The Definition of Commitment

The Definition of Commitment:  something pledged; an agreement or pledge to do something for the future.

Commitment is a strong word and words do matter.  Let’s take a closer look at the commitments happening all around us right now to take note of the marvel of this unprecedented time.  While some might describe the COVID19 pandemic as traumatic, which it surely can be, others may be able to take note of the absolute beauty of witnessing kindness with comradery, discovering untapped personal growth, renewing the enjoyment of simplification, and letting go of unobtainable control.  This week, we would like to celebrate a few beautiful commitments.

All of us are committed to our families and community.  In Maryland, the State issued for non-essential businesses to close on March 23rd in order to better enforce social distancing.  Since then, with added knowledge came stronger measures resulting in a stay-at-home order (March 30th) and required mask use (April 18th) in public spaces.   We are all feeling antsy from these “inconveniences” and want to get back to normalcy but know that we need to see this effort through.  We cannot deny the tragic stories of death and disease.  Now is not the time to lose our sensibility.  We are very near our peak and we need to preserve the benefits a flattened curve for the greater good.  Both neighbors and strangers need one another to follow through – we thank each and every one of you for doing your part as listed here:

• Remain in social distance at least 6 feet apart when in public spaces and avoid non-essential activity.
• Wear a face mask of some kind when in public spaces.
• Wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer immediately before touching your eyes/mouth/nose/face.
• Use paper towels to turn bathroom or kitchen faucet or door knobs.
• If ill (of any kind) in your house, make sure to self-quarantine with CDC guidelines until completely symptom free to limit transmission within your home.

BW Primary Care is committed to our patients.  Please know that the entire staff has shown wonderful teamwork and adaptability over the last 4 weeks to bring you the healthcare services you both need and deserve from us.  We have worked hard to answer the high volume of calls, to convert to telehealth visits, to show compassion for one another, to secure the necessary supplies, and to disseminate accurate and helpful information.  Here are the latest highlights:

• We have a new avenue to allow for a quick email to request appointments using the Contact Us page on this website.  Otherwise, you can still call our main phone during business hours or use your patient portal anytime.
• Until the end of May, the office hours are 8am to 4pm Monday thru Friday, with an on call provider reachable after hours for emergency issues.
• We are working in close conjunction with LifeBridge Health’s COVID19 Hotline for any testing needs – currently still only for people with symptoms – 410-601-2222.  Before we take on any immunity or antibody testing, proper vetting needs to take place to know that these tests are accurate and reliable.  Please stay tuned.
• Those who are COVID19 positive who are interested in potentially donating plasma can register themselves here.  In addition, please know that the State of Maryland has a website called COVID Connect through which those who have tested positive can share stories and learn collectively.

You need to be committed to yourself.  Now, more than ever, you need your health and immunity to be in it’s most optimized state to stay strong and functional.  While many of us put ourselves last due to all the other obligations we have, taking care of yourself is one of the least selfish things you can do.  Monitor and fill your tank so that you can be there for others.  Your mental wellness lays the foundation for your physical well-being.

Tips for committed mental well-being:

• • Take quiet time to neutralize the thoughts.  Take conscious slow/deep breaths.  Ground yourself by noticing the basics – How do your feet feel on the ground?  What do you smell/feel/hear/see at the simplest level?
  • Try a calming app or website:  Calm, HeadSpace, Stop/Breathe/Think, Insight Timer are just a few.
  • Figure out if you are reaching for things which do not serve you – food, sugar, alcohol, online shopping, clutter – and if so, notice what feelings you are trying to escape.  Awareness is important.
  • Try writing your thoughts down freely for a few minutes each day – then see what thoughts help you and what thoughts upset you.  Cross out the negative, non-serving thoughts.
  • Make a routine for yourself with healthy habits.
  • Lessen the negative inputs (like social media) and insert positive inputs (anything that makes you smile).
  • When anxiety/panic enters your mind, get grounded again, try not to think about future thoughts, and focus on some of the above ideas.
  • Learn something new – try podcasts or documentaries or skill building programs.
  • If you are struggling emotionally, please reach out to us to set up a telehealth appointment to discuss how we can help.  We offer embedded mental health specialists, who are currently conducting telehealth visits with good availability.

Tips for committed physical well-being:

• • Add some form of cardio/aerobic exercise – try to break a sweat – for >30 minutes a day.  Work within your physical limitations.
  • Get 8 good hours of sleep per night.  Figure out what routine is best to support this and stick to it.
  • Add strength or muscle building work to improve your body composition which is your all important metabolic health.
  • Learn something new – and set goals.
  • Eat less sugar and refined flour and avoid all processed foods – these make you tired and causes inflammation.
  • If weight loss is a priority for you, consider our successful and popular BW Body and Wellness Program.
  • Make an appointment with BW Primary Care to keep up with your preventive and routine healthcare needs.  We are committed to keep you on track!