As 2020 continues, it is fair to say the year has not been what we expected. From stay-at-home to sickness to Zoom birthday parties, the COVID-19 virus has certainly been a life-changer for the majority of people across the globe. But, even in the midst of the chaos, we can still better ourselves and find the good in the situation. Many have used the time away from what were normal patterns and interactions to assess wants and needs, and create a “new norm,” which may be here to stay. Here … [Read more...] about Building a Better You in the Middle of a Pandemic
Columnists
Coconino County Promoting One County, One Response
This uncertain time is unsettling for many of our community members as businesses, employees and families are trying to cope with the global pandemic. The county is consistently providing information and tools that can help mitigate the impacts of the pandemic for business owners and employees. The following is a list of websites and information so people can connect and utilize resources for the benefit of their business, job and family. For public health updates, go to … [Read more...] about Coconino County Promoting One County, One Response
Keeping Rural Economies Afloat
Hello, Northern Arizona. I hope you are all hanging in there okay. I know this is an incredibly uncertain and difficult situation. Like you, I have been personally and directly impacted by COVID-19. My business is currently in flux and I was laid off from one of my jobs, a small business. Most of us work for a small business. An actual small business has less than 150 or 100 employees; many Northern Arizona employers have less than 50 employees. It is incredibly frustrating to see relief … [Read more...] about Keeping Rural Economies Afloat
Communication has Changed Forever
The ways of interacting were already changing before the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom (like Kleenex means any brand of tissue, Zoom can mean any kind of online meetings) meetings have been becoming more common. Businesses saved money on airfare and hotels, business people spent less time in airports, on the road and in hotels and more time at home. Now with most people spending almost all their time at home, online meetings are the norm. Returning to the road warrior lifestyle seems unlikely. In … [Read more...] about Communication has Changed Forever
Three Scams to Look Out for During the COVID-19 Pandemic
There’s no doubt about it – the COVID-19 pandemic is a time of uncertainty and unique challenges. As we navigate new waters, from business closures to stimulus checks, scammers nationwide are attempting to take advantage of the panic and exploit consumers. So that you can stay in the know, we’ve gathered some of the top scams Americans are reporting. Calls Requesting Personal Information Some consumers have reported calls from scammers claiming to be a government agent. The caller may … [Read more...] about Three Scams to Look Out for During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
According to the Labor of Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16% of the population provided eldercare between 2017 and 2018. Combine that with one in three people over the age of 65 having a hearing loss, and there is a very good chance you are or will be caring for someone with hearing aids. Hearing care professionals will diagnose the hearing loss and fit the devices. But, once fit, a majority of the daily use and maintenance falls to the wearer. Or, by extension, the caregiver. It is, therefore, … [Read more...] about How to Care for a Loved One with Hearing Aids
Celebrating the Spirit of Travel with a Flagstaff Staycation
National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community, and this year, Discover Flagstaff is inviting area residents to further embrace the spirit of travel by supporting local businesses and helping neighbors that are playing a key role in rebuilding our community. The spirit of travel isn’t only found in far-off places. Now, more than ever, members of our community must come together, support each other and remind one another – friends and family, and even … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Spirit of Travel with a Flagstaff Staycation
NAU on the Front Lines of Coronavirus Response
In the past months, Northern Arizona University’s leadership has focused its efforts on ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our Lumberjack and surrounding communities. COVID-19, its far-reaching impacts, and our preparation and response, have been our utmost priority. NAU has worked diligently to leverage our resources and expertise to serve our communities and our state. Earlier this month, we were proud to celebrate the nearly 6,000 students who earned NAU degrees, becoming … [Read more...] about NAU on the Front Lines of Coronavirus Response
Starting Today, Billions in Relief Funds Headed to Tribes Impacted by Coronavirus
U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) issued the following statement Tuesday after the Treasury Department and Interior Department announced they would begin disbursing $4.8 billion in coronavirus relief funds to tribal nations across the U.S. “I went to the mat for Arizona’s native communities during the Senate’s coronavirus relief negotiations to ensure our tribes receive critical relief dollars amid the ongoing pandemic,” McSally said. “The federal government has a responsibility to meet the … [Read more...] about Starting Today, Billions in Relief Funds Headed to Tribes Impacted by Coronavirus
How to Get the Most Out of Your Medical Televisit
Our medical providers have been treating patients via televisits for many weeks now. This has been an exceptional tool during this pandemic, for the patient, for the clinicians and for protecting the health of our community while trying to maintain social distancing. One way that you, the patient, may help the clinician is by providing a set of vital signs with your televisit. Vital signs (also known as vitals) are a group of the four to six important medical signs that indicate the status … [Read more...] about How to Get the Most Out of Your Medical Televisit