March 26, 2020
“How are you?”

Many of us uttered this phrase casually in a pre-coronavirus era – to our coworkers on our way to the coffee pot, to the checker at the grocery store, to an acquaintance on the street. But now, more than ever, it’s time to take a pause to reflect on your mental health, and reflect, how are you, really ?

Here are some tips to maintain your mental health while you’re #SaferAtHomeBeachCities:
Take a break from the news. When you hear, read or watch news about coronavirus, you may feel anxious and may show signs of stress. Obsessively checking news feeds may lead to heightened anxiety. Try a family challenge to have a “coronavirus-free” day – no one is allowed to say the word, watch the news or scroll the Internet. Every slip-up goes into the family tip jar, which can be saved for a takeout meal from a local restaurant. 
Keep a regular schedule. A common refrain for the newly indoctrinated WFH (work from home) employee or the virtual student is to keep a regular schedule. While the allure of conference calls in your pajamas and late-night Netflix binges might seem appealing, there are legions of WFH veterans who swear by consistency and routine for productivity and stability. This includes adequate sleep – a big booster of immunity, too.
Identify a personal mantra. In these times of uncertainty, maybe Mick Jagger said it best: “you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need.” Or perhaps you prefer to “keep calm and carry on.” Or follow the advice of Angela Lansbury, who said it’s “better to be busy than to be busy worrying.” No matter what, know that “this too, shall pass.” 
Revisit that list of “someday” projects or ideas that can be safely done in your own home. You don’t need to dismantle your entire garage or organize every photo album since 2001. Start with the silverware drawer, or another simple task. Simple and routine organization can bring calm in an uncertain time.
Know that you’re more resilient than you think . Our brains are good at predicting the worst. But research shows that people tend to overestimate the impact a negative event will have on them, and underestimate how well they will be able to cope and adjust. Crowd out the uncertainty of negative thoughts with those you have control over – the safety of your family at home, your ability to stay connected with others virtually and the gratitude you have for your simplified daily activities. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health, reach out for help through BCHD’s Assistance, Information and Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256.
Be social while social distancing. For the first time in our lifetime, social 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, and that social distancing can still be social – try FaceTime, Zoom or Skype. Write letters to relatives – or zoo animals . Send a holiday card in April. Leave a note on a neighbor’s door, sharing your phone number and that you’re here to help (while following our recommendations for Neighbors Helping Neighbors ). 
Take care of yourself. Turn your free time into “me” or “we” time. Prioritize exercise, mindfulness and other self-care activities. Write down your daily self-care plan and reflect on it each morning. Show us how you’re staying healthy and connected by sharing your #SaferAtHomeSelfie on social media and tag @BeachCitiesHealth on Facebook and I nstagram .
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Health Update:

On March 25, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued two new Health Officer Orders:

  • The Isolation Order states that all individuals who have been diagnosed with or who are likely to have COVID-19 must isolate themselves in their home for a period of 7 days, and 3 days of being symptom-free.

  • The Quarantine Order states that all household contacts, intimate partners, caregivers and close contacts who have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with or likely to have COVID-19 while that person was symptomatic must quarantine themselves for 14 days.

For more information about COVID-19 visit:
#LiveWell & Keep Up With Our Interactive Fitness Videos!

BCHD is posting regular exercise videos from its 
#NeighborsHelpingNeighbors
Tips To Help Those In Need During COVID-19

Here are ways residents can support at-risk older adults in their area: 

  • Keeping a positive attitude as much as possible
  • Taking out and picking up trash cans
  • Shopping or running errands
  • Bringing meals or scheduling meal delivery
  • Picking up prescriptions or over the counter supplies
  • Walking the dog(s)
  • Moving the car for parking purposes
  • Dropping off or picking up letters or packages at the post office
  • Sending a care package
  • Bringing the mail or newspaper to the front porch
  • Calling or texting to let them know you are thinking about them. If they are willing, commit to calling each other a couple of times a week to check in and stay connected.

When helping neighbors, such as dropping off groceries and supplies, good Samaritans should follow the best practices below for the safety of yourself and our community.

1. Ring the doorbell or knock on the door

2 . Place items on the doorstep
3. Step six feet away from the door
4. Wait for the neighbor to open the door
5. Wave, say hello and ask them how they’re doing!
6. If they express needing additional help, you may suggest they call the BCHD Assistance, Information & Referrals line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 (7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
7. After you leave, wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
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Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
Similar to our successful Holiday Gift Bag program, we are inviting the community to 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.
Errand Assistance for Older Adults & Health Information

During this time of heightened health concern, BCHD is available to offer help and support. Please contact us if you or someone you know is in need of errand assistance or health referrals in the Beach Cities. Our Assistance, Information & Referral line is available, 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hermosa Beach to Close Beach and Strand This Weekend to Protect Public Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

The City of Hermosa Beach announced that it will be closing its beach and beachfront walkway, the Strand, at 6 a.m. Saturday, March 28, to protect public health and prevent a repetition of last weekend, when groups of people congregated on the beach and Strand.
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 social distancing and helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
HOW YOU CAN HELP! Want to help share accurate health information? Share BCHD’s health information on social media or in the community. (Feel free to download these images and copy and paste the text)
Repost from Beach Cities Health District: When dropping off groceries and supplies to neighbors, follow these steps for the safety of yourself, your neighbor and our community. Watch the full Neighbors Helping Neighbors Guidance Video online at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NbUqq7s78M
Repost from Beach Cities Health District: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises residents who are mildly sick to stay home for at least 7 days or until 72 hours after being fever-free, whichever is longer. Call your doctor if you’re concerned or your symptoms worsen. Older adults, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions should contact their doctor earlier.
Repost from Beach Cities Health District: If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs assistance with errands, health-related information or referrals, please call the Beach Cities Health District line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256, seven days a week 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also visit bchd.org/coronavirus for health tips and information.
How to download the images:
On a computer, click the links above and right click the image to select "save image as" then name the image and select where you'd like to save it

On a smartphone or tablet, press and hold the image and select "save image" or "add to photos"
Looking for Plant-slant Take-out?

Check out our Blue Zones Project Approved healthy restaurants and grocery stores that are currently offering pick-up and delivery at bchd.org/feed-your-well-being .

The local chambers also have full lists of all Beach Cities restaurants offering take-out:
Apply for a BCHD Non-profit or Micro-enrichment Grant

We’ve extended the deadline for our non-profit agency grants to April 30 and also have micro-enrichment grants available. Learn more and apply at  bchd.org/grants  
Apply to Join One of Our Board-appointed Committees

 Applications are now available for our strategic planning, finance and community health committees. High school students welcome to apply. Deadline is noon on May 4. Learn more at  bchd.org/committee