COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
Congratulations to the University of Miami faculty, staff, and students on the start of the fall semester. Whether you are on campus or working and learning remotely, all week you met new people who will become your friends, mentors, and colleagues. When you wore your mask, remained physically distant, and washed your hands, you showed that you care about their health, and proved your commitment to everyone’s safety.
While this weekend we have less time in classes or at work it’s a perfect time to read and enjoy the scenery. Go for a walk or a jog and listen to music. We are living in unprecedented times. Now may be a perfect time to write a journal describing your experiences. Think of the faculty and students that you encountered. Your choices have the power to affect their future and their families. |
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
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TESTING, TESTING, TESTINGAll students taking classes on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses are required to test negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. Additionally, anyone—faculty, staff, or students—who feel they have symptoms or may have been exposed should call 305-243-ONE-U to speak to a UHealth provider and get tested. Starting next week, and weekly thereafter, we will be randomly testing 3,100 people per month on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses. The purpose of this random testing is to inform us of the prevalence of the SARS-CoV2 virus in the asymptomatic campus community. Random testing at the Medical Campus will follow. You will be contacted to participate and we will be providing you with data soon.
WHY WEAR A MASK ON AND OFF CAMPUS?One of the main reasons it is so important to wear masks is that evidence increasingly shows that a large portion of people infected with coronavirus are asymptomatic, meaning they never develop symptoms but are still contagious. Also, people who eventually get sick still spread the virus before they show symptoms, what we call presymptomatic.
When you cough, sneeze, or even talk, you spray microscopic liquid droplets from your mouth and nose, which may contain virus. People around you breathe in those droplets. Face masks create an effective barrier that keeps you from spreading the virus, even when you don’t feel or appear to be ill.
The mask needs to cover both your mouth and nose at the same time.
AVOID THE CsWhen people come together in crowds, they are more likely to interact with someone who has COVID-19 and it is more difficult to stay six feet apart. If you are unsure if an environment is risky, consider and avoid the Cs:
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Crowded places
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Close-contact settings
SLEEP MORE, STAY HYDRATED—BUT DRINK ALCOHOL LESSIt’s difficult to not socialize in the same ways as before, so it can be tempting to make an exception. But we must remain vigilant. Getting enough sleep helps boost your immune system. Sleep deprivation can lead to impulsive behavior and negatively impacts cognitive ability.
Even though you may not need to wake up early in the morning, try to keep the same sleep schedule on the weekend as you do during the week. Doing so helps regulate your internal clock or circadian rhythm, making it easier to go to sleep and stay asleep.
Also, limit your alcohol intake. Drinking too much can lead to poor sleep and risk-taking. Plus, it weakens your immune system.
GET SOME EXERCISEResearch shows that exercise boosts the immune system, helps fight depression, and is beneficial to your overall health and wellbeing. While going to the gym isn’t what it used to be, you can still remain active. Go for a run or use your own body weight for a solid workout. And don’t forget about class options
for student members of the Herbert Wellness Center. Whatever you choose, the important thing is to keep up a solid routine that improves your health. |
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University’s COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.
Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.
For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
If you are in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPPA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu. |
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