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fter the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, Faye Goodwin knew the months ahead would be challenging, but she thought she had a good approach for handling the pandemic. With more time at home, she planned on increasing daily exercise and refining her diet. And social media channels helped her stay current on virus trends and conversations about racial injustice and political turmoil. But as 2020 wore on, Goodwin, the Duke Lemur Center’s lead education specialist, felt increasingly stressed. She started most days drained from her fitness routine and morning scrolls through news on her smartphone. She didn’t feel healthy. While she received free counseling from Duke Personal Assistance Service, Goodwin found that social media breaks and a gentler fitness plan left her feeling healthier and more in balance. “A year later, my mental health is better than it has been in a long time, and my body is happier as well,” Goodwin said. The upheaval created by the pandemic left many Americans, including Duke staff and faculty, struggling to maintain physical health and well-being. “Stress in America,” an American Psychological Association survey, reported that, during the pandemic, 61 percent of adults had undesired weight changes; nearly half delayed or canceled health care services; and roughly one in four were drinking more alcohol to cope. These effects pose long-term health risks such as Type II diabetes and heart disease, and a higher risk of stroke, liver disease and cancer. Dr. Satish Subramaniam of Duke Employee Occupational Health and Wellness said disrupted routines, increased stress and limited access to coping resources such as friends or exercise have left members of the Duke workforce with health struggles. But he noted that many of the concerns can be addressed through small changes or programs available through Duke. “The biggest issue we see is that people know they’re struggling, but they’re not sure how to help themselves either with the available resources or by connecting with other people who may be able to help,” Subramaniam said. With annual Open Enrollment for medical, dental and vision coverage from October 18 through October 29, staff and faculty have an opportunity to put their physical and mental health first by reviewing benefits available through Duke, making plan adjustments or enrolling in voluntary programs such as the health care reimbursement account. While the pandemic has challenged the health and well-being of many, everyone’s story is unique. By hearing, in their own words, how some colleagues found their path to better health, you may find inspiration for yours. 4
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My Health, My Story Faye Duke Lemur Center’s Faye Goodwin found the right approach for her health and wellness during the pandemic. Photo by Justin Cook.
