Physical Health Support

Here are some resources for managing your physical health during this time. Because doctor’s offices and hospitals are limiting appointments, we need to prioritize our health! You can also find information about telehealth and virtual doctor visits.

UPDATED 7/24: Kentucky requires all persons to wear a mask/face covering in indoors places like retail stores, restaurants, gyms, government buildings and any outdoor spaces where people are unable to stay six feet apart. (People with documented health issues and children under five will not be required to wear masks. Additionally, those who are actively engaged in exercise or athletic practice can be exempt. If a person is engaged in a lawful activity where state or federal law prohibits wearing any face covering, that person is not required to wear a mask.)

Indiana also requires all persons to wear a mask/face covering both indoors and outside wherever social distancing is not possible.

What to do if you need to see a doctor:

What is Telehealth?

The term “telehealth” refers to several different ways a medical provider might conduct an appointment with you: by phone, by video chat, or by app. Your provider will help you get set up when you contact them for an appointment. It is generally safe and private. Contact your healthcare provider to get more information about their method of providing telehealth care.

Keep yourself safe and slow the spread

Because COVID-19 spreads through droplets produced by sneezes, coughs, singing, laughing, and/or talking, it’s important to prevent others from inhaling these droplets. Current CDC advice recommends wearing a face covering or mask and practicing social distancing when possible to slow the spread.

  • Masks/Face Coverings: wearing a face covering or mask “in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. Cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.” For information about how to make your own face covering, as well as other advice about masks, see the CDC page on Cloth Face Coverings.

  • Social Distancing: the droplets can travel as far as 6 feet, so keeping your distance from others can help keep you safe. “Social distancing, also called ‘physical distancing,’ means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.” For more information about social distancing, see the CDC page on Social Distancing.

Keeping things sanitized:

The CDC has a page of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing tips for your home.

  • It is recommended that you clean frequently touched surfaces regularly, such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. You can use a diluted bleach solution (⅓ cup bleach in 1 gallon of water) or a 70% alcohol solution. Prepared bleach solution will remain effective for up to 24 hours.

  • For soft surfaces, such as carpets, sofas, clothing, etc., soap and water may be used to disinfect or use other appropriate cleaners. If that is not appropriate, vacuuming and/or laundering can also be done.

  • For laundry, use the hottest water setting allowed for the material. (Check manufacturer’s tags for water temperature recommendations.) If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air. Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance for frequently touched surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.

Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips: