CityView Magazine

32 | June 2020 F or those who are struggling with feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety or isolation during this most unusual period in history, Laura Taylor has some advice: You are not alone. "ere's nobody who hasn't been affected," said Taylor, a psychotherapist at Cape Fear Valley's Behavioral Health Care. "We're all dealing with this and it's normal to have all these emotions. is is a strange situation." Taylor and Dr. Johnnie Moultrie, who practices family medicine at Hope Mills Family Care, are busier than ever these days trying to help patients maintain good mental and physical health. Moultrie advises that caution is still the best practice, even as the country begins to ease the restrictions put in place due to Covid-19. "I personally will still limit my exposure to crowds," Moultrie said. "Opening businesses does not mean the virus is gone, and it can give people a false sense of security." Moultrie and Taylor both have spent the last few weeks seeing patients in person, on the phone and by video, F E A T U R E Staying healthy in uncertain times BY KIM HASTY using a common-sense approach in helping them stack the odds toward staying well. "I think the first thing is being knowledgeable about symptoms, though you can actually spread the virus before you become symptomatic," he said. "at's the main reason for wearing a mask. You're protecting yourself from people who don't realize they're ill. It also limits your chances of exposing others. "Washing your hands is going to continue to be really important," he said. "at sounds basic, but people aren't as conscientious as they should be." As people find themselves dealing with financial stress from a struggling economy, with the stress of helping children with distance learning and with the feelings of loss from being isolated from other people, Taylor said it's more important than ever to take care of yourself. "Build structure in your schedule," she advises. "For instance, if you're at home and you've got kids at home, make sure you set time limits. Build in that time to do something just for yourself. Get some exercise. Be sure to get enough sleep. Eat healthy meals. Take care of yourself or you're not going to be able to take care of anyone else." Laura Taylor Dr. Johnnie Moultrie Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation recently received a $50,386 grant from Truist Financial Corporation to buy telemedicine equipment needed to help treat COVID-19 patients. The grant is part of the financial service's company's Truist Cares Initiative, a $25 million philanthropic pledge announced in March to support basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship relief due to COVID-19. The new telemedicine equipment will allow the health system's hospitals and outpatient clinics to provide remote patient health assessments and care. The purchase will also reduce staff reliance on personal protective equipment, which is in short supply nationwide.

• Cover