Format
1. This program begins with defining pandemic and COVID-19
2. We discuss how people who contract COVID-19 are treated and recover from the virus.
3. How COVID-19 is spread and steps people can take to protect themselves and others will be discussed after watching a video about the pandemic and participating in an activity.
4. We will watch a video that explains how masks work and the importance of wearing masks properly.
5. A mental health self-check activity with participants will spark a discussion over the mental effects of isolation and steps people can take to remain mentally healthy.
6. Presenter will explain how senior adults can still perform essential errands by utilizing online services.
Objectives
Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to:
1. Define a pandemic as the worldwide spread of a new disease.
2. Define COVID-19 as a mild to severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus.
3. List 3 common symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, chest congestion, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea).
4. Identify 3 ways to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus to others (wash hands frequently, clean commonly used surfaces daily, practice social distancing, wear a mask in public).
5. Understand why wearing a mask helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and identify the appropriate way to wear a mask.
6. Identify 3 signs of mental distress (changes in appetite, activity level and/or energy, feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, becoming quick to anger or short-tempered, difficulty sleeping or having nightmares, increase alcohol, drug, and/or tobacco use, difficulty concentrating, increase in chronic health issues) ways to help maintain mental health during times of limited travel and interactions with others.
7. List ways to help maintain mental heath during times of limited travel and interactions with others (healthy diet, exercise, plenty of sleep, maintain connections with others via face-time, skype, etc., stay involved in community and faith based activities as much as possible, take breaks from news/avoid over-exposure to news, avoid excessive alcohol consumption).
8. State ways adults with mobility or transportation challenges can accomplish essential errands, such as obtaining groceries, medications, paying bills and keep medical appointments (online grocery shopping with curbside pick up or home delivery, mail order prescriptions, online banking and bill paying, and telehealth medical appointments).