KILLING TIME….AND THE VIRUS

Here we are again, another week into the viral pandemic that just doesn’t seem to want to go away. Our return to normal seems to keep getting pushed out further into the future. We will be able to see each other again one day, just not for another “few” weeks.

Aside from the numerous webinars and Zoom meetings I’ve been watching specific to dental practices and small businesses, two things I have seen this past week that have had the most impact on me have nothing to do with my profession or my business.

A couple people had recommended that I watch a YouTube video that was an hour long. My first reaction was to dismiss it because it was so long, and then I was gently reminded by myself that I have plenty of time on my hands.

The video was a replay of a recorded Zoom meeting with Dr. David Price (a critical care pulmonologist at Weill Cornell Hospital in NYC) and a group of family and friends. He was addressing them and answering questions about being on the “front line” in New York.

A couple of times he got emotional and said it was not because he was scared, but because he had learned enough about the virus that he is now not scared. His presentation to his family and friends was a breath of fresh air that we will get past this. He did offer a few key suggestions to avoid getting the virus. These are probably things you have heard numerous times, but I don’t think anyone will argue that this stuff cannot be said enough.

1. Always know where your hands are. Don’t touch your face!
2. Clean your hands frequently.
3. Distance yourself from others.
4. Shrink your social circle.
   
   

Dr. Price said that this virus is spread and contracted 99% of the time by touching your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth. He said that it may be possible to get it from the air with sustained close contact of an infected person, but that these cases are few and far between.

He said that wearing a mask is most helpful to just remind yourself to keep your hands away from your face. You don’t have to be scared of your neighbor. You can’t get the virus by looking at someone.

On a completely different level, I’ve been watching some television that I would not “normally” be watching.  Since there are no Bruins, Red Sox or March Madness, I’ve sat in on some TV surfing with my family.
Yesterday I watched an episode of “Too Cute” on Animal Planet. This is a narrated show about puppies and their trials and tribulations growing up. Is it a complete time waster and ridiculous? Yes. Would I watch it again? I’m not going to say no. It put a smile on my face and made me feel good.

Wash those hands, keep them away from your face, distance yourself from others in public, shrink your social circle……..and find something simple to put a smile on your face.

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.