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How to Talk to Kids About COVID-19
Kids are very intuitive and observant – sometimes even more-so than adults. In fact, when something is wrong, they may even be the first ones to notice and point it out – and while many children do adapt well to change, there are others who may not – particularly when changes are as drastic and sudden as what we’ve seen occurring as a result of COVID-19. For example, a close relative may become ill with the virus (such as a parent or grandparent), they can no longer attend school, and can’t spend time with friends. Naturally, these types of changes and the uncertainty that comes along with them would cause our children to have many questions (and want answers) – and while COVID-19 might seem like a heavy topic to discuss with younger individuals, it’s important to explain the situation to them, but doing so in a way they’re able to easily understand.
As mentioned, one of the biggest challenges a child might face as a result of COVID-19 is a lack of social interaction with their peers – whether that interaction came from playing outdoors or seeing each other at school. It’s not being able to have that personal interaction that can cause a child to feel confused. However, it’s important that we explain to our children just how crucial it is that we keep our distance from others at this time. As adults, we know this as “social distancing” or “physical distancing” – and while some children may understand these terms, it’s also important that we explain things to them in ways that are age-appropriate. One way to easily explain the definition of social distancing to a child is by letting them know that it’s important for us to stay home and rest so that we can remain as healthy as possible and keep those we care about as healthy as possible, too – and that the longer we stay home, the quicker we’ll be able to get back to enjoying the things we used to and seeing the people we used to see. To keep social interaction going, this can be a good time for parents to encourage children to video chat with friends and relatives. If your child is missing out on their education as a result of their school being closed due to COVID-19, many classrooms are now moving to online instruction and other virtual activities that they can partake in.
We also need to teach our children the importance of regular hygiene. While a child may not be thrilled about being told to wash their hands, we can encourage them to increase their hygiene by explaining what a virus is and how it spreads. For example, by telling them the following: “A virus is a tiny invisible organism that travels between humans – and that some of these organisms are good, while others are bad and can make people sick, which is why it’s important that we be careful and wash our hands to keep the bad germs away.” Try to avoid medical terms when having this discussion, as that may only confuse them.
Because a child might hear or see something in passing either on the TV or radio, it’s also not uncommon for them to experience fear. This is a completely normal reaction, even for us as adults – especially when we’re facing a lot of uncertainty. However, reassure them that by taking the aforementioned steps (i.e. social distancing and handwashing), they are safe.
Children also tend to be curious and, as such, will likely have a lot of questions. While raising the subject of COVID-19 might sound like it could do more harm than good, it’s important that we don’t completely shield our children from these types of discussions, as this could ultimately lead to further fear which can then potentially lead to depression and anxiety. We should allow our children to express their concerns and ask any questions they have, while answering them in an honest but reassuring way. Alternatively, a child may feel overwhelmed by the topic and not want to talk about it – and that’s okay too. Let them know that you’re there whenever they want to revisit the subject.
For some more great tips on how to talk to your kids about COVID-19, visit Anxiety Canada’s website at www.anxietycanada.com.
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Support for Canadians During COVID-19
As a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we as Canadians are going through unprecedented times, which can be challenging and even downright scary. Among some of the most common fears that Canadians have at this time is how they are going to survive financially. While some Canadians are able to work remotely, others unfortunately do not have that luxury, and many have even faced job loss as a direct result of COVID-19. Fortunately, the Canadian government has stepped in to help those who may be struggling during this difficult time – both emotionally and financially. Below is a list of what’s being made available to Canadians country-wide, as well as locally.
CANADA-WIDE
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS
• Increasing the Canada Child Benefit: An extra $300 (per child) will be provided through CCB. This means the average family will receive approximately $550 more. Families can expect to receive this as part of their scheduled CCB payment in May.
• Special Goods and Services Tax Credit payment: A one-time payment in early May that is close to $400 for single individuals, or $600 for couples.
• Extra time to file income tax returns: While the tax-filing deadline is April 30th, this has now been deferred until June 1st. In addition, any new income tax balance (or instalments) that are due are also being deferred until August 21st without any additional interest incurred or penalties.
• Mortgage support: Canadians who find themselves impacted by COVID-19 and are facing financial hardship as a result are encouraged to contact their financial institution to discuss a possible mortgage deferral. Canadian banks are committed to working alongside their customers on a case-by-case basis to help them find solutions.
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS FACING UNEMPLOYMENT
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): This is a taxable benefit of $2,000 per month for up to 4 months that will be provided to individuals who have to stop working as a result of COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or any other sources of income; workers who are sick, quarantined, in isolation, or taking care of someone in their family who is sick with COVID-19; parents who have to stay home without pay in order to care for children who are sick or in need of care due to school/daycare closures; individuals who still have employment but are not being paid due to lack of work and/or their employer asking them to stay home; self-employed individuals, including those not eligible for EI. Individuals will be able to apply for this benefit online or via telephone beginning in early April.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES
• Moratorium on repayment of Canada Student Loans: As of March 30th, a six-month (and interest-free) moratorium will be placed on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all borrowers. During this time, payment will not be required, and you will not accrue any interest.
SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE
• Indigenous Community Support Fund: The Canadian government will provide $305 million to help address immediate needs for those in First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nation communities.
• Enhancing the Reaching Home Initiative: $157.5 million toward this initiative to help support individuals facing homelessness. This funding will be used for things like beds as well as securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters, in addition to the purchase of physical barriers to promote social distancing.
• Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres: Up to $50 million will be provided to shelters and sexual assault centres across the country to help support women and children fleeing violence.
• Reduced minimum withdrawals for RRIFs (Registered Retirement Income Funds): This will be reduced by 25% for 2020.
For more information on the assistance being provided to Canadians as well as more info on how to apply, visit www.canada.ca.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
In addition to the aforementioned measures that have been put in place by the Federal government, the Provincial government has also recently come up with a plan to further assist those in the Province.
SUPPORT FOR HOUSING AND UTILITIES
• Temporary rental supplement, in addition to halting all evictions and rent increases.
• BC Hydro: Deferred payments and/or access to grants.SUPPORT FOR TRANSPORTATION
• ICBC: Postponement of road tests, deferred monthly payments of up to 90 days, as well as allowing insurance renewals via phone or e-mail.
• TransLink/BC Transit: Fares and passes not required.SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION
• K-12 learning suspended in all classrooms.
• Online post-secondary education.
• Freeze of B.C. student loan payments until September 30th, 2020.For more information on the support being offered by the Government of British Columbia, visit www.gov.bc.ca.
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Hand Hygiene and COVID-19
Practicing good hygiene – specifically hand washing with warm water and soap – is known to be one of the best preventative measures against COVID-19, and it’s something you should do frequently, because aside from COVID-19, regular hand washing can also help remove other parasites such as influenza as well as metapneumovirus – a type of respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia.
When looked at under a microscope, coronaviruses appear to be covered with point-like spires. Right below that surface is the outer layer of the virus made up of lipids – otherwise known as fat. Think of it as a layer of grease on your hands. For example, when you attempt to wash off that grease with just water alone, it’s much harder to get off. In order to dissolve it, you need to add soap to the mix. When you use soap in combination with water, it results in a lather. This later will then essentially inactivate the virus so that it will no longer bind to you and cannot enter human cells. This is also why health officials are warning against touching your face (such as the eyes, nose and mouth), as the virus can easily enter the body this way if your hands are not clean.
That being said, even if you’re someone who practices healthy hygiene habits and washes your hands regularly, some studies have suggested that many people still don’t follow proper hand washing rules. In fact, one study found that one in every four people simply wet or splashed their hands with water without using soap; while the same study found that one in ten didn’t even wash their hands after using the restroom. Another commonality found in this study was that those who did was their hands with soap and water didn’t spend enough time doing so – washing their hands for just a few seconds as opposed to the suggested 15 to 30 seconds (or the approximate length of time it would take to sing the ABC’s.) The longer you wash your hands, the more reductions in the number of microbes.
When it comes to washing your hands, there is also a specific technique you should follow:
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm.)
2. Turn off the tap.
3. Apply soap (bar soap or liquid soap.)
4. Lather your hands by running them together, including the backs of your hands, palms of your hands, in between your fingers, as well as underneath your fingernails. (Lathering your hands this way will create friction which is what ultimately helps to lift dirt and other germs from the skin.)Once you have done this for 15 to 30 seconds, you should then rinse your hands under clean, running water once again. It is important that you avoid rinsing your hands in water that has been standing in a sink or basin, as your hands could potentially become recontaminated if there has been previous use of this water.
To dry your hands, you should do so with a clean hand towel and/or paper towel. While you can also air dry them, it’s important to note that germs can be transferred much more easily if your hands are wet – therefore, the hands should always be dried after washing them. While you’re not likely to spread germs from using the same hand towel as someone else if the towel has dried in between use, it’s still recommended that you change your hand towels every 2 days or so – especially if you are not the only one in your household.
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How to Ease Anxiety During a Crisis
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for both adults and children. For some, anxiety can be temporary experience that is based on different factors like relationship struggles (including family), or stress at work and/or school. For others, the anxiety they face can often be a chronic, recurring issue that causes a disruption in someone’s ability to carry out their daily living and may have a much harder time coping with what is often described as an overwhelming sense of dread or loss of control. As we are now seeing a steady and significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases being diagnosed not just within Canada, but all across the world, many people are dealing with feelings of anxiousness and stress, and much of those feelings have to do with the fear of the unknown. For example, someone might worry as to whether or not they will wind up being diagnosed with COVID-19; while others may be in voluntary or mandatory isolation and face potential job loss as a result, leaving them wondering how they are going to pay bills, be able to afford rent, and buy groceries – all of which are very valid concerns to have.
As things with COVID-19 are rapidly changing, many people are turning to their radios, TVs, and social media for the latest breaking news on this pandemic. While it’s a good ideal to stay in the know, being inundated with a lot at once can be incredibly overwhelming for some. If you find that you’re feeling overwhelmed as a result of the news you’re reading online or seeing on TV, it can be a good idea to give yourself a break. This means turning off the television and/or radio, as well as logging out of social media. While you might not be getting exact by-the-minute news by doing this, you’ll be giving yourself and your mind a much-needed break from all of that bad news – and even a small break could help relieve some of that anxiousness you might be feeling. If the news itself isn’t what’s causing your anxiety, but the uncertainty with your job (or school) is, understand that there have been measures put in place by the Canadian government to assist those who may need it. In some cases, employers are even willing to work with their employees by allowing them to work from home or use sick days/vacation time if they have it.
All of that being said, the utmost important thing in a crisis situation like this, is how you cope with the stress and anxiety that you’re experiencing. For example, once you’ve signed out of social media or took a break from your TV screen, you’re probably wondering what you’re supposed to do after-the-fact. While you may not be able to have face-to-face interactions with friends or family members (as we’re all supposed to be practicing social distancing and be staying home as much as we possibly can right now), you can interact with them in other ways, such as giving them a call or video chatting them (i.e. on FaceTime), by texting, or even by sending them an e-mail. Having someone to talk to and share your feelings with during a time like this can be helpful, as while it may still be scary, you’ll know you’re not alone – as the person you’re talking to is most likely feeling the same or very similar to the way in which you’re feeling.
Another good way to ease anxiety is by finding a hobby you like. If you’re good at art, you might enjoy taking up drawing or painting; while another good hobby can be writing in a journal. If you’re someone who doesn’t necessarily like talking on the phone or someone who may not have many people to turn to, writing your thoughts and feelings out can be an incredibly therapeutic outlet – and is something you can do consistently. For others, easing anxiety might look like reading a book, watching a movie, listening to their favourite music, or even something as simple as taking a nap.
Something else people find helpful in relieving anxiety is exercise. While it may not be the safest time to spend time outdoors (especially if you are going to be in close proximity of others), you can still get out and enjoy the fresh air by going for a walk or bike ride if the weather permits. Or, you can even exercise from the comfort of your own home. You can also try meditation or even practice different breathing techniques, which are also known to help decrease anxiety significantly. Healthline offers several different breathing techniques specific to relieving anxiety here.
Remember, it’s not just COVID-19 that causes anxiety – and there are many different reasons why someone might suffer from it. For those who are in need assistance with their mental health (or if you know someone who does), you can find a wide range of resources by clicking here.
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Keeping Yourself (and Home) Healthy Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic
There has been a lot mentioned about the important and necessary precautions that we should all be taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These precautions have been mostly centered around hygiene, including washing your hands with soap and water (or using hand sanitizer when you don’t happen to have soap and water readily available), and to also ensure you avoid touching your face – but what you might not be aware of are the specifics that surround these measures, which is why it’s important to remind people of them.
Hand Washing
Washing our hands regularly is something that we should do every day, not just something we do in instances where a viral outbreak/pandemic involved. By practicing good hygiene, we not only ensure that we, ourselves are healthy, but we’re also protecting the health of those around us, including our friends and family members, co-workers, school peers, etcetera. It’s one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick.
That being said, hand washing is much more than just sticking your hands under running water for a few seconds. After dampening your hands with water (warm water is best), you should lather them together with soap – ensuring you’re covering all areas of each hand, including the backs of your hands, palms, in-between your fingers, and underneath your fingernails before scrubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Once 20 seconds have gone by, you can rinse the soap off your hands and dry them by either using a clean cloth, paper towel, or air dry them. There has been science that
There are also key times as to when you should wash your hands, including after using the toilet, before, during and after you prepare food as well as after eating food, before and after treating wounds, after handing pets (and also after handing pet food and pet waste), after handling garbage, after changing diapers, after caring for someone who is sick or thought to be sick, and of course after you blow your nose, after coughing, or after sneezing.
Using Hand Sanitizer
When soap and water isn’t immediately available to you, another way you can clean your hands is by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. However, just like washing your hands with soap and water, there are certain things you need to know about hand sanitizer, including the method in which it should be used. First and foremost, if you are going to be using hand sanitizer, then you need to make sure it contains a minimum of at least 60% alcohol. Any hand sanitizer that contains less than that will not be effective.
When using hand sanitizer, you should apply a pump or two to the palm of one of your hands, rubbing them together and ensuring that the sanitizer rubbed over all surfaces of your hands, including the fingers. The sanitizer will quickly dry on its own, which typically takes around 10 to 15 seconds.
It is important to note that hand sanitizer, no matter the alcohol content, will not always necessarily get rid of every single type of germ. It also tends to be much less effective in your hands are visibly dirty or greasy (and any visible dirt/grease should always be washed off with soap and water.)
Keeping Your Home Clean
One study has found that COVID-19 can survive on hard surfaces (such as plastic and stainless steel) for as long as 72 hours, while it can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours. Because the virus has the capability to remain viable for several days, it’s recommended that you keep your home clean by disinfecting it regularly. For example, you’ll want to disinfect (by using a disinfectant wipe) things that you touch multiple times, such as doorknobs and cabinet handles, refrigerator doors, and even the remote control for your TV. You should also wipe down surfaces like counter tops, or can even use a disinfectant spray.
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Protecting Patient Privacy
In the vast and intricate tapestry of Canadian healthcare, the concept of patient privacy stands as a beacon of ethical practice, legal responsibility, and a fundamental human right. As a physician deeply embedded in the Canadian healthcare system, I have come to appreciate the profound significance of safeguarding patient health information—a responsibility that extends far beyond the confines of legal mandates. This vital aspect of healthcare not only upholds the dignity and autonomy of patients, but also serves as the bedrock upon which the edifice of the patient-healthcare provider relationship is built.
In this article, I aim to explore the multifaceted dimensions of patient privacy, shedding light on its legal underpinnings, ethical implications, and the profound impact it has on the therapeutic alliance between patients and healthcare practitioners.
The Essence and Scope of Patient Privacy
Patient privacy in the healthcare context is an intricate and nuanced concept, encompassing the comprehensive protection of an individual’s health-related information. This protection spans across a wide spectrum of data, ranging from the intricate details of one’s medical history and ongoing treatment plans to the subtle nuances of personal information that are inadvertently revealed in the course of healthcare delivery.
Here in British Columbia, the safeguarding of this sensitive information is not merely a matter of professional discretion but is stringently governed by robust legislative frameworks such as the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). These legislative instruments meticulously delineate the standards and protocols for managing, storing, and disseminating patient health information, thus providing a structured approach to maintaining confidentiality in the complex world of healthcare.
Legal Foundations and Responsibilities
The legal landscape surrounding patient privacy in Canada is both comprehensive and intricate, designed to meticulously regulate the handling of health information. Healthcare providers are legally obligated to obtain explicit consent from patients before collecting, using, or disseminating their health data, with the law stipulating clear and narrowly defined exceptions, such as instances where non-disclosure could lead to imminent and significant harm. These legislative frameworks also bestow upon patients the inviolable right to access their own medical records and request amendments, thereby fostering a climate of transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in the doctor-patient relationship.
The Multidimensional Importance of Privacy in Healthcare
- Cultivating and Sustaining Trust: At the heart of the therapeutic alliance lies the unspoken promise of confidentiality—a promise that is essential for fostering trust, the most fundamental pillar of the patient-physician relationship. Patients entrust healthcare providers with their most intimate and sensitive information, often at their most vulnerable moments. This trust is not only critical for enabling open and honest communication, which is indispensable for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, but it also serves as the foundation upon which the entire edifice of healthcare delivery is built.
- Psychological and Emotional Implications: The impact of privacy breaches extends far beyond the mere unauthorized disclosure of information; it has profound psychological and emotional ramifications for patients. Knowing that their sensitive information is secure provides patients with a sense of safety and respect, which is crucial in alleviating anxiety and stress. Such psychological comfort is intrinsically linked to better health outcomes, as stress and anxiety can have deleterious effects on one’s physical health.
- Shielding Patients from Discrimination and Social Stigma: In a world where information is easily accessible and disseminated, the risk of discrimination and social stigma becomes a palpable threat, particularly for individuals with certain medical conditions. Ensuring the confidentiality of patient information is therefore not just about protecting data; it is about protecting individuals from potential societal backlash, discrimination, and marginalization. The privacy of health information thus emerges as a shield, safeguarding patients from the myriad societal prejudices that could otherwise impinge upon their dignity and quality of life.
- Encouraging Comprehensive Medical Engagement: The assurance of privacy acts as a catalyst, encouraging individuals to seek medical attention for conditions they might otherwise be reluctant to disclose. This is particularly pertinent for health issues that are sensitive or stigmatized. When patients are confident that their privacy is inviolable, they are more likely to be forthcoming about their health concerns, thereby enabling healthcare providers to offer more comprehensive and effective care.
Navigating the Challenges in Protecting Privacy
The journey towards ensuring absolute patient privacy is fraught with challenges and complexities, especially in an era where digital technology plays a pivotal role in healthcare delivery. The transition to electronic health records, while enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of patient data, also brings to the fore new vulnerabilities such as cyber threats and unauthorized access. This necessitates a relentless pursuit of advancements in cybersecurity and data protection measures to safeguard digital health information against any form of breach or misuse.
Addressing Third-Party Requests for Patient Health Information
In the healthcare sector, scenarios frequently arise where third parties, such as other healthcare providers, lawyers, or members of the public, request access to a patient’s health information, including requesting doctors’ notes. It’s crucial to understand that such requests do not inherently entitle these parties to access this sensitive information, and there are several compelling reasons for this strict stance.
Legal and Ethical Foundations
- Consent is Paramount: The cornerstone of sharing medical information in Canada is patient consent. This means that unless a patient explicitly consents to the sharing of their health information, healthcare providers are legally and ethically obligated to deny such requests. This consent must be specific, informed, and voluntarily given, without any form of coercion.
- Privacy Laws: Canadian privacy laws provide robust protection of patient health information. These laws are designed to safeguard personal health information from being accessed or disclosed without proper authorization, ensuring that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.
- Minimizing Harm: Unauthorized disclosure of health information can lead to significant harm, including psychological distress, social stigma, and potential discrimination. Maintaining strict control over who has access to such information is essential to protect patients from these harms.
- Trust in the Healthcare System: Trust is a fundamental aspect of the healthcare system. Patients disclose sensitive information with the expectation of confidentiality. If this trust is breached, it could deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care or from being open and honest with their healthcare providers.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
There are certain exceptions to these rules, such as when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm or in cases of public health emergencies. However, these exceptions are narrowly defined and closely regulated. In situations involving legal proceedings, a court order may mandate the release of specific health information, but such instances are carefully scrutinized to balance legal requirements with patient privacy rights.
Ethical Considerations in Patient Privacy
The ethical dimension of protecting patient privacy transcends the mere adherence to legal statutes. As healthcare providers, we are ethically bound to uphold the sanctity of patient information. This involves a vigilant oversight of who has access to patient data, ensuring that all members of the healthcare team are thoroughly indoctrinated in privacy policies and procedures. It also demands a commitment to transparency, wherein patients are informed about how their information is utilized and protected, thereby fostering an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
In conclusion, the protection of patient privacy is a complex, multifaceted issue that extends beyond the realm of legal compliance, manifesting as a critical element in the provision of compassionate, respectful, and effective healthcare in Canada. It demands a concerted effort from healthcare providers to stay abreast of evolving challenges and to uphold the sacred trust placed in them by their patients. As guardians of patient privacy, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding these principles, recognizing that the confidentiality of patient information is not only a legal imperative but a fundamental component of ethical patient care.
