Sadly COVID-19 has affected all of us, some worse than others. Praying for all those families who have lost jobs, lost money, had delays, had friends or family infected with the disease, and simply have had their lives flipped upside down.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I strongly agree with adhering to the recommendations by the CDC. Here are some steps to protect yourself and your family:
1. Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid crowds and close contact with people who are sick or if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
3. Stock up on supplies to have at home
- Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
4. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, phones, remote controls, tablets and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water then disinfect.
5. Stay in touch with loved ones and friends via phone or email.
6. Take care of the emotional health of your family
- Talk to your children about the outbreak, stay calm and reassure them that they are safe
- Remember our children are watching us on how we respond to stress and uncertainty
- Let?s show our children resilience and not panic
7. Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer?s instructions.
- If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people?s items.
8. If someone is sick in your home, have a designated bedroom and bathroom for them to use.
- If a separate bathroom is not available, it should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
9. If you are pregnant, take the same precautions as outlined above to avoid infection
- The CDC does not know at this time if COVID-19 would cause problems during pregnancy or affect the health of the baby after birth.
10. Boost your immune system
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
- Drink lots of water
- Get enough SLEEP and rest
- Limit stress
- Exercise
For all of you that are feeling anxious and fearful about being quarantined at home, get outside and get some fresh air. It is amazing what exercise can do for your brain, stress and SLEEP!
- Go for a walk, take a hike, do yoga and take some deep breaths- we will get though this!
- Limit social media
- Limit googling
We are so very thankful for all the medical professionals, grocery store employees, delivery drivers and everyone else who is working together to fight this disease.
Please reach out if you have any questions, the SleepShop Team is here for support during this time of unrest and uncertainty. Remember to stay informed and be safe!
With over 14 years of nursing experience in Women?s Health and as a certified pediatric sleep consultant, Colleen has a passion for working with mothers and their new babies, and helping other family members adjust to their new roles.
After graduating from Villanova University with a degree in Nursing, Colleen moved back to Southern California and worked as a Registered Nurse at the prestigious Baby-Friendly Hoag Hospital ? Newport Beach, in Mother-Baby. While at Hoag, she took lactation training courses to obtain expertise in helping mothers with all kinds of breastfeeding challenges. After working 5 years in the hospital, Colleen received her Master?s Degree in Nursing from California State University, Fullerton and became a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Women?s Health. Over the past 7 ? years, while raising 3 young boys, she has worked at Obria Medical clinics (formerly called Birth Choice) as a Women?s Health Nurse Practitioner. Here she gained valuable experience caring for prenatal-antepartum and postpartum patients, STD prevention and treatment, gynecological examination and family planning, and she obtained skilled expertise in obstetrical ultrasound.
With all her nursing experience and personal experience, Colleen has learned that a mother?s plan doesn?t always match up with a baby?s plan and sleep plays a vital role for everyone in the family. She offers a calming, supportive and patient personality and is ready to help families bond with their new baby.