As the COVID pandemic continues to plague us, here are 5 things that you can do to help combat COVID:
#1 – Wear a Mask
Wearing a mask has become a political symbol – but could not wearing a mask be like cigarette smoking and banned in public places?
Research has demonstrated that early adoption of wearing face masks slowed COVID infections – “Countries with early interest in face mask use had milder COVID-19 infection rates, according to a letter-to-the-editor published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.”
And, yet, there remains a lot of resistance.
To help counter that resistance, here are “3 Myths about Wearing Masks” that you need to know:
- Myth #1 – COVID Doesn’t Exist, So What’s There to Worry About?
- Myth #2 – “I Can’t Breathe”
- Myth #3 – Wearing a Mask Deprives You of Oxygen and Gives You Harmful Carbon Dioxide Exposure and May Cause Hypoxia, Hypoxemia or Hypercapnia
#2 – Be Kind to Nurses
According to a recent Gallup poll, for the 18th year in a row, Americans have rated nurses as the #1 most ethical and honest profession.
Sadly, CNN found that Black nurses in the UK “have experienced racism in the workplace — and that it has gotten worse amid the coronavirus outbreak.” Unfortunately, this finding is not confined to the UK. Statements from US nursing organizations urge action on racism and its malevolent consequences to society and the healthcare system.
So, next time you see a nurse, give him/her a virtual hug of support for all of the great work that they have done during this COVID pandemic.
#3 – Don’t Delay Getting Medical Attention
Call 911 if it’s a medical emergency
Reports from around the country, including from Milwaukee and San Diego, are that the number of calls to 911 has decreased.
Says the American Heart Association (together with Association of Black Cardiologists, American College of Cardiology, American Academy of Neurology, American College of Emergency Physicians, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, and Society of Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions):
“COVID-19 is definitely not stopping people from having heart attacks, strokes and cardiac arrests. We fear it is stopping people from going to the hospital and that can be devastating.
“You might think a hospital is the last place you should go now. That’s why we – the leaders of major national organizations dedicated to saving people from heart disease and stroke – feel it’s necessary to say this loud and clear:
“Calling 911 immediately is still your best chance of surviving or saving a life.
“It is SAFE for EVERYONE to call 911.
“It is SAFE for ANYONE to go to the hospital.”
A recent New York Times headline says it all – “Where Have All the Heart Attacks Gone?”
Although a reduction in the number of heart attacks might be seen as a good thing, the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association advises patients not to delay seeing treatment, when necessary: “Patients should not ignore symptoms of heart attack or stroke, but should seek emergency care through normal channels.
This includes seeing a dentist or even a chiropractor.
#4 – Don’t Let Misinformation and Alternate Facts Make You a COVID Death Accomplice
Don’t let misinformation and alternate facts make you a COVID death accomplice. Here are three studies about COVID that you should know:
- #1 Study – Staying At Home Has Great Benefits
- #2 Study – School Reopenings will Trigger More Outbreaks
- #3 Study – Widespread Blood Clots Found During Autopsies of COVID Patients
Here are some tips for identifying pseudoscience and alternate facts.
#5 – Support Patient Health and Safety
On July 27, 2020, the Physician-Patient Alliance for Health & Safety celebrated its 9th birthday. Since then, PPAHS has worked tirelessly to improve patient health and safety.
Please make a donation to PPAHS, so that we can continue to improve patient health and safety for you and your family and friends.