Friday, April 3, 2020

COVID 19 Scams


The COVID 19 disaster has brought out the best in most people, but it has also brought out the worst in others. There are a lot of scams in play as those without a conscience try to take advantage of our curiosity and anxiety. Be sure you access reputable sources for information – BC Center for Disease Control http://covid-19.bccdc.ca/ or Canada Health Serviceshttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Do not open unsolicited emails about COVID 19 and above all, do not open attachments or links in those emails.  To do so invites another kind of virus into your computer which may steal your personal and credit card information.  See the Canadian Anti-fraud Center - https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm

The Little Black Book of Scams provides general information about protecting yourself and is available from the Competition Bureau of Canada. 


Physical Distancing – not social distancing!
Now is a good time for us all to pick up the phone or message a friend, neighbour or family member.  It’s a bit lonely for some of us to stay physically isolated for such a long time but we need to make that extra effort to keep up our social connections!

We Can All Do Something
We want to help, to contribute, to work for a better world. Right now it may feel that all that goodwill is being bottled up at home. How frustrating!

But even if we can’t get out and about like we want to, there is one activity that is guaranteed to do good: Reach out! Pick up the phone and reach out to your isolated neighbours. Send a note by email to someone you know who is working hard at a medical facility or serving in a grocery store. Chat with the sibling that you meant to call but could never find the time. Play Scrabble online with your grandchildren.

If You Need Help
The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate has a phone line and a website to provide personal supports for seniors.  Call 211 or http://www.bc211.ca / to access their services.

And Finally: Getting stir crazy? Here is a list of things you can do:
ü Email and video calls to family and friends
ü Volunteering in the community – community kitchen; meals on wheels, etc.
ü Getting outside each day for a walk
ü Going through closets to put together give-away items
ü Reviewing photo albums, rearranging, re-organizing and reminding of better times
ü Puzzles, board games, crokinole,
ü Shredding documents that are no longer needed
ü Netflix, Crave, Apple TV – binge-watching
ü Cooking – creating and trying new recipes
ü Home improvement projects
ü Reading
ü Eldercare
ü Spring Cleaning
ü Listening to music
ü Yoga
ü Dance – Line Dance, “Dancing as no one is watching” – because no one is!
ü U Tube videos
ü Write, draw, paint, photography
ü Play an instrument, sing, dance, act
ü Take a shower or a bath
ü Go for a drive
ü Watch cute kitten videos on YouTube
ü Play a game
ü Write a note to someone you care about
ü Care for or play with a pet
ü Make a list of inspirational quotes
ü Make a gratitude list
ü Write a list of goals
ü Take a class or webinar
ü Write a list of strengths
ü Exercise
ü Laugh at least once per day
ü Get enough sleep
ü Eat healthy foods
ü Create a good routine
ü Eat a little chocolate
ü Limit caffeine
ü Practice deep/slow breathing
ü Pray or meditate
ü Enjoy nature via video, movies or magazines
ü Prioritize important tasks


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