Put down your phone: … after you finish this newsletter. Researchers found scrolling social media for just 15 minutes less improved subjects’ health, immunity, sleep, anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Visiting family and friends for Christmas? Use this map to see the risk
The number of COVID-19 cases started spiking again recently. Medical experts believe it’s due to a combination of cold weather across the U.S. and a large number of gatherings that occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday. Let’s face it, people are getting tired of being quarantined.
The phenomenon is known as “pandemic fatigue,” and nearly everyone can agree that the interruptions to our way of life have gotten old by now. Some states are now trying to help you avoid being exposed to people who have the virus. Tap or click here to see if your state has an exposure notification app.
With Christmas and the holiday season upon us, many families wonder if it’s safe to gather despite the pandemic. The answer depends on where you live, and this calculator can help you and your loved ones determine your risk.
I miss visiting with my family, but is it worth the risk?
At this point, we all miss going shopping with friends or sharing a meal with family members. Socializing is important to mental health, and let’s face it, there are only so many TV shows to stream.
Tap or click here for binge-worthy programming added to Netflix.
But loneliness shouldn’t be a reason to put your health in danger. Many states have seen a record-breaking number of coronavirus cases just this week.
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So, if you’re worried about gathering for Christmas or attending a neighbor’s holiday party, you’re not alone. If you live in a COVID hotspot, there’s a good chance that someone attending a large gathering is infected.
The COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool will show you your risk factors for attending different gatherings, taking into account location and number of attendees.
How to use the risk assessment planning tool
This tool is informative and easy to use. Before we dive into how to use it, remember that the CDC warns the number of people infected with COVID at any given moment is actually 10 times that of reported cases.
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It’s difficult to find companionship as it is, but add in the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the chaos of 2020 in general and you have a recipe for loneliness.
It’s a shame, too. Even though dating apps and services are more plentiful than ever, not everyone is willing to date while social distancing is in effect. Tap or click here to see why you might have better luck this coming January.
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COVID-19 has led many Americans to adopt a solitary lifestyle they might not be totally used to. Social isolation and staying indoors will not only protect you from viral exposure but can also protect others if you happen to be positive.
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With so much turmoil in the world today, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate the lighter side of life. While you’re at home flattening the curve, making time for something fun can greatly improve your mental health and attitude.
5 apps to help seniors navigate the coronavirus pandemic
Things are pretty up in the air for everyone right now, thanks to COVID-19. It’s a challenging time in general, but it can be more challenging if you’re not even allowed to leave your home.
People over 70 are one of the most vulnerable groups, so you’re encouraged to be as isolated as possible. This can make anyone miserable, since it can be lonely. But safety comes first.
Feeling lonely? Here's how to host a virtual get-together with friends and family
Going stir-crazy yet? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are now under some form of shelter-in-place, lockdown or work-from-home arrangement that keeps them from socializing with their friends and loved ones.
Despite our mutual frustrations, all this quarantine business is happening for a reason. It’s all part of the effort to flatten the curve of infection and slow down the number of new COVID-19 cases. Tap or click to see a map to track them.
This app wants you to feel better about yourself and live longer
Loneliness is an emotion everyone experiences at one time or another and makes for great country music; however, it definitely takes its toll on your mental health.
But how can you combat loneliness when you’re surrounded by media-hungry friends and family members? Most social media sites encourage “likes” to determine whether your post is a hit or miss. But what if there was a different, healthier, way to interact with your social circle?