The New Normal
“Life as it was, will not be possible for the foreseeable future.”
Dr. Lisa Lockerd Maragakis
Senior Director of Infection Prevention, The Johns Hopkins Health System
Associate Professor of Medicine
Aug. 24, 2020
This quote from last year was chalked up by many as an unhelpful and paranoid sentiment. Pretty much everyone I spoke with did not want to believe that the COVID-19 pandemic would not be with us in 2021.
As we know too well, this was a foreshadowing of what our lives have become accustomed to. Every one of my clients has expressed anxiety related to the inability to plan and know what to expect.
In this article, I will look at societal and individual decisions. As well as, research from leading experts in health and psychology.
If you are interested in scheduling a free one-hour consultation, please sign up.
How Epidemics of the Past Changed the Way Americans Lived
Public health crises of the past inspired innovations in infrastructure, education, fundraising and civic debate.
At the end of the 19th century, one in seven people around the world had died of tuberculosis, and the disease ranked as the third leading cause of death in the United States.
The NYC Health Department launched a massive campaign to educate the public and reduce transmission. The “War on Tuberculosis” public health campaign discouraged cup-sharing.
Paper products and cellophane packaging exploded in popularity after germ theory became common knowledge and after the pandemic concluded. Before World War I, public health efforts to sell people on buying a paper cup instead of sharing a communal one at public fountains failed completely. In those prewar, pre-pandemic times, the only kind of disposable paper product many Americans bought was toilet paper. After the war and the pandemic were over, wrapped food, paper cups, paper plates, Kleenex, and Kotex became everyday purchases. DuPont capitalized on the fervor, using advertising copy that invoked the possibility that the food people were buying had been touched by others: “Strange hands, inquisitive hands, dirty hands. Touching, feeling, examining the things you buy in stores”
States across the nation launched an effort to ban spitting inside public buildings and transit and on sidewalks and other outdoor spaces—instead encouraging the use of special spittoons, to be carefully cleaned on a regular basis. Before long, spitting in public spaces came to be considered uncouth, and swigging from shared bottles was frowned upon as well.
Turn-of-the-century faith in ventilation to combat disease pushed engineers to design steam heating systems that still overheat apartments today.
The battle against germs reshaped the inner working of buildings, too. Take that familiar annoyance for New Yorkers: the clanky radiator that overheats apartments even on the coldest days of the year. It turns out that the output of steam-heated buildings is the direct result of theories of infection control that were enlisted in the fight against the Spanish Flu of 1918 and 1919.
Health officials surmised that the fresh air would ward off airborne pathogens. The Board of Health in NYC ordered that windows should remain open to provide ventilation, even in cold weather. In response, engineers began developing heating systems with this extreme case in mind. Steam heating and radiators were designed to heat buildings on the coldest day of the year with all the windows open. Anybody who’s thrown their windows open in January, when their apartment is stifling, is, in an odd way, replicating what engineers hoped would happen a century ago.
We know only a little about its origins, but it is clear that the plague doctor figure was common throughout Europe since the Middle Age. In the 17th century, a famous French doctor, Charles de L'Orme, perfected the plague doctor mask, giving it the look we recognize today.
It was, in fact, a mask with a purpose. It was actually worn by doctors and physicians as a medical uniform, under the supposition it would have protected them from disease when they visited people infected. The theory was that it would isolate the physician and prevent direct contact with the bodies of plague victims.
The full outfit, which covered the plague doctor from head to foot, consisted of an outer garment tightly enclosed around the mask.
More in Common is an international initiative that was set up in 2017 and teams with France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States to build societies that are stronger, more united, and more resilient to the increasing threats of polarization and social division.
Findings at a Glance
France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, United States
•The pandemic has generated a mix of compassion, isolation, and anxiety.
•Germany and The Netherlands do well where others struggle, but all governments face skepticism of their handling of information.
•Big appetites for change, but modest expectations it will happen.
Majorities in all countries feel reminded of our shared humanity; significant numbers also sense that people’s level of concern for each other has improved.
Perceived commitment to social distancing measures varies widely between countries and trust in each other has fallen, in some cases by a daunting margin.
About half report feeling alone in this crisis, and many perceive growing levels of division.
In every country, majorities fear a second wave of COVID-19 infections and lockdowns, greater division and political instability, and severe economic depressions.
The United States is markedly worse off: Americans are profoundly concerned about the division in their country, report worsening trust in their government, and are most likely of all nationalities to want the country to become more united.
In all 7 countries, medical staff, frontline workers, emergency personnel and medical researchers are seen as deserving the most praise for how they performed during the first phase of the pandemic
Germany and The Netherlands do well where others struggle, but all governments face skepticism of their handling of information.
In the UK, US, France, and Poland, people tend to feel deeply disappointed by their government’s handling of the crisis so far, while Germans and the Dutch feel greater levels of pride.
Correspondingly, confidence in the government’s ability to tackle future crises is low everywhere except for Germany and the Netherlands.
Across countries, people are split on whether the government is hiding information from the public, while significant minorities report believing that the crisis is being exaggerated to pursue an agenda.
Everywhere studied, trust in government is higher at the local level.
Big appetites for change, but modest expectations it will happen.
• In countries hardest hit by the pandemic—Italy, UK, US, France—most have hopes for profound change. However, only Americans anticipate “significant changes will happen” after the pandemic.
Far from dampening commitment to a greener future, majorities in 6 of 7 countries say the government is not doing enough on climate, and show broad support for policies such as a Green New Deal.
Most countries want their government to focus on healthcare, employment and the environment in the aftermath of this crisis.
In the US, between 17% and 37% say they would not get vaccinated against COVID-19.
While there are mixed views on the EU’s handling of COVID-19 (and negative views in Italy), there is broad support for stronger European and multilateral cooperation to weather this and future storms – including taking on common debt.
Many see rescue funds as an opportunity to shift norms on corporate accountability, better wages, and environmental protection.
“The vaccine is a complex gift. It both gives you a sense that you are protected, but it ought not to give you a sense that you’re free to do anything you want.”
Laurie Zoloth
The Margaret E. Burton Professor of Religion and Ethics
at the Divinity School
Feb. 21, 2021
Social Distancing Solution:
Wristbands Do the Talking
● One study of approximately 2,500 people found that 45% snacked more than usual during the pandemic, and 50% ate more overall
● Although people reported eating out less and cooking at home more than usual, they also ate more pastries and fried foods.
● Multiple studies found similar results — with people eating out less but still consuming more food and snacks overall
● Some people noted healthy changes like consuming more servings of fruits and vegetables while eating at home
● Good nutrition is always important, but during the pandemic, it’s even more important because a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods helps support a strong immune system.
● When it’s time to go grocery shopping, a little planning can help you get in and out of the store quickly. Prepare a shopping list that will cover you and everyone in your household for two weeks, and resist the urge to buy in much larger quantities. Buying more than you need means less for others and possibly unnecessary food waste.
● With fresh foods, buy a variety in quantities that you would normally buy. Plan for a mix of fresh, frozen (meats, vegetables, fruits, and breads), and shelf-stable foods (pasta, rice, legumes, nut butter, and dried and canned goods). Eat fresh food first, and stock your freezer and pantry with items you can eat in the second week and beyond.
● Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins and minerals, although the processing of these products sometimes adds ingredients such as sugar, salt or preservatives. Be sure to read the labels so you can choose what’s best for you and your family.
● Consume a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive, sesame, peanut, or other oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids. These foods help to support your immune system.
● It’s tempting to reach for comfort food when we’re stressed, and that’s okay once in a while. But don’t make it a habit because many of these foods, such as mac and cheese, pizza, and burgers, and fries, are high in fat, sugar, and salt. Read food labels so you can be informed about the nutritional value of the foods you’re buying, serving to your family, and eating.
● Drink water regularly. Staying well-hydrated also helps your immune system. Stick with plain water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages to cut down on empty calories.
● Surveys from the past year found that people are also reporting changes in their physical activity levels and weight.
● Though yet again, the changes experienced haven’t been the same across the board.
● PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Although results vary between groups of people, studies have shown a considerable decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior since the start of the pandemic.
● While women and university students reported an increase in exercise activities during the coronavirus pandemic, men and young people reported decreased physical activity alongside an increase in sedentary time during lockdown.
● One survey including over 1,000 people from various countries worldwide found that daily sitting time increased by an average of 5–8 hours each day during lockdown.
● Another study in adults in Spain reported that the amount of time spent walking each day during the pandemic decreased by 58%, while the amount of time spent sitting increased by 24%.
● WEIGHT STATUS Some people also experienced changes in weight over the past year, some of which may have resulted from changes in their usual food choices and physical activity routines.
● A few studies found that 30–50% of people surveyed reported gaining weight during the pandemic.
● One study showed that people who already had excess weight before the pandemic were more likely to report gaining more weight.
● That said, not everyone gained weight during this time.
● In a survey of U.S. citizens, 19% of people reported losing weight, while 43% observed no change to their weight.
● Some studies found that weight gain was linked to specific factors, such as inadequate sleep, snacking after dinner, stress eating, reduced physical activity, and changes in work routines.
During these challenging times, it can also be tempting to cope by reaching for an alcoholic drink. If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Alcoholic beverages have little nutritional value and are often high in calories, and excess consumption of alcohol is linked to numerous health problems.
● You only need to glance at social media to get the message that there is a “cure” for pandemic-related stress: alcohol. Social media sites are rife with memes of moms drinking to relieve their stress. And alcohol is now easier than ever to obtain through delivery sites and apps. Therefore, it is not surprising that we are seeing a disproportionate effect of the pandemic on women’s alcohol use. Rates of alcohol use, heavy drinking (defined as four or more drinks on one occasion), and related disorders in women were rising even before the pandemic. Between 2001–02 and 2012–13, there was a 16% increase in the proportion of women who drink alcohol, a 58% increase in women’s heavy drinking (versus 16% in men), and an 84% increase in women’s one-year prevalence of an alcohol use disorder (versus 35% in men).
● This is in part due to changing social norms around female alcohol consumption and the alcohol industry’s targeted marketing to women. The pandemic has further increased rates of alcohol use in women. According to a RAND Corporation study, during the pandemic women have increased their heavy drinking days by 41% compared to before the pandemic. Additional research has shown that the psychological stress related to COVID-19 was associated with greater drinking for women, but not men.
● How to make changes in your alcohol use
● Small changes in your alcohol use can be helpful:
● Examine your drinking behavior in light of your mental and physical health risks, including a personal or family history of alcohol problems, and use of any medications that are contraindicated with alcohol.
● Stay within the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) current guidelines for alcohol consumption: no more than one standard drink per day, and no more than seven in one week for women (a standard drink is 5 ounces of wine; 1.5 ounces of spirits; 12 ounces of beer).
● Consider alcohol intake and possible pregnancy. There is no safe limit of alcohol use while pregnant.
● Seek help from your health care provider about the safest way to cut back on alcohol use.
