It’s been almost two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, and we’re in the midst of yet another surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Some schools are closing again, almost every business is struggling with staffing due to employees out with illness or exposure, and “Pandemic Fatigue” might be putting it mildly at this point. So, let’s talk about pandemic fatigue. Because if you’re feeling burnt out and run down, you’re not alone. Understanding what we’re feeling and the potential causes is how we can start to find moments of joy amid the difficulty.
Read moreWhat's Still Missing From Your Home Office
It’s been 16 months since large swaths of the workforce were asked to start working from home. Some may never go back to an office, and others are looking at a modified work week with time split between office and home office. Even after all this time, we’re still seeing patients with back and neck pain related to their, shall we say, less-than-ideal work-from-home setup. Here are the top things that may still be missing from your home office.
Read moreRe-Entry Anxiety
Throughout the pandemic, much of the conversation has circled around how and when to “get back to normal.” But after a year of adjusted living, “return to normal” might feel strange and scary instead of comforting and familiar. After more than a year in which we’ve been asked to adapt again and again to a seemingly endless stream of changes, re-adapting to pre-pandemic “normal” can feel overwhelming.
Read moreThe Mask Factor: Jaw Pain and Headaches
Could your mask be causing your jaw pain and headaches? Since masks became a regular and necessary accessory we’ve seen an increase in jaw pain. Patients with existing jaw pain are experiencing more pain than before, and patients who have never had jaw pain before, suddenly do. The same goes for headaches. And while we’re optimistic for the future, masks will probably be a part of our everyday lives for a while yet. There are a few mask factors that can contribute to jaw pain and headaches, some of which are obvious and some that may surprise you.
Read moreVirginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
It’s become more clear than ever that gaps in healthcare access affect not just the individuals that are overlooked, but the population at large. During this COVID-19 crisis we must ensure that everyone has access to testing, information, and healthcare to prevent the spread of the virus. Started in a three-car garage, today Virginia Garcia MHC provides healthcare services to 52,000 patients a year at five primary care clinics and pharmacies, six dental clinics, a women’s clinic, and five school-based health centers, as well as outreach to schools and to migrant and seasonal farmworkers at local camps via a mobile clinic. December 2020, we will match your donations to Virginia Garcia MHC.
Read moreBreath for Stress
This year we’ve been thinking a lot about breath — how we breathe, changes in breath, and barriers to breathing. Research into the physiological and emotional effects of different breath patterns is on-going, but our current body of knowledge suggests that our breath can be a powerful tool for changing the way we feel physically and emotionally.
Read moreThe Science of Happiness
As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to remember that this can be a difficult time for many people, and this year it is even more so. This week we’re diving into the science of happiness for concrete tools to help boost our mood and stay grounded!
Read moreAll Hands Raised
We know this school year is anything but typical. The rapid and far-reaching changes to education has particularly affected our children, especially those in low-income households or under-served areas who may not have access to all of the tools they now need. That’s why this month we felt strongly about giving to an organization supporting families and kids in their education.
Read moreA New Kind of New School Year: Tips for Tackling Distance Learning
The majority of Oregon schools are planning on distance learning for most of this school year, which leaves many parents at a loss for how to support their kids and set them up for success in uncharted territories. Here are a few things to consider as you and your family makes this transition. Above all, know that you’re not alone!
Read moreEverything You Should Know About Wearing a Mask
Masks are a part of our daily lives now, and until viable treatment and a vaccine for coronavirus and COVID-19 are widely available, masks are one of the most effective ways we can prevent the spread. It's important not only to wear a mask, but to do so properly.
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