- Good afternoon Fowler Family!
- COVID UPDATE:
- Yesterday, Dallas County reported 1671 new cases and a record of 40 deaths including two women in their 20s who did not have underlying health conditions
- “These deaths are a result of the high number of COVID cases that have been reported over the last several weeks,” County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a prepared statement. “Increased deaths always follows increased infections.”
- Texas also reported a record one-day toll, adding 467 deaths Wednesday for a total that exceeds 35,000 lives lost to COVID
- NATIONAL UPDATE:
- President Biden held a briefing Tuesday and here are the highlights:
- Increase distribution of vaccine from 8.6M to 10M for the next 3 weeks beginning next week
- This initiative should fuel the goal of 100M shots in Biden’s first 100 days
- This is not the end goal, the end goal is to beat COVID; this would require as estimated 600M shots, based on the need to vaccinate 300M Americans toward achieving heard immunity
- The president authorized the purchase of an additional 200M doses, from Pfizer and Moderna above what had already been ordered; expected to be received by the end of summer
- The president will use the defense production act to ensure vaccine supplies are sufficient as well as that of glove, syringes, masks
- FEMA will establish vaccine centers in highly populated urban areas
- They are working to finalize an agreement with pharmacies to support ongoing vaccine administration
- The efforts to expand testing will continue
- It will take months to get American vaccinated
- Americans can save lives by wearing masks; it is estimated that 50k lives can be saved through April alone just by wearing masks
- FOWLER UPDATES:
- Here at Fowler we continue to prepare for our next round of vaccine clinics. All consent paperwork is due tomorrow
- We must continue to maintain our vigilance – the protection of this community – everyone who lives and works at Fowler is dependent on cooperation and compliance
- When you leave this community for any reason – doctors visit, hospitalization, visit with family, grocery shopping, staff going home – whatever that might be you must be aware of your surroundings and assess your risk at all times – because when you put yourself at risk, you put all of Fowler at risk
- That is weighty
- That is a lot of responsibility
- It is a responsibility we must all demonstrate
- If you an independent living resident who has been exposed to COVID, or diagnosed with COVID, you are required to quarantine
- Do not go to the mailbox
- Do not leave your apartment
- Tuesday Nicole shared an article about “The Hidden Toll of COVID-19” – that article was included with your briefing notes
- She shared the risks to our health as it relates to cancer, cardiovascular health and delaying surgeries
- Today, I want to touch on one additional impact – the emotional impact
- The article states that 90% of those surveyed reported being emotionally impacted in some way
- 78% had an increase in anxiety
- 55% were more stressed
- 66% were having trouble sleeping
- 65% were lonely
- 65% were depressed
- 53% were worried about money
- Anti-depressant prescriptions have increased by 25%
- The pandemic has been emotional trigger for many, and experts say that’s normal
- Our brains are trained to focus on survival
- And for many, these many months of pandemic have been a focus on survival
- If you are feeling any of these emotional responses, there are things you can do
- Walk outdoors
- Connect by phone with family and friends
- Journal your thoughts
- Pray or meditate
- Grab hold of your thoughts and focus on the positive
- Mindfulness research tells us to focus on what you can control
- We can’t control the pandemic, but we can control wearing a mask – that is something we can do in the here and now
- Be sure to consult your physician with your health concerns and if you are experiencing any of the emotions above, it might be a good time to seek the help of a therapist
- Ask your physician or a trusted friend or family member for a recommendation
- At the end of the briefing, we have also included a number for the mental health support line
- It has been a while since the Fowler team has experienced great sadness. We have 4 team members who are experiencing unexpected loss in their family this week
- Sanurette Shelley, FCA, lost her father in law who lives with them
- Cynthia Green, AL nurse mgr, lost her brother
- Tom Brooks, facilities director, is grieving the loss of his son-in-law
- And Gentry Harper learned this morning that her aunt passed away
- We ask for your prayers for these team members
- RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS!
- 1/29 Patricia T(PNCC)
- 1/31 Sylvia H (JLC)
- 1/28 Deborah L (FCA)
- 2/03 Phyllis J (FCA)
- 2/03 Jackie V (FCA)
- RESIDENT MOVE-IN ANNIVERSARIES:
- 1 year- Brenda S (JLC)
- 1 year- Barbara W (FCA)
- 2 years- Charlotte H (FCA)
- 3 years- Jeanne M (FCA)
- 5 years- Wanda W (FCA)
- 8 years- JoAnne T(FCA)
- 15 years- Mary D (FCA)
- Make it a great day on purpose!
All COVID Updates are posted on our website – www.fowlercommunities.org/covid19/
COVID Hotline: Phone: 214-515-7184 • Spanish Speaking Line: 214-515-1385
Email: Covid19info@fowlercommunities.org
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919
