By Donna Motley, Vice President of Claims

We are all familiar with the proverbial phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Turning a negative into a positive. The power of positive thinking. Lemons into lemonade is good, but, what about when life gives you COVID-19? How can something that has been so impactful or should I say, devastating to our lives and our country have anything “positive” associated with it? We have to adjust and evolve. And we are.

Having to wear a facial mask is now the “norm”. Aside from the health benefits, we are now also turning mask wearing into a fashion statement! You can buy a mask bearing the likeness of your favorite Superhero, Disney character, Sports Team, Flower, etc. You can buy a mask with rhinestones, sequins, beads, lace, fringe, etc. There are special masks made for Brides to wear on their special day! You can even buy a face mask holder/necklace so you can have your mask at your fingertips at any given moment.A global positive was the reduction in air pollution as there were less vehicles on the road. Science magazine reported up to 50% reduction in global seismic noise for the period March thru May, 2020. Amazing!

Drive-in movie theaters are popping up for entertainment purposes. Did you miss the concert of a favorite artist? You might be able to “stream” it to your computer for a fraction of the cost of a ticket (and you won’t have to worry about having a designated driver to get you home)!

We’ve been able to utilize Tele-Medicine which had been on the horizon but not fully embraced by all of society. It has worked so well, it looks like it is here to stay in some capacity.

The power of “positive”. Positive thinking may be better protection against the inflammatory damage of stress, it can boost the body’s immune system, can help cope with pain management and anxiety. Small positive actions can provide a sense of control. A John Hopkins study indicated people with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were 1/3 less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within 5-25 years than those with a more negative outlook.

Stress and negativity impact health in many ways: high blood pressure, skin conditions, insomnia, depression, weight loss, weight gain. It is not uncommon for individuals with chronic medical conditions to be prescribed anti-depressants. 

The long-term residuals effects of COVID-19 are unknown at this time. What is known to date is the possibility of residual muscle pain, tightness, stiffness, lung and heart compromise, gait disturbance, neurologic issues, fatigue, emotional issues. As employees return to work, residual issues from COVID19 can certainly impact future injuries and conditions. Fear of the unknown creates anxiety. Is there a better time to have a positive outlook? 

How to be “positive” during these times? Smile more – laughter is contagious. Focus on what you do have, and not on what is missing. Tackle problems head on instead of hoping they’ll go away. Change is a part of life. Challenge yourself to find the “good” in any situation. Positivity can be a personality trait OR a learned skill. Optimism aids your ability to cope with challenges. We hate to hear it, but exercise helps it multiple ways. Exercise creates those endorphins, provides energy, helps with sleep, helps with weight control. With a positive outlook you are more apt to comply with any medical treatment plan and eat healthier.

Have you ever wondered why an employee with a relatively benign injury never seemed to recover? Chances are the injured worker felt like a “victim” and let the injury or condition “own” them. Don’t stress about it, but a positive outlook could change all that!