Tips for NYSUT Retirees
Retiree Webinars: April - June 2020
NYSUT is offering a series of free, live webinars to help retirees stay engaged, stay healthy, beat loneliness and learn new skills. Beginning April 28 and running through June, the webinars will focus on a range of topics including a pension discussion with TRS and ERS representatives; a cooking session on using pantry staples; chair yoga; and how to protect your online privacy and avoid scams. LEARN MORE.
Medicare and IRS Information
- Please note that the PDF Version of this guide for retirees includes important Medicare & IRS information related to coronavirus compiled by Ken Destefano, NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist Assigned to Health Insurance.
As the coronavirus, also called COVID-19, continues to spread in the United States, we want to share specific information for older Americans about how to manage the impact of the coronavirus on your day-to-day life beyond just protecting yourself from the spread of the disease.
Please read this material and forward it to your friends, neighbors and relatives. Older Americans and people with pre-existing health conditions are at particular risk from this virus.
We hope you find the information below from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Alliance for Retired Americans and other sources helpful.
Some of the information has been reported by many media outlets. Feel free to scroll down for some tips that you may have not yet considered for managing the impact of the coronavirus.
What is the coronavirus?
The “Coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19) is a new (also called “novel”) respiratory illness that makes it harder to breath. The name comes from how the virus appears under a microscope, as it appears to have “crowns” and corona is the Latin word for crown.
How does the coronavirus spread?
The virus is mainly spread between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
As of March 12, the CDC says “COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illnesses it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States,” so all of this information may evolve as we learn more.
Can I get the virus from somebody who doesn’t know they are sick?
YES! The disease can be spread by infected people without -- or prior to showing -- any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to follow the public health guidelines before knowing of an outbreak in your community.
Why are older adults at greater risk for the effects of the coronavirus?
Viruses are not equal opportunity. Early data suggest older people are at least twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because people’s immune systems change as they age, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection.
Older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions (including diabetes and heart/lung/kidney diseases) that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.
If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.
How can I protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with simple preventive actions.
Avoid crowded places and steer clear of close contact with people who are sick. This entails avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane trips, and especially not embarking on cruise ships. We are seeing sports leagues, colleges, businesses and churches shut down large gatherings to avoid the spread. You should think before going to any gathering of more than a few people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
What extra steps can I take if I am in a vulnerable population?
- Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand. If you cannot get to the pharmacy, consider using mail-order for medications.
- Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms in case you become ill.
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period.
- Avoid crowds as much as possible. If you are in a crowded area take precautions to keep space between you and others.
- Stay home as much as possible. Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.
What to do if you are sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread.
Stay Informed… but don’t make yourself “crazy”.
What can you do while spending more time at home?
Engage Your Body
- Move your body for 15-20 minutes every day, in a way that meets your unique needs and circumstances. Be Creative.
- Consider chair or gentle yoga, stretching, walking or any activity that strengthens your body and enhances your flexibility.
- Relieve stress by focusing on your breath; inhale peace & ease and exhale stress fear and anxiety. Exhaling twice as slow can help release stress, fear and anxiety.
- Search YouTube for an online movement class that you can do at home and that meets your unique needs.
Engage Your Mind
Stay Socially Connected
- Call or text family and friends daily
- If feeling isolated, consider social media as way to stay connected
- Write letters to loved ones
- Use Facetime or Skype call to be able to see friends & family “live”
Healthcare Considerations
- Contact your medical professional and request advance refills
- Explore options for making an online visit to a medical professional while you are strong and healthy for the purpose of learning how to access such services.
- Medicare & IRS Information related to Corona Virus
Medicare and IRS Information
- Please note that the PDF Version of this guide for retirees includes important Medicare & IRS information related to coronavirus compiled by Ken Destefano, NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist Assigned to Health Insurance.
Managing the Impact of the Corona Virus: Tips for NYSUT Retirees, complied by NYSUT Retiree Services 3/13/20