COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
This Friday, students and faculty will be out for a short fall break. The three-day weekend is a well-earned time to relax and recharge. However, we strongly discourage traveling. I know that being away from family and friends can be difficult, but it is the best way to avoid the risk of bringing back COVID-19 and possibly infecting your fellow ’Canes.
Please continue to be cautious and diligent about using sound judgment while on and off campus. Avoid groups of more than six people, wear your mask in public, and keep at least six feet of distance between you and others.
Our Miami Hurricane student-athletes are doing a great job of leading by example. They continue to have minimal COVID-19 positive cases, showing us all that it is possible to play team sports and protect each other from getting the virus. I know we can all demonstrate that level of discipline and commitment for the greater good.
Go ’Canes! |
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19
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PARTICIPATING IN TEAM SPORTSWhile our Miami Hurricanes are playing on a national stage, we can all apply their practices if we play team sports. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggests these tips to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
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Stay home if you are sick.
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Bring extra hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, extra masks, and extra water.
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Wear a mask if possible, especially if you play close contact sports like basketball.
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Prioritize outdoor activities over indoor activities.
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Avoid high fives, handshakes, fist bumps, or hugs.
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Minimize the sharing of equipment or gear by bringing your own equipment.
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Do not use drinking fountains.
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Do not share towels or any items used to wipe your face or hands.
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RISK FACTORS FOR SEVERE COVID-19While many people who contract COVID-19 have mild symptoms, some get very ill, need hospitalization, and die. Age is one of these risk factors. Compared to 18 to 29-year-olds, those who are 65 to 74-years-old are five times more likely to be hospitalized and nine times more likely to die. The ratios are even higher if you are above 74. However, your biological age is more important than the absolute number of years. Some people at age 70 are “healthier” than those at 55. Generally, as we get older, we have more ailments that put us at risk as described below.
Keep in mind that people of any age who have certain medical conditions are also at increased risk. These conditions include COPD, heart conditions, chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Others who may be at increased risk, but the data is limited, are those with moderate to severe asthma, high blood pressure, dementia, liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, or pregnancy.
IS IT A COLD OR IS IT COVID?It is now cold season, so you may find yourself with the sniffles. Unfortunately, COVID-19 shares many of the same symptoms associated with another viral illness, the common cold. Both illnesses can cause a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. However, it is generally rare to have shortness of breath, muscle aches, and loss of taste and smell if you have a cold.
Regardless, stay home if you are sick, fill out the daily symptom checker, and see a physician.
Also, remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw used tissues away immediately and wash your hands for 20 seconds using soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. |
THE SCIENCE BEHIND ZINCThere are many remedies that people say can keep colds and other viruses at bay. Many of these have no real scientific backing, but zinc does. In the common cold, research indicates there is reduced frequency of respiratory infections and reduced symptom severity. Studies show that zinc directly inhibits the replication of viruses, including SARS-CoV2. It can also balance the immune response when you are sick and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can mitigate lung damage in those who become ill.
The recommended dietary amount of zinc you should have in your diet is 11 mg daily for a male adult and 8 mg for a female. It is not advised to ingest more than 40 mg a day as high zinc intake can cause nausea, cramps, and diarrhea.
You can use zinc lozenges; however, the best place to get most nutrients is from fresh food. Proteins such as oysters, beef, crab, and chicken are all sources of zinc. You can also add zinc to your diet by eating legumes, pumpkin seeds, and yogurt. |
MASKS AND YOUR SKINWearing masks, especially in the heat, can cause your skin to become irritated. To limit breakouts, avoid masks made from synthetic fabrics—like nylon, polyester, and rayon—that may irritate your skin. If you wear cloth masks, get more than one. After each day of use, wash the mask with warm water and hypoallergenic soap or laundry detergent.
Prevent pimples by limiting the use of makeup under your mask, washing your face twice a day, and using a daily moisturizer. |
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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 HIPAA-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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