WESTFIELD-Health care officials acknowledge that with the outbreak of COVID-19, fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming for adults and children.
In the Greater Westfield area, there are countless people on social media platforms currently sharing ways they are coping with the onslaught of information that continues to change – seemingly – by the hour.
We asked area residents to share their thoughts on how they are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak through the We Love Westfield Community Forum.
“I’m staying positive by doing my best to stay safe, then going about business as usual,” said Janice Pagano. “I’ve doubled up vitamins and water and get fresh air and sunshine as much as possible.”
Pagano added her “new mantra” is ‘There is nothing to fear, but fear itself!’
Exercising was another consistent theme for those responding, and is recommended and encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For Bonnie McLean, she is currently using this down time to work in her yard, clean her garage, and then “relax” after each session.
“If everyone follows what the state has enforced then the way time goes by fast, we will all be back to our schedules again,” said McLean.
For Laura Pecor, her current routine follows a similar path – “staying indoors and exercising.”
The CDC website offers a wealth of information on COVID-19, including coping guidelines that remind people to take care of their bodies. Examples of coping strategies range from taking deep breaths, stretching and meditating, to eating healthy, well-balanced meals, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Mimi Ross Caban noted in her post about several ways she is addressing the need to keep her brain challenged during this stressful period.
Mimi Ross Caban is spending some downtime planning her garden for the spring season. (MIMI ROSS CABAN PHOTO)
“I was already doing this since I was ill last year and needed to work and visit with folks virtually but now I’m making myself even more available to family and friends,” she said, adding she enjoys video conference chats almost daily with friends individually and in groups.
“Yesterday we did a group chat with people from all over the country to pray, laugh and encourage one another,” she said. “The brain can’t tell the difference between physically being with someone or virtually being with someone, so using video chat is a great way to stay connected and give the brain all those positive endorphins that come from being with the people we love. And, of course, endorphins boost our immune system function.”
The CDC’s website – www.cdc.gov – shares similar coping suggestions.
“Make time to unwind and try to do some other activities you enjoy,” according to the CDC, also noting to “connect with others” you trust to share any concerns or feelings you may have.
Ross Caban added she is a “big believer” in dance movement exercise which brings on a happy mood, as well as working outside in a garden.
“I bought my organic non-GMO seeds and I was outside prepping my garden beds getting my hands in the dirt and getting ready to start some seeds inside the house,” she said. “The garden speaks to me of a healthy future and it’s filled with optimism. At times when I’ve been ill over the years or in pain from injury, playing in the dirt has always made me feel better.”
For others like Danny Be who noted on a post, “sharing memes” is a way he relaxes and decompresses.
For parents with children currently at home due to school closures, Jennifer Williams said her 7-year-old son is learning about “laundry, cooking, and, of course, crafts.”
“We will use this time to go back to basics and might even start a garden,” said Williams. “All while, of course, using the school web page to keep his education going.”
The CDC notes that for parents, it is helpful to take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak in terms they can understand. Also, reassure children they are safe and let them know it is ok if they feel upset. The CDC also suggests limiting a family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media, since young people may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
Older adults have also been posting comments and seeking input from community members on a range of topics – including grocery shopping. For Susan Dubilo who asked about grocery home delivery or curb side pick-up services, she was delighted with the responses she received.
“I am totally overwhelmed with the positive suggestions and offers of help from the generous, big-hearted people of Westfield,” said Dubilo. “Not only did so many people offer suggestions, I received about 156 offers of folks offering to shop for me for free. That’s the silver lining of the situation we are in. As a result of the recommendations, I now have a clear plan for me and my husband. A huge thank you to all.”
Dubilo completed her post by adding – “bottom line: our community has a collective big heart.”
