I knew that our latest blog post would need to be about what’s happening in the world now, post the death of #GeorgeFloyd but I needed to take a few days to get a grasp on the deep rooted issue which is that these recent murders are a reminder that it has never been safe to be black in America. There is so much information out there, I had to sift through it and speak to some dear friends that live in the US to truly understand what’s going on, and what needs to be done.
There are a variety of messages out there, but based on my conversations, the main one is that it’s not a time just for solidarity, we have to go beyond that at this point. Taking a knee is not enough. Putting up a black square on instagram is not enough. We need to self reflect and then figure out what action we can take in our own personal lives to change the way things are in the world.
Now, there are different levels of what needs to be done, but what we as a global society need to understand, is that all of us need to be a part of this movement, it’s on us as humanity to change the situation and improve it. A friend of mine, Hrishikesh Kumar (a physician in Los Angeles), said “Kneeling is healing only with consistent commitment and informed reform.” It may be a loaded sentence, but in actuality it’s completely true because if you don’t participate you’re complicit.
So, what do action do we need to take?
Become more informedabout the structure of local government. Understand what the roles of the elected officials are, andvote for people that will take measurable actions to improve the situationbecause “eventually, aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional practices — and in a democracy, that only happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands.” (President Barack Obama)
Endorse organizations on the front lines of social justice that align with your way of thinking.For example, you can sign this petition calling for the end of police violence against Black people.
Find the mental health and trauma support you need.In the words of Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of the Nation’s Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “While there is much we need to do to address racism in our country, we must not forget the importance of mental health as we do so. The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. Racism is a public health crisis” and we need to provide as much support to the community as we can. This link provides a variety of mental health resources from NAMI.
It may seem that until now this post has been focused on what the US is dealing with, but racism really is a worldwide pandemic, because we live in a world that is controlled by skin color. To name a few places, it’s evident in the US, in Africa, in Thailand, and in India.
A friend (thank you, Reshem!), shared Abhay Deol’s instagram post with me and it resonates with me. I’ve pasted it below for your reference, and you can also click here to see it. “Now that ‘woke’ Indian celebrities and the middle class stand in solidarity with fighting systemic racism in America, perhaps they’d see how it manifests in their own backyard? America has exported violence to the world, they have made it a more dangerous place, it was but inevitable that it would come back karmically. I’m not saying they deserve it, I’m saying look at the picture in it’s totality. I’m saying support them by calling out the systemic problems in your own country, because they turn out to be one and the same thing. I’m saying follow their lead but not their actions. Create your own actions, your own movement, relevant to your own country.”
Oh and also, everyone should watch this video of Hassan Minhaj.
Now let’s get to work, locally and globally.
Written by Devi Bajaj Founder & Director, Enliven Health Concierge
It’s widely known now that diabetes is one of the high risk populations wen it comes to Covid 19. I had a chance to have a chat with Dr. Meera Shah, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who takes care of diabetic patients. Have a read of our discussion below for more on her thoughts.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m an Endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic Rochester, and have been on staff here for the last 5 years. My husband also works at Mayo and is an Internal Medicine Specialist. We have three children who are all home from school during this time, so managing work and them together has been an interesting experience.
Is Mayo treating Covid patients?
Yes they are. The outpatient clinic has a pretty rigorous screening process on the phone before letting anyone come in. You can read more about their self assessment tool here. If all of the answers on the assessment are negative then they are allowed to come in and see us as elective patients. Mayo has put in place a very good process which is designed to help the medical team stay safe but also the patient stay safe.
That does sound like an effective system. When you go in to work are you in contact with covid positive patients?
No, I should not be in contact with people who have been tested positive with patients. They are in a separate area of the facility and I stay in the endocrinology department taking care of my patients. If patients test positive, then they do not come in for elective appointments (which is the majority of my practice). If it is an emergency then there are processes in place so they can get the care they need with minimal risk to staff.
What is it like for both you and your husband to work at home, and have children to take care of at home?
Well, we are both going in to work but so far it’s been ok because I’ve been mostly able to work from home. The kids have their own school curriculum to follow so they are pretty occupied. In the morning I give them a timetable to follow, midmorning we meet up for a few minutes to ensure that everything is going smoothly, we have lunch together then they go back to doing what they’re doing and I get back to work. My mom has been staying with us so that’s been really helpful too.
Do you have any tips for working from home with kids?
Create a routine, some kind of schedule. Sticking to structure has helped us a lot.
If possible, set aside a space that’s yours (physically separate the space) and make sure the kids respect that. As hard as it is you have to just behave like this is your office it’s just not in your office.
What are some unexpected pluses of working from home?
You get to realize things about your children that you don’t otherwise see. For example, I could have outdoor soccer time with my son everyday. I would have never had the time, interest and would have been so tired after a full day at the hospital. The family time we are getting now is great. We’ve pulled out board games that we didn’t even know we had. Everyone is a master of Clue now!
What are your thoughts on the best ways to celebrate occasions during this time?
We have had two birthdays in the last two weeks in the family. We actually had one of my daughter’s friend’s have a drive by birthday. It was really nice because the kids got to see each other. They chatted, laughed, made tik tok videos (this is what 11 year olds do I guess). We ate cupcakes on the sidewalk. It was great! For my husband’s birthday we did a live facetiming with his family when cutting his birthday cake. It’s ridiculous that we haven’t done this in the past with family and friends that do not live near us!
How long do you think all this is going to last?
My prediction is that this is going to be something that we’re in for the long haul, 12-18 months of this new normal.
What does that mean?
12-18 months of social distancing, of any sort of ability to get out and do things in big groups. I don’t think that’s going to happen for a very long time.People are using modeling to predict what’s going to happen in 2 weeks, 4 weeks, etc but it’s all based on assumptions of things that have already happened. For example, with social distancing we expect X is going to happen in Y time. But if you take away social distancing we don’t know how things will really go. The Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has done a good job at breaking it down into pieces of information that are accurate but still digestable. He is one of the ones that had to deal with it hugely at the earliest as New York quickly became a hotspot for covid.
What’s the future of travel like?
I don’t expect to get on a plane for a year. If you ask me in a month, my answer may be different. Things are changing so rapidly everyday. If you just think about what you were doing in February, it was like a different life. The medical journals were still publishing articles in February comparing this to the flu, no one imagined it would go this big. You learn these things in hindsight. It’s so new that nobody really knows what to do about it. We do have some understanding about how it’s transmitted, and what can help (social distancing, hand washing, wear masks) and the goal is A to not get exposed, B to not get infected, and C to wait it out until a vaccine or some kind of readily accessible treatment is on the market.
When do you think a vaccine will be ready?
I’m not keeping up with the real time efforts, but I will say that this is very different from any other vaccine. This is a global endeavor. It could absolutely be more accelerated than ever. But as with anything, you want to make sure it’s effective, worth doing, and understand the behavior of the virus. These are all the things that the virus researchers are thinking about.
How is the Mayo Clinic supporting the efforts?
Mayo is part of a bigger international effort looking at several medications for treatment. There are at least 7 clinical trials that the team is collaborating on. For example, with regards to Hydroxychloroquine, they are trying to get people who think they might have been exposed to enroll. Click on this link for more.
What do you tell your patients with diabetes about covid?
Patients are concerned, of course, because initially we recognized that diabetes was a risk factor for people doing worse with covid 19. It’s a tough one. You don’t want to give people unnecessary worry, yet there is some evidence that if you get covid 19 you are likely to do worse. If you look at the American Diabetes Association guidelines they haven’t put out anything specifically for covid 19. The recommendations are the same as for everyone else.
But if you live with someone with diabetes, act as if you have covid 19. Don’t share utensils, towels, etc. On the flip side you hear about people who are 97 years old that have recovered from covid 19. There’s always the average then there is a spectrum.It’s not like applying for a visa, it’s not like you’re eligible or not.
Is there anything that you want to tell the general public?
Everything is propogated in a click of a button and then there’s 20,000 people that are reading. It’s our responsibility to be careful of where we get information from. Find trustworthy sources and get information from them.
Any final thoughts?
The science will get us out of this eventually. We’ve built this world with airplanes, cell phones and everything else through science. People had to live with plagues through centuries. They will solve this eventually. We need to trust people who have the skillsets to handle the situation.
Thank you so much for your time and insight, Dr. Meera! I’m sure your information will help everyone that reads this in one way or another.
Interview led by Devi Bajaj Founder & Director, Enliven Health Concierge
Ever since I shared some healthy places to order from (you can find the post on drinks here, and snacks here), I’ve had several friends ask for more suggestions. This post is here to provide you with three more healthy options for nutritious food and beverage delivery; one for an entire healthy meal, another for a snack, and finally another drink option!
getfresh
I’ve been ordering salads from Dressed for years, and they recently rebranded to getfresh with a much wider selection of dishes. The new menu provides healthy meal options, with an international variety of salads, wraps, rice bowls and main dishes. With their own organic farm growing fresh produce, this farm to table restaurant is a great option for staying in and keeping healthy. Some of my favorite dishes from getfresh include Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap created with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, bacon bits, organic quail egg, parmesan cheese and caesar dressing (150 Baht; nutritional value: fat 31.3g , protein
24.4g, carbs 46.1, fiber 3.2g and sugar 2.4g), Spicy Pork Bulgogi Bowlwhich is Korean-spiced pork tenderloin, kimchi, pickled daikon, sesame, carrots, baby radish, spring onion, and organic onsen egg served over organic jasberry rice(240 Baht; nutritional value: fat 15g, protein 26.5g, carbs 53.5g, fiber 18.7g, Sugar 1.7g), and the Roast Pumpkin Salad served with beetroot, wild rocket, sunflower seeds and feta cheese (170 Baht; Nutritional at 12g, Protein 11g, Carbs 53.2g, Fiber 8.5g, Sugar 20.7g). Do keep in mind that their servings are very generous so one item per person will definitely be filling! They have 9 branches and 4 cloud kitchens across Bangkok, so it’s likely they’ll be able to deliver to wherever you live!
getfresh currently has a promotion until the end of June – 15% off for all online direct deliveries through their LINE @getfreshth account and their website www.getfresh.co.th. Order yours now!
In a previous post about taking care of your mental health during #covid19 (you can read that here) made me think of my sister in law. Vishalatchi Arunagiri, or as we call her, Achu, was diagnosed with #schizophrenia in 2011. She is happy to share her story to raise more awareness about #mentalillness and tell us how she has been coping with #covid19.
Before we get started on the interview, let’s look at a detailed definition of the condition by the Mayo Clinic: Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior and emotions. Signs and symptoms may vary, but usually involve delusions, hallucinations or disorganized speech, and reflect an impaired ability to function. Symptoms may include:
These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you think that you’re being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are directed at you; you have exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with you; or a major catastrophe is about to occur. Delusions occur in most people with schizophrenia.
These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don’t exist. Yet for the person with schizophrenia, they have the full force and impact of a normal experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination.
Disorganized thinking (speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless words that can’t be understood, sometimes known as word salad.
Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. This may show in a number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behavior isn’t focused on a goal, so it’s hard to do tasks. Behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.
Negative symptoms. This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion (doesn’t make eye contact, doesn’t change facial expressions or speaks in a monotone). Also, the person may lose interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.
Symptoms can vary in type and severity over time, with periods of worsening and remission of symptoms. Some symptoms may always be present.
Achu, can you tell us a bit about your journey with schizophrenia?
My first episode was when I moved back to Kuala Lumpur. My mind was playing games with me. Once I even got lost and a stranger picked me up and brought me home. My mom took me to a psychiatrist and we discovered that I have a mental illness. I’ve been fighting for 9 years now and although I still struggle with the illness today, I have been able to write 2 books, pieces in magazines, be interviewed for newspapers, appeared on TV, and even started my own small business in Malaysia. You can read more about my journey here.
You’ve had some great progress over the years! Can you share with us more about your business?
I have a passion for making fresh floral design, and I started lessons at Lee Flower Design Academy two years ago. I have been in competitions and I started independently selling to select customers. I would like to pursue this passion a therapy to heal my inner consciousness and find solace while creating different color combinations. I am also passionate about advocating mental health awareness. I have created Vishalatchi Floral, a social enterprise to help by using flower designs to help empower other people who have a mental illness. Mind Voice is another initiative I started to contribute to the advocacy work that I want to continue doing.
Tell us more about the advocacy work that you do.
I am a peer support leader at the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA). I created fliers to offer mental health sharing sessions open to the public. I led my first mental health talk in 2013 in General Hospital Klang. Then I shared my story in 2014 in MMHA where I’ve been a member for 6 years now. I led talks in Segi, a university in Malaysia. Furthermore, I participated in a charity dinner by MMHA to share my story. I have been interviewed by The Star Newspaper (link here) and my story is on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website (link here). I appeared once on Astro TV live in 2016 to share my story as well. I was a panel speaker at the Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA) conference. I am hosting a talk on zoom this Saturday, May 2nd to have a chat about managing stress during lockdown. Contact me via Whatsapp for more information on how to join!
It’s wonderful to see your progress over the years, and I’m so glad that you are willing to share your story for further advocacy.
Now can you tell us, as someone with schizophrenia how have you been handling anxiety related to covid19?
It was scary to see the numbers increasing. I am scared of getting sick, so I keep washing my hands with soap. And at the same time, I also hear less voices. No paranoia of being kidnapped or abandoned so I feel relaxed and safe. These are the constant emotions and states of mind that I go through on a daily basis as someone with schizophrenia. During the past few weeks of when the country has been in a lockdown, I’ve had good moments and scary moments. Let me share some with you to give you an idea.
Sometimes I get scared when the phone rings and I think that maybe somebody passed away. People still walk around like normal, but I got my mask ready and I had to stay at home when my mother went for grocery shopping as only one person could go. The perks of being someone who is always paranoid is that we are always ready during a crisis. It’s been a long time since I’ve been left alone at home and it made me feel stronger.
I was relaxing on the couch waiting for my mother to come home when I began to get worried that this laziness was going to last too long, and I’ll become immune to staying at home and doing nothing. So, I started planning things to do, such as cooking, mopping, cleaning tables, washing dishes, social media, writing and watching TV. I cannot read books because the voices interrupt me.
During this COVID-19 lockdown, we have stocked up food for two weeks and medication for one month. I started having nightmares and strange dreams which would wake me up in the middle of the night. I’m scared my mother will not be around one day and I’ll be stuck alone in this country. I won’t be able to escape and save myself by going aboard. My voices told me that my family and relatives have all left. But yesterday I did a video with my family and they were all where they usually are. Same place and same country. My siblings all live abroad so it was a happy feeling talking to them. When they are so far away from home I feel worried. The COVID-19 lockdown made us all have time to speak together and through video chat, so I can see all of them, which helps with my worries. It’s important for family members to reach out to the people with a mental illness as we need each other now more than ever.
I’m glad I have my mother with me during this crisis. I would have died of boredom otherwise! I am lucky to have home cooked food and I am happy to find some work to do online with my NGO. I am confident that the virus will spread a lot more and I’m concerned that we will never be able to leave the house. What if we need food? But the government is giving money. I am happy to hear that as in crisis like this, we can’t work.
I hope people will read this story and get a small idea of the daily rollercoaster that I go through as someone who is trying to manage just like everyone else during these uncertain times, except I have voices and delusions to add a little color to these experiences!
Thank you so much for sharing Achu, I am sure this will help anyone else that’s battling #mentalillness through #covid19.
Information compiled by Devi Bajaj Founder & Director of Enliven Concierge
Below are links related to schizophrenia and managing covid with a mental illness:
One of our beloved clients, Eric Lyons has started a very exciting initiative which he calls: Global Distancing 5K: A Virtual Event! The event already has people signed up from Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Canada, England, Puerto Rico and elsewhere. This is a free simultaneous event taking place on May 9th to benefit front line Covid 19 responders. Suicides are up. Domestic violence is up. Financial insecurity, worry about health of loved ones and the future outlook are causing tremendous fear & anxiety. We are looking for ways to propel this message of hope & togetherness around the country and ultimately to billions of our fellow global citizens around the world. What is it?
A simultaneous global movement of people committed to completing a 5K on behalf of those on the front lines of the #Covid19 fight. For those who have lost someone to the virus, feel free to complete the 5K in honor of that person.
IMPORTANT: *You are encouraged to select an organization, group or person to raise support & awareness for on your own. You are more familiar with the needs in your own area. Please raise those funds and donate directly to your choice.
This event will showcase people posting live via our Facebookpage from around the world. It will also be online for you to share in the moments with people around the world. Follow our FB &IGaccounts for these details.
Why are we doing this?
In this historic time of pandemic, global isolation and economic uncertainty, the world is enduring fear & unpredictability our generation has never known. Billions of people are tired of a lack of ability to move and connect with others as they desire. Many of us have great fear over the uncertainty of our friends, family, jobs or businesses. We’re ALL ready to resume a life unafraid. We are a collective body who wants to recognize the brave who are fighting to protect us from Covid-19 and to recognize those who gave all.
Who is the 5K for?
This is a call to all of our fellow global neighbors around the world. Athlete or non-athlete. Walkers, runners, wheelchairs and anyone in between. All ages. This global gathering is for ALL who cherish life and want to share a few safe moments with others who understand what we all are enduring. Let’s erase those boundaries between us for just a moment. Sign-up and share the event with your friends and family around the world. Together we are better.
When is the event?
The run will take place May 9, 2020 at 7:30 AM central standard time zone. For a list of city start times globally click here. If unsure about the start time in your location, send us a message via our Contact Us page, Facebookor Instagram. Or go to this Time Zone website.
Where is the event?
All around the world. Your participation can take place anywhere it is safe and not against any local rules or laws governing social distancing or shelter in place. Outside the home. Park. Stairwell. Street. We have runners, walkers and bikers from every continent and need YOU to make this event complete.
Pick an organization, group or person to raise support, encouragement, funds for
Share event website or Facebook event linkwith ALL of your friends
This event will showcase people posting live via our Facebook page from around the world. It will also be streamed online via a platform to be shared in advance of May 9th.
* More info on the Live Stream to follow * Follow our FB&IGaccounts for details.
If you do decide to join the 5K initiative, take a photo and send it over to us (info@enlivenyou.org). We will share it with Eric and the community!
Thank you, stay safe and healthy!
Information shared by Devi Bajaj Executive Director of Enliven Concierge
Links related to the importance of movement and exercise during covid:
