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Tag: New Normal

Your Quick Guide to Planning Memorials and Funerals this Pandemic

The world is continuously challenged to adapt to the circumstances brought about by the pandemic. Even a family’s means of grieving and saying goodbye must shift to non-traditional ways to minimize infection. Funeral homes are consistently providing ways for families to address such needs despite the challenges of not being able to come together.

Memorials and funerals may be tricky to plan nowadays but, we gathered some tips to guide you throughout the process. Read them below.

Utilize Online Services

Funeral homes now integrate the latest technology in the provision of their services. Because the pandemic limits everyone to communicate face-to-face, communication is made through online platforms and even social media avenues. At the same time, funeral homes now offer live streaming services such as viewing and masses in lieu of face to face gatherings.

Come Up With Virtual Events

Funeral homes can only do so much to make your deceased loved one remembered and commemorated. Aside from the funeral home’s online services, your family can also conceptualize a virtual event like setting up a video conference and using this moment to say goodbye messages. Or, you can continue the tradition of sharing a game of bingo with family members and friends online.

Prepare in Advance for In-Person Gatherings

If the family decides on coming together on the last day of the wake, preparation and thorough planning are essential to minimize the risks of contamination. Keep in mind that only a limited number of people are allowed for essential circumstances like funerals.

These preparations can include activities, attendance from family and friends, meals, and refreshments. Your trusted funeral director can help you navigate through the preparations if you are having a hard time planning.

Encourage Personal Means of Commemoration

When a person is grieving, there is a natural tendency to look for a shoulder to lean on. The same when a family loses a beloved member. Because there are restrictions for gatherings, every family is solely encouraged to complete an activity that expresses their grief and loss in solidarity with other families and friends.

Put Together Shared Memories

Because family members and friends couldn’t get together to share stories and memories, why not put together a slideshow or a virtual album of photographs and videos? Solicit letters, memorabilia, stories, photographs, and videos of your dearly departed. After compiling these materials, you can send everyone a finished copy for them to view and remember their loved one dearly.

Although the pandemic hindered everyone from their normal course of life, saying goodbye and remembering a loved one can be done with professional guidance and understanding from each member of the family.

Photos: Pexels.com

December 29, 2020
What It’s Like to Suffer From Coronavirus

Since the number of cases regarding the novel coronavirus keeps on rising, we can only imagine how severe and dreadful the disease is. To give us an understanding of what happens if you’ve contracted the disease, here are real-life accounts from those who have experienced it.

Clay Bentley – Rome, Georgia

Considered as a person vulnerable to the disease, Bentley started feeling unwell on March 1 but didn’t get hospitalized until March 6. The reason for rushing into the emergency room? He couldn’t breathe, and he felt his body aching and weakening by the second that he couldn’t even stand.

After 11 days of being confined to the hospital, he was discharged by the doctors. Then, he has undergone 14-days of home quarantine in a separate room away from other family members.

Elizabeth Schneider – Washington

As the World Health Organization always reiterates, the Covid-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms. For Schneider’s case, she initially thought it was only the flu until other people that attended a party with her start contracting the flu. It was then that they were all diagnosed as positive for Covid-19.

Todd Herman – New York City

Much like Schneider’s case, Herman thought he was only recovering from flu, only to be devastated by the Covid-19. The biggest telltale of his disease was his shortness of breath. Even when he was only walking from one side of his apartment to another, he would run out of breath.

Aside from the flu-like symptoms, he would also suffer from headaches and mild fatigue. In an interview, Herman told the news, “I can see why this would be very deadly.”

Carl Goldman – Passenger of Diamond Cruise Ship

What started as a fever later accompanied shortness of breath and dry cough. Because of his situation, he was admitted into a biocontainment unit. There, doctors took good care of him. After ten days inside a biocontainment unit, Goldman was moved to a different facility to which he became part of a clinical study.

Anonymous – Scotland

For a 50-year old Scottish man, he felt fine until there was an onset of flu. As the flu worsens, he felt chills, then body pains, particularly on his legs. Since he hasn’t undergone swab testing, the symptoms developed into a cough and shortness of breath.

Because of his symptoms, he was admitted into a hospital and spent a few days in the facility. After he recovered, he took another swab test to which resulted in negative.

Final Notes

As the world continues to face the devastation of this pandemic, let us follow health protocols such as: wearing face masks, increased handwashing and sanitation, and physical distancing. Also, avoid getting out of the house if the transaction isn’t necessary to avoid contact with people.

Although it is an unfortunate situation, we must always remember to prioritize our health first. No amount can compensate for a lost life compared to temporary pleasures. Protect your family and loved ones by following health protocols at all times.

Photos: Pexels.com

July 5, 2020
How to Select a Bike for Daily Commute

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unique challenges to the global community. As a means of flattening the curve, establishments were temporarily closed. Mass gatherings were discouraged, and the government imposed a quarantine period.

Now that the “new normal” has graced the country, Filipinos are becoming more creative in finding ways to cope up with transportation woes. If you want to try biking to work, we’ve got some helpful tips for you to select the best bicycle fit for your needs.

Taking a Look at the Wheels

Most people assume that a bike has the same set of wheels. However, a wider tire is built for rough terrain. A Filipino commuter typically utilizes wide tires (with a width of 1.5 inches and more).

The primary reason for such is the presence of debris and the changing texture of the road. If your route is filled with uneven roads, cracked pavements and road debris, going for a tire of 1.5 inch wide is a great option.

Your Height Determines the Size

Another factor for selecting your next ride is your height. When choosing, make sure that you can control the bike and, at the same sit comfortably in it. After all, if you’re commuting for extended periods, you don’t need a bike that’s too cramped or too big for you to handle.

Geometry Isn’t Just a Math Thing

No, we’re not talking about a dreaded subject. In fact, when choosing a bike geometry matters as it influences your sitting position. A relaxed geometrical shape brings comfort and a laid-back position when cycling. The most common examples of relaxed geometrical bikes are granny bikes and folding bikes. However, those who want to sit upright for more control will have to rely on mountain bikes.

Route Check

Does your route to work deal with road bumps and other road nuisances? If it does, picking a bicycle with multiple gears will make your ride easier and comfortable. Just a note, however, that having many gears raise the price of a bike.

On the other hand, if your route is what we consider as “smooth sailing,” maybe a speed bike, a granny bike or a folding bike will do. For this aspect of decision-making, it is best to assess the long-term usability of the bike.

Multiple Transportation Points

There are instances when those who purchase a bike use it to get from one point to another. Let’s say that your office is located where access to transportation modes like buses, jeeps, and PUVs aren’t feasible. The last resort is to walk from a particular stop area to your office. In this case, some would opt to bike to quickly get to their destination.

If this is the situation you’re facing, it’s crucial to assess whether you’ll take one transportation mode to another and then use your bicycle. Going multi-modal calls for the compact and lightweight foldable bikes.

Bringing Some Cargo

Are you the type to bring supplies with you while riding a bike? Or are you the kind to stuff items in your backpack? Either way, there’s no wrong option in riding a bike with some cargo in it. You can purchase a granny bicycle with a built-in basket for your cargo needs.

If you have an existing bicycle, you can always purchase ready to install baskets or clip-on racks for added convenience.

Money Matters

Last but not least, having a specific budget for a bike makes your decision-making easier and more practical. Remember to assess your needs (by evaluating it through the mentioned criteria above) and arrange a budget where it won’t hurt your pocket.

June 22, 2020
Shopping in the New Normal: What To Do

As most cities and towns were relieved from the enhanced community quarantine status, people have the freedom now to continue their transactions under the “new normal.” They can go to malls, freely jog around, and what others would typically do when given the freedom to continue with their lives.

However, as the persistent cases of Covid-19 continue to bring fear and worry for people, many are wondering how you can go around with your tasks without contracting the virus? With this mini-guide, we’re going to tackle how you can ensure minimal risks and safety despite being outside of your home.

Always Practice Social Distancing

No matter where you go, in the banks, at ATM booths, to the drugstore, and among others, always minimize physical interaction with people around you. As a precaution, always remember the 6-feet rule. Follow the rules of queuing whenever you’re inside a shop as most organizations have markers set as compliance with local ordinances.

Wear Face Masks

Since the Covid-19 virus’s point of entry is either through the nose, the eyes, or the mouth, wearing a face mask minimizes the risks of contracting the disease. Wearing a face mask is also in compliance with local ordinances being implemented nowadays. So, if you don’t want to get in trouble for not having a mask on and you don’t want to get infected, wear a mask before leaving your home.

Go Cashless

The integration of technology made it possible for wireless transfers and secure banking nowadays. If you have mobile apps that can be utilized for cashless payments, use it. However, as a note, be wary when linking your banks to these apps. Be careful of providing your OTP (one-time pin) and other details that may lead to phishing.

Opting for Pick-up or Deliveries

The “new normal” challenged many business owners to make their services and products closer and safer to their customers. Because of this, some transport or motorcycle-hailing errand drivers have taken the courage to deliver goods, medicines, and foods to its beloved customers.

If you have one in the area, you can contact them to transact for you. Or, if it can’t be helped, ask for a pick-up option from your preferred shops wherein you can just drive to their location and pay for the goods you need.

Shop Smart

Whenever you go shopping, prepare ahead on where you’ll buy and what shop’s you intend on visiting. List all of the things you need instead of wandering. You can never tell what kind of risk you’re facing the longer you are outside. Consolidate your family’s shopping list and go to shopping centers when it’s not peak days or hours.

As life transitions into the new normal, we must exercise vigilance and increased hygienic measures. If possible, bring hand sanitizers with you at all times. Sanitize your hands upon touching a surface for increased protection. And, don’t forget to strengthen your immunity by practicing a healthy lifestyle, eating balanced nutrition, and washing your hands.

Photos: Pexels.com

June 7, 2020