{"id":2055,"date":"2021-07-31T11:11:16","date_gmt":"2021-07-31T21:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/officeforsocialministry.org\/?p=2055"},"modified":"2021-07-31T16:50:52","modified_gmt":"2021-08-01T02:50:52","slug":"safer-at-home-act-with-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/officeforsocialministry.org\/safer-at-home-act-with-care\/","title":{"rendered":"SAFER AT HOME-ACT WITH CARE"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we all continue to cope with impacts of the current pandemic, our Holy Father asks:\u00a0\u201cIn what way can we help heal our world?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 One of the simplest ways we can start is by staying safer at home and acting with care<\/em>; and by practicing physical distancing, proper hygiene, as well as refraining from large social gatherings.<\/p>\n

Oahu is currently in Tier 5 of the COVID-19 Recovery Framework<\/a> that increases social gatherings up to 25 people indoors and allows up to 75 people for outdoor activities. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s proclamation<\/a> on July 2, 2021 will be in effect until September 5, 2021 unless otherwise noted. To maximize safe distancing, please follow these Department of Health \u201cTips for Socializing Safely \u2013 Hawaii Style\u201d<\/a><\/strong> that include recommendations to meet outdoors, staying at least 6 feet apart and greeting each other with a wave or a shaka instead of a hug.<\/p>\n

Let us remain steadfast in the mantra that we are all in this together <\/strong><\/em>and we WILL<\/strong> get through this crisis as One \u2018Ohana!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 We\u00a0encourage all to continue practicing Safer at Home-Act with Care<\/a><\/strong> policies that include regular use of masks, especially in public places. The Office for Social Ministry will continue to inform you of resources to share with persons who are vulnerable in your parish community. This is one way we all can Witness to Jesus. <\/em><\/p>\n

Agencies serving persons with disabilities, young and old, have mobilized networks to ensure access to resources where needed.<\/p>\n

HELPING SENIORS STAY FIT <\/strong><\/span>WHILE SAFER AT HOME<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Maintaining proper health and wellness routines during COVID-19 can often be a challenge for folks who have been used to working out in crowded gyms and public fitness centers. It is especially difficult for senior citizens with underlying health conditions to get a good workout from their own homes. Fortunately, there are many resources for our beloved kupuna to stay fit while staying safer at home! <\/em><\/p>\n

For example, Catholic Charities Hawaii<\/a> offers a variety of online fitness programs for seniors, including exercise classes on zoom especially designed for those experiencing difficulty with leg strength or mobility.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that when engaging in any kind of physical activity, please listen<\/em> to your body.\u00a0 Endurance activities should not cause dizziness, chest pain or heartburn. If performed correctly, exercise can help seniors strengthen weak muscles which often cause imbalance and increased risk of falls.\u00a0 Fragile bones can also make elders susceptible to fractures. For our kupuna, sadness and social isolation can have negative health effects and increase the risk of serious health problems. Studies show a direct correlation between physical exercise and mental health.\u00a0 To explore ways of finding balance, visit the National Institute on Aging<\/strong> (NIA)<\/a> resource page on Exercise and Physical Activity.<\/p>\n

CHILD CARE<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you are a household with school-aged children with special needs, the Department of Health\u2019s SPECIAL PARENT INFORMATION NETWORK<\/a> offers a COVID-19 Resource page kept up to date with information from the Department of Education as well as local and national organizations representing various disability communities.<\/p>\n

Apply for Child Care Subsidies and Preschool Open Doors! <\/strong><\/p>\n

During this COVID-19 crisis, Hawai`i has temporarily changed its rules for child care subsidies. Many more families are now eligible. Families who have been financially impacted by this pandemic are urged to apply today.\u00a0 For more information, go to Child Care Connection Hawai`i<\/a> online at\u00a0or all one of the following:<\/p>\n