Staying Sane – Osoyoos Persists

Haynes Point (swiws) partially open for walk-in day use

The day use area at Haynes Point (swiws) Provincial Park is now open to pedestrians, but the camping area remains closed to all. (© Richard McGuire Photo)

Haynes Point (swiws) Provincial Park is one of the most pleasant places to walk or bicycle in Osoyoos.

Along with other provincial parks, it was closed throughout most of April and early May in part because people on the Lower Mainland were crowding into parks in that part of the province and failing to physically distance.

Haynes Point reopened for day use only last Thursday, May 14.

The park is ideal for seniors because it’s quite flat, the views are gorgeous and there’s often bird and animal life to observe. In these times of Covid-19, the wide road makes it very easy to exceed the two-metre physical distancing guideline. Continue reading “Haynes Point (swiws) partially open for walk-in day use”

VIDEO: For 75th birthday, Brock Paton gets a rare surprise that’s special in the time of Covid-19

Osoyoos resident Brock Paton got are rare surprise for his 75th birthday on Friday, April 10. Dozens of friends drove by the home of Paton and his wife Cathie to deliver a gift that’s hard to find in the time of Covid-19. (© Richard McGuire for OsoyoosPersists.ca)

Play video below. Click the icon with four arrows to the left of the word “Vimeo” to view at full screen.

Getting exercise is essential, but don’t forget physical distancing

A senior couple takes a quiet walk at Haynes Point (swiws) Provincial Park on Tuesday, April 7, one day before all BC provincial parks were closed. Physical distancing was easy with a wide roadway and the few people who were there were good about physical distancing. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Getting exercise and fresh air is essential for your physical and mental health, even during these times of physical distancing and isolation. More accurately, especially during these times when many people are under stress.

Walking is great exercise that most people can do. It restores the mind and body. I find I sleep better if I’ve had a chance to take a good walk.

But mixed messages from public health authorities have left many people confused about what they can and can’t do to get exercise.

Some interpret the message to “stay home” a little too literally as meaning you shouldn’t step outside your door. Worse, these people sometimes make it their mission to attack others who might go out for fresh air.

But health authorities have been clear that getting outside and exercising is necessary, although you need to adhere to guidelines on physical distancing. Stay at least two metres apart from others and don’t congregate in groups. Continue reading “Getting exercise is essential, but don’t forget physical distancing”

How are you managing with social distancing? Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert makes a difference

For introverts, who know the pleasure of reading, isolation isn’t so bad. For extroverts, it’s a struggle. (Photo: ESB Professional licensed from Shutterstock)

Most of us are worried about ourselves or a loved one getting sick with Covid-19. But are you paying as much attention to your mental health?

We worry about illness, losing wage income, and for some people, losing small businesses they’ve spent years building.

But for some people isolation can be the biggest cause of stress. We’re used to being around people and some of us don’t know how to deal with being alone.

It can make a big difference if you are an extrovert or introvert. Extroverts are energized being around other people. Introverts often enjoy people, especially one-to-one, but they need time alone, especially to recover from intense social situations. Continue reading “How are you managing with social distancing? Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert makes a difference”

Loneliness is also a pandemic, and it’s going to become more of a challenge

Get some exercise! Pioneer Walkway provides a short and pleasant walk with views of Osoyoos Lake. Flowers are starting to emerge along the walkway. It is popular, so don’t forget to stay at least two metres away from anyone who is not a healthy member of your own family. Taken March 19. (© Richard McGuire Photo)

Loneliness is itself a serious health issue. With social distancing and other measures, it’s going to get worse.

It’s especially a problem for seniors living on their own. Loneliness contributes to mental anxiety, but it also affects your physical health. Some research suggests loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking and is more predictive of mortality than obesity.

Volunteering, if you are able, is a great way to stay connected with others, and volunteers are going to be needed. Those who are housebound and lonely are encouraged to swallow their pride and reach out to others for comfort and contact.

It may be as simple as identifying a person living on their own who can’t get out and phoning them regularly. Continue reading “Loneliness is also a pandemic, and it’s going to become more of a challenge”

Staying Sane – Preserving your mental health during the pandemic

The current pandemic will for many people cause anxiety, depression and other reactions. It’s as important to maintain mental health as physical health.

This article, Covid-19 and Anxiety, from Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division, provides important information about preserving your mental and physical health. The article was posted by HereToHelp which has other information on mental health and substance abuse.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) also has a page on Covid-19 on their website.