COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
Our students head home this week for Thanksgiving and will finish the semester virtually. As we close this chapter of the Fall 2020 semester, it is important to reflect on our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 infections. I am very proud to say that 90% of students adhered to the established safety protocols for much of the semester. However, following Halloween weekend, we have seen that number drop to 80%, and predictably cases have increased.
All of us have “COVID fatigue,” and you may be feeling frustrated and restless. But there is an end in sight. This week there was positive news about two vaccines’ efficacy, and researchers, including those at the Miller School of Medicine, are actively testing others.
So, while this year has been challenging, we have much to be grateful for going into the Thanksgiving holiday. Let’s continue to do our best to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Wear a face covering, physically distance, avoid crowded spaces, and limit social gatherings to no more than 10 people. Also, cooperate with contact tracing efforts and adhere to isolation and quarantine guidelines required to contain the virus.
Have a safe and happy holiday—mainly at home.
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Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19
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WHAT DOES CLOSE CONTACT MEAN?Because of the increased number of cases on campus and in the greater Miami-Dade community, you may be notified that you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
The CDC defines “close contact” as someone who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over 24 hours. Cumulative means if you spent 10 minutes within 6 feet of someone who has the virus, left the room for an hour, then came back and spent 10 more minutes with that person, you would be considered a “close contact.”
Unfortunately, some people who may have been doing everything right will be asked to quarantine for 14 days from the last time of known contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. At this point, that could mean that you will have to remain in quarantine through Thanksgiving. As unfair as this may seem, it’s better to be cautious this year so that there are no empty seats at the dinner table next year.
GET YOUR FLU SHOT Quite a few members of the ’Canes community have not received their flu shot and it is mandatory this year. The faculty and staff deadline for this is Dec. 11. Keep in mind that we may receive the COVID-19 vaccine for front-line health care workers as early as the beginning of December. Though we don’t know how much of the COVID-19 vaccine we will receive, no one will be able to get it within two weeks of receiving the flu vaccine.
There are many places both on campus and off to receive the flu vaccine, but you must make an appointment. To make an appointment, and to find all other information about flu shot locations and processes, visit the flu vaccine site. |
IMMUNITY BOOSTING THANKSGIVING DINNERAs I have mentioned before, a nutritious diet can help support your immune system. That includes Thanksgiving dinner. For instance:
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Turkey is a source of zinc, protein, and vitamin B. Vitamin B helps immune cells communicate. Vegetarians can find sources of protein and minerals in other food substances such as tofu, quinoa, legumes, barley, and nuts.
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Sweet potato is rich in vitamin A, which promotes immune cell function.
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Cranberries contain vitamin C, which helps to ward off infectious agents.
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Green beans and Brussels sprouts are other sources of vitamin A. (Forget for a moment about the raffinose and high sulfur content—they are good for you and will likely provide a good buffer for the “6-foot rule.”) They also contribute soluble fiber to your diet, which helps the stimulation of immune T-cells. It also has the added benefit of helping with lung function.
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Pumpkin is packed full of beneficial nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and B. It also contains iron, which helps to regulate the creation of cytokines.
Even though many of the foods traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving Day can be healthy, some of the recipes are not. Make sure you go easy on the butter and sugar. Also, if you cannot resist fried foods, consider using an air-fryer. One of the benefits is that they don’t use oil. However, you can also use healthy oils such as olive oil, which is high in antioxidants, so it is also good for your immune system.
It is still important not to go overboard. Often in times of stress and anxiety, we can fall back on unhealthy coping mechanisms, including overeating. So, don’t stuff your face, face your stuff. Instead, take a walk after you eat and take a minute to think about all the things for which you are grateful. |
GRATITUDE IS GOOD FOR YOUResearch conducted right here at the University of Miami found that making a gratitude list positively impacts your mental health. Participants of the study who wrote down what they were thankful for every week reported being more optimistic and cheerful. They also exercised more, had fewer doctor visits, and missed fewer days of work.
HELP A NEIGHBORThis holiday season will be hard for many, so check in with your neighbors, especially if they are elderly. You can do so safely by calling them or saying hello across the yard at a safe distance. Make a pie and drop it off on their doorstep with a card. There are many things that we can do to help each other and show that we care.
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We will not have a health and wellness newsletter on Nov. 27 but will resume on Dec. 4. |
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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. We are open 24/7—even on Thanksgiving—for your needs.
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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