From Soup to Stethoscopes
Right now, you might be looking a photos of front-line caregivers that include Nurses, Doctors, Respiratory Therapists, EMTs and Paramedics and housekeeping staff in hospitals from coast to coast. Many people have reached out to ask me, “how can I help?” And thousands of communities around the nation are sewing masks, collecting PPE and using 3-D printers to make face shields.
Virtual Hugs?
Maybe you know someone who is an essential worker and who you’d like to honor and care for. Right now, trust me, most need a big hug but with social distancing, that is going to have to wait a while. So, what can you do?
All of us have our own barometer for what makes us feel good. Maybe you like homemade baked goods or a scented candle, while other people want someone to prepare a meal or provide them with something essential for their work.
I was thinking about several family members and friends who are front and center, walking toward this crisis, doing their best to care for people. Here’s what I know about them:
#1 They rarely complain.
#2 They are dedicated to making the world a better place.
#3 They need more PPE and scrubs.
#4 They’re washing their hands a lot.
#5 Sometimes, they’re too tired to prepare a meal.
They also need some recognition and gratitude, so here’s my suggestions for the frontline heroes.
And, if you don’t know any front-line providers personally, not to worry, there are plenty of suggestions for how you can contribute toward care packages or a buy one, donate one to a frontline provider.
Oh, yes and rest assured, I’m not affiliated with any of these companies and have not received any goods, services or reimbursement to make these recommendations.
Scrubs: Uniform Advantage has good prices, gift cards and they have a long history of giving back to many charities. Figs is another popular brand of scrubs. They are donating 30,000 scrubs to the hardest hit hospitals. You might consider contributing to their care packages for providers with everything from coffee to childcare vouchers. To contribute to the care packages, email: [email protected]
Comforting Soup: Last week some neighbors, who know that I’m working and seeing patients, dropped off a gift box of homemade soup, rolls and cookies from Spoonful of Comfort. Their company, Hitachi donated many gift boxes for employees around the country to deliver. The chicken noodle soup was amazing. You can send a gift box or gift card. Use the code: NURSEBARB and receive a 15% discount.
Soothing Lotion and Balm: Rosebud Woman is a company that is committed to natural products, increasing joy and giving back to non-profits that improve lives. They donate a portion of their sales to vetted non-profits who are moving the needle for women, and as a result, their families and communities. I wash my hands hundreds of times a day and love their Soothe Calming cream to help prevent dryness. At night I use the Honor balm on my hands to provide gentle relief.
Meditation App from Headspace: I’ve been recommending Headspace to patients for years, so when they offered free access to healthcare professionals, I signed up. This is a great resource for anyone to help stop the chatter in our heads, focus on the present and feel better. They just need to use their National Provider Identifier (NPI) and email address.
Scented Candles: My absolute favorite candles come from Rosy Rings.
They have everything from sachets and diffusers to a Quarantine Care package and DIY candle making kits.
Stethoscopes: There are many new types of medical equipment that can help clinicians care for patients while staying safe. You can provide them with the link and they can create a wishlist so that they can choose the most appropriate equipment.
I’d like to hear how you’re caring for and honoring the front-line caregivers in your life. Drop me a suggestion and I’ll include it here.
Be well, stay safe and remember we will get through this together.
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