COVID-19

Navigating Dating Apps in the Age of COVID-19 

| Michaela Martin

The COVID-19 pandemic has halted a lot of things, but not everyone is letting it halt their search for a boo or a casual fling. Dating and hookup apps have risen in popularity in the past few years, and the new norms around social distancing and staying at home brought by the pandemic have made it more difficult to meet someone in person. Many college students use apps like Tinder and Bumble to look for anything from a no-strings-attached hookup to a potential long-term partner. While these apps are familiar to a lot of college students, the unspoken rules of interacting with others through the platforms have changed in the era of COVID-19. Here are some tips for navigating dating and hookup apps in these crazy times. 

Know the Risks  

You likely already know that coming into close contact with someone puts you at risk for spreading or contracting COVID-19. Knowing this, you can decide which activities you’d be comfortable with while on a date or during a hookup and which you’d rather avoid. Virtual dates over FaceTime or Zoom are a great, no-risk option for getting to know somebody. If it’s important to you to meet up in person, staying outdoors throughout the date can be a great way to lower your risk. Things like going on a hike, picnicking at a park, or getting lunch at a restaurant with outdoor seating can allow you to have a fun in-person date with lower risk. Bumble even has a feature for users that allows you to specify in your profile whether you’re comfortable with virtual dates only or in-person dates with or without a mask.  

Keep Open Communication 

Everyone’s comfort levels and the risks they’re willing to take are different, so it’s important to communicate openly and honestly with a potential partner and ask them what they are comfortable with. For example, if you and someone you’ve met on a dating app are planning to meet in person but you would be more comfortable if you both wore masks, let them know ahead of time and gauge their reaction. If they’re resistant to the idea, they may not be the best fit for you right now. Even though it may seem awkward, it’s also a good idea to talk about how far the two of you are willing to go physically, taking the pandemic into account. 

Treat COVID-19 like an STI 

If you and someone you’ve met decide you want to hook up, treat COVID-19 similarly to how you’d treat a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you both test negative and then stay at home and watch for symptoms up until meeting, you’ll feel more at ease and be at a lower risk of transmitting the virus to one another. Talking about where you’ve been and who you’ve been in contact with recently is also important. And while it might seem forward, you should make sure you’re on the same page about whether or not the two of you are seeing other people, which could increase your risk.  

Sex and romance during a pandemic can seem scary, and if you’re just not feeling it right now, that’s totally okay. But if you really want to get out there and meet new people, have fun and stay safe!  

– Sara Kleine, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador  

Resources 

Corona Beer Will Not Get Rid of Coronavirus Fear 

| Michaela Martin

Even though coronavirus includes the name of a beer, it is important to know not to turn to alcohol to deal with the stress this virus has caused. The rise of 2020 COVID-19 pandemic came with a huge economic recession which has negatively affected mental health in addition to worsening the mental health of people who have already been suffering with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, in turn increasing the consumption of alcohol. In mid-July, a KFF Tracking poll was conducted and found that 53% of adults in the United States felt as though their mental health had been negatively impacted due to the stress that the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted. Much of this can be attributed to social distancing and isolation, which has heightened feelings of loneliness. In addition to loneliness, job loss elevated feelings of distress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem which leads to higher rates of substance and alcohol abuse.  

Unfortunately, us college students are subject to experiencing these emotions at a higher rate. Due to the decline in people’s overall mental health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption and substance abuse increased by 12%. Many students feel the need to turn to alcohol as it is a depressant and induces feelings of relaxation. However, it can also reduce judgment, inhibition, and memory. Turning to alcohol to cope with unfavorable feelings in times like these can ultimately lead to problematic drinking in the future.  

While alcohol is not wrong to consume in moderation, using it as a coping mechanism has extremely adverse consequences. A physical dependence on alcohol can form, thus creating an addiction. Overusing alcohol can contribute to anger and irresponsible or destructive behavior that may be harmful to yourself or others. Using alcohol as a crutch can pose barriers to developing healthier coping mechanisms.  

If you or anyone you know has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and considers turning to alcohol, suggest alternative coping mechanisms. On campus, students can reach out to the Collegiate Recovery Community to find support as it relates to their alcohol and other drug use, attend Zoom fitness classes such as yoga to practice mindfulness, engage in physical activity such as going for walks, and reaching out to friends for support and comfort or a trained Peer Access Line peer.  

-Hansika Vamaraju, Alcohol Education Wellness Ambassador 

Veganism and a Virus

| Michaela Martin

You’re submitting your last assignment on Carmen. Done. As you shut your laptop and begin getting ready for bed, your phone alerts you about the COVID test you took three days ago. You’ve remained negative for months now, so you ignore the email and decide to check in the morning. A second notification catches your attention, but this time it’s not from Vault Health. The screen glows and screams your name. Your eyes stare in confusion. Your heart drops. Contact Tracing Team has a message for you.  

Many consider the stay at quarantine or isolation housing to symbolize a low point, being surrounded by complete strangers for ten days or being alone for fourteen. To avoid getting family members sick, I chose university housing over moving back home; my dilemma, however, was not about to be the walk of shame to Houck or lack of fresh air, but rather what I would be eating as a vegan.  

Not eating meat in college in tricky; having to handle a diet while in confinement seemed nearly impossible. I called the front desk of the isolation dorm to let them know about my dietary needs and they referred me to Dining Services. For students who don’t eat meat, they bring up the exact same brown bag that the other food is brought in, but with plant-based meals. Until that happened, however, I decided to munch on two bags of potato chips and wash them down with distilled water. 

I felt like I was fifteen again.  

Younger me discovered vegetarianism/veganism as a trend that helped my skin and made me feel good. My naivety, however, drew me down a path of caution whenever I was presented with food: avoiding animal products at all costs, not letting anyone make me dinner (which is why now I know how to cook), and even calling sugar companies to make sure the sugar I ate was not refined through animal bones.  

I was obsessed with what I put into my body.  

As time went on, I became much more lenient with my relationship with food, which helped me better navigate social scenes with ease due to my rulebook filled with more lax policies. Eventually, Dining Services generously delivered me food such as soy milk for cereal, granola bars, grapes and pineapple, and dinners that included plant-based meat. There was clearly thought that went into these meals, and I want to thank Dining Services for making my journey in isolation as pleasant as it could be.   

If you are having issues with your diet while quarantining, please reach out to the front desk of your hall or call Dining Services to inform them. Healthy eating is such a valuable thing, and quarantining doesn’t mean it needs to go to the wayside. A link to the Student Wellness Center website is listed below for information on nutrition education and services.  

 

 

– Noah Jagielski, Nutrition Wellness Ambassador 

 

Resources: 

1 Black Mask DIYed 4 Ways for SPOOKY SZN!

| Michaela Martin

Ah autumn is upon us again, with cool air brings pumpkin patches, hot cocoa, bonfires, football, and fall themed face masks. If you are like me and aspire to have a face mask collection that rivals Nancy Pelosi’s (regardless of your political beliefs you have to admit her mask game is on point), then I imagine that you are already scouring the internet for a Halloween themed mask that matches your costume perfectly. Not to fear, the SWC is here to give you a quick, easy tutorial on how to DIY a simple black mask into 4 cheap Halloween themed masks.

First off supplies:

  

To make your masks, begin by planning out what you would like it to look like; look to Instagram, Pinterest, or at the photos below for inspiration. Really any costume can benefit from a mask accessory, it is all about flexing your creative wellness muscle! Below are examples of a jack-o-lantern, black cat, vampire, and a basic witch.

  

Once you have a pattern decided on, draw the design on your felt sheet. Keep in mind that to avoid pen marks on the front of your mask, you will cut out your pattern and then flip it over to glue onto your mask; this means that your pattern will be backwards so plan accordingly when drawing out.

Next, cut out your pattern and place on your mask prior to gluing to verify sizing and spacing; make adjustments as necessary. Carefully glue down design with fabric glue – remember you do not need to be excessive with the glue. Follow the instructions on the glue bottle; the brand I used said to let sit for 2 hours prior to using and 48 before washing. I would recommend purchasing glue that dries clear to avoid any unsightly glue marks on the front of your mask.

Once your glue is dry, accessorize accordingly to complete your Halloween look! You are now ready to have a stylish, spooky, and safe Halloween season.

   

Bonus DIY – Pumpkin Headband

Supplies – headband, hot glue, Halloween ribbon, and a plastic pumpkin

**The headband was an old one I had at the house, Halloween ribbon was on sale for $4.01 at Michaels and the plastic pumpkin is from the dollar section at Target. Overall the entire project cost less than $7.**

Wrap your headband with the Halloween ribbon, use your hot glue gun make a glue dot on the underside of your headband at the base (the spot that goes behind your ear) and secure the end of the ribbon to the headband. Continue to wrap adding a glue dot every few wraps to secure in place – wrap the entire length of the headband and secure the second end the same way you did the start. Once complete, add a big hot glue blob where you would like your pumpkin to land. Secure your pumpkin in place. Let dry and you are ready to go!

I got 99 problems and Drinkin’ Might Be One 

| Michaela Martin

Our communities have had to adapt to new health concerns, policies, changes in employment, education barriers, and social lives. Many of our community members struggle to keep that future as they survive without assistance or safety nets to stay afloat.  In addition to the impacts brought by changes necessary for public health responses, there has been an ongoing series of protests and civil unrest taking place in an international response to racism and structural oppression. After the violent murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless others, we must witness the U.S. culture of violence against Black people as it converges with a historical pandemic. How’s that for a 2-for-1 deal?  

Our country’s heritage of racism and colonialism has led to social disadvantages that affect our relationship to health and how it has largely been defined by hegemony. In fact, COVID-19 has shown a higher prevalence in Black and Latinx populations in comparison to white Euro-Americans. While risk is increased by having underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which are highly prevalent in African Americans, these conditions are often related to a lack of access to health care and health affirming environments. The main determinant is who must leave their home. Black and Latinx people are more likely to work front-line jobs as essential workers, use public transportation, or live in multigenerational homes where social distancing becomes difficult (Oppel et. al 2020).   

People of color are forced to carry the burden of living as racialized people within interlocking systems of oppression and deal with the present threat of COVID-19. We are constantly bombarded by news reports, trending hashtags, and casual office conversations on Black death. It becomes easy to get caught up in the narrative that decides to be Black is to Suffer. This complex overlap of isolation, racial stress, wide-spread financial strain, and the disruption of support services could contribute to increased substance use or alcohol intake as we seek familiar, accessible ways to distract ourselves, seek comfort or self-medicate by dampening intense feelings of anxiety, depression, and other mental health experiences.  What’s more is that alcohol is cheap, easy to buy, and works fast. A 2017 study revealed that in young adults 18-22 years of age, “34.8 percent engaged in binge drinking and 9.7 percent engaged in heavy alcohol use (NIAAA)” in the last month.  

Moments such as these require a personal and community effort. In honor of the activism we’ve seen, I offer an act of resistance to those who are looking. Continue to find new ways to celebrate life by creating, inspiring movement, and finding things that bring you joy while acknowledging what doesn’t on a deeper level. Such acts are a refusal to be erased, particularly during a time in quarantine where it becomes easier to feel invisible, as well as ways we can lend ourselves more grace and care.  

Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

Mental 

  • Practice self-compassion  
  • Grieve lost opportunities and set new goals that excite you, even if they’re small.  
  • Cry when you need to and laugh when you can  
  • Use counseling services provided by OSU (First 10 Free)    

Physical 

  • Practice yoga 
  • Dance 
  • Go for a walk 

Spiritual 

  • Meditation  
  • Finding online religious services or podcasts that align with your beliefs 

Creative 

  • Paint (without sipping!) 
  • Learn a new skill like caring for plants 

Social  

  • Starting or joining a virtual book club/interest club 
  • Calling loved ones and checking in 
  • Identifying a trusted confidant 

Resources 

References 

Oppel, R., Gebeloff, R., & Rebecca, K. (2020, July 05). The Fullest Look Yet at the Racial Inequity of Coronavirus. Retrieved September 19, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/05/us/coronavirus-latinos-african-americans-cdc-data.html 

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.) Fall Semester-A Time for Parents To Discuss the Risks of College Drinking. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2020, from https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/niaaacollegematerials/factsheets/collegefactsheetforparents.aspx 

-Faith Lewis, Wellness Ambassador  

Keeping Ourselves & Our Planet Well During COVID-19

| Michaela Martin

COVID-19 has brought many lifestyle changes, like increased hand-washing and use of disposable resources. It may seem challenging to live both safely and sustainably during a pandemic, but it just requires some creativity. Below are several tips to help you make lifestyle choices that prioritize not only your health, but the health of our planet.

Transportation
Walking and biking are ideal, if you live close enough to your destination. This will boost your immune system with great exercise, allow you to physically distance from others, and won’t pollute our air. In fact, according to a recent study, if everyone switched to biking for their daily commute, the decreased air pollution would save 449 years of life annually in just one county! Also, compared with those who drive or walk to work, cyclists are exposed to the least amount of pollution during their daily commute. After walking and biking, riding the bus is the next best option, because this puts fewer cars on the road. Whether you ride a CABS or COTA bus, be sure to wear your mask.

Grocery Shopping
When it’s time to buy more hand sanitizer, go for a larger container to refill the smaller one you received in your welcome kit. This will use less plastic, save money, and result in fewer grocery trips. As for grocery bags, the best option is reusable, next best is paper, and the last resort should be plastic. Some stores do not allow reusable bags during the pandemic, so be sure to follow your store’s guidelines. You can always ask the cashier if they’re comfortable with you stocking your own bags, so they don’t have to handle your reusable bags. If you do use reusable bags, clean them weekly. If you use plastic bags, bring them back to the store for recycling. For products that you use often, like laundry detergent, do your best to buy eco-friendly products. If you grocery shop online, make less frequent, large orders to limit how much packaging is used. Finally, an incredible campus resource is the Buckeye Food Alliance, which is a free food pantry that any student can safely use.

Water
Potable (that is, drinkable) water is one of the earth’s most valuable resources, and there are small changes that everyone can make to make a difference. If you shorten your shower by 1-2 minutes, you can save about 150 gallons/month; if you keep it to 5 minutes or shorter, you can save 1000 gallons/month. Turning off the water while you’re brushing your teeth can save 4 gallons/minute! Plugging your sink while shaving can save 300 gallons/month. Only wash full loads of laundry and dishes, and be sure to reuse your towels. Be sure to tighten those faucets to reduce leaks in your sinks and bathtubs. And if you see a leaky faucet or toilet, complete a campus maintenance request (or check your off-campus lease) to have them repaired.

Masks
Disposable masks must be placed in the trash and cannot be recycled, because they are considered biohazardous materials. Wearing reusable masks that can be laundered many times is very sustainable. Be sure to follow the instructions for washing them; when in doubt, wash the masks in cold water with detergent and let them air dry. And above all, do not throw the masks onto the ground. Litter is hazardous not only to humans, but also to fish and other wildlife.

 

Let’s do our best to keep ourselves and our planet healthy.

  • Joe Doherty, Wellness Coordinator, Wellness Coaching
  • Tom Reeves, Director, Energy Management & Sustainability

 

 

Resources

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/13/cyclists-exposed-to-less-air-pollution-than-drivers-on-congested-routes-study

https://bikemunk.com/biking-statistics/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717301559

https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/

Campus Dining Resources in a COVID World

| Michaela Martin

School may look and feel differently this year, however, many of the same options are available to students from Campus Dining and beyond. The good news is you can find a variety of options to meet your needs and satisfy your taste buds!  

Balanced Buckeyes
Campus dining has a variety of options that are nutritious and delicious. To create a balanced meal, aim for a mix of macronutrients by including 3 or more food groups with at least one protein or dairy source and one fruit or vegetable. For examples, check out this My Plate: Campus Dining handout of different meal ideas you can find across campus.  

Grab-and-Go
The Grubhub app is available to order food ahead of time and will alert you when your food is ready for pick up, or you can have food delivered by select restaurants. Campus dining has a variety of prepackaged meals and snacks to choose from, some of which you can find on these handouts: Campus Dining Snacks and Prepackaged Snacks (page 2). On days you have a busy schedule, consider stocking up on food the day before so you can have it readily available for the next day. 

Net Nutrition
For students with food allergies or dietary preferences, use Campus Dining’s Net Nutrition to explore what options are available at different dining locations. This also includes nutrition and ingredient information so you can make choices to fit your dietary needs. Information can be found on Campus Dining’s website by selecting the Nutrition link and Net Nutrition, and through the OSU app after selecting the “Campus” tab and scroll down to “Dining.”   

Home Cookin’
While you may not always have access to your kitchen from home, there are things you can make in your residence hall using your microwave and mini fridge! Check out the Student Wellness Center’s College Cookbook which includes a compiled list of easy-to-make recipes of meals, snacks, and treats!

  

Nutrition Coaching
Whether you have health concerns or are interested in optimizing your health, students are welcome to schedule a free nutrition coaching appointment through the Student Wellness Center. We hope to see you soon! 

Protecting Ourselves and Others From COVID-19 Through Improved Oral Health Habits

| Michaela Martin

We all know the Centers for Disease Control recommends you help stop the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good general hygiene habits, such as regular handwashing, social and physical distancing, wearing a mask, and making sure to not touch your face. In addition, you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in your own household by practicing good oral hygiene habits.

Here are some tips to get you through these trying times:

First, before you start to practice any oral care at home, make sure you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Keep in mind you’re about to put those hands IN YOUR MOUTH, and we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. Got your hands washed? OK. Good. Now –

Put a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on your toothbrush. (It would be wise to invest in your own personal tube of toothpaste that you don’t share with anyone else to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.)  Spend two minutes brushing your teeth in a circular motion with gentle pressure, making sure you brush the outside, inside and tops of all your teeth.

Keep your toothbrush clean after brushing with a thorough rinse under the faucet with hot water to remove the leftover food particles. Store it upright in a dry open space, away from the toilet and preferably away from everyone else’s toothbrush. If you’re using the same toothbrush holder, do not let your toothbrush head touch anybody else’s toothbrush head. Replace your toothbrush every 4 months or after recovering from an illness, whichever comes first.

Make sure you floss your teeth at least once a day. The American Dental Association has a great instructional video on proper flossing, should you feel the need to review.

Keep your bathroom clean! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning products you use, focus on high touch surfaces (sink, light switches, door knobs, toilet, etc.), but be sure you remove all those things the things you flossed out of your teeth that wind up on the bathroom mirror as well! Visit the CDC for helpful hints about how to properly disinfect your bathroom.

Lastly, don’t share your toothbrush with anyone else. Again, we are in the midst of a global pandemic and we want to STOP the spread of COVID-19. Toothbrush-sharing introduces new bacteria from your toothbrush onto someone else’s teeth and vice versa. This makes it easy to potentially spread COVID-19, not to mention the common cold, influenza, herpes, or HPV. Furthermore, if the person you lent your toothbrush to is an aggressive brusher and bleeds on your toothbrush, you could also be at risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or other communicable diseases.

In conclusion, in the midst of this pandemic, it is especially important to take these measures to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, and achieve better oral health habits in the process.

Stay safe, Buckeyes!

-Kyle Sowash, RDH

Ways to Prep Your Food Pantry Items

| Michaela Martin

While the world may feel a little less stable with COVID-19, Buckeye Food Alliance (BFA) continues to be a staple in offering students a selection of food and personal care items. Check out the following ideas of what you can do with a pre-made bag of grocery goodies from BFA!

Frozen blueberries can be mixed into smoothies, oatmeal, and pancake mix, or topped on cereal, pancakes or waffles. One of my fave smoothies is this Creamy Chocolate Blueberry Shake by Hummusapien, a former OSU student and Columbus-based food blogger and restaurateur. For this recipe, consider swapping the cocoa for a chocolate-flavored protein powder to add a boost of protein and satiety to this blend.

Plenty of canned peaches abound in BFA so for ways to enjoy this juicy fruit, consider adding it to smoothies, topping it on oatmeal or yogurt, or even making a breakfast crisp which you can swap out with other fruits like apples, pears and berries (recipe below).

Nuts and dried fruit can be added to meals like a salad or used to make a trail mix for a snack. Check out this trail mix handout with a variety of ways to spice up your mix!

Beans can be used in a variety of ways by adding them to meals like chili, tacos or salads. Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, can be roasted or made with hummus to have as part of a snack. Other savory recipes include this Chickpea Broccoli Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce, black bean hummus and salsa (recipes below).

Vegetables like zucchini can be spiralized to make “zoodles” (zucchini noodles) in lieu of or to have with pasta. Zucchini can even be used to make these Flourless Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies for a delectable treat. Stir-fry is another option for incorporating veggies such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and more! You can either use fresh or frozen, with most grocery stores having different blends of stir-fry veggies to choose from.

For meals with pasta, consider how you can include a mix of macronutrients to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients that will help to satisfy and sustain you. For instance, with spaghetti, add a protein source such as chicken, lean ground beef or turkey, or a meat alternative such as soy crumbles (textured vegetable protein). Add a sauce like marinara with cheese or nutritional yeast, pesto or alfredo for a little fat. Additionally, add a vegetable with your meal, such as having a side salad, mixing in broccoli or spinach (if it’s a dish with alfredo sauce), or having roasted veggies on the side like asparagus, broccoli, zucchini or squash.

Canned fish can be used in dishes like tuna noodle casserole, tuna salad, or salmon burgers. Canned chicken can be used to make chicken salad for a sandwich or served with whole wheat crackers, added to meals like tacos or quesadillas, or used in a buffalo chicken dip (recipe below).

Stay tuned for more ideas on how Buckeye Food Alliance can support you!

RECIPES

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

  • 2-3 tablespoons Caribbean Jerk seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) canned peaches, in its own juice, drained
  • ½ cup orange marmalade
  • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed in colander
  • 1 cup corn, frozen (thawed) or canned (drained)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juice
  • 1 lemon, juice

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container. Serve with pita chips or whole wheat tortilla chips.

 

Black Bean Hummus

  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
  • 1 can (16 ounces) chickpeas/garbanzo beans
  • 2-4 tablespoons olive oil (depending on how soft you like your hummus, or you can add some juice from the can of garbanzo beans)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Blend ingredients together using a food processor and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat with pita chips, pretzels, and vegetables (i.e. baby carrots, sliced bell peppers).

 

Buffalo Chicken and Cauliflower Dip

  • 3 cups frozen cauliflower florets, cooked according to package directions
  • 8 ounces canned chicken, drained
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, reduced fat
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, low-fat
  • ¼ cup hot sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cauliflower, chicken, 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and hot sauce in a large mixing bowl. Spray casserole dish with cooking spray and pour mixture into casserole dish. Sprinkle top of casserole with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes. Eat with whole wheat tortilla chips.

 

Fruit Crisp

  • 4-6 cups fruit (i.e. apples, blueberries, peaches, pears)
  • 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup regular rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 or 9×9 dish with cooking spray or rub with margarine. Prep fruit by washing (if needed for produce like apples) and chopping into bite-size pieces. No need to peel fruit, such as apples, peaches or pears. Place in cooking dish. In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, and oil until crumbly and sprinkle over fruit. Bake for 40 minutes, uncovered. Can enjoy having with vanilla yogurt or on its own.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Civility and COVID-19

| Michaela Martin

While there may be shortages of toilet paper and hand sanitizer at the grocery store, there should be no shortage of kindness as we navigate a new normal in the time of COVID-19. As public health officials are calling for responsible “social distancing,” perhaps the more appropriate term is “physical distancing,” while still aiming for social connection and compassion. Civility is more relevant now than ever, as Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton remind us that we are all #InThisTogether. Civility scholar P.M. Forni has said that “civility means a great deal more than just being nice to one another…Taking an active interest in the well-being of our community and concern for the health of our society is also involved.” I can’t think of a more apt time where we are able to practice civility and improve our health than this very moment.   

Personally, I have been touched to see people in my neighborhood strongly heeding the national guidance to stay at least six feet apart from one another while walking the dog or running on the sidewalk.  I have recently noticed far more people wearing cloth masks and other face coverings while shopping. I have also watched as friends and family from near and far have intentionally found ways to stay connected; through dates on Zoom, Facetime, and other social media forms.  I have been moved to read stories about people volunteering their time at food banks or delivering goods to seniors at home who are unable to get out themselves.  These kind actions—however small—are significant and make an immeasurable difference when it comes to “flattening the curve” and keeping the most vulnerable members of our community safe. 

It bears repeating that the official CDC guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic include:  

  • Listen and follow the directions of your state and local authorities 
  • If you feel sick, stay home.  Do not go to work 
  • If someone in your household has tested positive, keep the entire household at home 
  • Work or study from home whenever possible 
  • Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people 
  • Use pickup or delivery options when it comes to getting food or groceries 
  • Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits 
  • Always practice good hygiene: wash your hands, avoid touching your face, sneeze or cough into your elbow, and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others 

As the CDC says, “even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others.” For people who may feel that they do not face great personal risk from this virus, I implore you to consider the wellbeing of those around you: your family members, neighbors, and even members of your community who you do not know.  Although we are being asked to stay apart—and it may feel like the farthest thing from caring for one another—it is in fact the best thing to do for our collective health!   

 

-Natalie Fiato, Wellness Coordinator, Civility and Sexual Health Promotion 

 

Resources