This situation the world is facing with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is unlike anything we’ve seen for 100 years. In just a few months, it has put the entire world economy on pause as hundreds of thousands of people test positive for this deadly disease.
What does this mean for stroke survivors? Are we at higher risk?
Neuro-Physiatrist Dr. Kim Middleton joins us to answer that question and more in this episode of Strokecast.
Bio
Dr. Kimberly Middleton completed medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine before doing her residency at the University of Washington.
She is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR).
Dr. Middleton was one of the doctors who cared for me during the month I lived at the hospital following my stroke. I continue to see her on a regular basis for my Botox/Dysport injections to treat my tone and spasticity.
10 Tips to Protect Yourself From COVID-19
- Wash your hands again. Yes, again.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Continue taking your meds.
- Practice physical social distancing, but continue to connect online.
- Disinfect your home and deliveries you receive. Cleaning is good home OT.
- Eat healthful meals to keep your nutrition up.
- Consider taking supplements like vitamin C.
- Keep your body strong with exercise.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Go deep into that home exercise program your PT or OT gave you.
Handwashing One Handed
Washing our hands is the cheapest and probably most effective way to minimize the chances of catching COVID-19 and hundreds of other conditions. But how do you do it effectively when hemiparesis leaves you with one functional hand?
One way is to use your unaffected hand to wash your affected one. Sure, that one’s probably not as dirty since it’s mainly been hanging around as just a fist, but the act of washing it will wash and scrub the washer. Plus it’s a great opportunity to get some more finger stretches in.
Where do we go from here?
- Share this episode with others or post about it to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram.
- Check out the links above to keep your exercise going.
- Stay safe.
- Don’t get best…get better
