Health Tips from Nurse Cota
Hello Mayfield Community,
I hope you are all well and staying healthy.
All of the uncertainty and changes we’re experiencing can be stressful. It’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves and stay connected with the important people in our lives, but it is also really important to follow the social distancing directions of healthcare professionals.
I’m sure most of you are aware that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is increasing in L.A. County. This is due mainly to increased testing. Many of those cases were probably already in the community; we just weren’t aware of them. This increased awareness will help contain the virus as those people isolate themselves.
The main message from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to mitigate, or help slow the spread, of the virus is to practice social distancing. This means to maintain a distance of at least six feet from people in the community. I’ve had a chance to practice this as I stood in line at both Ralphs and Trader Joe’s waiting to get in the store. One lady in line gave me a funny look, but I told her I’m a nurse and I’m using social distancing to help slow the spread. You can do the same!
Yesterday and today the director of LACDPH, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, gave the following action items everyone can do to help:
- “Everyone should stay home as much as possible” and leave home for only essential errands (grocery shopping, medical appointments). You can take a walk, hike or run. She is encouraging everyone to work from home if their employer will allow it and for children to be cared for at home.
- Stay home if you’re sick, even with a mild illness, and isolate yourself from other family members.
- Check on the elderly in your life and make sure they have enough provisions, both groceries and medical supplies.
- Practice social distancing “when you go out and about, but it’s a bad idea to be in a crowd.”
- Keep connected to the important people in your lives, just not in person if they don’t live with you; use digital means to stay in touch.
I know students miss being with their friends. But I ask you to follow the directions of the Public Health Department and stay at home. It is so important that we all do all we can to help slow the spread of this virus and help protect our health care system and each other, especially those who are considered at high risk. Let’s help protect everyone.
There is a plethora of information being circulated about this virus, some of it true and some not. Reading and re-reading the same information can cause a heightened sense of worry and anxiety. Although it is important to stay informed of the situation, I suggest you limit your time spent reading about this situation and get your information from trusted sources, such as:
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH, County)
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH, State)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, National)
- World Health Organization (WHO, International)
Staying informed will help you stay healthy. Limiting your exposure to information will help decrease worry and anxiety, and using trusted sites will give you correct information and spare you the rumors.
We are all in this together. We have a unique and loving community at Mayfield Senior School; let’s protect it by following the advice and directives of our health leaders.
I am here to help—please email me with any questions or concerns.
Be blessed,
Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
