- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen the COVID-19 virus emerged in early 2020, we never imagined we’d be living in a masked, socially distanced world almost a year later. The changes to our lives — working and schooling from home, unemployment, limited contact with family and friends — have been challenging. Today, breakthrough vaccines offer hope for a return to “normal.” But continued spikes in positive cases of COVID-19 confirm the need to stay hunkered down to reduce the spread. Although there’s no doubt quarantining reduces the risk of spreading the virus, it can be tough on our mental health. Whether you’re locked down as part of a local or state-wide effort, quarantining after being exposed to someone with the virus — or choosing on your own to avoid people, possible exposure and spreading the virus — these tips can help you care for your mental health. Stick to a routine For millions of people, quarantine has meant working and going to school from home. The need to juggle client meetings over Zoom, walk your fifth-grader through dividing fractions and ignore the pull of all-day access to “Law and Order” reruns can make maintaining a routine seem unreachable. When so much is out of our control, maintaining a routine helps you manage anxiety and feel more in control. Routine also helps reduce “decision fatigue,” and the overwhelming feeling you can get from having too many options. While your pre-pandemic routine of heading off to work or school may be a thing of the past, you can establish a new—more flexible—routine. Try to maintain regular schedules for working, schooling, relaxing, eating and sleeping. Designate specific work areas as best you can to help you focus when you need to and relax when you don’t. Take care of your body Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep can not only help you stay physically healthy, they boost your mental health, too. Although a steady diet of Netflix, chips and cookie-baking can feel like good medicine if you’re feeling down, they can leave you feeling worse long term if you don’t limit them to a special treat. Make sure to get healthy, daily doses of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood and lean proteins. Also include physical activity every day, whether it’s bundling up for a brisk walk outside or taking advantage of the thousands of exercise options available online for free. Connect with others The pandemic may be keeping us physically apart from family and friends, but technology can help you close the gap. Make a list of family, friends, co-workers you can connect with. Work your way through the list with a daily phone call, text, video chat, or even an old-school hand-written letter to someone. You’ll maintain relationships, get support and offer support, too. Take breaks from the news Access to news 24/7 when you’re isolated can be addicting. Add social media commentary, and you have a recipe for fear and anxiety. It’s important to stay informed, but you need to find the sweet spot of being up to date on what you need to know without feeling overwhelmed. Limit your time to 20 minutes, once or twice a day. Follow trusted news sources and gather advice and information from national and local health and government authorities. Practice mindfulness Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment. That means ignoring the pull to worry about “what-if’s” in the future or beat yourself up over “why-didn’t-I’s” of the past. Meditation, yoga and prayer, or even taking time to focus on a single breath, can help reduce stress and shut down unproductive thoughts. Be kind to yourself Despite your best efforts to do everything right, there will be days when it all falls apart, with Disney+ marathons, Netflix bingeing or empty junk food bags leaving you feeling like a failure. When it does, give yourself a break. Perfection isn’t realistic, especially during a pandemic. Remember, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are like you — trying to make the best of a tough situation. Being mad at yourself doesn’t do any good. In fact, the best way to get back on track may even be an impromptu dance party and ice cream for lunch. Ask for help when you need it By now, we all know how challenging quarantining can be. You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed despite your best efforts. The Centers for Disease Control says these common signs of distress signal you may need help: Changes in sleep or eating patterns Difficulty sleeping or concentrating Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on Increased use of tobacco or alcohol and other substances Worsening of chronic health problems Worsening of mental health conditions Don’t wait to get help. Talk with your primary care doctor or reach out to AAMG Mental Health Specialists. Author Jennifer Williams, MA, LPC, LCPC, is a mental health professional at Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Mental Health Specialists, located in Annapolis. To reach her, call 410-573-9000.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTywana Jackson, respiratory therapist at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, explains why she decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I’ve been stopped quite a bit the last few days. And my fellow co-workers are asking me, “Ms. Tywana, why would you get the vaccine? I’m afraid of the vaccine. What made you do that?” Here’s why. In December, I became one of the first employees to get the vaccine. What an honor it was to receive it. But to be fully transparent, I had some apprehension. I set aside my fears, thinking this small step of faith would not only protect myself, it would also protect others—and lead to the end of this terrible virus. Excitement started to build, as I thought about things kind of going back to normal. And I was glad to do it. But I had a question. Not about the safety of the vaccine, because I had put my trust in the scientific data. So I assumed that was safe. But my question really went to the very core of why I decided to be in health care. Why do we decide to be in health care? Most of us will respond with, I want to help people. I want to help people get well. Well, if that’s true, are you really willing to be a true frontline hero? We like to be recognized as such. It sounds so important. And we may like the perks that go along with it – a discount here, a discount there. What about the reality of being a frontline hero? What does it really mean to be on the frontline? Hopefully, my answer to this will help you to understand why I got the vaccine and help persuade you to do likewise. Prior to 2020, when we thought of frontline heroes, we often thought of our police officers ready to respond to any dangerous situation. We thought about firefighters who are ready at the ring of the bell to respond to blazing fires, rushing in the darkness, rescuing those who are trapped. Or even our soldiers of all ranks in our military, standing shoulder to shoulder, ready with their weapons, charging into battle to protect us. To serve and to respond to any needs of our nation. United, together, one mission, one clarion call. But now, this is a medical crisis. And we cannot call on those valiant men and women to respond to this fight. This fight is ours. In this fight, we must be the leaders. This time, it is us, the medical community, that must stand like frontline soldiers, united. One mission, one call. We must be ready to charge into this medical crisis, united as never before. Our whole health care community — our doctors, nurses, therapists like myself, technicians, housekeeping, lab, pharmacy workers — everyone must unite in an unprecedented way. And collectively stand to defeat that enemy of COVID, which has cast darkness and devastation across our whole world. We must unite with our weapons. Not batons and guns. Not hoses and axes. But stethoscopes, ventilators, medication, X-rays, lab work, oxygen. Lead the way. We cannot ask other front liners to do what we have been trying to do. We cannot influence our community if we don’t lead ourselves. It is our time to shine. Let’s shine a bright pathway toward ending the virus. It starts with the vaccine. And then our community can follow us. Join me in taking the vaccine, so that you truly will be a frontline hero. Lead the way, so that others in the face of darkness can see a light shining through us. Thank you. Stay safe.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe COVID-19 vaccine is our best shot at stopping the pandemic. We encourage you to get the vaccine once it’s available to you. Here are a few reasons why. It’s effective. The COVID-19 vaccines available right now in the U.S., Pfizer and Moderna, have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. The vaccines have a reported 94% to 95% effectiveness rate—a beacon of hope as we work to end the pandemic. For perspective, the FDA recommends a vaccine have an effectiveness rate of at least 50%, and the influenza vaccine effectiveness is around 30-50% effective. Data from clinical trials, plus what we already know about vaccines for other diseases, indicate that even if you do get COVID-19, the vaccine may help prevent severe illness. It’s safe. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To receive an EUA, the benefits of a vaccine must outweigh its risks. Before a vaccine receives approval for use, clinical trials must first show it’s safe and effective – including COVID-19 vaccines. Reports from the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials have not indicated any serious safety concerns. Both trials had fully independent safety monitoring boards. In most cases, serious side effects become apparent early (usually less than 40 days) after receiving a vaccine. Short- and long-term monitoring of those who receive the vaccine will continue. It’s better to receive immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine than risk severe illness and death from the virus. We don’t yet know how long immunity lasts post-infection — and some who recover from COVID-19 have no detectable antibodies, meaning they have no immunity protection. People who get COVID-19 can have serious illnesses. Some have debilitating symptoms that persist for months. When you get the COVID-19 vaccine, this will help protect you by creating an immune system response without having to get sick first. And, the vaccine may also help protect people around you. We believe a vaccine is a light at the end of the tunnel. But we still must practice the 3Ws as we wait for everyone to get the vaccine. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Watch your distance. We’re spotlighting all your frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about why it’s our best shot. Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTori Bayless, Luminis Health CEO, reflects on hope in times of crisis. I am sure each of you is still processing the events of yesterday, as am I. What happened in our nation’s capital was shocking and scary. While horrifying for people all over the country, we have the added trauma of this happening where we live – so many of our colleagues live and work in DC or nearby. This is our home – not a tourist destination. News analysts and commentators speak about how yesterday’s breach and desecration of the Capitol shakes the very foundation of our democracy. And it does. For us, it also takes aim at the security and sanctuary of our home. That is no small matter, especially this year when home has become even more central to our worlds – family life has collided with work and school. Home has been a safe haven from the virus; our respite. Yesterday, for some of our team mates, getting home was a scary prospect. That weighs on everyone. Many of us were looking forward to the hope of a new year. The promise of a vaccine and a return to normal. Yesterday’s violent acts shattered some of that optimism. But here’s what I know: The hope is in us. Each of us – choosing to stand and face the future with determination to make it better – give hope for a brighter tomorrow. Together, collectively, we have the power to change today. And tomorrow. And the one after that. During the stress of a long day or particularly hard shift, it is easy to forget how much our communities respect and admire the compassion, excellent care, teamwork and inclusiveness you demonstrate every day. But just as the assault on our nation’s capital could not destroy the inherent strength of our democracy, neither a pandemic – nor any challenge – can harm the strength of our purpose and our resolve to make lives better for thousands of people every day. I encourage you to check on each other. Reach out for help. Call the employee assistance program. Take care of yourself, your family, and each other. Know that your Luminis Health family is with you, supporting each other. There is hope in that.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogFinally, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The two pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Moderna, that have developed COVID-19 vaccines are reporting a 94% to 95% effectiveness rate—a beacon of hope in fighting the pandemic. “94% to 95% efficacy is much higher than the annual influenza vaccine. Also, the high efficacy is maintained in the elder population. This is very promising,” says Dr. Mary Clance, epidemiologist with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. The Data The New England Journal of Medicine reported on the results of Pfizer’s Phase 3 clinical trials late last month. A final analysis of its Phase 3 trial showed a 95% effectiveness rate. There were also no serious safety concerns. The clinical trial has 43,548 participants enrolled. The company conducted trials in about 150 clinical sites in six countries, including 39 states. The NEJM also reported on the results of Moderna’s Phase 3 clinical trials last month. Moderna’s data shows a 94.1% effectiveness rate at preventing severe disease from COVID-19. Moderna has 30,420 participants enrolled in the study at more than 100 clinical sites in the U.S. Both Pfizer and Moderna have received emergency use authorization from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and began distribution of the vaccines last month. The vaccines will continue to be monitored and studied. But so far, Dr. Clance and Jean Murray, director of Infection Control for Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, are very encouraged by the vaccines’ ability to prevent severe COVID disease. What This Means “Everybody is excited about the progress of the vaccine,” Jean says. “But, we need to remember that we still need to observe infection control precautions to prevent the spread of the disease until enough of the community is vaccinated.” Remember to practice the 3Ws. Wash your hands, wear a mask and watch your distance. It’s going to take time to roll out the vaccine and immunize a significant number of the population. “It’s not a magic bullet, so people will still need to continue to physically distance, wear a mask and wash their hands,” Jean says. “But the vaccine is an opportunity to give many, many more Americans immunity to prevent the spread of this virus.” Questions Remain But there are many unanswered questions. How long will a vaccine provide immunity? Can it be used in young children? When can the general public get the vaccine? State health departments have developed plans to roll out the vaccine. Essential health care workers in hospital and nursing facilities were first to get it, followed by first responders including firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel. No vaccine is 100% effective, Dr. Clance says. “The chances of getting COVID after vaccination with the two mRNA vaccines is very small,” she says. “The duration of immunity after vaccination is not yet known but will be learned in the months ahead with longer follow up of the past and current vaccine recipients.” The Vaccine’s Effectiveness The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say the trial data results are remarkable. Each year, the CDC looks at how well the flu vaccine protects against the flu. Recent studies show the flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu by between 30% and 60% among the overall population—compared to the 94% to 95% effectiveness the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are showing against COVID. In some years the efficacy is much lower. The challenge, Dr. Clance says, is that influenza viruses can change each year. The CDC anticipates which strains to target for the upcoming vaccine. Some years, the efficacy is lower because the vaccine doesn’t match the virus. Coronaviruses, too, can mutate over time — as we are seeing with a more contagious strain recently discovered in the United Kingdom and now reported in several parts of the U.S. We don’t yet know what percentage of the population will have to become immune to COVID to reach herd immunity – the point at which the virus runs out of bodies to infect because enough people have already gotten it. How It Works To best understand how the vaccine works, we need to describe how the virus works. The virus is transmitted via droplets into our nose, mouth or eyes. The virus then produces spike proteins. These spike proteins are used like a key in a lock. The key, or spike proteins, attaches and unlocks our cells to infect them and make more virus. Both COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were created using a genome sequence to design a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA). The vaccine is not a live virus vaccine and cannot give COVID to those who receive it. When the vaccine is injected, the mRNA in the vaccine instructs the cells to make the virus’ spike protein only. Our bodies recognizes these spike proteins as foreign and starts making antibodies, so when we are exposed in the future to the actual COVID virus, our bodies will immediately respond and defend us. The antibodies generated by the vaccine prevent viral attachment and infection. Talk to Your Provider About the Vaccine “We’re beginning a marathon here,” Dr. Clance says. “We want to tell the public to be patient, continue washing your hands, wearing a mask and watching your distance – and let this unfold.” Talk to your doctor about when you could be eligible for the vaccine — and continue to follow Luminis Health for the latest updates. Do you think you may have COVID-19? Check your symptoms here.
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