HOW TO GET OUTSIDE SAFELY
SOCIAL DISTANCING DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE TRAPPED
Many people think that to observe social distancing they have to stay inside, but that’s not true. People can leave their homes; they just have to be cautious when they do. In fact, getting outside to get some fresh air and stretch is good for your health. Dr. Roy Buchinsky, the director of wellness at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, says that getting outside for a few minutes “increases serotonin and dopamine and makes you feel good.” During this time when anxiety is running high, taking a few minutes to step outside is incredibly beneficial for you and your family. Here are a few ways to get outside while practicing social distancing.
Head to a Park
If you live near a park that is spacious enough to allow social distancing, get outside and exercise. Taking a walk and riding your bike by yourself or with others in your immediate household are great options, but you should not travel in groups of more than 10. Also, keep in mind that many states have closed playgrounds in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. In addition to your local parks, the National State Park Service announced in mid-March that it is suspending all entrance fees until further notice. Park officials hope to make it easier for the public to enjoy the parks that remain open, which are large enough for people to explore while maintaining social distancing. However, many parks have closed in response to the pandemic. To check for closures and to get more information, head to NPS.gov. Keep in mind that while you’re outside, it is absolutely essential to use caution and practice all of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations, which can be found at CDC.gov/coronavirus. Be careful and stay safe.
Stay Home for Backyard Fun
TESTIMONIALS If you don’t have a backyard, take yourself or your pet for a walk around the block, just be sure to maintain the proper distance — 6 feet — from anyone who has the same idea. Your backyard is a great place to get outside without coming in close contact with other people. Put up the family tent for a staycation and enjoy a few camping activities, like roasting marshmallows for s’mores, telling stories, and watching the stars. For a fun daytime activity, plant a vegetable or flower garden. “I had been doing in-office physical therapy for a month before the self-isolation mandate was in place in our state. I made the decision that I would be more comfortable doing PT via telehealth to limit my exposure. The transition from in-office to online was seamless and only required me clicking a link and signing in. I look forward to being able to maintain my one-on- one therapy and continuing my progress using telehealth.” –Amanda
“As a huge fan of Pilates and equipment such as the amazing Reformer, I lowered my expectations for how effective a telehealth virtual Pilates session could be. I couldn’t imagine recreating the benefits of personal training on Pilates equipment at home, on the floor, or through an iPad. But Beth and
her team at NCWSPT are not only high-level professionals, but they are also so creative! Sometimes I just shake my head in wonderment: How in the world did you come up with that? I was thinking I might continue with the virtual therapy even after the crisis is over. But then, I’d miss the congenial staff and hands-on work too much. It’s been said to not waste a good crisis to learn something new. Well, I certainly learned that good therapy can be delivered by any number of means when you’re working with top-notch therapists!” –Susan F
www.waterpt.com 2
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