are good to review before making plans for summer fun.
The Coronavirus is highly contagious and anyone can get infected, but for most people the risk of becoming seriously ill is relatively low.
Most people who contract Covid-19 have the ability to fight off the virus (it means that the virus does not stay in the body for life in most cases) and fully recover.
Older adults (65 and up) and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from coronavirus.
Washing hands, avoiding touching the face, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and keeping distance from other people continue to be the best ways to prevent the spread of the disease.
Face masks may slow down the spread of the virus and protect people from getting infected, but the masks are not advised to use while exercising.
As long as we maintain a safe distance from those who use pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds, infection is arrested and there is no evidence to date of the virus proliferating in water.
It’s estimated that 40% - 45% of people carrying the virus are asymptomatic; however, this data is inconclusive and it can be anywhere from 5% - 80% depending on where the data is collected.
Asymptomatic spread of the disease is very rare (stated during the WHO press conference on June 8th, 2020).
Covid-19 is transmitted through the atomization of an infected person’s spittle when they cough or sneeze (this virus doesn’t spread through mosquito or other bug bites).
Currently, two types of tests are available: viral (showing present infection) and antibody (showing past infection). The tests are often inconclusive and subject for interpretation of the medical providers who conduct the testing. It is up to state and local health departments to choose who should be tested.
It is likely that the antibodies developed after exposure provide immunity, but there is not enough information to know how long that lasts.
The more exposure we have to the environment outside of our homes, the higher the risk of contracting Covid-19. However, our mental and emotional health are as important as the threat of illness. This is where knowledge is power and our intuition is our guide. Covid-19 has become much more than the health crisis; it is an economic, social, and political struggle. But for the sake of our safety, health, and wellbeing, it is a very good idea to stick to the facts and make choices based on the science currently available to us and opinions of health experts that we trust.
It is better to be safe than sorry, but feeling “sorry” while we are anxiously awaiting things to change can have negative impact on us. Some of the signs to observe are: disrupted sleeping patterns, changes in eating habits (consuming more junk foods and eating too much or not enough), drinking more alcohol and caffeine, and reaching for recreational drugs, pain medications, and tobacco. It is important to find ways to enjoy the summer during the pandemic and still stay within our comfort zones. Here are some ideas about how to plan activities and get the most out of the season many of us wait for the entire year.
Choose outdoor fun. Outside is where most of us want to be during the summer anyway, but during the pandemic it is also easy to maintain social distancing and get some much-needed physical activity.
Avoid crowded areas. It is best not to be in close contact with people that we don’t know. Perhaps concerts, busy shopping malls, fairs, and public events can wait for a time after the pandemic subsides.
Request outdoor seating when eating out. Fresh air feels great while dining and the open air makes the spread of the virus less likely.
Eat in restaurants where the staff wears face masks. Restaurants that require their servers to wear masks not only keep the germs contained, but also show respect and concern for customers.
Invite friends for a picnic in the park. It is a fun and comfortable way to socialize. Morning coffee, an evening happy hour, a glass of wine (be sure the place you choose allows alcohol) at sunset, or even a take-out dinner in a place where you can spread out can feel like the best social time ever.
Choose driving over flying (if possible). There is no single guideline for all airlines and some take more precautions than others. Either way, the space in the aircraft is small and the number of people (even if the middle seat is empty) is large. Therefore, the possibility of infection remains high.
Review TSA guidelines before flying. TSA is implementing modified procedures that are good to know before going to the airport to catch the flight. They include wearing masks, but also being allowed to carry up to 12 1-ounce bottles of sanitizer.
Inquire before making reservations for an overnight stay. Hotels and other venues are supposed to follow specific Covid-19 guidelines, but some states are more “relaxed” than others. Checking websites and talking to hotel and other staff as well as owners is the best way to find out what to expect.
Find details on out-of-state and international travel requirements and restrictions. Some states and countries require mandatory testing and a two-week quarantine upon arrival. At the beginning of the summer, the EU announced that citizens of the U.S., among those of eleven other countries, are not safe to enter the EU member countries.
Whatever we decide to do this summer, it is important to find a way to get some relief from stress, isolation, and physical and mental stagnation. Summer is the time to rejuvenate our bodies and inspire our minds. The pandemic does not need to stop us from getting what we desire, but it challenges us to become more creative. Each of us has a unique set of circumstances and a different comfort-zone range. Let’s use experience, information, and common sense as our guides and make the best of this season.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/share-facts.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html
https://blogs.webmd.com/webmd-doctors/20200408/are-you-immune-to-covid19-after-youve-had-it
https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-travel-ban-americans-official-eu-coronavirus-covid-19-2020-6
Author’s note: The information in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical opinions, diagnoses, or treatment. Always consult your medical practitioner regarding a medical condition and before changing your diet, supplements, fitness, or other health programs.
About the author: Urszula Bunting is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Registered Yoga Teacher, and published author. Urszula is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health and to transform life’s difficulties into opportunities to grow. For more information, please visit www.ubwell4life.com.