Immunizations

Managing Anger and Frustration

The coronavirus crisis is putting intense pressure on families. We've heard from parents all over that they're struggling to manage anger and frustration without blowing up at their kids. And for single parents coping on their own, the load is even heavier. Long story short: Not a situation in which anyone is their best parenting self! 

This week on childmind.org we focus on help for parents feeling overwhelmed by the impossible demands on their time and patience. Our experts offer recommendations (and commiseration) to help shore up your ability to stay calm when your kids are acting up — or it all just feels like too much. And we’ve rounded up tips and support for single parents who are in the thick of it. 

Caroline Miller, Editorial Director

New Resources Available

to Navigate through COVID-19

In just a few short weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every facet of daily life. Unchanged, however, is Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s mission to lead, leverage and invest in initiatives, programs, and policies that promote health and prevent disease in the Paso del Norte region. That’s why the Health Foundation has created the EPCOVID19.org Information Hub and, in partnership with the Fundación Paso del Norte para la Salud y Bienestar, the JuarezCovid19.com Information Hub. The bilingual websites include valuable resources for parents, veterans, employers and employees to address health and safety, mental health, food insecurity, homeschooling, physical activity, and much more.

We are also working hand-in-hand with the City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health and El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management, which are leading the public health response, to create a suite of bilingual public service announcements featuring some of the most trusted, recognizable voices in our region. You’ll find many of those PSAs at EPCOVID19.org, too.

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation has established six new funds in partnership with many community organizations. 

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How to make a mask

Recent study of the novel coronavirus has shown that it may be more airborne, as well as droplet borne, than was originally thought. New findings are, in ideal conditions the virus can live in the air for 3 hours. And people with no symptoms may be spreading the virus unknowingly 2 days before they become symptomatic. New recommendations now are that everyone wear a mask, not to protect you, but other people. As more is known about this novel coronavirus, changes are being made in how to prevent spread. It is a fluid situation as more research and data are available to help fight the diease.


Attached is a document about face masks.

DIY Cloth Face Cover

COVID-19 has introduced a level of stress and uncertainty to our daily lives that leads to more anxiety, for parents and for kids. Since we know that the best way to help worried children is for parents to cope with their own anxiety in a healthy way, this week on childmind.org we’re sharing skills for dialing down anxiety that will benefit both and make the whole family more comfortable.

One of the most powerful tools for lowering anxiety is mindfulness, and in another new article we offer tips for using mindfulness to help face down anxiety and depression as we ride out this crisis.

Rachel Ehmke, Managing Editor | ✉

Ways to fight the coronavirus at home

How is COVID-19 spread?The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread by contact with someone who has COVID-19, as well as contact with surfaces or objects that person has touched.

When someone with COVID-19 sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets are released into the air. Droplets typically don't travel far — no more than 6 feet (about 2 meters). The virus may stay on surfaces from hours to days.

How can I prepare my home?

You can reduce potential spread of COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets and sinks. Do this daily if someone in your home has COVID-19.

Start by putting on gloves before cleaning and disinfecting — preferably disposable gloves, so you can throw them away immediately after you're done. If you only have reusable gloves, don't use them for any other purposes. Thoroughly wash your hands after removing your gloves.

Cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and lowers the number of germs on surfaces. Once surfaces are clean, you can apply disinfectant to knock out any germs that are left.

What disinfectants kill COVID-19?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of disinfectants for use against COVID-19. Although these products haven't been tested against this specific virus, they're known to work against other, harder-to-kill viruses.

Look for products with active ingredients such as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium. In the U.S., check labels for EPA registration numbers.

Read and follow product instructions, including what precautions to take when using the product. Many disinfectants need to remain on surfaces for some time to be effective. This is called the contact time. Check the label for the specifics. Also make sure you have good airflow in the room when you're using any type of disinfectant.

Does bleach work against COVID-19?

Yes. You can make a disinfecting solution by combining 4 teaspoons (about 20 milliliters) of household bleach and 1 quart (slightly less than 1 liter) of water. Read and follow instructions and precautions. For example, wear gloves and make sure there's good airflow in the room. Don't mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser — the combination could produce toxic fumes.



How can I disinfect phones and other electronics?

Follow manufacturers' instructions for cleaning and disinfecting. Otherwise, you can clean cellphones with disinfecting wipes that are 70% alcohol. Wipe the face of the phone and along the sides and back where you hold it. Let it air dry. The same goes for computers, laptops, tablets and remote controls. Wash your hands thoroughly when you're done.