In recent years, we had hosted Mother’s siblings for an Easter Sunday meal, but at this point, some of her younger sisters were dealing with personal health matters. Never having had caregiver support on Sundays and holidays meant keeping things simple for this year’s celebration. It would be a table [...]
Buddhist doctrines recognize an interconnection between everything. The pandemic is a moment to see this more clearly. With every action someone takes for self-care, such as washing one’s hands, they are also helping to protect others. . . . Our survival depends on one another, and when we feel a [...]
"... gratitude may be most valuable as a way of honoring and acknowledging someone else. Indeed, researchers have found that expressions of gratitude lead to improved relationships for both the one expressing gratitude and the recipient." - Jennifer Cheavens, The Ohio State University and David Cregg, The Ohio State University [...]
When you size something up as a challenge, it’s easier to rise to the occasion. Instead of withdrawing from the problem, you shift to problem-solving. People with this mindset draw on others to help, and they offer their own support to those in need. Research has shown that working collaboratively [...]
"Without adequate training of personnel, appropriate equipment and rigorously enforced regulations, coronavirus outbreaks at nursing home facilities could become common." - Kathryn Hyer, University of South Florida; David Dosa, Brown University, and Lindsay J. Peterson, University of South Florida At least 11 people have died from COVID-19 in New [...]
The coronavirus pandemic alters who we are, affecting diverse facets of our psyche. . . . We may approve of some of the changes – toward stronger communal bonds and humanitarian values – and disapprove of others – closed-mindedness, black-and-white thinking. Whether we like it or not, the immense crisis [...]
"Everyone can make a difference, and everyone has a responsibility to do their part. Only by asserting the common bonds of our humanity and our shared investment in sustainable policy responses can the pandemic be overcome." - The Elders LONDON, 18 March 2020 The Elders today call on global leaders [...]
As our hands touch many surfaces, they can pick up microbes, including viruses. Then by touching contaminated hands to your eyes, nose or mouth, the pathogens can infect the body. As a microbiologist, I think a lot about the differences between microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, and how they [...]
This outbreak will continue to change our lives. We will not go back to the way things were in two weeks. We are looking ahead to a new normal. To protect the most vulnerable members of our communities, the less vulnerable must make responsible and unselfish choices. The necessary interventions [...]
"This crisis makes it all too clear that pursuing one’s own self-interest is not enough. While every one of us has the legal right to purchase as much hand sanitizer as we can find, if that is all we think about, the welfare of others and society itself are at [...]