Tips & Tools For Living With Cancer During COVID-19
No matter where you live, we know that COVID-19 is affecting you and we want to help you deal with the situation at hand whether you’re a survivor with a compromised immune system or a caregiver. The Center for Disease Control has the most accurate and up-to-date information about the virus and what precautions everyone should be taking so we encourage you to visit their website. There are also some more routine, everyday challenges that accompany this pandemic so we’ve put together a list of helpful resources to help you manage. There is so much information out there — it can be hard to know what is accurate. We’ve taken care to compile these resources and tips from proven sources that we trust so you can be sure you have accurate information.
1. THE BASICS:
Q: What is the difference between Conoravirus and COVID-19?
A: According to the CDC, COVID-19 is short for Coronavirus Disease-2019. Other types of Coronavirus exist so COVID-19 more precisely describes the type we are currently combating.
Q. What is the most accurate and up-to-date source for information related to the virus?
A: The Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Q: Is there a preferred technique for washing my hands?
A: Washing your hands frequently is always important when your immune system is compromised or when you are caring for someone who is at risk. Here’s a video to help you make sure you are getting rid of any germs when washing your hands.
2. TIPS FOR LIFE IN QUARANTINE:
Telemedicine
If you need to talk to a professional, you might try a telemedicine app like Doc on Demand where you can talk with a doctor over your phone right away. In some cases, the doctor can prescribe medicine and send those prescriptions to be filled at a location convenient to you.
Prescription Delivery
If you need medication and you don’t feel safe going to the pharmacy to pick it up, you have options. Delivery services, like Instacart, can pick up your prescriptions and deliver them right to your door.
Food Delivery
Instacart and Shipt will deliver groceries to your door. Other food delivery services will deliver food from your favorite local restaurants. Here are some popular food delivery apps:
- GrubHub
- DoorDash
- gopuff (Delivers convenience store items, not restaurant food)
- Favor (Texas Only).
NOTE: These services typically add a delivery fee that will be included in your final total at checkout.
Living with Someone Who is Self-Quarantining: What’s the best way to do basic things like do the dishes or share a bathroom? Here’s a helpful guide produced by MIT.
In-Home Workouts:
Try to stay mobile and active within your own home by walking up and down the stairs or taking advantage of on-line fitness programs such as:
- Livestrong.com — How to Find the Best At-Home Workouts for You
- YouTube — This platform hosts a wealth of free workout videos for example, Yoga with Adriene.
Considering Caregivers:
It can be emotionally taxing if you are caring for someone with cancer, and the emotional toll may be even higher with the added stress of this new virus and wanting to keep your loved one safe. Here are some tips to make sure you are staying emotionally healthy during this stressful time.
Isolation & Mental Health:
With the guidance to stay home and avoid contact with others, it is possible to have feelings of isolation and depression. It’s more important than ever to stay connected to your community, no matter how large or small. We encourage you to make an effort to reach out to loved ones, friends or acquaintances during this time. If you are in need of mental health support, the American Psychiatric Association offers this resource on telepsychiatry.
3. CANCER SUPPORT THROUGH LIVESTRONG:
Livestrong Navigation & Fertility Services:
Our Navigators have taken great care to create virtual and remote support solutions so that they are equipped to continue to provide support remotely. Our Navigation and Fertility Services will continue to operate under our current business hours.
Livestrong at the YMCA:
This is a 12-week exercise program for Cancer Survivors offered throughout the US at the YMCA.
If you are currently participating in a Livestrong at the YMCA program, your local YMCA may be closed or classes may be postponed. Because circumstances vary depending on location, each YMCA is making their own decision on whether or pause or continue the program. We encourage you to call your YMCA for the latest information on closures and to see if your trainer can provide you with a modified workout you can continue at home.
4. OTHER RESOURCES:
CancerCare.org is offering a webinar titled The New Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidelines for People Coping with Cancer. The webinar will take place on Monday, March 30 from 1:30–2:30pm ET. You can learn more and register on their website.
The Cancer Letter offers an article on COVID-19 and The Cancer Patient that lists a collection of relevant thoughts and editorials.
