Here’s our situation. We have an invisible virus that has taken us away from our places of work, and into our homes. We’ve been instructed to stay away from groups of 10 or more people, and to limit our travel – doing so, only to gather things of necessity. This is a very stressful time of uncertainty and rapid change. Though nerve-wracking, it is important that we maintain our composure, and perhaps change our expectations.

We need to accept that we will have to adapt to these changes, and we should be mindful of those around us. Rather than worrying, this might be a time for reflection, or restructuring. Having experienced extreme isolation in the International Space Station, NASA Astronaut Maria H. Koch has said, "The most important thing on Earth is the people you love." Today as many stay close to home, we might consider how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to telework, and to be near our families. We should also be appreciative of the immediate availability of information.

Here are several resources for information on a local level:
Oklahoma City County Health Department
Oklahoma State Department of Health
FAA COVD-19 Update site

Here are things we should all be doing to safeguard against the virus. Practice Social Distancing. We are still free to move about, but the idea is to limit a person’s risk of exposure – or of spreading the virus. The CDC says COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets from coughs or sneezes between people who are up to six-feet apart from one another. Per the CDC’s recommendation, social distancing involves "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance" whenever possible to limit the ability of the virus to spread.

We can be diligent in the washing of our hands. Triple washing of our hands (especially our fingertips) will help minimize the spread of germs. We should also avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth, which is a very difficult habit to overcome. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow (sleeve) or use a tissue or handkerchief to cover it. It goes without saying that one should also wash or sanitize their hands after covering a cough or sneeze as well.

Another thing we can all do to battle this enemy virus is to clean surfaces in our areas. Use disinfectant sprays or sanitizing wipes to go over frequently used surfaces, and allow the cleaning liquid to evaporate, for the fullest effectiveness. We should also limit visitors and movement within our communities. And though it is almost unbearable to watch the news, we need to stay informed of developments, looking to local, state, and federal leadership for guidance.

Governor Kevin Stitt said at a press conference on March 18th - "The health and safety of Oklahomans is our number one priority. We are committed to making the right decisions based on the available data and to be transparent in our decision making. We are actively working with our federal, state, and local partners in order to deliver on that promise as we continue to respond to this rapidly evolving situation."

Here are some ideas to stay prepared through this journey. If possible, keep a minimum of 2-weeks supply of essential items, being careful not to "hoard" things, which robs others of the same items. Frozen and dry pantry foods should be kept in stock, and be sure to maintain an adequate supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Boost your immunity by eating fruits and vegetables daily. * Some vitamins that will help you stay strong are C (250mg daily), D (1200 IU daily), Beta-Glucan (250mg daily), and Zinc (80mg per day). If you get a sore throat, Elderberry syrup or lozenges will soothe the discomfort. Introducing moisture into the heated, dry air of your home (during winter months) with a humidifier will help to prevent sinus irritation.

In order to stay as healthy as you can, a good balance of the proper amount of sleep and adequate exercise is very necessary. Though some people are disappointed by the closure of gyms, there are alternative methods of exercise that can be done without having to go out and purchase equipment. For example, Mustang Parks & Recreation is leading several online fitness classes for people to take advantage of (@MustangOKparks), ranging from Kickboxing Strength Class, to Yoga, and even a 25-minute Kids Workout.

Though we are encouraged to keep to ourselves physically strong, it is very important to stay socially engaged with family, friends and co-workers through virtual means. Applications like https://nextdoor.com is a great way to stay connected with your neighbors and local businesses. Whether you are communicating via email, phone, video conferencing or old-fashioned letter writing, the intent is to stay connected with one another.

This is a great time to share something fun or some good news with someone or have a meaningful conversation. Find creative ways to assist other people. Call someone and see if there is something you can do to help them, even if it is just emotional support. If you have children, ask them to draw pictures for others. Children typically have uninhibited creative energy, and a simple illustration can lift most anyone’s spirits.

In order to perhaps inspire some of the creativity, here is the ultimate guide to virtual Museum resources, E-Learning, and Online collections.

This is also a great time to continue educating yourself. Instead of clicking on a news website, try participating in some on-line training, watching some YouTube tutorials, or TedTalks, etc. This might also be a great time to reflect on what you might say to yourself in a note that is to be read in the year 2030. What would you say to yourself? Where were you ten years ago (in 2010)? What would you say to yourself - after having gone through the last ten years – that might prepare you for the next ten years? Improving oneself is never a bad idea.

Looking for things to do in your free time?
This year, the US Census Bureau has an online form, making the Census easier to complete than ever before. Complete your 2020 Census form. It only takes 10 minutes!

Remember, we’re all in this together. This is a global situation, but local people and businesses are being affected. You can help them by purchasing something from them online, or by giving gift cards to others from local businesses. Many restaurants are offering curbside service, since they are unable to take customers inside.

Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented time. Let’s try to provide different solutions to our varying vulnerabilities. We can choose to share scarce resources and be considerate when shopping. We are all inter-connected and it is important to be positive and possess loving care and concern for one another. This is a time to practice being a voice of encouragement; a time for evolving and becoming better versions of ourselves. It’s also an opportunity to learn and reflect on our individual responses to this pandemic. At the end of every day, there is always something to be grateful for.

*The content intended to inform about the nutritional and physiological processes of the food supplements. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.