Care Tips for the Body

By Raquel Daniels GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Larimer County

It is time to check in with your body. What does it need in this moment? Does it need to stretch, walk, or relax?

Many people are continuing to stay home which means staying indoors. Staying indoors or working from home also means many people may be sitting for extended periods of time at a desk or in front of a computer. It may be time to ask yourself, “how long have I been in front of the computer?” Do your eyes need a rest or does your body need a change? 

Checking in with your body can be done by doing a simple body scan. Just take a moment to notice where there may be tension, tingling, itchiness, coolness or heat in your body. You can start from the feet and move up or start from the head and work down. Simply draw attention to any sensations that parts of the body may be experiencing and give that part some attention. After exploring parts of the body seperately, bring your attention to feeling your entire body as a whole and taking a few deep breaths. Occasionally checking in with the body can provide insight to what your body may need. It may also be helpful to take a moment to reflect on other areas that can influence how the body feels in the following areas:

Sleep. Another area that involves taking care of the body involves sleep and getting a good night sleep. The average adult needs anywhere between seven and nine hours of sleep each night to feel rested and ready to start the day. Setting up a bedtime routine can let your body know it is time to relax. This may involve stepping away from the phone or television screen, reading a book, or stretching.

Food. It is important to keep in mind continuing to have balanced meals to provide your body with nourishment and energy to get through the day.

Movement. Moving the body has been shown to boost your mood and performing little movements can also ward off stiffness in the body. Movement can be done in all kinds of ways, pick movements that work for you.

Please always consult with your physician before making any significant changes to your routine.

Tips for Families to Get Ahead of the Phrase “I’m Bored”

By Raquel Daniels GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Larimer County

It is that time of the semester when the final days of school are upon children and the anticipated excitement of summer begins. Summer is often a time spent traveling, visiting family and being involved in summer camps among other activities. However, with the current pandemic of Covid-19, much of traveling has come to a crawl, plans have been halted and most summer camps and programs have been cancelled. With this change of plans there is uncertainty with how the time spent during the summer months will go.

Therefore, during times like these it is time to put on the thinking caps for how to spend some time during summer. Some activities may require a little innovation and creativity, while others have always been fan favorites. Some activities can be planned as a family and others just for the kids. Even spending some time one-on-one with each child can feel special. There is no shortage of fun ways to engage children and there is always the opportunity to learn something new together. Summer can still be a time to have fun, all you need is a little imagination to get started.

Below are a few ideas to spend some time indoors or outdoors:

Activities inside: Card games, board games, puzzles, Pictionary, Simon says, musical chairs, build a fort, bake a new recipe, read a book, have a treasure hunt, or get crafty

Activities outside: hide and seek, hop scotch, four square, tag, ride bikes, go on a hike, have a picnic in the backyard, garden, make an obstacle course, play kickball, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer

Visit a virtual museum:

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation 

The Smithsonian 

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Morgan Library and Museum

The American Museum of Natural History

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

The National Museum of Wildlife Art

The San Diego Museum of Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The Taubman Museum of Art

For the Grandparents: Stay Connected

By Raquel Daniels GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Larimer County

Grandparents raising grandchildren and older adults are currently part of the vulnerable population that is being affected by Covid-19. As part of this vulnerable population, extra precautions are necessary when going to get groceries, pick up medicines, visit health centers and complete other essential tasks outside of the home. With much of the state continuing to follow the safer at home order there is less ability to socialize with others. With children at home 100% of the time now, many caregivers are making sure youth stay busy and make time to connect with friends virtually, by mail or by phone. This also serves as a reminder for grandparents not to forget about themselves. It is important for grandparents to receive social support from others to ward off isolation and provide a sense of community. All caregivers need breaks from the kiddos to be able to rest and recharge. Joining a support group is one of the ways to continue self-care so that you can continue to care for others.

Many communities have support programs for grandparents raising grandchildren. These spaces offer grandparents an opportunity to connect with one another in a supportive environment and potentially feel less alone. Participating in a support group allows for sharing similar experiences, sharing resources, and learning from one another. Participating in a group regularly also provides something to look forward to each week that is dedicated “grandparent time.”

Below are several resources to connect with a support group near you:

Colorado State University Extension :Extension offers support groups in multiple counties. Times/dates may have changes due to Covid-19 and some meetings may be online so be sure to call to make sure the information is correct.

AARP Grandfacts Sheet :This link allows you to search by state for support groups, each Grandfacts Sheet includes links to local resources, programs and assistance.

Generations United :Has a database with intergenerational programs across the country. You can search for support groups or programs by keywords or by state.

Guía para Padres

By Raquel Daniels GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Larimer County

Durante este tiempo hay un cierto grado de duda con el futuro. Guardando los niños en casa ha estado un desafío y muchos padres han encontrado maneras creativas para que los niños están ocupados. Hoy en día hay un poco más libertad pero se recomienda que muchas personas se queden en casa.

Campios están ocurriendo cada día entre los estados y es importante mantenerse informativa para ser proactivo en mantenerse a salvo y mantener a otros seguros. Continúe conversando con los niños si tienen preguntas sobre Covid-19. Hacer preguntas permitirá a los padres comprender mejor lo que los niños están experimentando.

 ¿Lo que los niños saben es correcto? Como muchas personas se conectan a través por internet, a veces puede ocurrir información errónea. Guardianes tienen la capacidad de aliviar duda y ayudar a los niños a comprender de una manera apropiada para su edad.

Abajo hay tres enlaces sobre cómo hablar con los niños sobre Covid-19 para recibir más información.

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Para los guardianes, todavía hay recursos y organizaciones preparada a ayudar Ustedes, en Colorado:  

Adopta un vecino

Los voluntarios ayudan a los vecinos que son vulnerables a Covid-19 con tareas diarias como la compra y entrega de comestibles, recoger medicamentos y cuidado de mascotas. Simplemente complete un formulario para incluirlo en una lista para recibir ayuda.

Para recibir ayuda en Español: 970-416-8001

  

El departamento de trabajo y empleo de Colorado

Helping Teens Cope as They Stay at Home

By Raquel Daniels GRANDcares Site Coordinator, Larimer County

As with many students who are now learning online and no longer in a classroom setting, many teenagers are experiencing the loss from upcoming expected events that were planned including spring sports, prom, upcoming school events, graduation, and end of the school year trips which have all been cancelled due to Covid-19. During the teen years, more autonomy and forming close friendships are really important and this process has been drastically impacted due to the current pandemic. Part of this change included establishing a new normal and as the current semester is coming to an end for many students, maintaining structure and optimism are tools for ending the school year on a good note.

Continue to support teens in keeping to a schedule with school. While the end of the semester is near, continuing to have a schedule during normal school hours provides consistency and predictability for the day. Be sure to build in breaks for time away from the screen. 

As well as supporting technology use, helping teens unplug throughout the day is also important. For youth and teens, 60 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week is recommended. With many parents working from home and all youth learning from home, most family members are staying busy in front of a screen. Unplugging from technology can happen during dinner for everyone or by playing a game as a family.

There are many teens who may be graduating this year and unfortunately many ceremonies have been cancelled or postponed. Explore the option of celebrating in alternative ways including virtually. While it may not be the same as in-person ceremonies, it still allows teens to celebrate their accomplishments. Teens can be reminded the chance to celebrate in-person is still possible, it may just take some time.

Masks in the state of Colorado

As Colorado begins the slow process of beginning to open the state, precautions are in place so that the health and safety of everyone maintains the upmost priority. In April Gov. Polis announced for employees to wear masks during interactions with the public to minimize the virus’ spread.

Some cities and counties in Colorado have chosen to extend their stay-at-home order and/or for the public to wear face coverings when they leave their homes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people wear face coverings when outside to help slow the transmission from people who have the virus and may not know it. The CDC also has instructions on how to make a mask at home using simple items you may have including a shirt, bandana, or cotton fabric. Not all methods require a sewing machine or thread and needle, making the process simple and easy for anyone.

Orders for wearing face masks vary slightly between cities and counties and the public should check with their local government for the guidelines they should follow. In general, most people other than small children are advised to wear masks and maintain social distancing as much as possible. 

You can read some of the mask orders below:

Colorado

Denver

Fort Collins

Larimer County

Other cities and counties with mask guidelines include: Aspen, Boulder, Boulder county, Glenwood Springs, Lonetree, Routt county, Summit county, Superior and Wheat Ridge.