COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION
a publication of Saint Francis Health System
Saint Francis Health System Board of Directors John-Kelly C. Warren, Chairman Judy Kishner, Vice-Chair Jake Henry Jr. Michael Case Michael Cooke, J.D. Ashley Gable, M.D. Reverend Gary Kastl William R. Lissau Charles McEntee, M.D.
Saint Francis Health System Executive Council
Contents
6
Leaning on Our Faith
16
Food Planning
8
COVID-19
18
Helpful Hints for Parents
9
What to Do If You are Feeling Ill
20
Safe KIDS Tulsa:
10
Connect to Healthcare Safely from Home
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Activities for Kids
12
Proper Hand Washing:
24
Thank You
14
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Symptom Chart
During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Jake Henry Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Barry Steichen
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Eric Schick
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Saint Francis Health System
Keeping Your Kids SAFE While Out of School
Mark Frost, M.D.
Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs, Saint Francis Health System
Mike Lissau, J.D.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Saint Francis Health System
Tom Neff
Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Corporate Business Development, Saint Francis Health System
Charley Trimble
Senior Vice President, Quality, Saint Francis Health System
Doug Williams
Senior Vice President, Saint Francis Health System and Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital
Save Lives with Clean Hands
Collin Henry, J.D.
Vice President, Saint Francis Health System, Warren Clinic Operations and Physician Recruitment
Michele Keeling
Vice President, Saint Francis Health System and Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee
Todd Schuster
Vice President, Saint Francis Health System and Administrator, Saint Francis Hospital South
A Letter to the Communities We Serve This is a time when people want assurances. They want to hear that everything will be okay. Unfortunately, this is a time when it is hard to give assurances. The truth is that no one knows what this pandemic will look like in three months. It is unknown—and for right now, that is the assurance we have been given. What I can assure you is that Saint Francis Health System is comfortable with the unknown. Healthcare professionals operate in the world of the unknown on a daily basis. There are always variables that can complicate even the most expert treatment plans or approaches to care. The unknown is often our starting point. Even in the best of times, medicine and clinical care carry the burden and weight of the unknown. All we can do is plan, prepare and pursue the next right step. This is what we have always done and this is what we will continue to do. As the state’s healthcare leader, people have high expectations of Saint Francis. Fortunately, we set equally high expectations for ourselves. Our value of excellence is one of our greatest strengths. Mediocrity and status quo are not part of our fabric. In times of need and crisis, we want people to look to us—this is why we are here. We, of course, can’t offer assurances on the future. However, we can be sure that our organization’s structure and stability will allow us to be among the most prepared to handle the headwinds that are inevitable as this pandemic unfolds. We are aggressive in our pursuit of excellence. Being locally led and locally governed allows us to act quickly in times of need. We have the ability to scale the allocation of resources in real time. We are eastern Oklahoma’s home team for healthcare. We will remain vigilant and committed to do all that we can to be the healthcare partner you expect us to be. It is times like this that we have trained for. We have always planned for the hard times. Here we are. I pray that our planning and training have prepared us to face this situation with a calm and focused approach. We are thankful for the guidance and direction given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as local and state health departments. We adhere to their guidelines and directives and look to them as the primary sources of information during this time. And, we ask you to do the same. I urge you to take their recommendations to heart. • Do not come to the emergency room if it is not an emergency • Call ahead before coming to a Saint Francis facility if you are ill and seeking care • Wash your hands often • If you are sick, stay home and don’t go to work • Practice social distancing to the degree that you can The only assurance I can give you is this—our patients, family, friends and neighbors are our highest priority. I pray that we can be what you need us to be in this time of uncertainty. I pray for our physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers that we can be emboldened by our mission to rise to the challenges we may face. And finally, I pray that as a community, state, nation and world that we find refuge in Christ’s healing presence and peace in His embrace.
Jake Henry Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Health System
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Extraordinary Measures Over the past month, a lot of things have changed— for everyone. COVID-19 has, of course, brought changes to Saint Francis Health System as well. At each hospital location, clinic, unit and office, protocols are in place for employees, who are regularly screened for symptoms of the illness, especially any sign of fever. Throughout this crisis, Saint Francis employees and all healthcare workers across our area remain dedicated to caring for others-while at the same time, ensuring that we keep each other as safe as possible.
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Together in Prayer While keeping a safe distance in the hospital Chapel, the Saint Francis Health System pastoral care staff—priests, religious sisters and chaplains unite each day in prayer for our patients and staff. As the first patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 in our area, the pastoral care staff decided to Pray the Rosary and the Litany of Our Lady daily for these intentions. These prayers are offered for all patients and their families, including those suffering from COVID-19, for those who have lost their lives to the illness, for the safety and protection of our hospital staff and for the gift of wisdom for our administrators who guide us through this unusual time.
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Leaning on Our Faith By Sister Mary Nika Schaumber, RSM, Director, Saint Francis Health System Department of Religion The Gospels relate the story of the disciples out at sea when a storm arises. The boat was filling and they were terrified. Jesus was asleep in the stern, so the disciples wake Him complaining that He does not care about them perishing. Jesus replies, “Be still. Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Doesn’t this seem strange? The boat seems to be sinking and Jesus wonders why they are afraid. What could He mean? Perhaps Jesus was testing their faith…did they believe He was with them and would never let them perish. Did they trust him? In a moment of prayer on March 27 in an empty Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis referred to the storm on the sea. He commented, “Like the disciples in the Gospel we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.” God did not cause this world crisis, but He is permitting it, perhaps to awaken us again to His Presence, a Presence that assures us He can bring good out of evil. Again Pope Francis said, “The Lord asks us and, in the midst of our tempest, invites us to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, support and meaning to these hours when everything seems to be floundering.” There is great solidarity and hope that is evident in the tremendous work of everyone in the Saint Francis Health System at this time. Are we all afraid? Yes. Can we see the future? No. Where we need to turn is to faith, faith in the God that loves us. This virus will come to an end; let it not distract us from what the Lord may be saying to us at this time: I am with you. In the Providence of God this storm hit us during the last two weeks of Lent when we recall the Passion and Death of Jesus. Jesus suffered to save us, to enable us to enter heaven. Death is not the end; Christ rose and we will too. That is our hope and our joy.
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Pope Francis’ Prayer for Protection During the Coronavirus Pandemic
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas– we who are put to the test–and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
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SYMPTOM CHART:
WHAT TO WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS
COVID-19*
Symptoms range from mild to severe.
COLD
Gradual onset of symptoms
FLU
Abrupt onset of symptoms
ALLERGIES
Fever
Common Rare
Common No
Fatigue
Sometimes Slight
Common No
Cough
Common
Mild to moderate Common
Sneezing
Rare
Common Sometimes Common
Aches and pains
Sometimes Slight
Runny or stuffy nose
Rare
Sore throat
Sometimes Common Common No
Diarrhea
Sometimes No
Headache
Sometimes Rare
Shortness of breath
Sometimes
Common No
Common Sometimes Common
Sometimes No (for children)
Common Sometimes
Sometimes Rare Rare Common (In more serious infections)
* Information still evolving.
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Sources: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oklahoma State Department of Health
What to Do If You are Feeling Ill If you or a loved one develop a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms, here are a few steps to take: Call Ahead If you are feeling ill and think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, your first step should be to call your doctor’s office. Your provider can assess your symptoms and recommend next steps which may include collection of a nasal swab for lab testing.
Self Quarantine While you await any test results for COVID-19, it is important that you please self-quarantine. Some detailed information and resources for self quarantine are available on the CDC website, cdc.gov.
Guidance includes: • stay home and isolate yourself from others in your family; • wear a facemask; • cover your coughs and sneezes; • avoid sharing personal household items; • clean your hands often; • clean all "high-touch" surfaces in your house every day;
See the next page for information on connecting to Healthcare from home via Video Visits and E-Visits…
• monitor your symptoms; • if your symptoms worsen while you are at home, please call your physician or healthcare facility; and • in case of emergency, please call 911.
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Connect to Healthcare Safely from Home.
Warren Clinic Video Visits and E-Visits are new options for patients to access a wide range of healthcare services.
In order to help people stay home during the COVID-19 outbreak, Warren Clinic and Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital have expanded its services for patients to include Video Visits. Whether it’s scheduling a new doctor’s appointment, or an existing appointment previously on the calendar, patients now have the option to talk with their healthcare provider by simply accessing a camera-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer. Established Warren Clinic patients can schedule this new type of visit with their primary care physician, as well as their physician specialist, Warren Clinic Urgent Care sites and Laureate mental health provider. Parents can also schedule a Video Visit with their child’s Warren Clinic pediatrician. To plan a Warren Clinic Video Visit, simply call or send a MyChart message to your physician or Laureate provider’s office. Doctors say thousands of patients from eastern Oklahoma have already taken advantage of this telemedicine option since the program was put in place in late March. “Virtual visits have been an effective tool to help us stay in touch with our patients and provide appropriate counseling during a challenging time,” said Brent Dennis, M.D., Warren Clinic internal medicine physician.
“These new safe options provide patients with access to appropriate medical care from the safety of their home. This allows us to address smaller health issues as they occur or stay on top of their chronic medical issues that might otherwise result in an unnecessary visit to the emergency room.” Video Visits are also now being provided by many Warren Clinic physician specialists as well. “Virtual Visits are not limited to primary care physicians; patients can also see a specialist or surgeon via Video Visits. In one day, I saw several patients on this platform—many of these patients had issues that couldn’t wait. Even surgical specialists are able to see some post-op patients virtually,” said Michael Spain, M.D., interventional cardiologist with the Warren Clinic Cardiology of Tulsa. “If a patient needs care, we'll figure out a way to get it to them. Video Visits are almost like the old days when physicians regularly made house calls...this is the modern day house call.”
MyChart E-Visits Warren Clinic E-Visits also remain an option for patients to access healthcare services from the safety of home and expanded services include a new
“Virtual visits have been an effective tool to help us stay in touch with our patients and provide appropriate counseling during a challenging time.” – Brent Dennis, M.D., Warren Clinic Internal Medicine.
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“Video Visits are like the old days when physicians regularly made house calls...this is the modern day house call.” – Michael Spain, M.D., Warren Clinic Cardiology of Tulsa
COVID-19 E-Visit for those who have a fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms. Warren Clinic patients can visit saintfrancis. com/mychart for more information, details and E-Visit criteria. What’s important for patients to know is that all Warren Clinic and Laureate providers offering telemedicine services are health system-affiliated physicians practicing in Oklahoma—and virtual visits, video or E-Visits, are not outsourced to out-of-state providers. Of course there remain some conditions and appointment types that still require an in-person visit. Patients should
feel free to call their physician or healthcare facility to discuss any concerns. As for insurance coverage for virtual care, normal patient co-pays still apply. As of March 17, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expanded access to telemedicine so that patients can receive a broadened range of services without going to a healthcare facility.* Under this new waiver, many insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, are covering the costs for telehealth appointments. *Source information: CMS.gov.
Sign up for your free Saint Francis MyChart account. • Visit mychart.saintfrancis.com and select Sign Up Now. • If you have an activation code, follow the instructions on the screen. If you do not, select the No Activation Code–Sign Up Online option. • Once your account is verified, you will be able to access your results and records online or via the MyChart app.
MyChart® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation.
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Proper Hand Washing:
SAVE LIVES WITH CLEAN HANDS One of the most consistent messages during the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of frequent and thorough hand washing. But, how many know how to properly and effectively wash our hands?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following five steps are the right way to wash your hands:
Wet 1
Lather
Scrub
Rinse
2
3
4
Dry 5
Wet your hands
Lather your hands
Scrub your hands
Rinse your hands
Dry your hands using
with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday� song from beginning to end twice.
well under clean, running water.
a clean towel or air dry them.
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Now that you know the proper way to wash your hands, it’s important to understand when you should wash your hands: • After you have been in a public place, such as a grocery store, pharmacy, etc., and touched a surface that may have been frequently touched by others. This includes door handles, counters and tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, ATM screens or store registers, etc. • Before touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth as that is how germs enter our bodies • Before, during and after food preparation • Before eating food • Before and after caring for someone who is ill • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After using the restroom • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing • After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste • After handling pet food or pet treats • After touching garbage “Frequent hand washing helps you and those around you stay healthy. It’s also important to avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands,” says Lance King, M.D., a family medicine physician and medical director of Warren Clinic.
Use of Hand Sanitizers While hand sanitizer has been hard to find since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, if you have it available for use, know that those that contain at least 60% alcohol are the next best thing to traditional hand washing. Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. The CDC advises that people should be mindful of the following: • Hand sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs. • Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. • Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals. Please share this helpful information with your children and family. For more detailed information including video resources on appropriate hand washing, please visit cdc.gov/handwashing. *Source CDC.gov
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Managing Stress and
Anxiety With coronavirus (COVID-19) and all the uncertainty that surrounds it, new terms such as “social distancing” and “flattening the curve”
have become our new normal – for now, anyway.
Our everyday routines have changed significantly, normal in-person support systems are now more distant and many of our favorite places to visit are closed until further notice. Inevitably, scenarios such as these can take a toll on one’s mental health. Yet, let’s all take a collective deep breath and know that during this unprecedented time, it's normal to not feel OK. It’s OK to Not Feel OK While stress during a time like this is normal, coping with it in a positive way will ultimately help strengthen your emotional health. “There are certainly some practical steps you can take—at any age—to reduce fear and anxiety about COVID-19,” says Kurt
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VanMatre, a licensed professional counselor and director of the outpatient clinic at Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital. “The number one thing you can do is put down your phone—and set some limits on the amount of news and information you are consuming about the situation.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include: • fear and worry about your health and the health of your loved ones; • changes in sleep or eating patterns; • difficulty sleeping or concentrating; • worsening of chronic health problems; and • increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
“If you notice a loved one having a hard time, simply ask them how they are doing,” VanMatre says. “They may or may not want to talk about it—but knowing someone cares enough to ask generally means a lot.” Other recommendations for coping with the stress include: • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol. • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. • Connect with others online or call someone. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. • Call your primary care physician if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
Mental health professionals at Laureate Psychiatric Clinic are offering video visits for established outpatients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment at Laureate, please call 918-481-4000.
Overwhelmed with Emotions? People respond differently to times like these and how you respond may not be the same as your partner, child, co-worker or neighbor. The CDC reports that the groups most likely to respond strongly to the stress of COVID-19 include: • older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19; • children and teens; • professionals who are responding to the public health crisis, like nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers and first responders; and • people who have existing mental health conditions including problems with substance abuse.
Acknowledge what you can control during this time, and if you’re struggling to function, it’s time to ask for help.” When this is over. It may seem like the COVID-19 fears and anxieties developed overnight, don’t be concerned if they take a while to subside— this is normal. It’s also common for people to have a delayed emotional reaction to stressful events. Feelings of fear, sadness or anxiety can develop weeks, months and even years after a traumatic event. There is no time frame on healing and no deadline to seek support. When this is over, you’ll have been through a lot and a lot will have changed in the world around you. Be gentle with yourself and remember it is ok to ask for help now…and later.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has established a hotline for those who may be experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19:
1-800-985-5990 If you or someone you know is overwhelmed and suffering from severe depression, anxiety or may harm themselves, please call:
911 in case of emergency
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
“Information changes rapidly and there’s still a lot we don’t know about COVID-19,” VanMatre says. “It’s normal to feel uncertain and scared. Staying in that scary space too long though, isn’t good for anyone.
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During this time of
SHELTERING AT HOME, when trips to the
grocery store
are less frequent and
SUPPLIES OF
CERTAIN FOODS may be limited, it’s especially helpful to plan your list well ahead of
time and purchase
ITEMS THAT WILL LAST A BIT LONGER in your cabinet
or refrigerator.
Online resources such as myplate.gov provide excellent resources for individuals and families in reference to meal planning during this time of isolation at home. They recommend preparing a shopping list that can cover your household for approximately two weeks.
• Oatmeal and other whole grains: to increase complex carbohydrates
Items to consider on your list:
• Salmon: omega-3 fatty acids contain antiinflammatory properties that may help counteract the negative effects of stress hormones.
• Shelf-stable items such as pastas, rice, beans, oatmeal and dried goods • Canned goods • Frozen vegetables and food items • Frozen breads, meats, fruits and even milk • Jarred items including sauces and nut butters KEEPING THE BODY NOURISHED DURING STRESSFUL TIMES While certain supplies of fresh food items in stores may fluctuate, now (amidst COVID-19) is a good opportunity for a reminder about foods that provide the body with extra nourishment to help you withstand the negative effects of stress on your health and well-being.
• Citrus fruits • Spinach • Yogurt: provides much needed calcium and protein, in addition to probiotics.
• Blueberries: fresh or frozen, are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. • Pistachios: contain key phytonutrients that may provide antioxidant support for cardiovascular health. • Dark chocolate: can help reduce stress hormones, including cortisol. Studies have shown that polyphenols in cocoa can help the body form nitric oxide which enables blood vessels to dilate and blood to flow more easily—thus lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. • Seeds: including flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are all great sources of magnesium.
Foods that can nourish during stressful times:
• Avocado: provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids.
• Green, leafy vegetables: in addition to fiber, greens contain folate, which has been linked to reducing anxiety due to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
*If you are on a disease-specific nutrition plan, please note that some of these items may not meet what is recommended for you.
Food Planning during the covid-19 pandemic
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CONTROLLING YOUR TRIGGERS For those who typically engage in stress eating, the current COVID-19 scenario of being at home can add to the challenge of avoiding indulgences. If this sounds familiar, rest assured you're not alone. Stress, the hormones it unleashes, and the effects of high-fat, sugary “comfort foods” push people toward overeating.
• Reconfigure your kitchen: Out of sight, out of mind. Now is a great time to clear your counters of tempting visual cues like cookies, sweets and soft drinks and place a fruit bowl out instead. Also consider keeping trigger foods on high shelves, or hidden behind other foods, so they won't be the first thing you grab. The opposite logic applies for healthy foods.
First of all, it's a good idea to try to pinpoint what heightens your stress and then come up with a plan. Whether it's watching the news or spending too much time on social media, it's important to find a way to help minimize triggers.
• Are you truly hungry? Feeling a desire for food despite a lack of true hunger could also mean you are anxious or bored. Instead of reaching for stresssoothing treats, you might go for a walk, call a friend, listen to music or watch a movie.
Suggested strategies include: • Single-sized snack portions: Try putting snacks like pretzels and chips into zippered bags ahead of time, which allows you to naturally avoid eating out of supersized bags or containers. Opt for singlesized pre-portioned snack bags.
• Opt for healthier options: If a specific craving drives your stress eating, consider healthier substitutes to calm the craving. For instance, try swapping cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar on your morning oatmeal, as opposed to an iced, oversized cinnamon roll.
A WORD ABOUT FOOD SAFETY CONCERNS While practicing home food safety and good personal hygiene are always important, hand washing is especially critical in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and should be done often. Before preparing or eating food, it's important to wash your hands with clean water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. Other practices, such as cleaning and disinfecting countertops and other surfaces can also serve as protection to you and others. Proper home food safety is advised, including promptly refrigerating foods, keeping raw and cooked foods separate and heating food to the appropriate internal temperature. *Article information sources: MyPlate.gov; CNN.com; Eatright.org; and Health.com.
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Helpful Hints for Parents If you’re wondering how to maintain a safe, peaceful home front while navigating COVID-19’s uncharted waters you are not alone. Yes, these are uncertain times and as parents we strive to create a safe haven for our kids—from the toddlers to teens and young adults.
Talk with your kids about COVID-19 First off, kids—of all ages—do better when they’re not in the dark. In fact, not talking about the coronavirus may actually make them worry more. Your goal is to help your children feel informed and get fact-based information that is likely more reassuring than whatever they’re gleaning from their friends or on the news. Other helpful information:
• Stick to routine. This is particularly important when your
child’s school or daycare has shut down. Make sure you are taking care of the basics just as you would during a spring break or summer vacation. Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.
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• Keep the dialogue going. Invite your child to tell you
anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. Let them know the lines of communication are open and you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more.
• Focus on staying safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions you are taking within the household (washing hands, etc.).
• Set aside time to spend with each child. If you
have several children in your home, make it a point to spend some individual time with each one as you can
• No 24/7 TV. Make a point to switch off the TV and phone.
Designate a “virus-free” time. As is the case with people of all ages, an overload of information can have a negative impact on one’s well-being.
Tips for easing the way for teens: As for older children, teenagers are certainly more self-sufficient than younger children; yet, having them at home can present another set of challenges. While younger children may be delighted to have constant parental attention, for adolescents not so much.
• Emphasize social distancing. Despite the fact
teenagers tend to feel invincible, it’s important for them to understand that they could be asymptomatic carriers and they could infect others, including their grandparents.
• Understand their frustration over not seeing friends. Listen to them and validate their feelings. Then be
direct about how you can work together to make this situation bearable for everyone in the family.
• Support remote schooling. You can help teenagers—
and college students who’ve been sent home—create a realistic schedule for getting work done in defined periods; building in breaks and times for socializing; exercising and entertainment. The key principle: Do a session of work first, then reward yourself with something relaxing.
• Encourage healthy habits. Teenagers and young adults will do better during this stressful time if they get adequate sleep, eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.
If you’re looking for more information and online resources to help support parents, children and teens, please visit childmind.org. Article source: The Child Mind Institute and the World Health Organization.
Other Ways to Help Children react to stress differently, based on age, development and personality. Amid the current public health crisis, experts encourage parents to approach the situation with calm confidence, answer questions and share facts in a way your child or teenager can understand.
Other ways to help include:
• Keeping up with regular routines— Since
schools and extra-curricular activities have closed, maintain a schedule for learning, relaxing and fun activities.
• Providing healthy distractions—Parents can
ook online to find museums, zoos, arts and cultural organizations that are offering virtual tours and learning sessions for the family.
• Reassuring your child or teen that they are safe— Let them know it is okay to feel upset
• Being a role model— Children often take cues from
• Limiting your family's exposure to news coverage and social media— Kids get a lot of
• Maintaining healthy habits— Take a walk with your
about the changes in their daily lives.
information from television, social media or general conversations; make sure they don't misinterpret information which can make them more fearful.
their parents on handling difficult situations. Remember, how you react may be reflected in how they react. kids, encourage some time outdoors (at a safe distance from others), maintain good sleep habits and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members via voice or video calls.
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SAFE Kids Tulsa
Keeping Kids SAFE It’s not yet summer, but from the looks of most neighborhoods, you’d never know. Whether on their bikes, scooters or just fishing at local creeks and ponds, kids of all ages have come outside to play. “Since schools are closed and many parents are now working from home due to the coronavirus, we’ve been seeing a whole new dynamic,” says Beth Washington, coordinator, SAFE Kids Tulsa. As kids have more free time at home in the weeks ahead, and as parents juggle supervising the kids with working from home, childhood injuries are likely to increase. “It’s been an adjustment for many families. Instead of both parents trying to work at the same time, they might consider making a shift schedule so that one parent is always ‘on duty’ and paying attention to what the kids are up to,” said Washington. SAFE Kids Tulsa offers the following precautions to help keep your kids safe while they are home from school:
Bikes: • The best way to prevent severe head injuries is to ensure your child wears a properly fitted bike helmet. • Make sure your child rides on the sidewalk whenever possible. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible. • Teach your child to use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. • Make sure your child wears bright colors and uses lights when riding at night and in the morning. Reflectors on clothing and bikes will help them be seen. • Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own.
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While Out of School Around water: • Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time. • Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they become available. • Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and that they are able to: • step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface; • float or tread water for one minute; • turn around in a full circle and find an exit; • swim 25 yards to exit the water; and • if in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder. • Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, undertow and changing weather. • Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a child’s life. “The whole idea is to make sure someone is always supervising our kids because nothing keeps them as safe as when our eyes are on them,” Washington says. SAFE Kids Tulsa also advises parents and caregivers about the importance of childproofing homes; ensuring all medicines are out of reach and that the Poison Control Center phone number (800-222-1222) is included in accessible contacts.” For more information about keeping kids safe, please visit safekids.org.
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THANK YOU. These uncertain times demand a lot from all of us. No one is unaffected by COVID-19.
Similarly, there is no group undeserving of thanks during this unprecedented time. In a way like never before, it is the collective action of our community that will have the most significant impact on this crisis. Only together can we flatten the curve and only together will we heal as a community. We want to publicly express our deep gratitude to our employees. From the
physicians, nurses and staff on the front lines of patient care, to the clinical and nonclinical staff and volunteers supporting the health system at each of our locations, their dedication to patients is a true testament and example of Saint Francis’ mission and values. To our community leaders, thank you for your guidance and direction during this
unprecedented time. To all of the professionals and service industry staff who work in essential fields,
thank you for answering the call to serve and be there for the community.
“Live this difficult moment with the strength of faith, the
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And finally, to the community, thank you. Thank you for staying home and doing
your part to flatten the curve. By doing so, you became a critical part of this region’s healthcare team. Your actions have saved lives. Thank you for the outpouring of support for healthcare workers across the region. Your support and generosity toward those on the front lines is appreciated more than you will ever know. Saint Francis Health System remains committed to being the healthcare partner you need and expect us to be-now and for generations to come. We pray that together, with everyone doing their part, we will heal as a community and be stronger and more united as a result.
“Live this difficult moment with the strength of faith, the certainty of hope and the fervor of charity.” – Pope Francis, March 8, 2020
certainty of hope and the fervor of charity.” – Pope Francis, March 8, 2020
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6161 South Yale Avenue • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
a publication of Saint Francis Health System
MISSION
To extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ in all we do
VISION
Saint Francis Health System will be the leading integrated Catholic healthcare system providing high quality, comprehensive and innovative care across our regional continuum of services.
VALUES EXCELLENCE Promoting high standards of service and performance DIGNITY Respecting each person as an inherently valuable member of the human community and as a unique expression of life JUSTICE Advocating for systems and structures that are attuned to the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged and that promote a sense of community among all persons INTEGRITY Encouraging honesty, consistency and predictability in all relationships STEWARDSHIP Ensuring prudent use of talents and resources in a collaborative manner
SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL | THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | WARREN CLINIC | HEART HOSPITAL AT SAINT FRANCIS | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH | LAUREATE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC AND HOSPITAL SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL MUSKOGEE | SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL VINITA | SAINT FRANCIS BROKEN ARROW | SAINT FRANCIS CANCER CENTER | SAINT FRANCIS HOME CARE COMPANIES | SAINT FRANCIS GLENPOOL
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