Know
Summertime in 2020 will be like no other summer we have experienced. Sure, our nation is slowly opening up again, however this is causing a spike in COVID-19 numbers. And who is the target of this invisible virus? Young people in their 20s and 30s are testing positive at alarming rates.
This demographic does not have the high mortality rate compared to older adults, but they are the ones causing the older adults to contract COVID-19 which requires hospitalizations and even death.
The "it won't happen to me" and the "fake news" mentality, as evidenced by the tennis player Novak Djokovid, is now a public health crisis. Djokovid decided that COVID-19 is not a threat, therefore he held a tennis tournament that included much revelry and celebration. He, his wife, and several others now have the virus. Expressing regret, he is apologizing to the entire world for his lack of judgment. Because of his irresponsible behavior, the entire tennis season may be canceled.
This is just one example of how one person's decision to ignore science and not take proper precautions to protect themselves and others can cause a tremendous ripple effect. In other words, this is not about "you", it is about the entire community.
So, what can we do as parents and responsible adultsto help prevent the community spread of the virus?
1. Be an example. Model proper behavior by wearing a mask when in public and among groups of people.
2. Wash your hands frequently.
3. Have disposable hand towels, soap, and gel placed throughout your home.
4. Practice physical distancing. It's okay to be social, but we must be physically distance when together.
5. Talk to your kids about responsible behavior. Empathize with their need to see others, but discuss the extenuating circumstances of being in a global pandemic.
6. Take time to listen to the scientists who are telling us that COVID-19 is "bringing us to our knees". You may not know anyone affected by the disease personally, but you know someone who has.
7. Share articles with your kids and use it as a teachable moment. Not only can you address science, such as how hand-washing and masks prevent the spread of illness, but you can also talk about being a global citizen and caring for our community. This is related to social and physical health.
8. Consider the values of those around you. If you are planning to be around others, be courteous and ask what kind of precautions they are practicing and honor that. If they are not taking precautions and you are, honor your own boundaries and decline a visit for now.
9. Talk about calculated risks. How can we balance fun with precautions? (See the above!)
| 1. | Be an example. Model proper behavior by wearing a mask when in public and among groups of people. |
| 2. | Wash your hands frequently. |
| 3. | Have disposable hand towels, soap, and gel placed throughout your home. |
| 4. | Practice physical distancing. It's okay to be social, but we must be physically distance when together. |
| 5. | Talk to your kids about responsible behavior. Empathize with their need to see others, but discuss the extenuating circumstances of being in a global pandemic. |
| 6. | Take time to listen to the scientists who are telling us that COVID-19 is "bringing us to our knees". You may not know anyone affected by the disease personally, but you know someone who has. |
| 7. | Share articles with your kids and use it as a teachable moment. Not only can you address science, such as how hand-washing and masks prevent the spread of illness, but you can also talk about being a global citizen and caring for our community. This is related to social and physical health. |
| 8. | Consider the values of those around you. If you are planning to be around others, be courteous and ask what kind of precautions they are practicing and honor that. If they are not taking precautions and you are, honor your own boundaries and decline a visit for now. |
| 9. | Talk about calculated risks. How can we balance fun with precautions? (See the above!) |
The bottom line, it is summer. We want to enjoy it. I, too, have ventured out a little past my comfort zone. It is nearly impossible to maintain a perfect virus-free lifestyle. Give yourself some grace. We are all trying to navigate this new-normal together. But if we take calculated risks, respect the health boundaries of yourself and others, and remember that this is only for a short time, we can keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy so we can have many years of enjoyment, not just the "now".
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