This pandemic has a lot of side effects. While lockdowns were meant to keep us healthy and "safe" from "the 'Rona", other side effects to those lockdowns now have us facing other health issues that can be just as deadly. Mental health, financial health and weight gain.
As the cable news death tickers proved to be ratings tickers for the networks, when the public's eyes began to wander off as the death percentages started to drop (now below epidemic levels), they needed something new to scare you back to their screens. Prepare for their newest performance- "Covid-19, The Scare Sequel". In this sequel, "news" channels will attempt to scare you into watching them with Covid case numbers. Forget the overwhelmingly positive chances of survival (nearly 99%), these numbers of new cases are so so large, you must watch (so they think).
Well, I say- take your eyes off of that screen long enough to look at other numbers and information about what is and has been developing-
where are you on these stats?
Weight gain issues related to staying "safe at home":
- 76% of those polled say they gained up to 16 pounds during quarantine.
- 74% of people say that when their daily routine was thrown off it caused them stress.
- 76% of people say that increased stress resulted in them snacking more.
- 60% admit their diets were thrown off during self-isolation.
- 69% said they started snacking more out of a lack of anything to do.
- 65% have been mostly eating comfort foods during isolation.
Mental health among our kids:
Boys and Girls Club resource suggests:
from Dr. Noam that parents can tailor to age and developmental levels:
- Young children:Be available and in close distance as much as possible. Parents should practice their own self-care so they are rested and patient with little ones who need them throughout the day.
- School age children:Parents should choose their battles over school-work. Don’t pick a fight when it will compromise the quality of the parent-child relationship and try to transition a potential conflict into something more positive. Do not set low expectations or avoid creating needed structure - just remember that consistent criticism can create a bad environment for everyone. Playing games, listening and providing hope are other constructive ways to build a stronger connection.
- Teenagers:When possible try to watch movies and listen to music together with your teen. Learn their world, but also respect their need for privacy and time alone as they are used to spending more time with their friends.