March 15, 2020
Its terrifying schools are closed. Here are some ways to occupy kids:
- Make sure your kids are ready for online learning.
- “Enrichment” – scholasticlearnathome.com
- Try your hand at blind contour drawings – artistsnetwork.com
- Cut some paper snowflakes – marthastewart.com
- Press some flowers – proflowers.com
- Pesach cleaning – Organize bookshelves and toys. Toss, toss, toss.
- Inventory freezer and use foods you may have forgotten about. This also comes under Pesach cleaning.
- Walk, walk, walk as much as possible. It will help to energize, blow off steam and keep sane.
- Since you’ve geared up for online learning – Get an exercise app or two. Set a daily time. Bond, bond, bond on that yoga mat or living room floor.
- As a family. As Jews, we direct our prayers to the One Up Above. Scientific studies show davening keeps one grounded and optimistic.
- Focus on the positive. This tiny Coronavirus is wreaking havoc throughout the world. But you’re reading this, raising a family, enjoying your spouse, etc. Remember that HaShem has blessed you and that with His help, Coronavirus will be exiled to the annals of history.
March 13, 2020
To Parents,
My team and I know you are concerned about the Coronavirus. The good news – Children are one of the only groups not at major risk right now.
We are working with the NYC and NYS Departments of Health and have the following information for you.
If your child has a cough and cold and perhaps a low-grade fever, don’t worry. Keep them at home. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (chicken soup, water).
If your child has a fever, use Tylenol or Motrin (Infants ages 6+ months get Motrin only). Dosage is based on weight.
When should you schedule an appointment?
- Sore throats with fever (make sure temperature is done) without coughs/colds
- Rashes
- Wounds
- Asthma and breathing issues
- Ear pain
When should you worry about Coronavirus? If G-d forbid, your child has trouble breathing, inform us immediately by calling 718-868-4808 ext. 1/ after hours, page me at 917-223-0932. We will assess whether to call Hatzalah for transport to the emergency room.
We have chosen for now not to test for COVID-19 in our office.
Steps you can take to help stay healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer. Look for one that is 60% or higher alcohol-based.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water and chicken soup.
- Keep your kids home if they are ill. Keep them away from others who are sick.
- Teach kids to sneeze/cough into a tissue (and then throw it away in a wastebasket) or to sneeze/cough into their arm or elbow – not hand!
- Clean and disinfect your home as usual.
- Avoid touching your face. Teach your kids to do the same.
As always, Daven.
Wishing everyone only the best of health.
Dr. Lightman and the TFC team
Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a senior statesman amongst pediatricians, an internationally-recognized authority and diagnostician, a public speaker, expert witness and go-to resource for health issues in the Orthodox Jewish community.