Mike Program Blog Ask Dr. Neal

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the lives of youth in many ways. Schools in Oregon and most of the nation have shifted to online platforms, abruptly ending most in-person gatherings. MIKE Program has shifted in response, focusing on continuing mentor engagement with the youth. In the first weeks of launching virtual classrooms, youth at De La Salle North Catholic High School (DLSNC) have come to rely on their digital devices for much more than socializing. Now their devices are a direct link to their education. DLSNC Teacher David Mickola has been coordinating with MIKE to provide health education that builds context around the recent pandemic, as well as provide vital support to the youth moving forward. With all the news swirling around the pandemic, youth have questions. This week they took part in a group conversation about the disease and ways to cope. MIKE Founder and Executive Director Cheryl Neal provided a direct resource, answering questions posed by the youth. The youth asked basic questions, like how do people contract the disease, and more difficult questions, like how long will this situation last. Dr. Neal responded with information provided by leading sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). According to the NIH, the COVID-19 pandemic affects Individuals of all ages. While most younger individuals who contract the virus are asymptomatic, the risk from symptoms requiring hospitalization is highest in people aged over 65 years. For people with certain underlying conditions, the disease has impacted individuals in all age groups, especially in communities of color. Researchers at the CDC have found that individuals with the following chronic diseases are at higher risk for severe symptoms of COVID-19: • Hypertension • Cardiovascular disease • Diabetes • Chronic respiratory disease • Cancer • Renal disease, and • Obesity The youth discussed why social distancing efforts help lessen the spread of COVID-19, allowing medical personnel and facilities to better manage services. MIKE mentors actively engaged with the participants, describing how they were coping, as they transitioned to online classes and work. Most MIKE mentors are in academic training programs, pursuing careers as medical and public health professions. The mentors encouraged the youth with ways to relax, eat healthy and exercise while adhering to the “stay-at-home” directives. The transition to a live video platform provides the youth, mentors, teacher and MIKE staff a timely way to connect and express their ideas and experiences. Such connections are vital to sustaining positive relationships that are the foundation of youth development. By working closely with the school, MIKE has been able to restructure curriculum that supports the youth and their education. Links for more information:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html U.S. Government Site: https://www.coronavirus.gov/ CDC: Talking with Children about Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html? CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fschools-childcare%2Ftalking-with-children.html CDC Checklist for Teachers and Parents: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/checklist.html How COVID-19 is Spread (April 13, 2020) from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus Food Safety: Take Out https://www.foodsafetynews.com/files/2020/03/Takeout_COVID-19_Flyer_032320-scaled.jpg Eating Healthy from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/national-nutrition-month/index.html Oregon Health Authority (OHA): https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/everything-you-need-know-about-washing-your-hands-protect-against-coronavirus-covid-19