Get ready for the next Covid surge
Make sure you have everything you need to feel safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cases of coronaviruses and hospitalizations are increasing and starting to feel like April again, so it's important to know what you need to prepare for the next COVID push. Organizing an emergency kit and a wheat bag understanding that the essentials will keep you ready for everything. (In fact, the federal authorities have recommended this for years as preparation for natural disasters.) "People need to know that for the moment they will go to the hospital alone," saidIo dolka, ms, a patient defends only in Seattle. "In most places, no family member is allowed to escort or visit them during their hospitalization." Read on and ensure your health and health of others, do not miss theseWithout signs that you have already had coronavirus.
A well-stored first aid kit
The last thing you want to do is to go to the ER or an urgent health center because you have cut your finger or you have an allergy escarped. You only risk your health and health of others.
With a well-stocked relief kit, you can handle small medical problems at home. If you have a family of four, theAmerican Red CrossSuggests that your first aid kit includes at least the following:
- 2 9 inches 9 inches absorbent compression dressings.
- At least 25 adhesive bandages of different sizes.
- Tape in fabric that is at least 10 meters long by an inch wide.
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets with one gram.
- 5 antiseptic wipes.
- 1 instant cold compress.
- 2 pairs of non-latex gloves.
- 1 roller bandage.
- At least 5 sterile gauze buffers in matching sizes.
- Tweezers.
- 1 respiratory barrier.
- 1 emergency coverage.
- Oral thermometer.
Add something to your first aid kit that is unique to your location, situation or family. For example, if you live somewhere with tons of bugs, maybe add an ointment for bug sting. If you have a child who is allergic to bee bites, make an allergic medicine on hand in your first aid kit.
Bottles of water
There is no drain on our water supply and we do not need to worry about our faucets run dry from time. However, theUS Department of Homeland Internal SecurityDoes it recommend having hand bottled water during a pandemic in case. When available, buy about a week of water supply for you and your family.
While gallon pitchers or larger water containers are greener, consider buying sizes with water containers, including bottles of water. If you have symptoms and you need to be tested, you can wait in your car in a long line for hours. Having bottled water can make sure you stay comfortable while waiting for your test.
Your medical records
Make sure you have access to your medical records electronically. Otherwise, contact your doctor's offices and ask for permission to access your recordings. Gather all the documents you have about your medical conditions, your medical history and your medications you are taking.
In case of emergency or if you need to search for medical treatment, you can provide the health worker with quick access to these recordings. The information on your medical history and the medications you are currently taking are crucial for EMTS, nurses and doctors when looking for treatment and you may not be able to give them verbally.
A face mask and gloves
You probably do not leave the house without a face mask, but it is important to have one in your emergency kit, in case, as well as gloves, to protect you from the propagation of Covid-19 droplets.
A supplier of two months of fever drug
Even if you feel good now, it's a good time to register on your fever medications. IS IT EXPIRED? Do you have a two-month offer? If you start feeling sick, the last thing you need is to have to go to a pharmacy or grocery store to buy medicines. You put yourself and other people at risk of infection.
Your best bet is Tylenol or acetaminophen.
Bleach
On your next grocery store, he would not hurt to take a gallon of uncured bleach to have on hand. The bleach is known to kill the bacteria in contact, so it is a simple way to eliminate the virus or germs.
If you feel that your clothes, your towels or other items can be contaminated, use bleach to clean them if it is careful to do it. Use only bleach in a well ventilated area and do not mix it with other cleaners or chemicals. If you do a depth cleaning job, you can rest from insured bacteria, germs and viruses survived a meeting with bleach.
I do not just drink! The bleach is toxic if ingested.
A non-mercury thermometer
Keep a hand thermometer for your mental and physical health. With so many discussions on the virus, it is easy to psyner yourself to think that a cough could mean that you are infected. If you can monitor the temperature of your body with a thermometer, you can tell you about the edge and be more realistic about your symptoms.
A non-mercury thermometer is recommended because it is usually more accurate and easier to store. According toOhio State UniversityNon-mercury thermometers have "divisional divisions equal to mercury thermometers". They are also "non-toxic and safe from the environment".
A supply of one to two months of non-perishable food
It's a good idea to have a supply of one to two months of food for your family in the case of an emergency. If you or a family member gets sick, have the food you already need to make sure you do not have to go in public to get more supplies and risk the health of others. If possible, store non-perishable items such as soups, canned beans, rice or pasta.
Disinfecting cleaner
Make sure your home and personal belongings are disinfected is one of the best ways to keep coronavirus out of your household. Use a disinfectant cleaner to wipe the frequently affected areas, such as door buttons, faucets and toilet handles.
When it is prudent to do it, use a disinfectant cleaner to also clean your phone, sunglasses or other surfaces that can be public. Wipe out the packages that are delivered and the packaging of the items you bought from the grocery store before placing them in your home.
Pre-packaged snacks
You have your non-perishable food supply so that your family can eat for a moment without leaving the house. But do not forget about snacks. Pre-packaged snacks have a long life of the shelf so that they are good to buy and store a rainy day.
If you have a reference to be tested for the virus, prepare a long wait in your car with pre-packaged snacks. Consider buying nuts, granola bars, pretzels and other snacks that will please you while you expect your test or satisfy your family's desires without leaving home.
Hand disinfectant
Who would have thought that a common company gift like a detinctor of hand would become the most sought after point of 2020? If you can put your hands on the disinfectant, keep tight.
TheCDC recommends washing your handsFor at least 20 seconds with anti-bacterial soap at any time, you go to the bathroom, manage food, eat or are in public. However, if you can not access a sink or are between handwash, hand disinfecting can do the trick. Buy only a disinfectant with the hands containing at least 60% alcohol. This ensures that it will be effective to kill bacteria and germs in contact.
Tissue
Paper products are hard to come now, but if you find any tissue, it does not hurt to have a party. Even if you stay in the safety of the virus, common colds or allergies can still be a nuisance while you're hanging at home and social distancing. Have tissues on hand ensures you and your family members can take care of your allergies correctly and comfortably.
Immediately follow the CDC guidelines to throw used tissues immediately and do not let them on surfaces, such as a table or counter. Even if you do not have the virus, it ensures that you do not spread germs or contaminants to other surfaces in your home.
A soap that you want
You've heard it: Wash your hands. This is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. But it is not enough to touch the soap and rinse quickly. Lather for at least 20 seconds before rinsing thoroughly soap and dry your hands. Teach all family members how to wash and store properly all sinks in your home with a bottle of antibacterial soap.
A two-month supply of prescription drugs
The new regulations are applied every day, so now is the time to ensure that you are supplied on prescription medication you might need for the next two months. Call your doctor and ask for refills of your essential ordinances while they still treat patients. In most cases, your doctor may send electronically these refills at the pharmacy or your insurance company.
Try to fill these orders by mail or by a pharmacy to reduce your contact with other people. Register with your family members and make sure they also have at least two months of necessary requirements.
Laundry
If you want your home to be a safe haven free of germs virus, check your supply of laundry detergent. It is not enough to wash their hands and take off your shoes after a grocery run. Your clothes may also have been exposed to germs or droplets sneezing or coughing of other peoples.
When you or a family member coming home from a public place, take all the clothes in the washing machine. According to the CDC, all natural laundry detergent will do a good job of removing bacteria. Follow the care label of your clothes and try to dry the highest recommended temperature.
A one month supply of pet food
Remember to prepare your family members to fur for social distancing also. To avoid multiple trips to the store, add at least a one month supply of pet foods to your grocery list. By storing the pet food, you can limit your time in public, and the number of trips you have to make the hunt for items in local stores. You will even be able to order your food online store for pets.
Layers and formula
If you have a child at home, a generous supply of diapers and formula is crucial. Have a supply of one to two months of these items allows you to engage in a truly social distancing and jump frequent trips to the store.
If you plan to use diapers and formula, keep in mind that the world probably did the same. You may need to be open to buying a different brand than you would normally ensure you have the supplies you need for your child.
basic toiletries
Take inventory of your essential toiletries before having to leave. Pay attention to the stock of household you for important items such as contact solution, hearing Hearing batteries or toothpaste.
If you are planning a trip to the store for grocery stores, choose additional toiletries if you are weak. This can prevent you from needing something when the stores are closed or make a special trip and risk your health of an article.
Women's care products
Another essential element that you should have one to two months of supply is female care products. At your next release, choose what you think your household will need for the next few months.
Having these items in stock at home allows you to jump a trip and stay at home to effectively practice social distance. Once again, be patient with the grocery stock on these items. You may need to be open to the purchase of different brands or products that you can generally make sure you have an adequate offer.
Books, games and puzzles
Supplies for your mental health are just as important as supplies for your physical health. Keep yourself and your family entertain by storing fun activities, such as puzzles and games.
Need a moment of calm? Have some good books aligned to spend the time. Make a game of game with board games that you and your household members meet and play. You can also find virtual games playing with family or friends who are not in the same home as you. By keeping your mind busy and engaged, your social distancing time will pass faster and will not feel so insulating.
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Prerequisite
"Early guidelines should certainly be included in the patient's medical record," says the doctor based in New YorkNESOCHI OKEKE-IGBOKWE, MD. "The legal document stipulates to the patient's health intervention wishes in the event that the patient is no longer able to communicate their wishes during hospitalization."
This is also known as "live will", which specifies your wishes on end-of-life decisions, such as cardiac resuscitation and mechanical ventilation. For example: Do you want to receive the CPR if your heart stops beating? Do you want to be intubated and placed on a fan if you are critical and unable to breathe yourself? Read it for resources that can help you create these documents.
Specified Prosecutor
You must designate a sustainable power of attorney (a person who can make financial decisions for you, if you become incapacity) and a power of attorney of health (or a health care proxy - someone who can make health care decisions For you if you become too sick to do it yourself). You can consult a lawyer orFive wisheshas a document accepted by most states, saysGAYLE BYCK, Ph.D., a patient certified by the Chicago Board of Directors. You can also use their forms to identify your anticipated directives. Dolka also recommendsThe conversation project.
HIPAA LIBERATION FORM
This allows health care providers to release personal health information about you to whom you are reading on the form, says Byck. You can watch online to find one that is applicable in your state.
INSURANCE INFORMATION
Keep a photocopy or replacement insurance card in the bag for easy access, or write your insurance name, strategy number and phone number.
ID photo
It's a good idea to keep a duplicate photo identity document or copy in your ironing bag as a backup, in case you head to the hospital without your wallet or handbag .
List of your current medicines
"A complete list of all medications that the patient takes is another important information for your doctors to be known," says Okeke-Igbokwe. List all the medications or supplements you take - both prescribed and on-the-counter-sale of the dosage, what you take them, and how often you take them. Include the name of your pharmacy and phone number.
Allergic drug
Note all the drugs you are allergic to what your health care providers can avoid administering them.
Summary of health
Note all the conditions that you currently have treated, past diseases or surgeries (and when they occurred) and family history of medical conditions. It is also a good idea to include copies of recent and important test results, says Byck.
Important phone numbers
List your doctors, your keys and your family, as well as the clergy if you wish. "Include a list of emergency contacts in the order of how you want to call them," saysJoshua Mansour, MD, a Certified Triple-Certified Physician in Los Angeles. "There are certain situations in which the power of the nearest lawyer or family member can not be reached, therefore, having a list of whom the patient would like the health care team then is very Beneficial. Many times, the numbers are not updated in the hospital or graphic system. "
Chargers
Pack a charger for your mobile phone; The hospital staff may not also have a reservation to lend you when you need it. Include chargers for your laptop and your electronic player if you plan to take those with you.
Notebook or pen
You or a loved one you will want to take notes on your condition and your treatment. You may also want to log or write letters when you feel up to the height.
Something familiar from the house
"Personal images or articles can make an extended stay away from home a little easier," says Mansour. "Several times, pictures of the family, friends and loved ones can help brighten the day of a patient. A favorite cover or object can make the hospital stay a little easier."
Things to help you stay busy
Include some books or magazines, an electronic reader or crosswords or puzzles to help you spend time.
Information about the connection of the patient's portal
"If you have not set up a patient portal, it's a good time to do it," says boyck. "In" Normal Times ", it's an easy way to contact your doctors and follow the results of your tests and appointments to come. Share the connection information with your health care proxy and the members of the trust family In case they need more information to help advocate your care. Although you think that health professionals taking care of you will have access to this information, it is quite possible that you do not May not be taken to your usual hospital. "
Mobile phone / tablet / laptop
Because you probably use them actively, write a reminder to take them with you and affix it in the bag. They will help you stay busy and communicate with loved ones. "Especially since many hospitals have restrictions on visitors given to Covid-19, all that will help patients stay in touch with family, friends and loved ones will make the hospital stay more comforting," says Mansour. "Although social restrictions and distancing are applied, we do not want patients to feel socially isolated."
Pair of spare glasses
If you wear glasses, include a pair of reserve for you to remember. "In the precipitation, patients forget several times to catch their glasses," says Mansour. "Especially if a patient is taken by ambulance, it will be easier to have everything together in this bag go."
Listeners
These can help you take phone calls or relax with music on your mobile phone or laptop without disturbing others.
Toiletries
Although the hospital can provide them, you may want to include extras of your favorite personal care items, such as deodorant, soap and toothpaste and toothbrush.
Snacks
Sometimes in the hospital, you might be hungry between meals. You may want to include snacks such as nutrition bars or simple nut packages, as well as your favorite tea bags or instant coffee.
Alternative hearing aid batteries
If you wear hearing aids, make extra juice to make sure you get the best care. "I had several patients in the past where their batteries have failed, and this makes communication more difficult," Mansour said.
And to cross this pandemic with your healthiest, do not miss these 35 places you are most likely to catch Covid .