April 1, 2020 Moonshine Minutes
Transcript
#1 Welcome to Moonshine Minutes. I’m Mayumi Elegado, publisher of Moonshine Ink.
On a brisk Truckee morning last week, a Safeway employee wearing a mask apologized to a small crowd gathered around the entrance, explaining that they’d have to wait another seven minutes until the special shopping hours for seniors and others at risk ended. Friendly banter was shared as people maintained their social distancing. It seemed they were just happy to be out of the house and talking to others.
One Safeway employee, who asked not to be named on account of the company’s corporate press-relations policy, told Moonshine Ink: “It seems like the community is really coming together. It’s a bummer that this is what it takes.”
As we all make sacrifices, personal and social, during this time of mandatory self-isolation, it’s important to reflect on those most in danger. Tahoe/Truckee’s seniors and others extra susceptible to COVID-19 (like the immunocompromised or people with high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes) need to be the most careful. Much is being done to provide assistance to these neighbors during this high-risk time.
Local grocery stores have created hours open only to the most vulnerable populations. New Moon’s daily Wisdom Hour for seniors and immunocompromised individuals is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The policies at Safeway permit seniors 65 and over and those at higher risk of contracting the illness to shop from 6 to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at Raley’s, 7 to 9 a.m. Rite Aid is open to seniors only from 9 to 10 a.m. on a daily basis. Raley’s is also offering curbside pickup of prescriptions for seniors at pharmacy locations, and senior essentials bags at a discounted price for curbside or in-store pickup; two price levels are available.
In the nonprofit world, Sierra Senior Services is also looking out for the dietary needs of the region’s aging population.
The group’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers food to seniors regardless of income-levels, has grown since the stay-at-home order: Executive Director Sharon Romack told us in an email: “This week we have had an 8% increase. We do expect the numbers to continue to grow.”
Any senior over age 60 who is in need of a hot, mid-day meal can go, or send someone on their behalf, to the Truckee Donner Senior Apartments between noon and 12:45 p.m. to pick one up. Delivery can also be arranged by emailing info@sierraseniors.org or calling (530) 550-7600. The service is available on weekdays only, and are the same meals provided to Meals on Wheels participants. The current menu can be found at sierraseniors.org.
#2
The community is obviously champing at the bit to help. Sierra Senior Services recently experienced a surge in new volunteers — over 35 in a matter of days — and Romack said the organization is covered for now. In addition, because of health requirements, they can’t accept donations of food, so the best way to help them right now is via a cash donation, at sierraseniors.org or by mailing checks made out to Sierra Senior Services at P.O. Box 4152, Truckee, CA 96160.
Meanwhile, for everyone, it’s important to take self-care seriously. Local acupuncturist and wellness enthusiast Kaila Cruttenden reminds us that: “Our bodies are excellent at keeping us well and thriving when our immune system is strong.” In a piece titled Start Your Engines, published on moonshineink.com, she gives these top tips on how to rev up your body’s best defenses in the time of COVID-19.
- First, focus on proper nutrition, including clean proteins, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, as “food is our first line of defense.”
- Go light on your Zoom happy hours, as sugar and alcohol weaken the immune system.
- Be sure to prioritize sleep — otherwise you are not at your peak immunity.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water — optimal intake is half your body weight in ounces.
- Keep Moving — exercise boosts immunity. Check out local live or recorded virtual workouts. Or get outside, move your body in the fresh air and sun. Just be sure to keep your 6-foot distance from other humans.
- During this time of tension, stress can run high, which compromises your immune system. Surround yourself with positivity. Reduce stress by practicing yoga and breathing exercises, starting or continuing a gratitude practice, chatting with uplifting friends and family, or reading an inspiring book.
- Finally, boost and optimize your immune system with supplements that provide key vitamins, nutrients, and botanicals such as Vitamins C, D, and A along with zinc, elderberry, probiotics, immune-boosting mushroom blends, botanicals, and CBDs.
- For more on these hot tips, reach out to Kaila at elementalbodies.com.
That’s a wrap for this Moonshine Minutes. Be informed on the latest coronavirus news at moonshineink.com/coronavirus. Stay safe and healthy, share confirmed information, and look for your moments of zen.
