MISSING HUGS?

Hello dear friends,

Should you wish to try a novel way of still retaining your social-distancing while at the same time gain the satisfaction and feeling of well-being, then here’s a great way of ensuring you don’t miss out without treating yourself to a “hug” or two.

(The following article is from National Seniors Australia newsletter received this week. Quoted verbatim.)

HUGS ARE OK ... REALLY!

While Australians are getting through the COVID-19 lockdown by using technology to hook up, panic buy and home school, Iceland's forestry service has come up with a novel way to overcome the people’s sense of isolation.

They have opened up their forests so people can hug the trees and in the words of a senior ranger “get the energy from [them].”

Top tips

And yes, some hugs are better than others.

"It's good to close your eyes while hugging a tree. I press my cheek against it and feel the warmth and currents flowing from the tree into me... it starts in your toes, runs up your legs and through your body into your brain. You get such a good relaxing feeling that are ready for a new day and new challenges," the Ranger says. 

Don't rush

They’re a thoughtful lot, these Icelanders. The Rangers have cut paths through the forest snow at Hallormsstadur so people can get close to the trees, and the paths are, of course, wide enough for people to keep the two-metre distance.

For us in Australia it might be good to check your tree first before leaning in for a hug to ensure there are no stinging ants, spiders or anything else that may detract from the experience.

EDITOR'S NOTE: So if you see people rushing through our streets to choose the tree they wish to hug, give a moments thought to the poor old trees. To have been ignored for hundreds of years, and now to be the subject of “love” and “hugs”. Well ..... just goes to show, how the world can change in the blink of an eye!

“COMPASS” - Last Sunday 17th May 2020, on the ABC

My friend Bill Crews and his Exodus Foundation at the Ashfield Uniting Church in Ashfield, New South Wales, was the subject of the Compass show last Sunday evening at 6.30 p.m.,, depicting how Exodus had adapted to the countless restrictions brought upon them by the Covid19 pandemic.

As with numerous other agencies and organisations, Exodus was faced with having to close down, thus putting thousands of homeless and poor Sydney citizens at risk, not only of no longer having meals, but also the risk of contracting the virus. Exodus is not just one or two people who are dispensing welfare; it has hundreds of people involved in one way or another. It is an organisation that protects the people who come into its sphere. Caring, sharing, giving, loving.

With social distancing and people having to isolate, the Ashfield church had to close its doors from their weekly services. So Bill took the service out-doors so that people wouldn’t miss out on their spiritual needs. Then the restrictions became stronger, and social distancing ultimately meant they could not provide the church service in the grounds. So Bill did what he always does. Thinks outside of the square. He began to send his parishioners emailed (those who have computers and emails) programmes for each Sunday’s service. And this included the You-tube “messages”.

As far as caring for the homeless and destitute, it looked as though the whole project would collapse. Exodus provides a shower; endeavours to give some of their “people” housing; somewhere where they can do such a simple thing as charge their phone. And that’s the only start of things.

Submissions were made to the government to have Exodus proclaimed an “essential service”. This was denied. At first. But Bill and his crew don’t give in that easily, and so a further submission was made, as restrictions became more severe.

They have a team of people who check each person’s temperature; provide meals; provide counselling. And the night-time Van that goes to Wooloomooloo 364 nights a year (the only exception being New Year’s Eve), takes hot meals to those people in that area. And it’s when the viewer sees the queues of people who all need a warm meal, that we who are fortunate in having warm clothes, a warm meal, in a warm room, realise just what life is like outside of our room. People who are cold, people who are hungry. People who have no money. People who have no home. People who are at risk - physically and emotionally. And then there’s the damned coronavirus to contend with.

That’s just a little of the story that was shown on the ABC last Sunday night. If you did not catch this on TV, then take a few minutes and watch it. It will open your eyes.

From Christine, Sydney, New South Wales

“Cafe’s are open and I see numbers of people shopping and wandering about munching fingers to mouth, and back to wandering and shopping. So suspect the next wave of virus will be created by folk who forget the necessity of personal hygiene. Until observing this I had not used sanitiser and gloves in my bag BUT instinct pushes me to begin now! Maybe it was just the supermarket but coughing and sneezing without plunging head into elbow seems forgotten .... we are a very strange species."

SYMPTOMS OF COVID 19

As my readers know from old, I’m very strong on sharing information - especially when it is important information. When speaking with some of my friends most of whom are in their 80s (although I’m proud to say I count many others in their early 50s and 60s as my loyal readers), there seems to be a bit of confusion as to the symptoms of this virulent disease. Here’s a rundown for you.

Most common symptoms 
* fever
* dry cough
* tiredness

Less common symptoms * aches and pains
* sore throat
* diarrhoea
* conjunctivitis
* headache
* loss of taste or smell
* a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms
* difficulty breathing or shortness of breath * chest pain or pressure
* loss of speech or movement

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5-6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms o show, however it can take up to 14 days.

Fondest regards