Staying Active During Social Distancing: Part 4

by | Apr 10, 2020 | Uncategorized

 

April is Stress Awareness Month
How are you doing? We really do want to know and we care. We are working to stay in touch with BSAC members and Meals on Wheels Clients regularly. With the uncertainty and changes to daily live not to mention the grief and fear you may be experiencing it is totally normal to feel more stress and strong emotions.
Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community. Connect with family, friends, and others in your community on the phone, by email or video chat. Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help. NAMI, a trusted source, has a free guide available here another good resource is the Mental Health Foundation.
Managing stress looks different for everyone but some general tips include:
  1. Staying Active- check out resources we’ve shared to keep moving.
  2. Eating Well- Each Wednesday anyone age 60+ can pick up 7 nutritious meals made by our Meals on Wheels kitchen team.
  3. Maintaining a routine.
  4. Keeping connected socially while practicing physical distancing
Online Activities
This week on Facebook we asked about your favorite parks. We heard that Whatcom Falls is a favorite with it’s many trails and peaceful scenery. Getting outside for a walk in your neighborhood is a wonderful way to stay active, just remember to practice physical distancing of 6 feet when passing on trails or sidewalks. Waves and hellos from a distance are still welcome.
Looking for something to do from home?
The National Institute on Aging has a variety of exercises designed to help with your balance, check them out here.
Did you know Harvard University is offering free and low cost on-line classes? Find the full course catalog here.
Take a break from the cold and rain with a virtual walk through Hawaii’s Botanical Garden.
Resources, Tips & Information
New Options for Grocery Pick-up & Delivery
A few weeks ago we shared information about special grocery store shopping hours for seniors and today we have a few additional non-traditional grocery buying options:
Trusted sources for resources & information:
Our county has created a single source website. You can find many resources at the Whatcom Unified Command website: www.whatcomcovid.com
Where to turn when you need help:
There is a new Facebook group “Bellingham Covid-19 Community Helpers” dedicated to helping neighbors amid coronavirus:
If making a verbal request is the best option for you, or you know someone who doesn’t have computer/internet access or does not speak English: Use this hotline and leave a message: 360-778-2762 (Non-English language is OK, they have a team of interpreters!)
Staying Connected
If you would like to talk or are concerned about one of your Senior Center friends please reach out to Molly by email or phone at 360.733.4030 ext 1020 so we can be in touch with those who may be alone, missing friends, or have limited mobility and in need of Meals on Wheels.
We have been “talking” often on our Facebook Page and would love to have you join the conversation there.
Like many of you we are watching local news and following updates closely. here are two trusted links for information:
Please follow the advise of your healthcare provider and the CDC recommendations.