Keeping safe, healthy and grounded, even with the coronavirus

 By Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP

You may have lots of feelings about the coronavirus, the new virus that causes a respiratory infection. I know that I do. It is easy to fear what we don’t know, and judging from reports of people emptying shelves of toilet paper and antiseptic supplies and the sharing of my own clients and others I work with, there is a lot of fear and tension out there.

As a health professional in my corner of the world, I am charged with the responsibility of protecting my clients and caring for myself.  I also strive to act as a role model about how to act and respond at times of stress.

I’ve already altered several of my habits, such as washing my hands much more frequently and thoroughly and practicing how to refrain from touching my face, a key way that the virus spreads. I'm also touching elevator buttons, door handles and other public places with my scarf, paper towels or tissues instead of my fingers.

First, breathe and stay calm.

The regular flu – influenza – kills thousands of people each year.  However, fear seems to travel faster than the actual virus and we are challenged to take practical steps to protect ourselves and our community while staying calm and alert.

Then, can we look at the virus with a curious eye? I like this meditation that I found on YouTube that nudges me to move away from fear and towards curiosity.

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Next, breathe and stay calm.

There are many actions that you and I and all of us can take for prevention of transmission of this infection.

• Do not come to your session, group or class if you are sick for any reason. I have always waived late-cancel fees for people who are sick (I don’t want to catch what you have!) and with medical or family emergencies. Just let me know that you are cancelling as soon as you are able, preferably at least 24 hours before. Then practice good self care, rest and revive.
• You have the option to meet for online video or telephone sessions. Please let me know if you wish to use this option and I can explain how I do it.
• Pre-paid classes may be used for another class at a future date or for 1-1 coaching, clinical supervision or training session if you would prefer.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before coming to your session, group or class.
• An extra box of tissues will always available to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (then throw the tissue in the trash) or need to touch your face with your hands.
  
• Hand sanitizer is available at the door of my suite for your use. Right now I am using commercial hand sanitizer but hope to transition to a healthier form of sanitizer that is not an endocrine disruptor.
• Foods that are served on training days and other events will have tongs and spoons, as always.
• I will be sanitizing my sand tray, sand tray objects and certain other props regularly.
• I will be using bleach wipes to sanitize doorknobs, hot water pot and other frequently touched places regularly.
• Let's greet each other with the elbow bump, fluttering fingers, a wink, a slight bow, or my favorite, the Namaste.

Then, breathe and stay calm.
  
My priority is keeping my immune system as strong as possible. I follow the work of Deanna Minich,an internationally recognized teacher, author, scientist, speaker and artist who has more than 20 years of diverse and well-rounded experience in the fields of nutrition and functional medicine. These are her key points in strengthening the immune system:

• Eat whole foods -- rather than fast and processed foods -- to reduce inflammation and toxins in the body, which helps with immune function.
• Consume extra dietary fiber for proper elimination.
• A probiotic supplement helps with innate immune response.
• Soap -- rather than the commercial triclosan-containing sanitizer -- prevents endocrine disruption.

Remember to breathe and stay calm.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggesting that we physically distance ourselves from other people who may be sick, avoid traveling, crowds and events, we risk feeling isolated, which can increase anxiety. Let's all keep looking for ways to connect with each other while taking practical measures to keep safe.