You might be hearing a lot about the toll the COVID-19 crisis is taking on the physical, emotional and mental health of our front-line healthcare workers.

But enough can’t be said.

We all face challenges due to COVID. But imagine being asked to do 12-hour shifts or longer, at the very place where anyone with symptoms will go. 

And you say “yes!”. Without hesitation. 

And you walk into the face of fear, uncertainty and danger. Day after day. With no end in sight. 

And that’s just the start of your ordeal.

Healthcare Workers Face Higher Rates of Anxiety & Depression During COVID Crisis

As difficult as it is for many of us to imagine doing what doctors, nurses and every front-line healthcare worker is being asked to do during the crisis, the physical toll is just the beginning. Imagine you put in long hours in a stressful environment. Then you must witness first-hand the toll of the virus on those who take the hit.

What happens after everything you do, after all the years of education and training, after a lifetime of experience, it isn’t enough to save someone?

Can you imagine?

What You Can Do the Help Front-Line Healthcare Workers

You can help reduce the burden that all front-line healthcare workers must carry during the crisis. Here’s how.

1. STAY HOME - The best way to take the strain off those who are in the trenches battling the virus is to not become one of their patients. And the best way to do that is to stay home. The more we do that one, simple thing, the fewer of us will be infected and need medical attention. Stay home, quarantine yourself if you’ve been travelling and practice social distancing when you do go out for absolute necessities, like food.
   
   Just in case you need more encouragement to stay home, get it from the frontliners themselves in this video.
   
   
2. Stay Healthy - It’s tough to stay active while you’re locked in your house or apartment. Make a point of regularly getting out into an open space, maintaining appropriate distances from others, for some fresh air and exercise.
   
   
3. Donate - If you have anything that could help please give. Check with local hospitals, healthcare facilities and emergency shelter. Here’s a list of just some of what you can give.
1. Masks 
2. Hand soap 
3. Hand sanitizer 
4. Sanitizing wipes 
5. Clothing
6. Laundry soap
7. Menstrual products
8. Food
9. Money

It all helps and it is all greatly appreciated.

What Healthcare Workers Can Do to Help Themselves

Yes. After all you do to take care of others, you need to take care of yourself. First, always properly wear any personal protective equipment that goes with the job.

Getting your rest is key. And if you manage to do that, and find some time to yourself, try to find a diversion to take your mind off your work. Don’t be afraid to find someone to help you if you’re finding it all too much to bear.

Taking care of your physical fitness that best you can will help you physically and mentally. Being active and on your feet for an entire shift is very stressful on your body, especially on you legs and feet. 

Here’s a quick list of things you can do yourself at the end of a shift to help relieve your legs and feet.

1. Stretch Your Legs & Feet - Not just at the end of your shift, but, if you can, every hour while you’re working.
2. Apply Ice - Medical professionals know better than most how icing stiff and sore legs can reduce swelling and inflammation.
3. Give it a Massage - Massaging your leg muscles helps in two ways. It opens up the muscles to help get rid of lactic acid and it improves blood flow to bring in more oxygen and nutrients.
4. Elevate Your Feet - Taking the load off is the best rest you can give your legs and feet. It also helps to reduce swelling.
5. Wear Compression Wear - This is another one you can do during your shift to reduce the strain on your legs and feet. Compression leggings help support your legs and improve circulation while you work.

There aren't words to express how much we appreciate front-line healthcare workers during this unprecedented emergency. 

We hope you all are able to take care of yourselves and, through your efforts, we find a way back to normalcy sooner than later.