This is aimed at anyone with a Long Term Health Condition, or who knows someone who is struggling with the lifting of restrictions.
The simple steps we can all take to support the Shielders, Clinically Vulnerable and Vulnerable as we journey through the Governments Roadmap, looking at a variety of settings.
Supported by numerous Government, Health, Exercise & Mental Health Programmes/Organisations. To protect, support, understand and utilise resources available to us as we learn to live with the virus by exploring Topical Subjects.
With shielding ending, lockdown lifting, waiting times growing, COVID cases rising and hospital admissions increasing, seemingly in line with the heat of the sun, is it any wonder we’re feeling stressed, threatened, vulnerable and exposed?
But whilst that remains a question mark for now, we have to use what we’ve got and muddle through the rest until we find our feet and, can live and breathe comfortably in a very unfamiliar world of confusion, constant moving of goal posts and worries along the way.
Let’s have a look at help that we have along the way and make this a very personal journey through the tropics together as one.
Lifting Of Restrictions
This Restrictions - What you Can & Cannot Do page has support for the general public. It includes some of the following subjects;
Businesses and venues
Keeping yourself and others safe
Get tested and self isolate
Get vaccinated
Using the NHS COVID-19 app
Wearing a face covering
Fresh air
Testing twice a week even if you don’t have symptoms, and using the NHS COVID Pass
Personal hygiene
Staying home when unwell
Close contact
Understanding the risks of COVID-19
In addition there is a more focused document entitled Guidance On Shielding & Protecting Extremely Vulnerable People which is the latest Government Document containing the key focus of advice on keeping yourself healthy. It looks at key topics such as Travel, Social Distancing, Vaccinations, going to shops and pharmacies and additional care and support. There are a number of great links to other organisations such as The NHS Volunteer Responders Programme, Hub of Hope and Every Mind Matters if you are finding the transition difficult.
Further More Specific Support
The Pituitary Foundation have a specific page on The Lifting Of Restrictions which highlights some key aspects to consider/choices you can make and encourage others to do as well. This includes the roll out of potential booster vaccines and the priority schedule and simple measures like;
‘Meeting in well-ventilated areas Wearing a face covering where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet in enclosed and crowded spaces.
Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day.
Covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze.
Staying at home if unwell, to reduce the risk of passing on other illnesses onto friends, family, colleagues, and others in your community.
Considering individual risks, such as clinical vulnerabilities and vaccination status’.
The Addison’s Disease Sanctuary of Support page is a mass of information and helpful links. Yes, it is aimed at those with Pituitary Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease BUT the links and theories behind the content are helpful to everyone.
Hospital/Healthcare Settings/Appointments
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable then, heading to hospitals with increasing cases may spark an element of fear which is totally understandable. NHS England are offering some support here. Whilst hospital appointments are in ‘back log’ mode due to the pandemic, at least you can be assured and rest easy over the following quote when you do attend;
This is backed up by a more detailed report by NHS England entitled Health Care Settings Rules which explains exactly what is expected from the perspective of Care givers, patients and visitors.
Being Safe/Government Advice/being Pro-Active
One very important piece of advice and safety measure is to take regular testing. It is recommended that you utilise lateral flow tests twice a week. This are simple to administer, take only a few minutes and, can be ordered from Gov.uk and, arrive really quickly. Make this a part of your routine and actively encourage others to do the same.
Take part in a Research Survey such as the one that The Pituitary Foundation and Addison’s Disease Self Help Group are running and, it does literally take one minute to complete and, has just two questions so that you can express your feelings about lockdown lifting no matter what your health condition.
The Addisons Disease Self Help Group are part of a movement around infection control as they explain here;
‘On July 13 2021, National Voices sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed and endorsed by nearly 60 member organisations asking him to urgently reconsider the decision to lift virtually all infection control measures. We at the Addison's Disease Self-Help Group are proud to be one of the charities who signed and endorsed this important letter’. (https://www.addisonsdisease.org.uk/News/joint-letter-to-the-prime-minister-regarding-the-lifting-of-virtually-all-infection-control-measures)
So there are people fighting to help and support us through team work and collaboration which is heartening to know and a great campaign to back up. Just that knowledge can give you some peace of mind. It demonstrates that there is real concern amongst people with LTHC’s and that you are not the only person struggling. You can download the letter here. If you would like you can send the letter yourself or just have a read!
The Heatwave
With the country being in the midst of a heatwave it’s important to follow some key advice. Some basic information from the NHS England highlights the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke. Public health England highlight that of course we want to enjoy the sun but remind us that those most at risk and in need of support are;
If you are after more specific support the The Pituitary Foundation have this page which looks at those most at risk, some essential criteria specific to those with Diabetes Insipidus, storage of medications and a reminder of rules to follow on ‘sick day’. Also be aware that people with circulatory conditions or dementia may not be able to recognise the signs of over-heating, so worth keeping an eye out for anyone who falls into this category.
Ensure you stay well hydrated. Plenty of water and some diluted juice with a pinch of salt will also help. If you want to take this further then Nuun tablets provide a great balance of ingredients for mineral replenishment and optimal hydration before/during/after a trip out or a workout. Amazon stock a variety of options and flavours. This are recommended by Healthcare Consultants and so safe to use.
Mental Health
Mind have conducted some interesting research about Corona Virus and the impact it has had on the whole country through the pandemic. There is also a Corona Virus Support Page for anyone who is finding lockdown restrictions easing difficult to manage. This provides a wide variety of information on topics such as;
Bereavement
Loneliness
Young people
Coping
Accessing Treatment
The wearing of face masks and many more.
Exercise
Exercise is so important but can be a challenge, especially with the warmer weather. Remember;
There’s no need to change your current levels/types of exercise whatever they are.
If you have been exercising at home then there is still plenty of online content to keep you moving.
If you’ve been exercising at a venue close by with small classes or even outdoor classes, then you may need to make some additional precautions and be prepared for the size of group to change.
Of crucial importance is to ensure that you are working at the correct intensity. Polar Heart Rate Zone Basics is a great resource to help you stay within the correct zone.
Remember the heat requires you to work harder so you may need to adjust.
If you aren’t already exercising then one simple way is through,The Sport England Campaign, ‘We Are Undefeatables’, who have some really simple guidance on Ways To Move that are great to get you started and are all home based, but with he potential to move outdoors as well.
For coaches and instructors these detailed documents from gov.uk which cover Grass Roots sport and exercise provision and, the Measures For Elite Sport, will give you some great guidance on getting things moving in a safe way with lots of advice that take COVID-19 restrictions really seriously. Ensuring that participants feel well supported and safe on return or with changes in class sizes and social distancing measures should be high on your agenda.
We Conclude
We hope that this helps to alleviate and understand your feelings and knowledge around the lifting of restrictions. It certainly helped us at Time To Heal, so we can now focus on the key information that we require. Don’t allow anyone to say you are moving too slow or too fast. It’s you and your body and, how you react is different and unique. The important thing is to take in what you need to and focus on taking small positive steps. Right now there is no reason to change your routines or pathways but remember;
Be safe
Pace and chunk
Plan ahead
Visit places you feel comfortable in visiting first
Express concerns if you have them
Ask for help if you need it.
This is something we are going to be living with just like other conditions like flu and, so there is no reason to rush things, even if that’s what you feel pressured into!
Important Links
Pituitary Foundation - Lifting of restrictions
Pituitary Foundation - Heatwave Advice
Addisons - SOS - Sanctuary Of Support
Addisons Disease - Quick Online Survey
Government Guidelines - Restriction On Roadmap 4
Government Advice - Guidance For Shielders/Vulnerable People
Government Guidelines - Order Lateral Flow Tests
Government Advice - Grass Roots Sports Provision
Government Advice - Measures For Elite Sport
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-coronavirus-covid-19-measures-for-elite-sport
Mind - Research
Mind - Corona Virus Support Hub
NHS England - Face Masks & Social Distancing
NHS England - Heat Exhaustion
NHS - Corona Virus Testing
We Are Undefeatables - Ways to Move
Nuun Life- Hydration Tablets
Polar Health & Fitness - Heart Rate Zones
Coming up next week.....
Ever thought about comparing yourself with a Grand Prix Formula 1 Team? No? Then let’s lead you into this gently!
If you are sporty then you’ll understand the team work and technical aspects that go into a motor racing car or any other top level sport/exercise routine and what needs to happen to allow participants to reach their full potential. Flip this around and look at it from the perspective of someone with a long term health condition, you’ll understand the need for a good team around.
So what links can be made here?
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