Emergency Preparedness: August 2020 Update

It’s that time of the year again. Oh, you say.
What time is that?
Normally many of us would be talking about
getting ready for “Back to School” activities like changes in family schedules, carpooling, moving into a new dorm, buy- ing supplies, doing registration, trying out for sports—every- thing. For all of us that’s changed, for some more than others.
If you have children from preschool through college, some “normal routines” have already been altered. Online classes have become standard for many, or will be. Activi- ties outside the home have changed dramatically (socializing, sports, dining, shopping, wearing and use of proper protec- tive devices like masks, face shields, gloves, gels).
A dramatic increase in the COVID-19 virus has resulted in increased infections, hospitalizations, deaths, economic strife, depression, and the list, unfortunately, doesn’t end there. What WE can do to change this curve is to be BET- TER PREPARED! Even if this negative trend worsens, WE can do things to change its course.
So, what time is it? Time to re-group with family. Discuss expectations, review preventative steps, stress safe interactions with others, give encouragement and positive reinforcement, establish guidelines, and most of all be realistic and positive.
It certainly takes a different approach with preschool- ers and elementary than with high school and college (espe- cially if they’re away from home), but the family discussion is necessary at every level. AND, walk the talk and show by example. It’s not rocket science. Use masks, distance oneself, wash hands, use wipes and gels.
Keeping a distance may be a challenge sometimes, but families and friends can stay together through Skyping, Zooming, phoning and maybe even going for a walk if you keep the distancing real. We all need to get adequate sleep and practice good nutrition, virus or not. Make sure to get some exercise too. Practice patience, be humorous, smile, play games, and address signs of depression, loneliness and just plain being down-in-the-dumps.
I haven’t talked about anything WE don’t already know. We all have to suck it up, be real, and overcome this extremely difficult time to get to the end of the tunnel and arrive at that
bright light.
—Kent Wellbrock