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COVID 19 RESOURCES & DONATIONS:
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PETS: Can my dog or cat get Covid-19?
Dogs and cats cannot contract the human Covid-19 (coronavirus). While each species has their own coronavirus, people cannot get the pet version, and pets cannot contract the human version. As we are isolating ourselves for disease control, contact with pets brings us comfort.
Does my dog or cat pose a risk for coronavirus transmission?
It may seem odd to think about it this way, but dogs and cats are surfaces, and like any other surface, an infected person can theoretically pet a dog or a cat and distribute virus particles onto the animal’s fur. Someone could then come along and pet the animal, pick up virus particles and then touch their own face and transmit the disease. It’s important to note that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has not verified any situations where transmission from a pet to a human occurred. However, there are simple ways to limit any risk that might exist. After petting an unknown animal, wash your hands, especially before touching your face. If you are bringing a new pet into your household, consider wiping the pet down with a damp towel or even giving the pet a bath.
Given the unknowns about the disease, experts recommend that people infected with the coronavirus stay away from pets, as they should from people. So the most conservative approach would be to refrain from touching others’ dogs, because its owner could be asymptomatic.
But based on available evidence, there’s little reason to avoid petting, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. (If practicing social distancing, make sure the owner is on the other end of a leash at least six feet long.)
**Foster or adopt a pet from your local shelter. (OR DONATE $ OR FOOD) Many people give up their pets as their income decreases and this will be a huge effort for animal shelters. Great Companion while home! The coronavirus has created an unprecedented animal sheltering crisis in the United States. Fears surrounding the outbreak are leading to slowing adoptions and an increase in families surrendering their pets. Meanwhile, we are on the cusp of kitten and puppy season, where animal intake numbers increase exponentially. Shelters need to get the animals currently in their care out of the shelter, now, and into foster homes, to allow for a cushion in your community to respond to this national crisis. In short, they need space to prepare for what is likely to come.
2. VIRUS: Certain hospital treatments can result in aerosolized virus, but the main way the virus has been spreading has been through droplets — such as when someone sneezes or coughs. Such droplets can travel up to six feet.
As the coronavirus spreads, the simple act of touching a surface has become a delicate matter of risk analysis. The world is full of suspect surfaces. Is it safe to touch an ATM screen? Or the self-checkout at the grocery store? A door handle? A package that came in the mail?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people take steps to clean and disinfect surfaces. But the durability of some coronavirus on a surface does not mean that it remains just as infectious as the hours go by. Most virus particles degrade in a matter of minutes or hours outside a living host, and the quantity of infectious particles goes down exponentially over time.
Although it is theoretically possible for a person to become infected a day or two after someone has deposited virus particles (for example, by sneezing) on a surface, it is much less likely than in the first couple of hours after the sneeze, said Munster.“There’s never zero risk if the person who gave you the package just sneezed on that package one second ago.”
The CDC has put forth guidance on how to blend a disinfectant solution from bleach — five tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per gallon of water (and never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser).
Amid these precautions, people should understand that surfaces that contain the virus — known to scientists as fomites — are not the major drivers of this pandemic. Covid-19 is primarily spread through direct person-to-person contact.e longtime director of the NIAID, addressed the issue of packages: “I think if you start thinking about money and mail and things like that, you can almost sort of immobilize yourself, which I don’t think is a good idea.”
3. DRCOG’s Aging and Disability community resource team has been super busy today gathering resources for older adults who are worried about getting food, medical supplies, prescriptions, etc. I’ll list a few things here, but please know older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers can always call our information and assistance line at 303-480-6700. They will likely have to leave a message, but we’re fully staffed and they’ll get a call back within 24 hours. People can also visit our resource database at drcog.networkofcare.org.
4. A Little Help https://denverregion.co.networkofcare.org/aging/services/agency.aspx?pid=ALittleHelp_965_1_0 –
A Little Help is a Colorado nonprofit helping older adults to thrive, mobilizing community members to serve older adults in this difficult time. In response to COVID-19, they are organizing neighborhood volunteers to grocery shop, pick up prescriptions, and run errands for our older adults and make deliveries to their homes. They are also making regular care calls to older adults for social connection, which also serve as health and safety checks. A Little Help has the ability to coordinate volunteers as part of response efforts and is accepting applications for new volunteers.
Jewish Family Service of Colorado https://www.jewishfamilyservice.org/services/covidresponse
The Weinberg Food Pantry will be providing pre-packed boxes of food to anyone experiencing food insecurity with no documentation or sign up needed. To limit face-to-face interactions and promote social distancing, boxes of food will be distributed through a pick-up system directly outside of the pantry.
Volunteers of America – Meals on Wheels https://denverregion.co.networkofcare.org/aging/services/agency.aspx
**SAFE SHOPPING**
*WEAR GLOVES, EVEN WHEN PUMPING GAS
* WIPE CARTS/HANDS WITH WIPES PROVIDED…WASH AFTER LEAVING STORE, WASH OFF ITEMS YOU PURCHASES, CLEAN FRUITS/VEGGIES WELL.
*REMEMBER TO WIPE DOWN YOUR CAR
*DON’T SHOP WITH COMPROMISED PEOPLE, STAY 6 FT APART IN STORES
**Rules of flushing (DON’T CLOG YOUR PIPES!)
GLWA’s rule-of-thumb for sewer safety is to stick to the “3Ps” — pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Never flush:
— Baby wipes or cleaning wipes
— Tampons and sanitary products
— Condoms
— Tissues
— Paper towels
— Dental floss
— Cotton balls and swabs
— Cat litter
— Prescription drugs
— Over-the-counter medicines
— Cigarette butts
Financial Assistance:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/
COVID-19 Grant Related Funding https://grantstation.com/covid19fundingsopps
IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
Essential Assistance:
Food resources https://www.hungerfreecolorado.org/covid-19/
211 Services, comprehensive resource for local social services, http://www.211.org/services/covid19
Mental Health:
Mental Health Resources and Information https://mhanational.org/covid19
Suicide Prevention Resource Center http://www.sprc.org/covid19
Physical Health:
At home workouts: https://www.bustle.com/p/24-free-livestream-workouts-at-home-workout-app-trials-22628328
Educating Children from Home:
https://qz.com/1819166/how-to-teach-your-kids-at-home/
Fun with the family:
Governor’s new mask decorating contest https://coloradocreativeindustries.org/opportunities/mask-design/
Blog list of activities https://www.coloradoparent.com/package/stay-at-home-guide-for-colorado-families/
DIY
Homemade cleaning supplies: https://www.thespruce.com/best-diy-disinfectants-4799867 (see my products, also Humble Suds)
Easy Homemade mask: (I am making some for $ donations) https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a32084240/how-to-make-no-sew-homemade-face-masks/
Books and Stories:
Free online books for kids, teenagers, and young adults https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
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DONATIONS TO HELP OTHERS!
Thankfully, the following organizations are already set up to support some of the hardest hit immediately. Can you give $1 to each of these organizations that are providing vital support for so many?https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dkcovid19relief
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy leverages the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP helps funders increase the effectiveness of donor dollars given for disasters and achieve maximum impact of gifts.
- CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit created by Congress to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s critical health protection work.
- Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million people through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other community-based agencies.
- Meals on Wheels supports individuals who are elderly, disabled, chronically ill and home-bound by delivering nutritious meals, reducing hunger, improving health and promoting independence.
If you’re able to make a small donation to Hunger Free Colorado
If you’re able to volunteer or donate at the Food Bank of the Rockies
**HELP HOSPITAL STAFF! Hospital staff often don’t have time to grocery shop these days, much less pack lunch, and get sick of cafeteria food [which they have to pay for, tho at a discount].So consider FOOD DELIVERY to ERs or to hospital reception. It does have to be food that can be shared safely, and can sit out and not go bad. I suggest trying to call first.
5 Ways to Turn This Situation into an Opportunity
- Educate yourself…many online courses, including Freeu.com
- Get cultured…many online museum and zoo tours
- Boost your immune system…get moving, sleep, take Vitamin D, C, zinc
- Get in shape….yoga (TV and online), walk or bike (but stay away from crowds and wear a mask ,lift weights or use bands)
- Meditate and ponder your true calling, take time to be introspective and to reflect on if you want to go back to ‘the way it was’ or make some positive changes
- Call friends and family. Send cards. Get reacquainted.
- Start a new hobby. Cook again. Learn online. Be creative!
HEALTHY SITES TO CHECK OUT
Of course my Lemongrass Spa products: OurLemongrassSpa.com/homespalady
The campaign for Safe Cosmetics: www.SafeCosmetics.org
The Environmental Working Group (EWG): www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Food Babe – www.foodbabe.com
HEALTHY BOOKS I RECOMMEND
The Real Food Revolution: Healthy Eating, Green Groceries, and the Return of the American Family Farm
and A Mindful Nation: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Reduce Stress, Improve Performance, and Recapture the American
both by Congressman Tim Ryan
http://www.healyourlife.com/one-congressman-s-quest-for-a-food-revolution
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OTHER BUSINESSES & PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Bio-Green Clean products – this vegetable-based, no toxins, no smell cleanser cleans everything! www.biogreeenclean.com
HEALTHY PRODUCTS
Eco Mountain, 4350 Alcott St. Denver, 303-993-5419, www.ecomtn.com; Closed Mon. T-F 10-5 Sat & Sun 10-4 Carry wide variety of toxin-free, environmentally-safe, sustainable products ‘from the earth’
Humble Suds, Denver-based chemical free cleaning products. www.HumbleSuds.com
Juice Plus, Martha Lugo, 303-847-6979, get your fruits and veggies in capsule/gummie
OTHER BUSINESS RECOMMENDATIONS:
Handyman, Harold Severson c. 720-350-2953 or h. 303-756-0794
Mover: Leroy 720-364-9832
Plumber – Mr Plumber, Jeff, licensed, 303-523-6652 www.mrplumberdenver.com
Chiropractors:
Advanced Regnerative Health, 6825 S. Galena, Ste #200, Centennial, 303-751-0990 (chiro, PT, plasma, stem cell, and more) $30 referral fee for xrays and consultation initially.
Active Health, Dr. Caroline Bartley, U Hills, Natural medicine, works on pets too, 303-388-6886. www.activehealthdenver.com
Reinhardt Chiropractic & Wellness, 3915 E Exposition Ave, Suite 200, Denver CO 80209, 303-996-0391, www.reinhardtchiropractic.com
Dr. Jen Hartley, Chiropractor, Neurologist, Naturopath, Herbalist. 720-524-3477, www.DrJenHartley.com, 6650 W 44th Ave Suite #1, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
RECIPES
PEANUT BUTTER GRANOLA
Melt in a double boiler:
12 oz ORGANIC peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 teaspoons ORGANIC cinnamon
Stir the liquid into 6 cups of old fashioned rolled oats and spread into a flat pan. Place into the oven at 375 degrees. Stir every 5 minutes. It is done in 20 minutes. Add then, 1 cup raisins and one cup of any nut desired. Refrigerate until consumed.
Serve with milk or half and half and any fruit or yogurt
Homemade Real Food Cinnabons
Prep time
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- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons almond flour
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- ¼ cup tapioca flour or (I used ground flax seed instead, because I didn’t have any tapioca)
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- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour
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- 6 tablespoons coconut flour, plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling
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- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
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- ½ teaspoon baking soda
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- ½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt
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- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
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- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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- ½ cup coconut sugar
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- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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- ¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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- ½ cup coconut butter
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- 2 tablespoons raw honey (I used maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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- Preheat the oven to 375°F and adjust the rack to the middle position. Using a pastry brush, coat a 9-inch cake pan with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
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- To make the spice swirl, combine the coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is damp. Set aside.
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- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and coconut sugar. In a measuring glass, whisk together the coconut milk, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough forms. Let the dough sit for 10 minutes.
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- Sprinkle a bit of coconut flour onto a clean work surface. Place the dough on the surface and gently press it into a 12 x 9-inch rectangle. Using a pastry brush, brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Pour the spice swirl mixture over the dough and gently spread it in an even layer. Carefully roll the dough into a 12-inch log (I like to use a bench scaler to lift the dough from the surface). Cut the dough into 8 even pieces. Place the pieces swirl side up in the buttered cake pan and gently press to flatten them to about 1 inch thick. Brush the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
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- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- To make the icing, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine the coconut butter, honey, vanilla, and ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons water. Whisk until the icing is a warm, smooth glaze. Drizzle the icing over the rolls. Serve warm.