In this week’s newsletter, we’ve selected highlights from our COVID-19 Q&A series to help guide your holiday planning, and Community Wellness at MIT Medical shares tips on how to make the best of the time change.
Is COVID-19 testing the key to a safe Thanksgiving?
Your mom just called. Aunt Martha insists on hosting Turkey day this year. She says it’ll be safe — everyone just needs to get a COVID-19 test before the feast. So, as long as everybody has a negative test it’s fine, right? The biggest danger is Uncle Walt’s deep-fried turkey exploding… right? Read more
When should I be tested?
Is there a chance you’ve been exposed to COVID-19? How soon should you be tested? And does a negative result mean that it’s cool to go see Grandma? Read more
The do-re-mi’s of COVID-19 risk assessment
You won’t get COVID-19 frolicking alone on a mountaintop, but in the real world, social distancing isn’t as easy. We've teamed up with Tim the beaver to create the Do-Re-Mi’s of COVID-19 risk — a handy poster guide for those of us who don’t have access to a pristine alpine meadow. Read more
Is it safe to… [fill in the blank]?
Is it safe to… go to that backyard BBQ? Do yoga in the park? Attend a birthday party? MIT Medical is here to help you weigh the pros and cons of accepting that next invitation — and any other activities you may be contemplating. Read more
Are you still feeling groggy after the time change?
These suggestions from Community Wellness at MIT Medical might help you adjust:
When you start to feel tired, get up and get your body moving! Take a walk, do a few jumping jacks, or dance to a favorite song.
Sign up for a fitness program! Consider one of our latest classes, or a class offered through DAPER.
Increase your exposure to sunlight during the day, especially in the morning.
Maintain or reestablish a regular daily wake-up time.
During this time of year, the reduction in the number of daylight hours can affect your mood or energy level. If you’re concerned about seasonal light changes, consider contacting your primary care provider or mental health provider to discuss your options. One popular form of therapy is using a light-therapy box, sometimes called a lightbox, a bright light that can mimic some of the effects of sunlight.
To learn more about the different types of lightboxes, you may be interested in this review by the Wirecutter.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching and COVID-19 cases on the rise, we’re all thinking about creative ways to reach out to family and friends. MIT Medical is committed to giving you the information you need to plan a safe and rewarding holiday season. Have a question about COVID-19? Send it to us at medical@mit.edu, and we’ll do our best to provide an answer.
