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2021-09-06Empty Classrooms: An Uncertain Future
When COVID hit and schools were forced to shut down, education had to transform in many ways. Students began remote learning through video conferences and online tools like Google Classroom. Moving online not only took away a lot of the personal interaction and connection between students, but it made learning the content even more difficult. Students were less motivated, it was more difficult for them to ask questions and get their questions answered, and many students began to fall behind. Transitioning back into the classrooms has helped students begin to pick back up from where they left off with their class content, but there are still so many absences daily in classrooms all across the country. This article discusses the issue of how future generations will be impacted by the COVID education crisis. -
2021-10-07Exposing Systemic Racism in all Areas
While some believed the pandemic aid solved food insecurity, that couldn't be further from the truth in black neighborhoods. -
2020-03-18The Show that Almost Was
After Susanville's Best of Broadway show was cancelled just a day before its opening night, Susanville's local online news editor Jeremy Couso reached out to the Best of Board members to see if he could publish an article about our show, the show that never happened. He and his wife attends the performance for a media night and he happened to have a video of the show. For a small production, the youtube video of the performance has had just under 900 views as of October 9th, 2021. I directed Wizard of Oz with a dear friend of mine, in a one year shot to direct. Watching the video of the show that didn't happen is honestly very sad and hard to do. We become family with the cast and to not reach the finale is painful. But the show must go on, and in 2022, Best of Broadway will take the stage again. -
2020-10-20A Public Performance in the Middle of the Pandemic
For the last few years, I have coordinated an event called, Dancing for a Brand New Me. It is a fundraiser event that is designed to not only bring about awareness to domestic violence in Lassen County, but it is a fundraiser to help pay for the the mortgage of the shelter for victims. Last year was the 7th year that local "Susanville Stars" were partnered with local professional choreographers to dance three dances before judges similar to NBC's Dancing with the Stars. Our local stars are usually very active community members who spend about 5-6 months learning the dances, but they also fundraiser to get sponsors. It becomes a fun, healthy competition to see who can out dance and out raise funds with each other. Most of the choreographers have participated in the event for many years. It has become a community favorite, selling out tickets both nights the third weekend in October. In 2020, we had to come up with four different plans on how we would perform, because of the pandemic. Our plans included only performing a livestreamed show to relocating our event outdoors. Normally, the event is performed in the local Veterans Hall that is equipped with stage, lights, and sound. In September 2020, I wrote a proposal to public health outlining in detail how we would manage the event. It took weeks for public health to get back to us. But what they approved was that our event could be held at the local High School football stadium, we had to mark off 6-foot distance, require mask, and have screenings at the gate. We had hand sanitizer stations and we were instructed two things: limited seats (200 people) and whatever we did, when we live streamed to not show the audience. The article that I attached talks more about the event than the obstacle it took to put on the event. It is incredibly difficult to move sound equipment in and out of a football stadium every day for a week. It is hard to do a staged performance when you are surrounded by a dirt track. It is hard to have your dressing room be the football locker room. It was very difficult to make all of the modifications and changes that we did. But we did it. And it was an amazing event. Even though we weren't supposed to, we have about 400 people in the audience each night. Most did not wear mask and most were sitting very close to each other. Even one of the public health officials sat in the audience not following the "rules". The event raised over $25,000! Just two weeks after our event, many of the Halloweeen events led to a Covid-19 outbreak in our community and the cases rose rapidly. Prior to Dancing for a Brand New Me 2020, we had zero cases. After Halloween 2020 our cases skyrocketed for a small town. I saw that we happened to just squeeze in one performing arts event just in time before things got bad. I feel like we were lucky and it was probably why the event was so well attended. I have the newspaper article and my proposal attached. -
2021-09-17Sobering Statistics
Once again, Covid-19 tops the list for Law Enforcement In Line of Duty Deaths, just as it did last year. Now, more than ever, Law Enforcement needs our support and assistance! -
2021-10-04Kidding... Just Kidding...
Hunting around the internet for pandemic memes and came across this one. For some, this is the first time they have had to spend an extended amount of time at home all day every day with family and the struggle is real... so very real! -
2021-10-04Not what was Expected...
I found this while searching online for pandemic memes and it gave me a chuckle! -
2021-08
Journal of the Plague Year (My Experience)
My story tells how seriously some people took the pandemic. Some people were very scared and took extreme measures to stay safe while others took the pandemic seriously, but didn't really take extreme measures to stay safe. -
2020-05-30The Dashathon
When the pandemic quarantine was initially imposed, I found myself with lots of free time on my hands. After weeks of low motivation and extreme boredom, I decided to sign up as a food delivery driver for Doordash, a job that was in high demand at the time. By this point in quarantine, all restaurants were closed for indoor dining, but many were still offering carryout and delivery services, largely through food delivery apps such as Doordash. Some of my friends and I started driving Doordash as frequently as 5-6 nights a week. We strategically prioritized the 4 to 8 PM time-slot in order to cover the majority of the dinner shift. Although it was quite mindless work, it was one of the few things that I had to look forward to as a daily break from the monotonous isolation of quarantine. Orders were frequent and because of the high demand for delivery drivers and very light traffic, tips were generous and reflective of the community’s appreciation for service provided by “frontline workers” like ourselves. After about a month of driving, my friends and I decided to put together a fundraiser called “Dashathon” to support some of our favorite local restaurants and small businesses that were struggling during the pandemic. Because many smaller restaurants did not have the financial resources to operate at a loss during periods of the pandemic, many were forced to shut their doors. Our idea was to reach out to all of our family and friends and designate one night where all of our income and tips from Doordash would be donated to these struggling restaurants and other local charities in need. With lots of outreach, we secured underwriting from 10 different sponsors as well as a dollar-for-dollar match pledge from Doordash itself. Our Dashathon was even highlighted in a television news segment broadcast on the local Denver NBC-affiliate newscast (linked above). We were successful in recruiting over 40 drivers to participate in our event. Through a competition-style format that rewarded the highest earners with gift cards from our sponsors, we were able to raise $15,000 dollars in just four hours. The proceeds were distributed in their entirety to designated local restaurants and charities. -
2021-09-14The Start to the School Year is Unlike Any Other
I wrote an opinion piece for Idaho Education News last week after the latest school board meeting in Nampa, Idaho. Since March of 2020 educators have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students continue to receive a quality education. Initially, educators were seen as 'heroes' of the pandemic. However, over the last 9 months, the rhetoric surrounding schools and teachers has turned nasty. Yet, teachers continue to show up every single day and offer learning experiences to all children. At last week's board meeting, the discussion focused primarily on a mask mandate for our district as hospitals in our state began rationing care given the soaring number of Covid-19 cases. There was an even split between the trustees who were in favor of masking and the trustees who were against masking. This split did not come as a shock to me. However, the line of one trustee hit me in my gut, "I guess I go back to the mission statement. I'm here for the kids, so I'm not going to worry about the adults." The mission and vision statement the trustee is referencing states that teachers offer "exceptional learning experiences" for every child. Given the largely unvaccinated population of our community, the high numbers of teachers out sick, and the alarming number of students out sick as mask mandate seemed like a simple request. However, the board did not vote in favor of helping teachers ensure we are able to provide 'exceptional learning experiences.' Are masks the only answer? Not necessarily. Last year, students attended school 4 days per week while the 5th day was reserved for students to connect with students who were in quarantine/sick and unable to attend school. This year, all of those requirements are gone. That being said, students and teachers attend school 5 days per week and there is no time allotted for teachers to connect with students who are quarantined or sick. Given the latest numbers, about 25% of our entire district is out sick. That is 25% of students who do not have access to their teachers. The article was published on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, and Idaho Ed News shared it on their Facebook page as well. Shortly after 7 pm MST the post has over 160 comments (mostly in favor of teachers), 250 reactions, and over 50 shares. In addition, I have received numerous private messages and emails from other teachers who thank me for giving them a voice during this 'unprecedented' time. While I am still a fairly new teacher with only 3 years of experience, there are veteran teachers who are being pushed to the brink. Many would like to think this is an Idaho problem but the reality is that teachers across the country are feeling unsupported and unappreciated by the communities they serve. I am fearful this will be my last year teaching - I LOVE my job. I remain hopeful that this year turns out to be something amazing. -
20219 WAYS TO PREVENT FACE MASK SKIN PROBLEMS
Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus. Masks can also be hard on your skin, causing problems that range from acne and peeling skin to rashes and itchiness. To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, board-certified dermatologists recommend these nine tips. 1. Cleanse and moisturize your face daily. Gentle skin care can prevent skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and follow these steps, Face washing 101. Dry skin is a common face mask skin problem. Applying moisturizer adds a protective layer that can reduce dryness. You want to apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face. To get the most benefit from a moisturizer, board-certified dermatologist Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, FAAD, recommends using a moisturizer with one of the following ingredients: -Ceramides -Hyaluronic acid -Dimethicone (which can also create a barrier that helps reduce irritated skin) You can prevent breakouts from your moisturizer by using a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. When selecting moisturizer, follow this guide: Oily skin (or when weather is hot, humid): Gel moisturizer Normal or combination skin: Lotion Dry to very dry skin: Cream If you have acne or tend to break out, you can still use a gel moisturizer. Apply moisturizer before and after wearing a mask. Moisturizer can prevent problems, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. (Tip courtesy of board-certified dermatologist Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, FAAD) 2. Protect your lips by applying petroleum jelly. Dry skin and chapped lips are common face mask skin problems. You can prevent chapped lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips: -After washing your face -Before you put on your mask -Before bed To prevent breakouts, take care to apply the petroleum jelly only to your lips. 3. Skip the makeup when wearing a mask. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts. If makeup is necessary, use only products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won't clog pores.” 4. Avoid trying new skin care products that can irritate your skin. Wearing a mask for even a short time can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliant, or retinoid, for the first time, says board-certified dermatologist Daniela Kroshinsky, MD, MPH, FAAD. 5. Use less of certain skin care products if your face becomes irritated. When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. If this happens, Dr. Kroshinsky recommends cutting back on products that can irritate your skin, such as: -Leave-on salicylic acid -Retinoid you apply to your face -Aftershave 6. Wear the right mask. To reduce skin problems, look for masks that offer the following: -A snug, but comfortable fit -At least two layers of fabric -Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton, on the inside layer that rests against your skin Wearing a mask that offers a snug, but comfortable fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. A snug, comfortable fit also reduces skin problems. If the mask feels too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. You’re also more likely to adjust a poorly fitting mask. When you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and your face. The fabric is also important. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon on the layer that rests against your skin. These are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts. For more tips on selecting a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/coronavirus. 7. Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic have found that this helps save their skin. Of course, only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands. Safe places to remove your mask include: -Outdoors, when you can stay at least six feet away from people -Inside your car when you’re alone -At home 8. Wash your cloth masks. Many health care organizations now recommend that you wash a cloth mask after each use. Washing it also removes oils and skin cells that collect inside the mask, which could lead to a skin problem. You can wash a cloth mask in a washing machine or by hand. Both ways remove germs and other particles. Just be sure to: -Follow the washing instructions on each mask. -Wash the masks in hot water unless the instructions say otherwise. -Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. After washing your mask, check its shape. If a mask no longer fits snugly (and comfortably), it is less protective. 9. Continue the treatment plan that your dermatologist created for you. If you have a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, it’s especially important to follow your treatment plan. This can help keep the condition under control. -
2020-03-12
"Coronavirus in Massachusetts: Soldiers' Home in Holyoke limits visiting hours, screens visitors"
This article appeared on MassLive on March 12, 2020. It discusses the safety precautions that went into effect at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The article acts as context for the tragedy that would unfold at the home within the first few months of the pandemic. -
2021-08-14One person stabbed as COVID anti-vaxxers and counterdemonstrators clash in front of L.A. City Hall
The title of this article quickly caught my attention and then I immediately felt saddened by the reality that this pandemic has been politicized from the beginning. People have become so passionate that they have lost all reason. There are always two sides to every story but I find it so hard to understand who oppose vaccinations and reject science. Its not at all surprising that the anti-vax side of this particular story showed up in MAGA hats, its further proof of the political foundation of their argument to "fight for their rights". I understand that people want the right to decide, but then those same people refuse to get tested regularly. This issue has been a messy and passionate one from the beginning and its really hard not to blame Donald Trump for the misinformation that is still being used by the anti-vax community. -
2020-03-16Banner Health’s chief clinical officer available to speak with media about COVID-19
A press release from Banner Health announcing that Dr. Marjorie Bessel is leading Banner’s COVID-19 system preparedness efforts and is available to speak with the media. -
2020-03-18Banner Health implementing new visitor restrictions
A press release from Banner Health announcing visitor restrictions to go into effect 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, at all Banner hospitals. -
2020-03-18Banner Health will not provide COVID-19 'back-to-work' clearances
A press release from Banner Health announcing that employers should not advise employees to use emergency rooms for back-to-work clearance -
2020-03-20Banner Health enhances visitor restrictions
A press release from Banner health announcing restrictions now to include locations in addition to hospitals -
2020-03-23Banner Health opens COVID-19 specimen collection sites
Banner Health today announced a new process for COVID-19 specimen collection in Arizona. -
2020-03-23Banner Health experts warn against self-medicating to prevent or treat COVID-19
Medical toxicologists and emergency physicians are warning the public against the use of inappropriate medications and household products to prevent or treat COVID-19. In particular, Banner Health experts emphasize that chloroquine, a malaria medication, should not be ingested to treat or prevent this virus. -
2020-03-24Banner Health offers ways to help health care workers
A press release announcing how the community can help healthcare workers and that the Banner Health Foundation is accepting donations to two charitable funds. -
2020-03-24Banner, Vitalant partner to encourage blood donations
A press release announcing that Banner Health is partnering with the region's blood bank operator in an effort to restore blood donations, which have significantly dropped during the outbreak of COVID-19 cases. -
2020-03-30Banner Health accepting donations of medical supplies, PPE
A press release announcing that The Banner Health Foundation is now collecting donated medical supplies and personal protective equipment, or PPE, in partnership with Project C.U.R.E. in Tempe. -
2020-04-01Greeley brewers, distilleries now make hand sanitizer
A press release from Banner Helath describing efforts and how it benefits Banner Health hospitals, keeps employees on the job -
2020-04-02Banner Health implements PPE policy changes regarding N95 use
A press release from Banner Health highlighting changes to policy; moves taken to save as many lives as possible; ensure safety of health care workers -
2020-04-02Banner activates triage tents at acute care hospital emergency rooms to manage influx of patients
A press release announcing that Banner Health is activating triage tents at its acute care hospitals to build capacity for the sickest patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. These are not COVID-19 specimen collection sites, and they are not for the worried well or those with mild COVID-19 symptoms that can be managed at home. -
2020-04-02Banner Health prepares for influx of patients amid COVID-19 pandemic
A press release from Banner Health announcing that they are "working diligently and deliberately to make sure we are best prepared to handle an influx of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are monitoring capacity, resources and staffing in real-time, making adjustments to our emergency operations, when needed." -
2020-04-023D printing community creates face shields as PPE
As Banner Health ensures it has the necessary supplies to keep its patients and team members safe, Banner Innovation Group is collaborating with community partners to create an array of supplies that meet CDC guidelines and are able to be sourced locally and quickly. Most recently, that innovative partnership brought in the help of the 3D printing community to create face shields. -
2020-04-06Banner Health seeking 100,000 homemade masks
In an effort to protect the health and safety of Banner Health employees and patients, the Banner Health Foundation is seeking 100,000 hand-crafted comfort masks donated by volunteers, sewing groups, and companies with fabrication capabilities. -
2020-04-10Chinese American community supplies Arizona hospitals with 100,000 procedure masks
A press release from Banner Health announcing that more than 100,000 Level 1 procedure masks were delivered from China to Arizona-based hospitals this week, thanks to the ingenuity and passion of a dedicated group of Chinese American residents within the state. -
2020-04-12Respiratory therapists deploy from Arizona to Colorado to treat COVID-19 patients
A press release from Banner Health announcing that four respiratory therapists deployed this weekend to help their fellow Banner Health team members in northern Colorado, which has seen a large number of patients with COVID-19. They will be in Greeley, Colo., for at least two weeks—some opting to stay at least four weeks, based on need—to help Banner balance its staffing needs across the nonprofit health care provider's six-state footprint. -
2020-04-13Banner Health urges water safety for kids in times of self-isolation
A press release from Banner Health reminding residents about water safety. -
2020-04-13Brush, Colo., woman gives Banner Health reason to celebrate
Jocie Rocha left North Colorado Medical Center to cheers and applause Monday afternoon and putting a smile on the faces of many hospital caregivers. Jocie was the 100th patient to be discharged from the hospital after being treated for COVID-19. -
2020-04-15Blood donations encouraged as pandemic impacts supply
A press release from Banner Health announcing that, with many regularly scheduled blood drives closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Banner Health is partnering with Vitalant, the region's blood bank operator, to encourage blood donations and help restore supply. -
2020-05-15Banner Children’s invites kids to join ‘Clean Hands Club’
Banner Children’s is encouraging kids to join the "Clean Hands Club" by taking part in a fun coloring challenge while learning about the importance of proper handwashing, especially during a pandemic. -
2020-04-17Banner Urgent Care – non-respiratory locations now seeing patients
A press release from Banner Health announcing that it is now offering Banner Urgent Care – non-respiratory locations at select urgent care sites in Phoenix, Tucson and in Northern Colorado. -
2020-04-17Arizona poison centers warn of an increase in poisoning cases during COVID-19 pandemic
A press release from Banner health stating that Poison Centers across the nation are seeing an increase in exposures to household cleaning products, chemicals, and medications. As more people are working remotely and children schooling at home, there is an increased potential for poisoning accidents. People are distracted and in unfamiliar routines. -
2020-04-20Banner hospitals open grocery stores for employees
A press release announcing that select Banner Health hospitals have opened makeshift grocery stores for employees working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. -
2020-04-21Banner Health amplía sus servicios de “telehealth” para COVID-19
En un esfuerzo extraordinario para atender las necesidades médicas de la comunidad, Banner Health ha ampliado sus servicios para ofrecer a pacientes consultas por video en vivo con médicos en un entorno seguro a través de Banner Telehealth. -
2020-04-21Banner Health expands telehealth for COVID-19
A press release from Banner Health announcing that in an effort to serve the community's health care needs, Banner Health has expanded services to offer patients live video visits with medical providers in a safe environment through Banner Telehealth. -
2020-04-21Former Banner employees return as front-line staff
A press release describing how several former Banner Health employees are returning to work to help the medical team throughout Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last month alone, more than 18 employees have rejoined various teams across Banner’s statewide facilities. -
2020-04-23Banner Imaging – non-respiratory locations now available for medical imaging services
A press release from Banner health announcing that Banner Health now has two Banner Imaging – non-respiratory locations in the Phoenix area -
2020-04-24Banner Health urges former COVID-19 patients to donate plasma for current patients
With the need for "convalescent plasma" to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients ramping up as cases rise, Banner Research is providing donation coordinators in metro Phoenix, Tucson and Northern Colorado to help recovered COVID-19 patients get through the plasma donation process. The donation coordinators are equipped to assess qualifying criteria for potential donors, answer questions and explain how the donation process works. -
2020-04-27Banner Health expands COVID-19 testing in Arizona and Colorado
A press release from Banner Health announcing that is has opened three new COVID-19 drive-thru collection sites this week and added lanes to its original sites, expanding capacity from 4,000 appointments per week to 13,500. -
2020-05-01Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust awards $750,000 to support Banner Health during COVID-19
A press release from Banner health announcing that the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has awarded an unrestricted grant of $750,000 to the Banner Health Foundation. Banner leadership has chosen to allocate these funds to the Supporting Our Staff (SOS) Fund to help its health care workforce during this challenging time. -
2020-05-04Banner Children's offers coloring activity for kids' water safety
A press release from Banner Health announcing that with more children at home and outdoor temperatures rising, Banner Children’s is encouraging families to remember the ABCs of water safety by creating a fun coloring activity for kids and providing information about drowning prevention. -
2020-05-05New app gives moms-to-be flexibility in receiving care
A press release from Banner Health announcing a new digital tool used by Banner Health physicians allows pregnant women to monitor their prenatal health at home and make fewer trips to the doctor’s office. -
2020-05-08Banner Health salutes med staff for ‘giving us hope’
A press release from Banner Health announcing how they are honoring the sacrifices made by nurses and other frontline employees, with activities and advertisements during National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. -
2020-05-13Banner Desert and Cardon Children's health care workers honored with building illumination
In honor of National Hospital Week and Nurses Week, physicians and staff working on the frontlines at Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Children’s at Cardon Children’s Medical Center were recently recognized with an illumination on both hospital buildings, acknowledging the exceptional work provided and sacrifices made by the medical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. -
2020-05-14Banner Health launches virtual waiting rooms for telehealth and in-person doctor appointments
A press release from Banner Health announcing the new virtual waiting room across its brands. -
2020-05-19Banner Health experts: Staying safe as COVID-19 restrictions ease
Following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Brandie Anderson, RN, MPH, CIC, infection prevention director at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, shares health and safety tips to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.