Here is what you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine

Here is what you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine

by Lauren Comment Closed
The COVID-19 vaccines (there are several types) are probably the most important senior-related topic of this new year. Illnesses caused by the coronavirus are especially dangerous for seniors, often resulting in more acute symptoms, longer recovery times and more frequent hospitalizations. Worst of all, the death rate increases sharply with age, particularly after 65. These facts make immunization all the more important to seniors. In addition to protecting life and physical health, effective immunization can lead to a dramatic improvement in the quality of life for many seniors. If social-distancing guidelines have been followed, seniors have missed important events for months; family dinners, birthday parties, weddings, hugs from children and grandchildren have all been missed. Residents of assisted living facilities or other seniors-only communities may have been totally isolated. All in all, the vaccines promise a brighter future. Unfortunately, a good deal of misinformation has come to light about these vaccines. Some seniors are hesitating about immunization and this could be a...
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Myth busters: The Risks of Wearing a Mask

Myth busters: The Risks of Wearing a Mask

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
Cases of COVID-19 are skyrocketing once again. Due to the resurgence of cases, our team would like to remind our readers to please wear a mask! Many people are refusing to wear masks due to the myth that they cause CO2 intoxication or oxygen deficiency. But these myths are FALSE! When worn correctly, wearing a medical cover for a long time DOES NOT cause CO2 poisoning or oxygen deficiency. Do your part and wear a mask! Encourage your family and friends to do the same. The more people we have wearing masks, the faster we can slow down this virus' spread once again. Yes, the face coverings are uncomfortable, but we can potentially save 1000’s of lives by wearing them. Help us slow down the spread and flatten the curve. We must stick together and do our part. Your actions have the power to affect the lives of hundreds. So, what are you going to do? To learn more about how...
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Should You Be Wearing a Face Mask

Should You Be Wearing a Face Mask

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
A few days ago, our team took the time to remind our readers about the importance of wearing a face mask. If you want to prevent another shutdown and protect yourself, then wear a face-covering! Masks help prevent the spread of coronavirus by as much as 50% and help save lives. Though the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends widespread use of face coverings, we would like to point out that there are exceptions to this suggestion. Below is a list of people and situations in which wearing a cloth-face mask is not recommended: Children under the age of 2 years old Children and adults with developmental disabilities or mental health conditions Anybody who has trouble breathing Anyone unconscious A person who is unable to remove the cloth face-covering without assistance People who are deaf/hard of hearing Professionals who care for or interact with someone who is hearing impaired When engaged in activities that could cause the mask to become...
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Masks Against COVID-19

Masks Against COVID-19

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
As the number of coronavirus cases rises, we would like to take a moment to remind all of our readers to please wear a mask. You may have heard reports that face coverings do not work, that they should be saved for healthcare workers, and so on. You may be wondering, “Why would I even wear a mask? Do masks actually help prevent the spread of coronavirus?” The answer is yes, they do. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), face masks slow down the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends widespread face coverings and the continuous practice of other preventive measures, like social distancing, to help slow the spread. Though masks were not supported at the beginning of the pandemic (there was a lack of knowledge about asymptomatic people), they are recommended now (new discoveries led to a revision). Senior, wear a cloth mask and help reduce the spread of the virus. You do not need...
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The Rise and Fall of COVID-19

The Rise and Fall of COVID-19

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
As of June 8th, 2020, for the fifth day in a row, Florida has reported more than 1000 new cases of COVID-19. This terrifying trend resembles the number of reported outbreaks in April when the virus was at its peak. More than 64,000 people have been tested positive for COVID-19, and the numbers are expected to rise. As protests continue and Governor DeSantis' Phase Two plan roles out, our community of seniors must continue practicing social distancing and excellent hygiene. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself and others: Learn how the virus spreads Consistently wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth especially when outside Avoid close contact with people especially those who are sick or who live outside of your home Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth Cover coughs and sneezes Clean dirty surfaces Clean and disinfect frequently touched...
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Restoring America–How Can we Help?

Restoring America–How Can we Help?

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
Even though businesses are reopening in Florida and the economy seems like it’s going to get back to normal, that couldn’t be further from the truth. People are scared to leave their homes and spend any money, and rightfully so. Things are still very uncertain. We definitely need to stay cautious, wear protective gear in public and physically distance from other people, but does this mean we need to distance ourselves from everything in life? No. Socially distancing is meant to keep people away from each other, but it shouldn’t keep us away from helping our local economy. If you have a family-owned food market nearby, try stopping there instead of going to a large chain store each time you get groceries. Order takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurant. If you’d like to give your home some love, try a local Ace Hardware (which is a franchise owned by someone in your community) or a home boutique shop. If you...
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Phase One Continues!

Phase One Continues!

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
Good news! Florida is on a steady path to economic recovery ever since Governor DeSantis made the decision to reopen the state. Over the past few weeks, essential and nonessential businesses have resumed operations. Gyms, salons, and even theme parks are allowing guests to enter their doors. Seniors, this is excellent news! The sooner we reopen the state, the faster our economy will recover. As of May 26th, SeaWorld and Disney World received approval to resume operations from the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. SeaWorld is set to open its parks on June 11th. Disney World will be opening two parks on July 11th, starting with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Having our theme parks open will help bring some much-needed magic back to our state. Though there is uncertainty about how these new orders will impact our citizens' safety and health, this is terrific news. By implementing proper social distancing requirements, cleanliness rules, and limited capacity, we can...
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Is it Worth it?

Is it Worth it?

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
Hip Hip Hooray! The sunshine state is open and ready for business. The plan for Florida's economic recovery, Phase One, is fully operational. The reopening of Florida is excellent news, but is the risk worth it? According to Nobel Prize-winning economist and professor at Columbia University, Joseph Stiglitz, "we are in a deep, deep downturn" that is expected to last six months or longer depending on how long the pandemic lasts! Governor Ron DeSantis is methodically opening the state to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and a full-scale depression. As of Monday, May 18th, the types of businesses listed below will be allowed to reopen at a 50% capacity with limited seating and six feet of social distancing: Gyms and fitness centers State parks Beaches Restaurants can now offer indoor/outdoor seating Libraries and museums limited capacity Retail stores Movie theaters, amusement parks, short-term rentals, and bars, will remain closed Though there is uncertainty about how these new orders will...
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COVID-19 and the Healthcare Industry

COVID-19 and the Healthcare Industry

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, the healthcare industry has tried its best to adapt to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Combating the coronavirus has not been an easy feat, even with increased government funding and public support. Hospitals have continuously run out of masks, ventilators, and even essential drugs! Pharmaceutical companies are being heavily pressured to produce a vaccine, and healthcare workers have been sadly unprotected. The emergence of COVID-19 has helped American citizens wake up to the gravity of how broken our healthcare and public health system truly is. There are so many barriers preventing us from receiving the proper care we need during emergencies. Yet in every situation, there are silver linings. Thanks to this crisis, our government has finally recognized the need for change. Federal and state governments have created new policies that are protecting our public health professionals and the most vulnerable populations. Medical workers are finally being fortified, and the federal government is even providing...
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Florida is in Phase 1 of Reopening. What does that mean?

Florida is in Phase 1 of Reopening. What does that mean?

by OurSeniors.net Comment Closed
The White House detailed the three-phase approach to reopening America which is based on up-to-date data and works to mitigate resurgence of the coronavirus and protect the vulnerable populations. Each phase is implementable on a state-wide or county-wide basis based on the governor or mayor’s discretion. The state must have a reported downward trajectory of individuals experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms and influenza-like illnesses for 14 days, a downward trajectory of documented cases or downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period as well as hospitals that treat all patients without crisis care and have a robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers. Florida is currently in Phase 1 of reopening which means social distancing is still encouraged but vulnerable populations must self-quarantine. Schools will remain closed as well as large venues, movie theatres, barber shops and beauty salons that require close physical contact with patrons. Restaurants, shops, parks, golf courses and places of...
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