PrimeTime Magazine Spring 2020 | Page 14

A message from our Member of Parliament for MONCTON-RIVERVIEW-DIEPPE As Canadians are now taking on our biggest challenge in over 75 years, here are a few important things to consider as we continue to face this crisis together: Maintaining Your Physical Health In the brief time that Canadians have been living with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all seen the disease and our response to it go through several stages. Immunologists and other experts predict we will have to continue dealing with this deadly virus through many more months and many more stages to come. However, whatever stage we may find ourselves at and whatever new medical information becomes available, there are a few basic precautions that will remain the most important things you can do to avoid getting infected: • Wash your hands often, thoroughly and for at least 20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. • Try to stay at least two arms’ lengths from other people and, until there is a vaccine or cure, avoid public gatherings even as they become allowed again. • If you choose to wear a mask in public, remember they can help but are no guarantee of preventing the spread of the virus; if they are loose or you leave your nose exposed they are even less effective. • Look for ways to eat healthy and stay active even if the pandemic is making those things more challenging than usual. Maintaining Your Mental Health The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world so much and so quickly, you might feel like you’re no longer in control of things. It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or worried about your own health and that of your loved ones. You may also be worried about your finances or feeling the weight of isolation. Here are some ways you can cope: • Stay informed, but think critically about the source and reliability of the information you`re consuming, and also be sure to take breaks from the news and social media to avoid becoming overwhelmed. • Maintain your social connections through phones or other technological means to avoid the loneliness that physical distancing can cause. • Focus as much as possible on what you can control, and what is positive about your current situation. • The CHIMO Helpline is also available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone having trouble coping with the emotional toll of COVID-19 or anything else in life: 1-800-667-5005. Stay healthy and-of course- stay safe! Ginette 272, rue St-George Street, Suite 110 Moncton, NB E1C 1W6 (506) 851 3310 [email protected]