COVID-19: Unified Community Services

Mar 31, 2020 | 11:19 PM

From Unified Community Services

Lancaster, WI- Unified Community Services is committed to continue to provide our services to residents, while working to reduce the risks of COVID-19 exposure for our clients, citizens, and the staff. Essential services continue to be provided using the telephone and telehealth. “As a community, it is exciting to see people coming together to support each other during this time. We are grateful to be here to serve you and contribute to stabilizing this pandemic. We encourage you all to have “COOL HEADS AND WARM HEARTS” during this time and want you to know how to take care of yourself, your family, and your community in times of crisis by taking the 6 “daily vitamins”* everyone needs to stay mentally and emotionally well, especially in times of crisis,” said Jeff Lockhart, Unified Community Services Director. *Needs and Subjective Well-being Around the World

FOR YOURSELF

VITAMIN #1- SLEEP: There is no substitute for sleep and 7-9 hours are essential. Anything less than 7 hours could cause sleep-deprivation. The first 4 hours of sleep restore the body and the last few hours, the mind. Quality sleep can prevent both Alzheimer’s and PTSD. Healthy Sleep

VITAMIN #2- CALM: Our nervous system is made up of two parts, the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”). The “fight or flight” system is designed to be active for short crises (e.g. running from the saber tooth tiger). We are not wired for long-term stress or worry, which is physically and mentally harmful. Ways of handling stress include social support, humor / laughter, deep breathing, mindfulness/meditation/prayer, yoga & exercise. Understanding the Stress Response

FOR YOUR FAMILY

VITAMIN #3- LOVE AND BELONGING: We are wired to handle hard times, but not alone. Social isolation can “be as damaging as 15 cigarettes a day.” Everyone needs 3-5 people that they can depend on, who “have their back”. The “Loneliness Epidemic”

FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

VITAMIN #4- R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Feeling respected by others is a basic human need. It is the oil in the gears of our relationships. Give it & get it. Respect Matters More

VITAMIN #5- MASTERY: Everyone needs the ability to “do what they do best” at work (paid or unpaid). This is how we give back & contribute. The Making of an Expert

VITAMIN #6- AUTONOMY & PURPOSE: BE A CORONA HERO: Stay home. Wash your hands. Limit physical contact to 5 core people. Connect to others on the phone, through letters and social media. The Ordinary Corona Hero: You

FOR SERVICES/APPOINTMENT CALL: 608-723-6357

FOR URGENT/CRISIS NEEDS CALL 24 HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE: 1-800-362-5717