Life in the Time of Corona

The year 2020 certainly generated a lot of memes -- mostly negative. As the new year starts (for those who follow the Gregorian calendar), it seems like we are holding our collective breaths to find out what happens next. In this episode, I review what I learned from working on this show and talking with so many experts. Even in the face of uncertainty and severe disruption, we can work towards hope. Share your stories and feedback, listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Follow me on https://twitter.com/drsaulrosenthal (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/drsaulrosenthal/ (Instagram). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

During this time of the year, people celebrate numerous holidays, both religious and secular. Pandemics are a feature of many religious stories, and people often turn to religion to help them through such difficult times. In this last episode for 2020, I talk with Reverend Stacy Swain about the role religion can play in our understanding and our response to the COVID pandemic. Guest: https://www.ucw.org/about-us/staff/ (Reverend Stacy Swain) Share your stories and feedback, listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Follow me on https://twitter.com/drsaulrosenthal (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/drsaulrosenthal/ (Instagram). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Many people who overcome COVID continue to have symptoms, months after the coronavirus is cleared from their bodies. These "long haulers" might struggle with breathing issues, brain fog, fatigue, or many other life-altering problems. Join Jay Gunkelman, a world-renowned expert on understanding the brain from the record of its electrical activity -- the EEG. He describes how the virus can enter the brain and play havoc. Jay can get pretty technical, but he also explains brain functioning better than just about anybody else I've learned from. Guest: https://www.eegmd.com/about-us/ (Jay Gunkelman) If you want to know more about neurofeedback, which is shown in clinical cases to improve long hauler cognitive symptoms, go to https://www.aapb.org/ (AAPB) or https://www.isnr.org/ (ISNR). You can find Board Certified neurofeedback providers at https://www.bcia.org/ (BCIA) or https://qeegcertificationboard.org (IQCB). Share your stories and feedback, listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Follow me on https://twitter.com/drsaulrosenthal (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/drsaulrosenthal/ (Instagram). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

With remote work, remote school, and remote interactions of all sorts, we are using our digital devices more than ever. Sitting motionless, staring into a screen for hours each day takes its toll. Dr. Erik Peper has been studying the impact of technology on health for many years. We discuss the role of the pandemic in worsening tech stress, and what we can do about it. Guest: https://biofeedbackhealth.org (Erik Peper, PhD) Read Dr. Peper's https://peperperspective.com (blog), follow some https://news.sfsu.edu/news-story/professors-share-tips-healthy-tech-usage-during-pandemic (tips) for reducing tech stress, and check out the https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/232119/tech-stress-by-erik-peper-phd/ (book) he recently co-authored. Dr. Peper refers to apps to remind us to take breaks from the computer. He mentions https://stretchbreak.com/ (Stretchbreak), and there are many others available. Share your stories and feedback, listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Follow me on https://twitter.com/drsaulrosenthal (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/drsaulrosenthal/ (Instagram). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

The impact of the COVID pandemic on eating is more than how many loaves of sourdough or banana bread we're making. There are also higher risks for people with eating disorders. Listen as Dr. Allyson Cherkasky, an expert in eating and weight issues, discusses the unique challenges currently facing individuals who struggle with disordered eating. Guest: https://www.williamjames.edu/about/profiles/faculty/allyson-cherkasky.cfm (Allyson Cherkasky, PhD) For concerns about eating, contact the https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org (National Eating Disorders Association) or call their hotline at (800) 931-2237. Find out about https://www.cbte.co (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders). Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

If you thought we were overusing our screens before the coronavirus, you hadn't seen anything! Digital media use is way up, as we now rely on our devices for work, school, shopping, and staying in touch with each other. Dr. Michael Rich, also known as The Mediatrician, guides us towards the best ways to help our children use digital media in safe and healthy ways. Guest: https://cmch.tv/about-us/our-team/michael-rich/ (Michael Rich, MD) Dr. Michael Rich is the founder and director of the https://cmch.tv (Center on Media and Child Health), at Boston Children's Hospital. The Center is a great resource for anyone interested in raising digitally healthy youth. The https://cmch.tv/familydigitalwellness/ (Family Digital Wellness Guide) that Dr. Rich describes in the episode is a research-based parenting resource looking at the healthiest approaches to using digital media throughout childhood and adolescence. Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

The world of work is suddenly different, thanks to COVID-19. Diane Grimard Wilson, licensed clinical professional counselor, career counselor, and executive coach steers us through the unknowns of employment's new uncertainties. Guest: https://www.grimardwilson.com (Diane Wilson, LCPC) Read what Diane writes about https://www.grimardwilson.com/the-good-brain-blog/when-your-work-falls-apart-neuroscience-and-the-art-of-pivot (pivoting) in a world with the coronavirus. Diane talks about https://dearborndenim.us (Dearborn Denim) as an example of a company that pivoted during the pandemic, and does well. Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Preparing to go to college or to start your first job is a challenge in the best of circumstances. Becki Lauzon, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, provides guidance. Guest: https://nesca-newton.com/lauzon/ (Becki Lauzon, CRC) Read what Becki has to say about chttps://nesca-newton.com/helpful-tips-for-selecting-a-transition-program/ (hoosing a transition program), and watch her on https://www.facebook.com/search/videos/?q=nesca%20(neuropsychology%20%26%20education%20services%20for%20children%20%26%20adolescents) (Facebook Live). If you live in Massachusetts (or want a good model, here's some ihttps://fcsn.org/linkcenter/transition-resources/brochures/ (nformation about transitioning) and available thttps://fcsn.org/transition_guide/english.pdf (ransition services in Massachusetts). Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Life is hard enough with the uncertainty and restrictions brought on by the pandemic. It's harder for people with autism or executive function issues. Dr. Sophie Bellenis talks about ways to stay on track even when the normal schedules and expectations are up in the air. Guest: https://nesca-newton.com/bellenis/ (Dr. Sophie Bellenis) Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Dealing with chronic pain is difficult at the best of times. The coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder, with travel restrictions, health care providers canceling appointments, and all the increased stress we are all feeling. Dr. Kelly Wawrzyniak brings her expertise to a discussion about the best ways to take care of yourself, even while sheltering in place. Guest: http://kellywpsychology.com/index.html (Kelly Wawrzyniak, PsyD) Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Summer is coming! What is happening with summer camp? It's moving online. Join Meghan Gardner, founder and CEO of Guardian Adventures, as she discusses adapting camp to the restrictions brought on by COVID-19. Guest: https://guardup.com/team/ (Meghan Gardner) More about https://guardup.com/ (Guardian Adventures). See what it's like on their https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVm8jtGoN6358RP5TbxCRCw (Youtube Channel). And yes, Guardian Adventures really is in a https://guardup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/castle-for-webpage.jpg.webp (castle). Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

What does a global pandemic have in common with the planet's changing climate and our response? Find out from Heather Goldstone, Chief of Communications at Woods Hole Research Center. Guest: http://whrc.org/staff/heather-goldstone/ (Heather Goldstone, PhD) More on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_AKBJOQ4Fo&t=2080s (climate change and COVID-19) Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Discuss the particular needs of pre-teens who are sheltering in place with Tim Schuettge, LICSW. How can we supplement the role school normally plays in their lives and development? Please subscribe and comment. Listen to https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/life-in-the-time-of-corona-podcast/ (previous episodes), find https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/blog/ (transcripts), and https://www.saulrosenthalphd.com/ (learn more). Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Wildlight (Wildlight)

Stephanie Marcucci, parent and Head of https://www.jwpschools.org/ (Walnut Park Montessori School), discusses taking care of our young children. You don't have to be a perfect parent to keep them safe, healthy, and happy.

Don't forget about your romantic partner! Married therapists https://www.lifewisema.com/ (Dr. David Helfand) and Anna Helfand talk about balancing the needs of relationships with the needs of work, school, family, and staying safe.

http://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/staff/f/katie-fleischman (Dr. Katie Fleischman) from Boston Children's Hospital discusses the unique needs of parenting children with chronic health conditions, when everybody's sheltering in place. She talks about specific strategies that help parents maintain treatment and their sanity.

Join https://drroseann.com (Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge), an expert in integrative pediatric health. She discusses parenting when the kids aren't in school and we're all stuck at home together. Great advice for keeping our sanity while helping our kids stay on track.

https://innakhazan.com (Dr. Inna Khazan) joins us to discus managing stress while dealing with the impact of the coronavirus. Dr. Khazan is an internationally known expert on biofeedback and mindfulness. In addition to a private practice, she is on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, consults with organizations around the world, and is the author of numerous articles and two fantastic books. She recently wrote a piece for https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/biofeedback-and-mindfulness-in-everyday-life/202003/5-steps-living-uncertainty-during (Psychology Today) about dealing with the uncertainty that's become our new normal. Let me know what you think of her advice!

"Social Distancing," "Sheltering in Place," "An Abundance of Caution" — these terms are suddenly part of our everyday vocabulary. The coronavirus pandemic turned our lives upside down overnight. Everybody's stressed out and many of us are feeling overwhelmed. If you want to keep your sanity during these strange new times, listen to Life in the Time of Corona. Join https://saulrosenthalphd.com (Dr. Saul Rosenthal), a health psychologist with twenty years of experiencing helping people cope with difficult medical situations. He'll interview experts in stress management, parenting, education, and taking care of ourselves. It's your 30 minute balm for these difficult times. Join us on Tuesday, April 14th for the premiere episode, featuring https://innakhazan.com (Dr. Inna Khazan), an international expert on stress management and mindfulness. Life in the Time of Corona - Because staying healthy is about so much more than a virus. 

In this episode, we speak to Eugene, a technologist in Singapore about his views on the government's totalitarian control over all things including the coronavirus. We discuss how this service economy continues to bounce along as the world freezes over. Yet even here small tremors are wavering the society as migrant workers from neighbouring Malaysia start to disappear and as technology quietly creeps into private lives as surveillance of the potential infected population intensifies.

In this episode, we speak to Karima, a London based sound engineer who usually tours the world for concerts. She discusses how the virus has impacted the global music industry, what it's like applying for income support through the Universal credit system and the importance of volunteering and community support through a time of uncertainty.

In this episode we speak to Timothy Lobban, a journalist and educator living in Beijing, China. He explains how the government and Chinese businesses have used the power of WeChat and technology to enforce social distancing. We also discuss his views on the the terminology of "Chinese Virus" and whether we can trust China's official reporting of coronavirus case figures.

Please visit coronatime.life for more information about the show.Twitter: @coronatimelifeShow Host: Lindy Wang

Life in the time of Corona is a Podcast about the stories of ordinary people around the world whose lives have been upended by the coronavirus outbreak.