We are all happy to welcome the beautiful, warm weather to New York. As the weather continues to get warmer, it is important to remember that the heat can be dangerous for specific individuals. We need to make sure that we take preventative measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations to stay home, there is an even higher risk for individuals who do not have air conditioning in their homes.
Summer is finally here! But so is the danger of dehydration. Staying hydrated is vital for keeping our bodies healthy. Proper hydration regulates your body temperature, keeps your joints lubricated, your organs functioning well, helps to prevent infection, helps prevent kidney stones and constipation, and reduces your risk for a multitude of additional health complications. There's even evidence that drinking water helps enhance older adults' cognition, as dehydration can increase their cognitive fatigue. It also helps your sleep quality and mood, in the event you have recently experienced changes due to COVID-related anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. The cause of anxiety is not fully understood, but it can come from traumatic events or as a result of genetics. Depression is also more common than you may know. It can appear due to various factors, including genetics, trauma, and a change in brain chemistry. Nearly half of the people diagnosed with depression are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well.
Here we are. We’re sitting at home, isolated. We’re anxious about the health of ourselves and others we love. We’re getting through each day, slowly, tuning into the news, and hearing conflicting information. Among all this, some of us are grieving. Deaths from COVID-19 are suddenly turning lives upside-down.
Sitting at home day after day can not only become monotonous; it can take a toll on us emotionally and physically. The stress of hearing the news from outside, combined with the stress of home confinement, can weigh on us, and you may start feeling run down.
The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing many issues to light, particularly around healthcare and hospitalization. Many people don’t think about preparing for admission to the hospital until it’s too late. It’s imperative to do this ahead of time. Now is the perfect time to gather your medical records, health care proxy, power of attorney, and plan for pet care if needed.
