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December 2020 

A COVID-19 vaccine is coming. Will it be safe? 

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-safety

 

Flu vs. COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

 

How to turn COVID-19 weight gain around

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/packing-on-pounds-during-covid-19-and-how-to-turn-it-around/

 

Coping with pandemic loneliness this holiday season

https://blogs.bcm.edu/2020/11/11/how-to-cope-with-pandemic-loneliness-this-holiday-season/

 

Tips for exercise during the pandemic

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/exercise-during-coronavirus.htm

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November 2020

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What to do about holiday gatherings and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#:~:text=Traveling%20increases%20the%20chance%20of,protect%20yourself%20and%20others.

 

Symptoms of COVID-19 vs flu vs allergies vs colds

https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/urgent-care/flu-or-coronavirus

 

Safety of seeing your doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic

https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/doctor-appointments-during-covid

 

11 more myths about COVID-19

https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/covid-myths-debunked

 

Breathing techniques for stress relief

https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques#1

 

October 2020

What to do about weight gain during the pandemic

https://www.yalemedicine.org/stories/quarantine-15-weight-gain-pandemic/

 

Useful mental health and wellness apps

https://psych.ucsf.edu/copingresources/apps

 

Maintaining wellness for older adults and caregivers

https://psych.ucsf.edu/copingresources/olderadults

 

Maintain or start health sleep habits during the pandemic

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/how-to-maintain-healthy-sleep-habits-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

 

Don’t skip mammogram appointments due to COVID-19

https://www.uchealth.com/en/media-room/covid-19/why-a-global-pandemic-should-not-dissuade-women-from-getting-a-mammogram

 

September 2020

24/7 Crisis Line and COVID-19 Mental Health Support line for Dallas county residents (MSA patients)
https://ntbha.org/

DFW Sewing Relief (for patients looking to help or have a hobby while at home) 

Volunteer to sew masks or assemble mask-making kits for front line healthcare workers and first responders

https://dfwsewingrelief.weebly.com/

 

COVID-19-related mental health support for all Texans. 

Call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919  

 

COVID testing sites Harris County (Wellspire patients)

https://www.readyharris.org/Get-Tested

 

When and where to get flu shots (AARP article)

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/flu-shot-schedule.html

 

Go in or Call in? Guidance for Routine Health Care During COVID-19

https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2020/06/15/see-doctor-use-telemedicine-coronavirus

 

Updated explanation on types of tests from the State of Texas – Click on “Covid-19 Testing Explained”

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/#test

 

Update from CDC on running essential errands

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html

 

Stopping the spread of COVID-19 in children (many of our patients are grandparents and express concern about their grandchildren’s safety and health)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html

 

Dining out linked to increased COVID-19 risk by CDC study (note: this study does not differentiate between indoor and outdoor dining. Caution in partaking in public activities where masks cannot be worn 100% of the time, i.e. eating and drinking)

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/states-lift-restaurant-restrictions-cdc-report-links-dining-out-increased-n1239771

 

Update from CDC on masks and care of masks

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

 

What to do after returning from travel

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

 

Stay on target with diabetes using telemedicine

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/covid-diabetes-telemedicine

 

Tips for caregivers of dementia patients during COVID-19

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/coronavirus-(covid-19)-tips-for-dementia-care

 

Site to search for free/reduced cost services (prescription assistance, meal delivery, etc.)

www.auntbertha.com

 

August 2020

Sleep hygiene during pandemic

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-guidelines-covid-19-isolation#:~:text=Given%20the%20stress%20of%20the,and%20try%20to%20fall%20asleep.

 

Common questions about the food you eat and COVID-19

https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/coronavirus-common-questions-about-the-food-you-eat-food-safety/

 

Nonprofit offering connection to therapists that have sliding scale fees for appointments between $30-$60. Can search by location.

https://openpathcollective.org/

 

Self-Care for Family Caregivers

https://www.caregiver.org/Taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers

 

Flu vs. COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

 

CDC Updated Travel Advice Q&A

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html

 

Avoid skipping doctor’s appts for those with chronic conditions

https://www.everydayhealth.com/coronavirus/why-now-is-not-the-time-for-pill-cutting-and-skipped-doctor-visits-for-those-living-with-chronic-illnesses/

 

Spanish language COVID-19 articles from AARP

https://www.aarp.org/espanol/salud/enfermedades-y-tratamientos/brote-de-coronavirus-covid-19/

 

AARP guide to getting started with meditation (this is really helpful!) 

https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/getting-started-meditating.html

 

Benefits check-up (resources based on patient’s location- utilities, meds, meals, etc.)

https://www.benefitscheckup.org/?utm_source=ncoa&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=ncoareferral

 

Tips for Telehealth Visits

https://www.telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/understanding-telehealth/

 

Balance exercises- Many of our patients would normally be going to balance therapy/PT for balance but can’t due to COVID, here are exercises they can do with a chair at home (with pictures)

https://www.stjohns.health/documents/content/nih-balance-exercises.pdf

 

Updated list of DO NOT USE hand sanitizers (most are made/sold in Mexico)- they contain Methanol which is harmful even in absorption through the skin

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use

 

Link to map of Texas COVID 19 testing sites (updated)

https://txdps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8bf7c6a436a64bfe9a5ce25be580e4ff

 

Travel during COVID (seeing quite a few CCM notes mentioning patients going to visit family)

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965

 

July 2020 

Differences in COVID-19 testing methods (antibody vs active infection diagnostic testing)

https://familydoctor.org/covid-19-testing/

 

Staying safe as stay-at-home orders are lifted

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2020/safety-after-stay-home-orders-lift.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-BB

 

How to safely go to doctor's visits

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/how-to-safely-go-to-your-doctor-during-coronavirus/art-20486713

 

COVID-19 and mental health 

https://hr.iu.edu/relations/coronavirus/COVID19-and-Your-Mental-Health-Infographic.pdf

 

COVID-19 myth vs. fact

https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/covid-19-myth-vs-fact

 

Stress Relief Guide by Kaiser Permanente (this one is applicable beyond COVID and very well done)

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/stress-management

 

COVID-19- resources/tips for caregivers of patients with dementia

https://alz.org/help-support/caregiving/coronavirus-(covid-19)-tips-for-dementia-care

 

Controlling BP during the pandemic

https://www.heart.org/en/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-resources/keeping-a-lid-on-blood-pressure-during-the-coronavirus-crisis

 

A great visual and basic explanation of COVID-19 (pdf and web version)

file:///Users/eric/Downloads/coronavirusfactsinfographic.pdf

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-facts-infographic

 

A guide on choosing to go out (events, see family, dinner, etc.) 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/deciding-to-go-out.html

 

Institute on Aging Friendship Line “Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults.”

https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line

 

Risk level of exposure to COVID-19 for certain activities 

https://www.dallascounty.org/Assets/uploads/docs/covid-19/community/070220-COVID-19-RiskAssessmentChart.pdf

 

Grocery Shopping during the pandemic (English and Spanish as well as video)

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/shopping-food-during-covid-19-pandemic-information-consumers

 

Tips for Older Adults on dealing with Social Distancing (Isolation)

https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/covid-19-12-ways-ease-isolation-while-practicing-social-distancing

 

AARP COVID-19 Spanish resource page 

https://www.aarp.org/espanol/salud/enfermedades-y-tratamientos/brote-de-coronavirus-covid-19/?migration=rdrct