FAQs about COVID-19 posed by patients with heart disease

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Moms, do you feel like you’re running on fumes?
Providers who take care of kids have an important message for moms too…be sure to take care of yourself…not just everyone else.
“I’ve always told moms and dads that the best thing you can do for your children is to keep yourself in a good frame of mind,” says Jim Bochsler, MD, a pediatrician at PeaceHealth in Bellingham. “There’s a reason we’re told to put on our oxygen mask before we put the mask on someone else.”
That common analogy from air travel is one Dr. Bochsler uses often with parents and there’s good reason. You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.
Whether you’re a parent or not—get used to the idea of checking in with yourself to gauge your energy level and well-being.
Every day.
And remember, you’re not doing this just for yourself. You’re showing others in your life that you need consideration. And by taking care of yourself, you’re also setting the example for your kids to follow themselves someday.
Above all, be kind and compassionate to yourself. You need it. You deserve it.
“When you are running on fumes, caring for others can tax your already depleted resources to a breaking point,” says Robyn McClennan, a patient navigator and certified health coach at PeaceHealth.
“But when you prioritize your needs, you’re filling the tank, emotionally and physically, and that means you’ll be in a position to offer comfort and care to others when they need it most.”
So, how do you refuel?
One really great way is to get and give hugs.
“We are often so busy that it can be hard to stop and feel connected with the important people in your life,” says Serena Black, MD, a pediatric hospitalist in Springfield, Oregon and the medical director of pediatrics at PeaceHealth.
“Getting a hug from a loved one can be just as important as giving one,” she notes. “It is a simple practice that is helping me every day.”
Other activities will depend on the age of your child and what sparks joy for you. Sometimes those things can be with others. At other times, you really need time alone.
Either way, here are several more tried and true ideas for filling your tank:
If your kids are old enough, they can be encouraged to their own "self-care" activities while you're doing yours.
“Be there for yourself. Schedule some time for yourself every day. You need just as much love and care as the rest of your family,” notes Eileen Beck, a coding specialist and health coach at PeaceHealth. “They’ll be there when you finish.”
Your family will thank you.
Special thanks to the certified health coaches at PeaceHealth for these and other tips.
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