April 9, 2020

Keep Your Moai Connected or Create Your Own Moai

For the first time, physical isolation is the best thing for our health, but decades of research show us that social connection is still crucial while we’re physically distant. Moais can help us be social while practicing physical distancing.

A Moai (pronounced “Mo-Eye”) is a group of people meeting for a common purpose. The word “Moai” comes from Okinawa, Japan, where neighbors use Moais as support systems. Virtually connect with your friends or family to ensure that everyone is okay and practice a Blue Zones Project Power 9 Principle together.
Produce Donations to Casa De Los Amigos and
The Salvation Army from BCHD's LiveWell Kids Gardens
Every week, BCHD Garden Coordinator Mishell Balzer harvests ripe produce from nine LiveWell Kids school gardens in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach and delivers it to Casa De Los Amigos and The Salvation Army to contribute to their farmers market and food pantry to help those who might be experiencing food insecurity during COVID-19. The LiveWell Kids gardens are currently growing rutabagas, carrots, shallots, golden beets, purple peas, thyme, mint and a variety of leafy greens. With school now virtually in session, LiveWell Kids lessons will be adapted for families to do at home. 
Important Discussions During COVID-19
Grief, Loss and Advance Care Planning

Amidst the global public health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19, there is also a psychological crisis that’s emerging as people grapple with stress, sadness and grief related to the loss of loved ones, as well as the loss of community engagement, economic security, safety and a sense of normalcy.

According to the American Psychological Association, it’s important to “name and claim” this grief, whether it’s through journaling, having a conversation with a family member or a phone call with a mental health professional. Though it may be difficult, grieving is natural and useful, and can help us process the situation. Grief is lonely and isolating to begin with, and not being able to connect physically to mourn these losses can make it harder to process.
Need Help with Health Information and Referrals?

If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs assistance with errands, health-related information or referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 , seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also visit us online at bchd.org/resources
Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
Donations will provide assistance to vulnerable groups (older adults and adults with underlying health conditions) who are income qualified, with essentials like groceries and household cleaning supplies.
Get Social!
Add a Facebook frame to your profile picture! Visit facebook.com/profilepicframes and search for our BCHD frame by name: #SaferAtHomeBeachCities .
Share your #SaferAtHomeSelfie! Let us know how you are spending time physical distancing and helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
Free Virtual Exercise Classes
Offered through BCHD's Center for Health & Fitness
Now-April 30

Looking to stay active and healthy from the comfort of your home? The Center for Health & Fitness is now offering FREE virtual exercise classes Monday-Friday during the month of April.
Families Connected Speaker Series – now available as a virtual event!
Free parent workshop
Thursday, April 30
6:30-8 p.m.

Join BCHD and South Bay Families Connected for “The Journey – A Conversation About Mental Health in New, Uncertain Times” with professional surfer Alex Gray and local clinician Kevin Sousa, MFT. The meeting link will be directly emailed to registered participants.
Online Families Connected Parent Chat
Free parent support group
Mondays
9:50  –  10:50 a.m.
Please join BCHD, South Bay Families Connected and Fusion Academy for weekly virtual chats that will provide advice and coping strategies via guest speakers as well as provide a forum where parents and caregivers can share and learn from each other.

Join us on the following Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m.
  • April 15: College Tests and Applications with Matt Steiner of Compass Education Group
  • April 22: Managing Special Learning Needs with Eryn Schnel Yolac, ET/P, SPED
  • April 29: Playing Sports (Speaker TBD)
#SaferAtHomeBeachCities