The Leader • Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 • Page 1B
COVID vaccines limited amidst high demand
Preferred Health
By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
DIRECTORY
Oak Forest resident and emergency medicine physician Dr. Theresa Harring was among the first Houston residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. She was notified in early December that her hospital system, Houston Methodist, would be distributing the vaccine, and she signed up online. “I went to Methodist West to get the vaccine,” Harring said. “My arm at the area of the injection was moderately sore for the first day. After that, no side effects.” She was scheduled for her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine this week. For others, persistence was key. An over-65 area resident said she and her husband saw the news report about the City of Houston vaccination clinic. “Thanks to a Twitter post, we knew the phone lines had crashed and immediately drove to Bayou City Event Center,” she said. “We arrived to the area around 10 a.m., waited with a long line of cars, and finally received our forms at about 11:15 a.m. Our vaccination time was scheduled for 2:50 p.m., but we did not receive the Moderna vaccine until 4:20 p.m. It was definitely worth the wait.” With limited – and unpredictable – supply and thousands, perhaps millions of Houston residents who want the vaccine, a lot of people are coming up short in their bid to get the first dose. After launching online registration allowing high-risk Houstonians to schedule appointments to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations, the Houston Health Department announced this week that vaccine clinic appointments are booked for the rest of the month and they are taking no additional appointments at this time. The existing appointments are based on vaccine availability and may need to be adjusted based on the department’s allotment. The Harris County Public Health portal to sign up for a vaccination is closed to the public and is only being used for those who have been contacted by the department to receive the vaccine. There has also been early confusion about who is eligible for vaccination. The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) outlines that 1A and 1B groups are the allowed groups. The 1A group is described as direct care and includes
Chiropractic Care
NORTHWEST CHIROPRACTIC George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com Internal Medicine
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison
Photo from Harris County Public Health A healthcare professional with Harris County Public Health prepares to administer a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The county and Houston Health Department are receiving vaccine doses through the Texas Department of State Health Services.
hospital, long-term care, EMS 9-1-1, home health, outpatient, ER/urgent care, pharmacies, last responders and school nurses. It also includes residents of long-term care facilities. The 1B group includes those 65 and older, or 16 and older with at least one chronic medical condition, including pregnancy. Heights resident Mark Sternfels has a genetic immune deficiency that puts him at high risk for complications if he contracts COVID. “The effect has been our household has been on a pretty strict quarantine since March,” Sternfels said. “It’s been difficult for all of us but particularly so for my 13-year-old daughter. She is missing out on a normal seventh grade but more importantly, she’s very aware of my illness and the danger COVID poses and this weighs on her. If I can give her peace of mind that I’m safe because I’m vaccinated, then I absolutely (had) to do it.” Sternfels received the Moderna vaccine on Dec. 28 at his doctor’s clinic. “There wasn’t so much a line as there was just a steady stream of scheduled patients about every 30 minutes,” he said. Side effects included a moderate
Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com Obstetrics / Gynecology
DR. STEPHANIE FULTON Stephanie Fulton, M.D. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com Photo from Harris County Public Health A woman receives a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while another person, in background, documents the occasion.
headache, gone by the end of the next day, and more soreness at the injection site than Sternfels was used to with the flu shot. “The soreness eventually subsided but it took at least a week before it was completely gone. It never bruised on the surface even though it felt like one,” he said. The state says Phase 1C is under consideration with an additional supply. The CDC defines the category to
Major Hospitals
include all other essential workers, including those in transportation and logistics, water and wastewater, food service, shelter and housing (e.g., construction), finance (e.g., bank tellers), information technology and communications, energy, legal, media and public safety (e.g., engineers), and public health workers.
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE
See Vaccines, P. 4B
Prioritize your health: How to handle your health care needs during a pandemic Houston Methodist Hospital For The Leader
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our communities and reshaped how we get health care. While social distancing remains important as we move forward, taking care of ongoing health needs should also be a top priority. When you need care, it’s important to take action right away. Postponing health care visits or treatments may actually hurt your health in the long run. If you delay going to the doctor for small problems like a rash, a headache or urinary tract infection, these issues can become bigger problems and may require urgent attention. Now is the time to be proactive about identifying health risks and following through on treatment plans. “It’s essential to continue with preventive care, health screenings, vaccinations, medications and treatments as recommended by your doctor,” said Dr. Ketti Awad, a primary care doctor at Houston Methodist Hospital. “Delaying screening tests or ignoring health issues now could lead to more significant problems later on.” If you have a chronic condition, you should work with your doctor to improve your
app or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more. Same-Day Clinics – Make an appointment at one of our same-day clinics if you’re feeling sick. Schedule by phone at 713.394.6724 or visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/sameday-clinics to find a location. Orthopedic Injury Clinics – Schedule a same-day appointment at your nearest orthopedic injury clinic. Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthoinjury-clinics for clinic locations.
health. “Managing your existing health conditions may help you be healthier and stronger if you need to overcome illness or infection in the future,” Awad said. Putting safety first Continuing to wear masks in public, keeping 6 feet apart from others and staying vigilant about handwashing and wiping down surfaces are still important. Keeping these social distancing practices in place is essential to our efforts to slow the spread of the virus. All Houston Methodist campuses are focused on making your visit as safe as possible, and we are taking extra precautions, such as: • Requiring all patients, visitors and employees to wear a mask. • Elevating our cleaning and housekeeping practices. • Health screenings for patients, visitors and staff. • Isolation measures for COVID-19 patients. • Adhering to a strict essential visitor policy. • Implementing social distancing in our waiting rooms and elevators. • Minimizing waiting in public spaces. • Offering remote check-in.
with your primary care doctor or specialist. Simply call your doctor’s office or use the “Schedule an Appointment” button in MyChart. If you need to find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/find-adoctor or call 713.790.3333. Virtual Urgent Care – Nonemergency urgent care is available 24/7 via video visit. Download the MyMethodist
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Contributed photo Dr. Ketti Awad, a primary care physician at Houston Methodist Hospital, advises community members to continue with preventive care, health screenings and treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ways to get care At Houston Methodist facilities, we’re expanding virtual services and staggering in-person appointments with your safety in mind. Connect with us in the following ways to schedule your next appointment: Doctor appointments – Schedule a virtual video visit or in-person appointment
Emergency Care – Open 24/7 to provide a full spectrum of medical services if you need emergency care. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ er to find your nearest Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center or ER. E-visits – Same-day visits for nonemergency urgent care through online messaging. Sign up for MyChart to get started, and then log in to complete an e-visit through MyChart. Visit mychart.houstonmethodist.org to log in or register.
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To find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/more or call 713.790.3333.
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Page 2B • Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 • The Leader
Good nutrition after the holidays creates a new start Shana Tatum RD, LD
ter is not your favorite, enjoy sparkling, non-sweetened waters or herbal teas. Herbal tea can be enjoyed iced or hot and provide exceptional benefits to our health.
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Ever feel you need a break after the holidays? They can be filled with joy and warmth and at the same time be stressful and rushed, leaving you more depleted than before. The holidays may have been different this year because of COVID-19, but I suspect many of you may be in need of nourishment. The news is full of tips and tricks to tell you just how to create the New Year New You. That may suit some of you, but others may find contentment knowing we are still in the winter season, a time when evolutionarily we are withdrawing, resting and preparing for the birth that spring brings. Less sun makes us feel more tired as the brain produces more melatonin. This powerful hormone is key to our circadian cycle and is in charge of sleep and wakefulness. One way to keep this in balance is by taking advantage of the sun, particularly morning sun. For those who are early risers, taking advantage of being outdoors as the sun is beginning to rise and enjoying it for another 15 minutes can help restore some circadian balance. Key nutrients for melatonin production include: Vitamin B6 – found in poultry, beef, beef liver, fish, whole grains, soybeans and lentils Magnesium – found in leafy greens, oats, buckwheat, chocolate, milk, nuts and seeds Tryptophan – this essential amino acid is a precursor for melatonin and is found in salmon, poultry, eggs, spinach, nuts and seeds Calcium – sources include milk and yogurt, dark leafy greens, canned salmon with the bones, chia seeds and almonds Eliminating the sugar that may have been part of your holiday traditions is one of the best gifts you can give your body for the new year. Yes, Grandma’s Christmas cookies or your Great Aunt’s babka are delicious but can be enjoyed in moderation just at that time of year. According to Dr. Robert Lustig, author of “Sugar has 56 Names, A Shopper’s Guide,” sugar can hide in our packaged foods in many ways and now more than 300 names for sugar have been described. Sugar plays a role in the dopamine reward circuit sending a brain signal to stimulate action for more. This is why many find
Tatum
stopping at one cookie difficult. Some forms of sugar such as high fructose corn syrup has been linked to high triglycerides, promotion of insulin resistance and increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease presented in a 2017 study in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. I recommend going cold turkey on cutting out sugar. It may hurt at first, but the long-term benefits include improved immune system and brain function and enhanced gut health. Who can’t use that? Alternate sweeteners to consider in limited amounts if you can’t cut the sugar: Stevia – an herb that is 200-400 times sweeter than sucrose, so use in very small amounts. Monk fruit – contains Vitamin C and flavonoids, also 250 times sweeter than sucrose. Sugar alcohols – Xylitol, Sorbitol and Erythritol, cautioned for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). These sugars are fermentable carbohydrates and may cause some discomfort in this group. Raw honey – this natural sweetener has antibacterial properties and prebiotic power for promoting good growth of microorganisms in the gut. Lastly, to bring more energy to your post-holiday work week, be sure to stay hydrated. Put down the cocktail and pick up your water canteen. Forgetting to drink water can cause fatigue, headache and muscle cramps. Our bodies use water throughout the night while we sleep to detoxify from the day. Enjoy a glass of filtered water (with lemon if you like) upon rise to refresh those tissues and signal elimination. If plain wa-
A few favorites: Chamomile – an excellent tea to calm the nervous system, from an herb whose genus name Matricaria in the Latin means mother. Now isn’t that nurturing? Rooibos – a red tea known as South African red bush tea is high in antioxidants and delicious with a splash of milk or nut milk. Hibiscus – another exceptional antioxidant tea but with flavors that are sweet and tart, similar to cranberry. A great
choice when a sweet craving hits! Matcha – not an herbal tea but a green tea with benefits of a compound called EGCG that has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits such as reducing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. If you are avoiding caffeine, know that matcha has caffeine and is stimulating so avoid late in the day. The new year can be filled with good health when you consider to nurture yourself with good sleep, nutrients from good whole foods and remember to stay hydrated. Be gentle moving into 2021; slow and steady change are what creates the health span we all long for.
Stock Photo A balanced diet that includes lean meats, healthy fats, nuts, fruits and vegetables can help people bounce back from the holidays.
Women’s Health Directory Directory of Local Female Health Service Professionals Dr. Stephanie Fulton Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
Dr. Attiya S. Khan Dr. Khan focuses on the prevention of heart disease through early diagnosis and provides the latest interventional techniques to treat coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. She is one of the few female interventional cardiologists in Houston available to perform emergency angioplasties and stents for patients who are experiencing a heart attack. 1631 North Loop West, Ste. 220 • Houston TX 77008 713-365-0786 www.nwcardiology.net
Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia. 1415 N. Loop, Ste 400 • 427 W. 20th St. Ste 100 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com
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The Leader • Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 • Page 3B
Smelly cat, smelly Cat: Dealing with feline halitosis Dear Tabby, My cat’s breath stinks! He’s only 3 years old and his teeth look clean, so I don’t understand why his breath suddenly smells so bad. Help! Dragon Breath in Inwood Dear Dragon Breath, While dogs are typically the pets associated with bad breath, cats can also be afflicted with a case of halitosis. There are a few possible explanations for the cause of your kitty’s sudden dragon breath. Let’s get to the “root” (Ha!) of the problem and then “brush up” (Ha! Ha!) on your options for dealing with feline halitosis: Possible causes of bad breath The causes of bad breath in felines can range from simple to serious. As you can probably guess, my first piece of
advice is to make an appointment with your vet. The thing is, many serious diseases can cause sudden bad breath in cats, so you’ll want to rule out the serious stuff first. Diabetes, liver and kidney disease often present with halitosis and these are diseases that you don’t want to sleep on. Once your vet rules out those causes of the bad breath, you can move forward. Your vet will also examine your kitty’s mouth for signs of infection and periodontal disease. Even though your cat’s teeth might look clean to you, your vet might find hidden decay or infection that could be the cause. In this case, your vet can advise on how to treat -- which will most likely include a dental cleaning and thorough examination, under anesthesia. Lastly, and probably the least serious cause of your cat’s bad breath could be something as simple as a new food that doesn’t agree with his system. Foods that are made primarily of fish can cause “fishy” breath--especially immediately after a feeding.
Try switching to a different flavor of food and see if that helps. How to cure “Dragon Breath” Once you’ve ruled out anything serious, it’s time to start thinking about ways to prevent bad breath. One thing that can help is brushing your cat’s teeth often (experts recommend daily, but any time you can devote to this endeavor will help). Maybe it’s time for a new water bowl (plastic water bowls can harbor bacteria). Cat water fountains are great because, not only do they encourage your cat to drink more water (which will help his breath), but they also continually move the water, keeping it clean. With a few simple tweaks you should be able to help turn your smelly cat into a fresh(er) pet and ensure his health and the happiness of you all in the new year. Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week
BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Lady Lions, Bulldogs continue hot starts By Landan Kuhlmann
night, and are holding steady atop the TABC’s TAPPS 3A rankings. Sophomore guard Dalanna Carter has been a force so far this season for Lutheran High North, averaging nearly 34 points per contest. She has had nine games with at least 30 points and three games with at least 40 points, including a 43-point effort on Tuesday. She is also the team’s second-leading rebounder at 5.6 per game. Led by freshman Zachara Perkins at nearly 20 points and 11 rebounds per game, the St. Pius X Lady Panthers are off to a 6-4 start. They were scheduled to play Christian Homeschool Athletics on Tuesday night. Booker T. Washington’s Lady Eagles are trying to right the ship after losing four of their last five games to fall to 4-7. However, they were 3-1 in District 23-4A competition entering Wednesday’s matchup against first-place Yates (5-4, 4-0 district). The Scarborough Lady Spartans and Waltrip Lady Rams were both 0-3 ahead of games this week against Wheatley and Sharpstown, respectively. Boys Fresh off the gridiron, a couple of Heights’ football stars are
landan@theleadernews.com
On the heels of strong starts to their 2020-21 seasons, two of the area’s high school girls basketball teams have started the New Year off on the right foot. The Heights Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a Dec. 29 loss to Cypress Creek, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ top-ranked team in Class 6A, with back-to-back wins over Katy Tompkins and Galena Park North Shore to maintain their standing as the 16th-ranked squad in 6A. Leading the way once again were seniors Gracelynn Alvarez and Tierra Simon. Alvarez scored 16 points in a 50-49, comeback win over Tompkins – the TABC’s No. 23 team in 6A – on New Year’s Eve, while Simon had 18 points and 10 rebounds. The duo also combined for 30 points and 16 rebounds in a 61-55 victory over North Shore on Jan. 2. Meanwhile, the Lutheran High North Lady Lions have continued their recent run of TAPPS dominance despite a Dec. 19 loss to Incarnate Word Academy. The Lady Lions improved to 10-2 on the season with a 79-28 win over Tomball Rosehill Christian Tuesday
showcasing their multi-sport talents in helping the basketball team to a fast start. Keyondrick Douglas had 17 points and six rebounds in a 46-39 win over South Houston on Jan. 2. Kendric Rhymes added eight points and seven rebounds. The Bulldogs also took down Chavez 63-30 Tuesday night, improving to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in District 18-6A competition. Despite 17 points from Kenneth Lewis and 16 from Kendrick Wyatt, Booker T. Washington lost 93-58 to Bellaire Episcopal – the TABC’s 10thranked team in TAPPS 6A – on Dec. 31. The Eagles were 6-8 overall and 3-2 in District 23-4A heading into Tuesday’s game against Mickey Leland College Prepatory. Waltrip has won back-toback games over Scarborough and Houston Math, Science and Tech to square its record at 3-3. Scarborough is 0-6. On the private school circuit, Lutheran High North is now 3-3 after Tuesday’s 41-36 win against against Tomball Rosehill Christian, while St. Pius X is 6-5 following a Tuesday loss against top-ranked Houston Christian. St. Thomas is coming off an 89-76 loss to Yates on Jan. 2 and is 2-3.
HHA accepting nominations for community improvement awards By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Meet Weller This 7-year-old gentleman was in a home for his whole life up until recently, but he’s ready for a fresh start in the new year with a loving family who will commit to loving him forever. Weller is a typical orange tabby--friendly, talkative and affectionate. He lives in a foster home with children, other cats and even dogs and is doing well, but he’d be just as happy in a home where he’s the star of the show. Could that be in your home? To learn more, go to www. animaljusticeleague.org.
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Page 4B • Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 • The Leader
Local fitness pros share health goals for 2021 By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
The professionals who teach fitness and wellness for a living have goals of their own. Here’s a roundup of what some local teachers and gym owners are hoping to achieve this year. Owner Ricky Cruz HTX FightCamp 827 W. 34th St. https://htxfightcamp.com/
Cruz said he and wife April, the co-owner of HTX FightCamp, are “focused on building a healthier us.” This includes maintaining a healthy immune system, maintaining and building a healthier cardiovascular system and building a stronger mental capacity. “All three items help us and our members to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cruz said. “I am a firm believer that the healthier you are, the more likely you are to not get sick and have a (better) ability to fight off the disease if you were to get infected.” CrossFit trainer Lori Reilly Bayou City CrossFit 3622 Golf Dr. https://bayoucitycrossfit. com/
Reilly said her personal goals are to work on her CrossFit weaknesses while maintaining strength. “I’ve battled a few nagging injuries over the last two years and am at a healthy state and want to stay there,” she said. “I’m motivated to be more in tune with how my body feels — pushing my limits of strength and stamina while staying healthy.” She said the gym’s 2021 goals for the community are to continue to provide health
and fitness solutions that work with client lifestyles. “We offer a variety of class and individual programming options to meet clients where they are and help them along their wellness journey,” she said. Owner Morgan Shields RISE Fitness @RISEFitnessHTX on Instagram
Morgan Boisture Shields on Facebook “My goals for 2021 are to build back some of the strength I lost during 2020 (and) to spend less time looking at screens,” Shields said. She added prioritizing sleep, more down time, eating unprocessed foods and doing things that bring her joy to the list. Owner Marcia Strange Crew Fitness 715 W. 22nd St. http://www.crew-fitness.com/ crew-hou
The Crew Fitness owner said she plans to listen to her body more in 2021 and find a healthy balance between work, rest and play. “If I have learned anything from this pandemic, it’s that we should slow down a bit,” she said. “I want to focus on healthy habits like more sleep, getting outside more, unplugging from social media and fueling my body with what it needs to stay healthy.” Strange said Crew Fitness is looking to grow in 2021. “We want to give more people a space to meet their health and fitness goals,” Strange said. “We can’t wait to get our Crew community back together and possibly begin to build an even larger community.”
Counselors offer tips for mental health reboot
Contributed photo Lori Reilly, a trainer for Bayou City CrossFit, wants to maintain strength after coping with injuries in recent years.
Contributed photo Blair Lucas, a senior instructor at Body Rock Pilates-Oak Forest, wants to be more consistent with her workouts in 2021. Co-creator Amelie Comeaux Push Fitness, Live and Online Workouts
Comeaux said she and fellow instructor Jordan Smashey want the same thing for themselves as they want
for everybody else. “Living healthier lifestyles, making better food choices, setting better examples for our friends and family,” she said. “These are things we’d like to see happen in 2021.”
She noted the change does not have to be radical. “If we can persuade people to pick up a heavier weight, go 20 seconds longer on a cardio set (or) make a healthier choice at dinner, I’d say goal achieved,” she said. Senior instructor Blair Lucas Body Rock Pilates-Oak Forest 3460 Ella Blvd.
https://bodyrockpilates.com
Lucas said consistency is her goal — sticking to a consistent wake-up time, eating time and bedtime. “I personally love working out in the morning and resting a bit after lunch,” Lucas said. “If I make a plan each week, it is much easier to accomplish my goals.”
Vaccines, from P. 1B A group that has been vocal about being prioritized for a vaccine is Houston’s teachers. “We continually hear how important it is to get teachers and students back to inperson instruction, so it makes perfect sense to protect the people that would be on our school campuses,” Texas AFT President Zeph Capo said last month. Thus far, teachers not in the 1A and 1B groups are not eligible to be vaccinated. There was some early confusion at vaccination sites about priority for those not in 1A or 1B who work in “congregant settings” like schools. This initial misunderstanding,
as well as widely shared signup links to interested parties, allowed some teachers and school workers to receive a vaccination. In a statement, Houston ISD said its nurses and first responders are currently receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. “HISD is also working with the City of Houston Health Department on vaccine availability for priority groups, such as those who are 65 or older with certain chronic medical conditions,” read the statement. “Additionally, we are looking into ways to make the vaccine available to other employee groups including our teachers.”
Starting Monday, Jan. 4, all HISD campuses offered COVID-19 BinaxNOW rapid COVID tests. The TDSHS website lists more than 70 locations in Houston offering vaccinations starting with Week 4 distribution, which is the most recent. These include the Kroger pharmacy at 1440 Studemont St. with 100 doses, the Heights Emergency Room at 101 North Loop West with 100 doses and the UT Physicians Multispecialty Clinic at 925 N. Shepherd Dr. with 100 doses. A complete list is available at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/ coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx.
Harring said she was originally part of the Moderna vaccine trial but received the placebo. “I have done my own independent research about the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and they are built on solid scientific evidence,” she said. “There is no reason they should not be safe for all people, but there will be hesitant populations. We have been looking for a cure for COVID, and while this vaccine isn’t a cure per se, it’s the closest thing we have. I really hope everyone steps up and lifts their sleeve so that we can end this craziness and start getting back to normal.”
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By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Ella Lee Forest resident Elizabeth Arredondo, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Houston Family Counseling, said nobody has come out of 2020 emotionally unscathed. “Our lives have been riddled with loss, isolation, conflict, more loss and anxiety,” Arredondo said. She and Aaron Bunker, a fellow licensed professional counselor at Houston Family Counseling, have some ways for people to get in the right headspace for the coming year. Recognize that nothing magical happened on New Year’s Day “Remember when you were a child, and you woke up on your birthday thinking you would somehow be someone new?” Arredondo said. “A lot of people are looking at 2021 with the same kind of magical thinking, and it’s going to be a serious downer to see more disappointing or upsetting news, especially about COVID and politics.” To counter that letdown, Arredondo and Bunker advise setting attainable, short-term goals and rewards for yourself. “Ask yourself each Sunday, ‘What is one thing I want to be proud of this week?’” Arredondo said. “You will find a sense of empowerment in this activity, and that feeling counters the helplessness we’ve all felt about what’s happening around us.” Practice journaling Write journal entries detailing the best and worst things about each day, and your feelings about those events. “It’s tempting to shut down emotions at this point because we have Felt. So. Much,” Arredondo said. “The feelings are still there, though, and giving them time and space in your journal may keep them from overwhelming you or leaking out when they can cause damage to relationships.” Make self-care your No. 1 New Year’s resolution Arredondo and Bunker said it is unlikely any human is going to take as much time and interest in caring for your adult soul as you can. “Decide what self-care really means to you and then take good care of yourself,” Arredondo said. “Maybe this means taking up an old or new hobby. Maybe it means a diet or exercise regimen that treats
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your body better than you have been. This year, focus in on how resolutions make you feel more than what you ought to be doing.” Limit media consumption, especially social media Arredondo said news is helpful in small doses and when it is not inflammatory. “Keep to the facts, though, with a time-limited scan of reliable, fact-based, non-sensational news sources, preferably in print,” Arredondo said. “Likewise, limit social media, using it only as a tool to connect with others in meaningful and supportive ways.” Keep those connections open The counselors said that no matter how tired you are of video chats and Zoom happy hours, you should keep them coming. “They don’t feed our souls with the kinds of connection in-person interactions do, but they are a far cry more sustaining than phone calls and emails,” Arredondo said. She also suggests creating some intimacy and routine in those calls. “For example, if you can’t be with elderly family, you might consider including them in children’s bedtime routines and letting them read a story aloud,” she said. “Don’t feel obliged to plan big events to connect with others. Think about how you connected pre-COVID and try to simulate that, maybe chatting on FaceTime while children are playing in the background or sharing a glass of wine while making dinner.” For more tips, visit https:// houstonfamilycounseling.org/ blog/.
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