The One Pill That Will Make You Feel Worse if You Have COVID-19

The World Health Organization recommended this week that people suffering COVID-19 symptoms should avoid taking ibuprofen because anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen effects of the virus.

Ibuprofen is the pharmaceutical name for Advil, Motrin and Midol brands. These brands are also known as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, because they can be purchased directly in stores by the consumer.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID, or think you might have it, seek medical advice before self-medicating with ibuprofen.

Information is constantly evolving on COVID-19, and more research undoubtedly will be conducted to confirm the effects of taking ibuprofen. We will update as more information is published.

UPDATE:

According to FACTCHECK.ORG (March 30, 2020), “There is no evidence that ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can make COVID-19 cases more severe.”

There may have been some political basis for the circulation of the report by some countries, according to the organization.

FactCheck.org is a non-partisan, non-profit center located at the University of Pennsylvania. You can find more information about this topic on their website.

Consult with your physician before taking any medication, even ones over the counter, for COVID-19 symptoms.’

We will continue to update you on this page as information becomes available.

Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Long-term Care Facilities

Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities can take steps to assess and improve their readiness to respond to the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has formulated a checklist for facilities to assist in the development of a comprehensive response plan that includes these key areas:

Rapid identification and management of ill residents

Considerations for visitors and consultant staff

Supplies and resources

Sick leave policies and other occupational health considerations

Education and training

Surge capacity for staffing, equipment and supplies, and postmortem care

This tool, in conjunction with other assessments, identifies strengths and weaknesses of a facility’s current preparedness efforts. It does not describe mandatory requirements or standards. Rather, it highlights important areas for facilities to review to in order to prepare for the possibility of residents testing positive for COVID-19.

Additional information is available on the CDC website.

This link will take you to the checklist: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/novel-coronavirus-2019-Nursing-Homes-Preparedness-Checklist_3_13.pdf

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You can also use this short-cut: bit.ly/2vB2gaW

Edited for clarification on April 1, 2020

NOT Your Typical Coronavirus: The Difference Between a Cold, the Flu, and COVID-19

The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new strain of coronavirus and is spreading quickly worldwide. China was the first to report the viral strain. We first heard of the outbreak in December 2019.

COVID-19 is the most serious and deadliest strain of coronavirus that scientists have identified to date. Yes, there are other strains in existence. The most common, a milder form of coronavirus, is one we are all familiar with: the common cold.

COVID-19, however, can cause severe illness and even death. The elderly and people with compromised health and immune systems, like heart and lung disease, hypertension, and diabetes, are at serious risk. Children and younger adults appear to be less affected by the virus. Many young adults exhibit mild symptoms, and some report having no symptoms despite being tested positive for the virus. But be aware– they can pass the virus on to others. Scientists don’t know why children and young adults are not as strongly affected. However, those with pre-existing health conditions may be have different risk factors.

So how can you determine if your symptoms are related to the common cold, the flu, or is COVID-19? If you have traveled out of the country where COVID-19 is quickly spreading, and it’s been within the past 14 days or less, you should seek medical treatment.

However, do not go directly to the hospital without contacting either your physician or the hospital first. If you have COVID-19, there’s a good chance you will infect others. Healthcare professionals will ensure you get the appropriate testing and treatment, and protect other staff and patients.

Here is a symptom chart to help you determine the difference between a cold, the flu and COVID-19. It was developed by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Emotional Maturity: It Gets Better With Age

If you believe people develop emotional maturity at age 18, you might want to reconsider that notion, according to a study on how human brains develop.

The human prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until around the age of 25. Sandra Aamodt, a neuroscientist, states the changes that occur in the brain between puberty and full adulthood are only about halfway completed by the age of 18 (which is the age when one is legally considered an adult in most states).

It gives credence to the notion that today’s adolescent and young adults lack a certain level of emotional maturity. Despite the increase in the quality and amount of information available to them, young people appear incapable of possessing and displaying intellectual smarts and full emotional maturity at the same time. For example, a highly intelligent 14 year-old may attend classes at a college campus, but cannot handle social-emotional engagements of his or her fellow college classmates.

A study published by Dr. Benjamin Selder and his associates in the journal Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience suggests that people attain full emotional maturity at age 60 and beyond. Older adults tend to have more empathy and are able to connect and deal directly with stressful situations in comparison to younger individuals. In addition, older adults tend to look for the silver lining in bad circumstances. Younger people, on the other hand, are less inclined to do so, and instead, sought out distractions..

In sum, as we grow older, the accumulation of life experiences makes us emotionally stronger and empathetic, better able to deal with difficult emotional situations, and gives us the ability to comfort others.

Some things do get better with age.

The Easiest Way to Overcome Stress: Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

At some point, we all fall victim to dragging our feet, unrelenting fatigue or perpetual weariness. Stress is our body’s reaction to challenging situations and becomes harmful when it is prolonged. We become exhausted when the body quits seeking solutions and looks toward defeat. When this happens, stress can result in physical symptoms such as a weakened immune system, digestive problems, high blood pressure and heart disease, among others.

It’s important to knowledge the principal cause of that stress, known as a stressor. As Lancaster Occupational Health expert, Professor Cary Cooper suggests, you cannot solve a problem without first taking hold of the situation. So the first step toward solution to everyday stress is self-compassion. In other words, being kind to yourself.

Self- Compassion

Negative stress often arises as a result of our mind’s fear that we are incapable of meeting up with some set goals or perceived milestones. To remove these particular stressors, you need to reduce these self-induced pressures. Often, we want to measure our achievements or successes against everyone else’s. We want to keep pushing ourselves despite achieving, and even surpassing the initial objectives. The need to be the perfect student, have the perfect marriage, the perfect hair, drop pounds more quickly. This kind of thinking pushes people into a realm of discontent and a continuing need to engage in self-criticism.

A study of freshmen college students revealed one of the easiest ways of coping with stress is to avoid being hard on oneself. According to Dr. Katie Gunell, self-compassion was effective in coping with the stress of high expectations and transition from high school to college.

By accepting the fact that you are only human, and humans make mistakes, you can then be kinder to yourself and more forgiving of your errors and shortcomings.

Try some of these simple changes:

Treat each situation as unique and different. There’s no need to identify or compare each and every situation with prior experiences or someone else’s experience.
Don’t overthink. Cut yourself some slack. Some things aren’t that hard; you just make it out to be.
Accept that mistakes happen and see them as part of a learning curve to get better at tackling other problems in life.
Treat yourself to something you love. We all have a unique way to destress that works best for us. Identify yours and indulge a little. It might be music, a book, sleep, movies, social media, hanging out with a friend.
Don’t isolate yourself. Develop and nurture friendships, but avoid competitive people who put you down as they are unnecessary stressors. Note that sometimes competitive people’s cues are subtle and indirect. They might slip in a comment because they feel bad about themselves and the only way to get a sense of relief is try to make you feel even worse. Remember it’s their own ineffective way of trying to cope with the need to be better.

Having compassion for yourself does not only help reduces your stress, but also helps develop an invigorating and optimistic perspective towards life, which can counteract depressive symptoms. So try loving yourself the way you are and being kind to yourself as one of your “go-to” strategies for combating stress.

Let’s Start a Conversation About Aging

Aging affects us all because as you live, you age. Yet aging is a topic that many of us would rather avoid. It is often surrounded by denial, fear, and stereotypes. But the truth is, aging is not something to be feared—it’s to be embraced. As tough as that can be for many, starting a conversation about aging can open the door to understanding, preparation, and empowerment. So, don’t run away–let’s talk about it!

Why We Avoid Talking About Aging

Aging is associated with the loss of youth, declining health, independence, and abilities. These perceptions fuel societal stigma, making people hesitant to confront the realities of growing older. Many people see aging as something to resist rather than a natural, inevitable process. Think about it: People spend billions of dollars a year trying to maintain the fountain of youth. But avoiding the subject does a disservice to us all.

When we avoid conversations about aging, we miss out on opportunities to plan, reflect on our aging journey, and prepare for the needs of our loved ones. Avoidance can lead to fear, uncertainty, and crisis-driven decisions when aging-related issues suddenly arise.

The Reassurance of Early Conversations About Aging

Proactive Planning: Talking about aging allows individuals and families to plan ahead. From financial planning to healthcare decisions and housing options, early discussions can reduce stress and prevent forced or rushed choices due to a crisis later on.
Improved Mental Health: Open conversations about aging can help reduce anxiety and fear. When we confront our fears, they lose their power. Talking openly can also reduce isolation, especially for older adults who may feel invisible or overlooked.
Better Family Relationships: Aging-related issues like caregiving, inheritance, and housing changes can cause conflict among family members. Early, open discussions help clarify expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and foster stronger family bonds.
Empowerment and Autonomy: When older adults are included in conversations about their future, they feel respected and valued. They have the opportunity to express their wishes and preferences, which can guide family members and caregivers when essential decisions arise.

What Conversations Should We Be Having?

When it comes to aging, several key topics deserve our attention:

Health and Well-being: How can we maintain physical, emotional, and cognitive health as we age? Discussing preventive care, exercise, and mental health support can ensure a higher quality of life.
Housing and Living Arrangements: Where do we want to live as we age? Do we want to stay in our current home, downsize, or explore senior living options? Talking about these possibilities now allows for informed choices later.
Financial Planning: Aging comes with new financial demands, from healthcare costs to home modifications. Early financial planning—including long-term care insurance and estate planning—can prevent future financial strain.
End-of-Life Planning: While it’s difficult, discussing end-of-life preferences is essential. Do you have a living will? Have you designated a healthcare proxy? These decisions ensure your wishes are honored.
Caregiving and Support Systems: Families should discuss caregiving roles before a crisis occurs. Who will step in if an older adult needs assistance with daily tasks? Knowing who’s willing and able to provide support can reduce the stress on everyone involved.

How to Start the Conversation

If you’re unsure how to approach the topic of aging—whether it’s for yourself, a parent, or a loved one—here are some strategies to make it easier:

Start Small: You don’t have to cover every topic at once. Begin with a simple question like, “Have you thought about what kind of support you’d like as you age?”
Choose the Right Setting: Conversations about aging are best held in a calm, private environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Use Personal Stories: Share your own reflections about aging. For example, you might say, “I’ve been thinking about where I’d like to live as I get older. Have you thought about that for yourself?”
Be Patient and Compassionate: Not everyone is ready to discuss aging. If resistance arises, back off and revisit the conversation later.
Involve a Neutral Party: Sometimes, having a professional facilitator—like a social worker, psychologist, therapist, or eldercare consultant—can ease the process.

Reframing Aging as a Positive Experience

Aging is not simply about loss. It’s a time of growth, wisdom, and self-discovery. With age comes the opportunity to:

Redefine Purpose: Retirement and life transitions allow older adults to explore new hobbies, volunteer, or pursue lifelong dreams.
Share Legacy: Older adults can reflect on their life’s work, share their stories, and pass down knowledge to younger generations.
Focus on Quality of Life: Many people in their later years find joy in relationships, nature, and pleasures they may have overlooked.

Final Thoughts – The Power of Starting the Conversation About Aging

Talk about aging before a crisis begins. Let’s shift the narrative from fear and avoidance to acceptance and empowerment. Whether planning for yourself or supporting a loved one, these conversations can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

It’s time to break the silence. In this blog, we will feature helpful and insightful topics: Let’s Talk About Aging.” Stay tuned as we learn and grow on this journey–together.

The Best Way to Tame your Emotions

Many psychological issues can arise as a result of an inability to properly handle one’s emotions. Depression, anxiety, and short temperament, sudden emotional outbursts in inappropriate situations and places–just to name a few. But to live a happy, balanced and fulfilled life, it is important to learn how to control your emotions. Recent studies indicate flexibility is the key.

There is no one-size-fits-all in emotional situations. In the study led by Dr. Peter Koval, it was determined that the best levels of emotional health were found in people who altered their approach to fit each situation based on their ability to control the situation at hand. In moments of limited control, they re-assessed the situation by taking a diverse approach to solving the problem. However, in situations where there was better control over the outcome, their focus was toward that solution, and not the situation giving rise to it. This approach is referred to as the reappraisal method.

The ability to apply this method increased when the situation factor was diverted. However, those in less than desirable surroundings (for example, poor environments) the approach is more difficult to exercise.

To tame your emotions, learn to change your focus when a situation is beyond your control. Avoid over-thinking, internalizing, and focus your attention on what is within your control.

Why Some People Are Better at Controlling Their Emotions

The causes of stress, our reactions to them, and even our susceptibility to stress are unique to each of us. Our ability to react to such stressors is what is often termed as emotional strength.

According to the Director of Yale Stress Center, Rata Sinha, who is also lead author in a study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Science Journal, we all have different responses to stress, with some people appearing to be more persevering than others.

There have been debates on whether the emotional sensitivity is pre-determined, conditioned over time, based on one’s personality, or the situation in which they live and work. While we tend to associate emotional strength with someone who is also cold, stoic and unemotional, there is evidence that emotionally stability or strength actually may be in the genes.

There are three main parts of the brain– the upper, middle and lower brain, each with its own specific functions. The middle brain or mesencephalon has been associated with the ability to reason properly and rationally and associated with emotional strength.

Further research into gene-environment interactions has shed light on the possibility of genes being responsible the highly sensitive nature of certain individuals. According to an article in Psychology Today, neuroscientist researchers from the University of British Columbia and Cornell University successfully associated the gene variation responsible for the generation of the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine, ‘ADRA2b’ as being responsible for people with more heightened sensitivity to their environment. This gene variation causes heightened activity in certain regions of the brain, which leads to highly intense emotional responses when viewing either very positive or highly negative images.

In a related study by Rachel Grazioplene and her colleagues, the cholinergic system was determined to predictably track learning in certain environments. This study led to a conclusion that children of same socioeconomic backgrounds, in the same location, regardless of gender or age, reacted to certain situations based on their history of abuse. The children who had suffered abuse while growing up inadvertently learned to react with anxious and fearful responses as opposed to calmer, more open reactions by the non-abused companions.

Thus, while some people have better emotional control than others because of genetics, the impact of environmental factors cannot be overlooked.

What Color Makes the Opposite Sex Appear More Attractive?

What color makes you appear more attractive to the opposite sex?

According to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, it’s the color red!

Turns out both sexes are equally attracted to it.

When men wear red, women see them as more dominant, attractive, higher in status, and likely to make more money. (So guys, try stretching your wardrobe beyond the traditional red tie!)

When women wear red, men perceive them as attractive and sexually desirable. (Ladies are well aware.)

Trends to Help Keep You Calm for the New Year

Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash

If you like to stay on top of the latest trends to keep you destressed, then you are going to love what’s in store this Year!

Mediation Apps

Meditation apps are already big and expected to grow even more in 2018. They provide you with ways to destress and relax. There are apps for all age ranges, beginners to pros, and some will even connect you with a community of other mediators!

Sound Baths

Have you ever heard of a sound bath? Surrounding yourself in sounds, typically while you are lying on a Yoga mat, is what this practice is all about. It allows you to connect with yourself on a deeper level, and heal from the vibrations of the sounds.

Acroyoga

Although it has been around for a few years, acroyoga is on our watch list for 2018. It involves two people working together to combine yoga movements and acrobatics. It requires physical strength, focus, and determination, because you are balancing another individual with your body. Be sure are in good physical condition to try this one. If in doubt, check with your doctor first.

Floatation Therapy

Getting your mind clear and your thoughts straight can be difficult as you rush through your day. Going into a sensory deprivation chamber isn’t realistic for most of us, but floatation therapy is within your reach. You can calm yourself in a tank of water, be cut off from the typical noises and chaos of the outside world, and heal your mind.

There are options for just about anyone. So make 2018 the year you are going be calmer and healthier!