The Better Approach To COVID-19

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an overwhelming and often changing amount of information has been published. We understand the challenges of sifting through the news and research to determine what scientists know—and what remains unknown—about COVID-19. We also recognize that many are experiencing pandemic fatigue, but we can’t just ignore the virus and hope it goes away. The team at Better Health Advisors is here to help. As we continue to live with the pandemic, let’s reflect on our current understanding of COVID-19.  

What is known about COVID-19?

We are all familiar with the importance of wearing face masks, social distancing, and handwashing to slow COVID-19 transmission. Although the original CDC guidance did not include masks, the latest guidance reflects a deeper understanding of how the virus is transmitted. Also, the CDC recommends that you avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. In addition to these best practices, renowned doctor Atul Gawande emphasizes that screening is an important element for reducing COVID-19 spread. Moving forward, we can reduce our individual risk and protect those most at-risk by continuing to take these public health actions.

What are the unknowns?

Despite many uncertainties regarding vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has publicly shared his cautious optimism about having a vaccine by early 2021. Researchers worldwide are urgently working to learn as much as they can about the virus and find a solution to this pandemic. Similarly, researchers are investigating treatments for COVID-19. Until vaccines and treatments are widely available, state restrictions and social distancing will likely need to continue. Also, the small but vocal percentage of the public that distrusts vaccines may present a barrier to herd immunity in some communities.

BHA’s COVID-19 Content

In case you missed it, here are all of BHA’s insights on COVID-19 to date by category:  

General:

• Coronavirus: In BHA’s first post on the novel coronavirus, we defined the virus and provided basic information about COVID-19. Since this post is from March, some information has changed, such as the symptoms of the virus.
• COVID-19 Public Health Guide: Recently, COVID-19 has pushed public health into the spotlight as we explore how our society protects human health. Better Health Advisors created this guide to help you understand historical public health methods and terms that are now being frequently discussed.
• COVID-19 Decision Overload: In these uncertain times, we are overwhelmed with constantly changing information. This article provides BHA’s three-step approach to help you and your family make decisions around COVID-19.
• Top Summer COVID-19 Tips: With social distancing measures in place, we are a little stir crazy. Want to enjoy the warm weather without worrying about spreading COVID-19? This article includes top tips to ensure a safe and healthy summer.
• The Best Non-COVID-19 Care Tips: In addition to COVID-19, it’s important to pay attention to non-COVID-19 related health issues. This article provides BHA’s top three non-COVID-related health care tips, including managing chronic conditions and considering telehealth.
• Social Distancing at Home: Social distancing with kids at home takes the challenge to an even higher level. This article includes tips for dealing with kids of different age groups.
• COVID-19 Survival Series: This article gives you and your family different ways to manage the stress and anxiety from the pandemic. Nutrition, sleep, and exercise will help you feel better in your day-to-day life.
• Flatten the Curve: We are glad to play our part in flattening the curve and keeping ourselves and others safe, yet we may also feel tense, worried, frightened or sad. How do we understand these feelings and how do we deal with them? This post features a video from one of our Senior Advisors, Beverly Shenkman, sharing insights on how to deal with negative feelings caused by COVID-19.
• BHA Perspective: In earlier stages of COVID-19, BHA provided reasons for fear balanced out by reasons for hope amidst the pandemic.

Corporations:

• Corporate Checklist to Reopen: Recently, BHA has worked with companies to create custom plans to protect stakeholders, and this article provides BHA’s corporate reopening checklist.  
• Companies Stepping Up for Public Health: Many corporations are standing out and stepping up to contribute to public health. This article highlights the different ways companies, such as JoAnn Fabrics and Canada Goose, have made an impact during this pandemic.
• Top First Responder Discounts: Companies, such as Under Armour and Sprint, are offering first responders discounts on their products. This article provides a guide to discounted sportswear, telephone services, and accessories for the frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Populations:

• LGBTQ Health Update: In the last sixty years, progress has been made for LGBTQ rights in this country, but even today, the LGBTQ community experiences health disparities. This article is Better Health Advisors’ perspective on Pride Month and how the LGBTQ community has been impacted by COVID-19.
• Senior Wellness in a Pandemic: According to the CDC, adults 65 or older are in the high-risk category for COVID-19 complications. This article provides tips for keeping seniors healthy during COVID-19.
• COVID-19 Health Disparities: This country is home to many of the best hospitals in the world, staffed with highly-trained doctors. Despite these advantages, the U.S. healthcare system is notorious for its disparities. This article explores how communities of color have been negatively affected by COVID-19 and includes BHA’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mental Health:

• Practical Mental Health Tips: We learned early on that older people and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. Similarly, those with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may worsen due to COVID-19 stressors. This article provides tips for managing mental health during and beyond the pandemic.
• Anxiety in the Era of COVID-19: Anxiety is a normal and reasonable response to this situation (pandemic), but what is the best way to handle it? This article is helpful if your anxiety has become severe. For instance, if you are experiencing panic attacks, it can help you find a much needed solution.

The team at BHA is committed to connecting you with accurate, trustworthy information about COVID-19. We will continue to stay abreast of COVID-19 knowledge and keep you up to date. Stay tuned for additional updates, and if you found this insights blog helpful, share it with a friend.