Roy Exum
In January of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an annual report that showed an increase for only two of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States – suicide and influenza/pneumonia. So, here we are, self-quarantining and closing everything we enjoy, and every one of my neighbors already has “cabin fever.” A Titanic uptick of influenza/pneumonia is already underway and, while we want to keep emphasizing 80 percent of the cases will be mild, 475 Italians died from CONVID-19 in one 24-hour period and – remember – Italy is 14-to-16 days ahead of us.
Two weeks from now, we’ll be in a thicket of horror.
And don’t dare get fooled thinking the quarantines will be like some magic trick and disappear – poof! – in three more weeks. Instead, the epidemic experts tell us we are looking at a minimum of 12-to-14 weeks. After that, from all I can read and gather, it will be three months before President Trump can announce the “coast is clear.” Three more months and fall will arrive. So will a new flu season and while researchers in over 150 countries are desperately searching for the best vaccines, we will be a lucky nation if this fall’s round of flu shots will include the coronavirus.be ready. (Our Air National Guard just sent a huge transport plane to Italy to pick up 500,000 vials of COVID-19 swabs. The plane then landed in Memphis where FedEx airplanes could “overnight” those samples all over the globe.)
Let’s go further: There are an estimated 37 million men and women over the age of 65 living in the United States. Of that number, it is believed that one out of every four live alone, and in our nation today over 70 percent of our seniors live in fear they will not have enough money from one week until the next. Every one of them are fragile from a mental standpoint, the stress and strain relentless. With the coronavirus lurking closer every day, that is enough for us to understand why our nation’s suicide rates have climbed 35 percent in the last 30 years.
Is it any wonder that suicide is the 10th-leading cause in our country and it is exacerbated by our senior population scared, no way to pay the bills – especially those who most assuredly will end up in intensive care. Without the cash to “stock up” on necessities, as the CDC advises, no other group in America needs a “newest friend” to ride in on a white horse quite as badly. Last year it is a real close guess some 50,000 Americans chose to end their life. There have already been cases in other countries fighting the coronavirus where fear and worry and dark depression have driven some poor souls over the edge.
But what if those in the Hamilton County community, north Georgia and other nearby towns approached our elderly to let them know we really care, that we’ll be flattered and humbled to be their “adopted children” through the long and trying weeks ahead? What if each family would volunteer to make sure our seniors will never feel forgotten or alone in this racing swirl of uncertainty they watch our nation face on TV every hour on the hour? Everybody needs a friend right now. Ain’t a one of them wouldn’t like a cup of strawberries left at the door, someone to cut their grass “gratis” (a Latin word that means “favor”) or to visit with a child.
What if some neighbors – no more than three and, yes, six feet apart – showed up with a flat of pansies and planted them in pots that may not have been used in a while? Just bring the mail to the door with a copy of that day’s newspaper. Have your teen-aged son stop by and ask directly: “I’m pretty good when it comes to programming remote controls for your TV, and getting your computer more user-friendly? I can teach you to ‘stream’ … Is there anything that I may help you do?” (Seniors are notoriously gizmo-ignorant and ‘stream,’ are you kidding me, every guy whose up in age dreams of a ‘stream’, albeit different, when he gets up during the night.)
But there is more. In a huge study by the American Psychological Association sever years ago, it was proven that loneliness is dangerous — sometimes, even more so than obesity. As zany as this may sound, people who had greater social connections had a 50 percent reduced risk of dying early than those who didn’t, according to research from 148 studies involving 300,000 participants. Think about the steps we are taking for the virus. We have closed churches, the lifeblood for many over 65. ‘Social isolation’ is in the top five ways to avoid the germs yet we are assured that loneliness and living alone plays a significant role in premature death. What we have done in our quest for safety has taken away the life our seniors enjoy the most!
I believe any neighborhood can fill in that void. I know from a life of experience that delivering a dinner plate of hot food on a porch may seems meaningless to the kid who delivers it but for folks who live alone it means the world. Because they live alone, there is not an abundance of meat-and-three most nights because it’s a hassle to cook for one. (Also from experience, tell the delivery kids to make sure there is not a dog or a cat that can’t wait to pounce on what’s been set out.)
Finally, there is a cast-iron guarantee here. A family who helps will get far more out of it than the senior it adopts. You’ll not only create your “newest best friend,” sleep comes a lot easier when this sets in: “What you do for the least of them, you do unto Me.”
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PLEASE! DO NOT GO NEAR OUR HOSPITALS RIGHT NOW
I loved a letter that just appeared on Chattanoogan.com, written by colon cancer survivor Chad Owens, “Colonoscopies Save Lives, Get Screened Today,” and while I am a strong proponent of scheduled colonoscopies, “Today” is most certainly not the time and I beg you to use common sense. If it isn’t for a valid and easily exhibited medical emergency, stay away from our hospitals at all costs. The only place I can guarantee you the coronavirus can be found is in our hospitals where our early victims are now being professionally treated.
If you are not exhibiting signs of CONVID-19, you do not need to be tested and, to try and do so, clogs up the pipeline of those who do. If you have a high fever, a sore throat, shortness of breath and a “dry cold,” where there is an absence of mucus or nasal discharge, consider vigorously washing your hands with warm water and soap, wearing any type of gloves you can find in the house, and then, with a bath cloth or small towel never leaving your nose or mouth, covering your face, please go to the nearest outpatient clinic, or “Doc In The Box,” to be properly vetted.
If you require a hospital consult, get instructions on the safest and best way to approach Erlanger, Memorial, or Parkridge, this in your concerted effort so that when you will arrive, you will have a route that will have the least contact with others. Ask those at the outpatient clinic to notify the hospital of your impending arrival and seek any further instructions before you make your way.
This is a highly contagious disease and take utmost care to not take your gloves, do not remove the shield from your nose and mouth. Make no stops of any kind on the way to the hospital. No, you don’t need a Diet Coke or a Popeye’s chicken sandwich.
Remember this isn’t just about you, it is about us.
A BIRMINGHAM PSYCHOLOGIST – ‘HOW TO COPE’
Crystal Johnson, a clinical psychologist in Birmingham, was just profiled by AL.com and had some great ideas for those who must stay inside because of the Coronavirus. “A lot of people were already under a lot of pressure or experiencing distress,” she told the News reporter. “Maybe because of finances or other factors they felt they couldn’t control. Now, they don’t have a connectivity they’re used to, the opportunity to interact with people about things they have in common, like TV shows or things they’re struggling with.
“Having to work through technology and social media—for many of us, that’s not interpersonal; that is stress. Not having our colleagues can be detrimental. Especially if they’re single. One of our stressors,” she added, “is loneliness.”
* -- Look in the mirror. “Take time for self-reflection during the day,” she said. "Meditate on a quote or scripture. You have time for that now.”
* -- Get off the couch. “Be intentional about being physically active. Take a brisk walk or do indoor exercises.”
* -- Eat like you know you should. “If you’re at home idle, are you eating healthy at least three times a day and staying hydrated? Or snacking? Or emotionally eating.” Great time to try meal prepping.
* -- Grow. “Find a new skill, something creative; read something positive, not something that increases your anxiety.” (We won’t tell your boss you’re painting while you’re, ahem, working.)
* -- Check-in with family. “Maintain a connection with them; they’re going through this, too.”
* -- Take notes. “It’s a critical time to journal about how you’re getting through this experience, how it’s affecting you personally.”
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A HUSBAND’S VIEW OF THE CORONAVIRUS
This Corona virus is a blessing.
My wife doesn't want to travel anywhere.
She no longer buys anything online, since everything comes from China.
She doesn't go to the mall to avoid the crowds.
She spends all of her time in a mask with her mouth closed.
It’s best thing that has ever happened in my life.
royexum@aol.com