As we all become more and more eager to press “play” and get back to our lives, it can be tricky to decide which activities or events are safe and which ones you’re better off skipping. While turning down invitations and canceling long-held plans can be disappointing, remember that social distancing is for your protection. … Continue reading To go or not to go? Weighing the COVID-19 risk of common activities
Having a fever can leave you feeling miserable, hot and sweaty — and worried. How high is too high? When is it time to call the doctor? What do these numbers even mean? We tend to fear fevers. However, a fever generally means your immune system is doing its job by fighting off infection. A … Continue reading Fever 101: What to do and when to worry
Should you go to the doctor, walk-in clinic, urgent care or ER? Can you get the care you need from a virtual visit or video visit? When you’re sick or injured, knowing where to go can be a challenge, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We can help you make sense of your options so you … Continue reading Where to go for what: Navigating care during COVID-19
As the summer days grow warmer and children are exercising their freedom to explore and play, parents may be struggling to encourage their children to comply with guidance for wearing face masks in an effort to continue slowing the spread of COVID-19. If that’s you, don’t worry. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, I am … Continue reading How to make wearing a face mask fun for kids and teens
As we aim to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus both in Texas and across the country, we must each remain committed to safe behavioral practices in our everyday lives. This includes regular and thorough cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces. Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days, … Continue reading How to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home
In recent months, the COVID-19 outbreak has given rise to a troubling trend: a sudden plummet in cancer diagnoses. On the surface, fewer cancer diagnoses may sound like good news, but the underlying truth is anything but positive. Fewer cancer diagnoses doesn’t mean fewer people are getting cancer — it simply means fewer cancers are … Continue reading What to consider before postponing your cancer screening
COVID-19 has put clinical research under a global spotlight as we all look for answers to this pandemic that has uprooted our lives. The research community is putting a full-court press on this pandemic and those efforts have understandably captured public attention. People suddenly find themselves with a new level of familiarity for jargon like … Continue reading Caring for frontline healthcare workers in times of crisis
Chances are, you have had a sore throat from time to time. Whether it’s scratchy, dry or just downright painful, it can be easy to worry that every little throat tickle is something serious or even life threatening, especially with news swirling about COVID-19. But don’t panic — a sore throat is one of the … Continue reading What’s causing your sore throat?
I consider my dad to be my best friend. I am able to tell him anything. I go to him for advice, even if it’s the tiniest problem. I can’t imagine what I would do without him because he is such a stable force in my life. He is my biggest advocate and I am … Continue reading How my dad’s courageous journey through COVID-19 taught me to enjoy every moment
We live in unprecedented times. Social distancing guidelines have made it more difficult for loved ones to interact, co-workers to collaborate and friends to gather together. For some, this may lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. New challenges emerge as we look for ways to stay connected while staying safe. While you may understand … Continue reading Feeling lonely? How to foster social connection during hard times
