The coronavirus has brought plenty of bad news: restrictions over where you can go and what you must wear, concerts and sporting events cancelled, your summer vacation plans have dramatically changed, and all those camps for the kids are uncertain. Here is a website dedicated to some better, sometimes funny news, appropriately named the Good News Network. From a story about a 103-year old grandma surviving Covid and then enjoying a beer, to an injured turkey who had a wheelchair made for him, this will give you a reason to smile.
Eat Alone=Eat Less
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that people apparently eat more when with others. They found people who ate with family and friends ate up to 48 percent more than when they ate alone. Have you found you’re losing weight over the past month while restaurants are closed and you’re staying socially distant? If weight loss has been an issue for you and you’ve found you’re losing a few pounds, Paragon Orthopedic Center would like to encourage you to maintain your healthy practices. Good things can come from these unprecedented days. Maybe you’re cooking more, which might include nutritious fresh vegetables and fruits. You can’t control all that the restaurants add to your food, but you can control the amounts of fats and sugars in your dishes when you do the cooking. Here’s a big tip if you’re struggling to maintain your weight: don’t purchase foods that add unnecessary calories to your days, such as chips and cookies. Instead, keep easy to grab grapes, baby carrots, or strawberries on hand. Keep up the strong work Southern Oregon!
Paragon Salutes Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Paragon Orthopedic Center is especially thankful this Memorial Day in a time when we are limited by a global pandemic. We are thankful for those who paid the ultimate price so that we can aspire to great things in our magnificent country. Paragon’s own Dr. Rob Bents is a United States Veteran retired from the Air Force. He has taken care of many military dependents who have the most touching and brave stories about their loved ones who didn’t come home. We want to extend a special note of gratitude to the families and friends who mourn their loved ones today. Their efforts will never be forgotten.
Southern Oregon Outdoor Activities Reopening!
Phase one of the governor’s plan to reopen Oregon has begun, but it might be difficult to understand what outdoor opportunities are open, partially open, or continue to be closed. Here is detailed article from Oregonlive.com that helps you with those details and even some links to maps. Dr. Van Horne and Dr. Bents are always encouraging people to get their exercise and we have so many beautiful places in the great outdoors to do that. Check out information about our beaches, national forests, and national parks, such as Crater Lake National Park. Even though you can get outside, the experience might be a bit different. Some places are strongly encouraging that masks be worn and to continue practicing social distancing. Before you leave the house, you will definitely want to know what facilities are open because some will not have bathrooms available and you will need to plan accordingly. Be smart and continue to limit your chances of exposure because the virus is still active. The places that have reopened could be closed again if the number of cases spikes. Let’s work together to keep our number of cases low. Please take measures to be careful and follow recommended guidelines. Read more here:
New admission procedure at Paragon Orthopedic Center
As restrictions are lifted and people move around the area more, the chances of exposure to the Covid-19 virus increase. Paragon Orthopedic Center is trying its best to keep the curve down and you safe. We are going to have a screening process for everyone as you come into the clinic. Our staff will have a tent outside to take your temperature and ask a few health-related questions. Masks or a face covering are required to be seen and we will have some at the clinic if you do not have one. If you are not feeling well, please cancel your appointment as soon as possible to reduce the chances of you exposing someone in our community to the flu. We are in this together and we care about keeping you healthy!
Paragon Orthopedic Center New Safety Policies For Patient Visits
Paragon Orthopedic Center here in Grants Pass is doing its best to contain the COVID-19 virus and asks that every patient who comes in to wear a mask. Because of social distancing rules, we are having patients wait for appointments vehicles, not in our waiting area. Also, we are limiting guests who accompany patients. One guest is allowed only under special circumstances to reduce your exposure. We are all about keeping Southern Oregon safe and are constantly using antiseptic cleaning measures in the office. Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne are in constant contact with authorities about measures that are instituted for patient safety. If you are not feeling well, please call to reschedule your visit. Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives. Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have any concerns: (541) 472-0603. We are in this together!
Your Mental Health, Part 2
We recently blogged about the importance of having ways to cope with the stress of all the world’s changes. At Paragon Orthopedic Center, we do care about your orthopedic health, however, do not neglect your mental well-being. The Wall Street Journal recently published a very good article on this subject and highlighted a strategy to stay resilient: gratitude. How do you find gratitude when you aren’t sure when your next paycheck will arrive and the rent is due? Here are a few ideas:
-Keep a gratitude journal. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy commitment. Writing what you are thankful for makes it more real and brings those thoughts to the forefront, rather than the negative thoughts.
-Change the negative into a positive. Instead of thinking about how much it stinks being confined to your home, think, “I am looking forward to going out to dinner, a play, school, a bar, etc.”
-Give of yourself. Find a way to use your talents and gifts to benefit others.
Did you know that feeling grateful releases hormones that make you feel good? Three areas of the brain are triggered by these hormones. Keeping good mental health can help your overall health, which is what we all want. What are you grateful for Southern Oregon? For more details on ways to cope, read here:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-surprising-way-to-stay-resilient-11588615212
9 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Mental Health
After a month of staying home with limited interpersonal contact, you might be reaching a point when you feel sad, depressed, or disappointed. We understand. The employees at Paragon Orthopedic Center, who have been at the clinic day after day to continue taking care of the orthopedic needs for people in Southern Oregon, are feeling some frustration because life doesn’t feel “normal,” and normalcy makes us feel comfortable. Here are nine suggestions to help you feel better from Psychology Today. A personal favorite is finding something to be grateful for. When we’re feeling down, our brains seem to find more and more reasons to be glum. Finding gratitude for what you have is the antidote, such as a loving partner or children, a friend who calls, a roof over your head, food on the table, or the spring flowers in colorful bloom right outside your window. Don’t let circumstances dictate your outlook. We hope this helps. Read more here:
Exercising Outdoors and COVID-19
Are you risking your health if you exercise outside during this shutdown? Paragon Orthopedic Center would like to encourage Southern Oregon to continue getting exercise that will not only help your physical shape, but will also improve your mental health. The Wall Street Journal recently looked into exercising outdoors and the risks of getting/transmitting a virus. Knowing that the CDC has recommended keeping a six foot distance from others and wearing a mask as a barrier, you can make decisions of your own based on what you choose to do, where you do it, and how you feel.
Quick Outdoor Exercising Tips:
-There is no medical reason to wear a mask if you maintain social distancing outside
-It is highly unlikely you will come into contact with someone else’s exhaled droplets unless you are directly behind them.
-If you choose to wear a mask, make sure it fits snugly, but does not make you feel lightheaded.
One thing to note is that your mask is meant to protect others from you. Be respectful and put it up as you pass people as a courtesy.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/should-you-wear-a-mask-when-exercising-outdoors-11588079594
