Social Distancing and Isolation Under COVID: Coping with Physical and Mental Health Challenges
The FOCUS Forum is now in a virtual format. The first virtual forum featured FOCUS Wisdom Keeper Sharon Brangman, MD, Chair of the Department of Geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University and Tracey Musarra Marchese, Professor of Practice in Syracuse University’s School of Social Work.
Their topic is Social Distancing and Isolation Under COVID: Coping with Physical and Mental Health Challenges.
More than 100 people registered for this popular forum on June 25. Those who register for a forum receive an email before the forum with instructions on how to participate by phone or computer.
Since Central New Yorkers began sheltering at home life has changed in many ways. In the short term FOCUS is offering forums on the necessary changes made and the possibilities those changes open for improving quality of life.
Some of us have technology that allows us to continue to work, learn, get health care, play, and connect with friends and family in new ways. Many do not. Some live with family. Many live alone. Some have found ways to cope with loneliness, but as the days became weeks and months, there is increasing sadness, stress and frustration, if not more.
In the recorded forum two leading health experts talk about how social isolation affects the health and well-being of our community and offer strategies that can help keep us well for the months ahead.
Sharon Brangman, MD, is a Distinguished Service Professor and Chair of the Department of Geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University and Director, Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease of CNY and the 2016 recipient of the FOCUS Wisdom Keeper honor. Dr. Brangman describes the experience of her older patients under COVID, the collateral damage being caused by social isolation and the challenges of telehealth.
Tracey Mursarra Marchese, MSW, LCSW-R, is a Professor of Practice with Syracuse University’s School of Social Work who specializes in mental health, mind-body wellness, trauma and PTSD. Ms. Marchese is an EMDR certified therapist and trainer who maintains a private practice as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker. She will discuss the impact of social isolation under COVID for people across age and demographic groups, how technology contributes to digital health divides, and steps we can take to maximize each of our well-being.