Page 43 - August 2021 Issue.indd

Some people experience some discomfort and mild symptoms been intending to go through for the past six months! Notice

after getting the shot, but these symptoms pass after a day or so. the repeated use of the word “piles”?!
A report from Johns Hopkins states that the protein that helps
Psychology Today’s Dr. Carter states that “a cluttered space

your immune system recognize and fight the virus does not
can be stressful and unsettling since it is viewed as unfi nished
cause infection of any sort. Remember to rub the shot site for
business. When one’s physical space is cluttered, anxiety can
the 15 minute wait time to distribute the vaccine throughout
rise, and stepping on or over things can reinforce feelings of

your muscles so the site is not sore afterwards! Body aches,
being off balance.” She further states that long term exposure

headaches and fever that last for a day or so indicate that
to clutter can produce chronic stress, which is bad for our
the vaccine is working to stimulate your immune system.
physical health. Emotionally, clutter may also result in anxiety
If symptoms persist beyond two days you should call your
or depression. So for those who have a touch of the above
doctor. (hopkinsmedicne.org) Not all vaccination recipients
mentioned agoraphobia, part of the ongoing stress could
experience these symptoms afterwards. I had some achiness

actually be originating in the home you don’t want to leave!
across the shoulders after the second shot, but some time with

a heating pad and good book took care of that in a few hours! Neuroimaging has shown that some brains react subconsciously
to images of order and organization, giving the viewer a sense
Those who choose not to be vaccinated are not only at risk for of calm. For these folks, when surrounded by clutter, cortisol

becoming deathly ill from this scourge, but are still carriers to levels (stress hormones) are raised and the fight or flight
others. Please read the signs at the entrances of stores stating that mode kicks in, creating stress. Princeton University professor
those not vaccinated are required to wear masks. Remember, Sabine Kastner researched the science of attention using fMRI
local businesses have the legal right to enforce masking and (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans and found that
workplace guidelines. Local laws, rules, and regulations must “most of us aren’t good at processing clutter. It can become
be respected and followed. Please get further science from overwhelming and make our brains work much harder to
your doctor who can debunk the fear mongering rumors that complete simple tasks.” Which probably explains why it’s
are spewed across social media on the internet, tv, and radio sometimes easier to “postpone” tackling the mess…because, at

about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. Meanwhile, as a this moment, we just don’t have it in us to know where to start!

responsible citizen, your choice not to vaccinate requires you to The mess stays in place, leading to constant cortisol production

continue following state mandates requiring masking, frequent and constant stress!
handwashing, and social distancing rules. Be a good neighbor
and respect the rights of others to be safe from possible contact
with unknowing carriers of this virus who are not vaccinated. Senior Homecare by Angels

Reminder; The Health Department has a list of folks who do Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Grooming
not have transportation to vaccination sites and need to be Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders
vaccinated at home. Call 410-479-5880 for more information. Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping
Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship
On another note, the famed toilet paper shortages brought Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families
out latent hoarding tendencies to diff erent degrees for many
American consumers. Early on during the pandemic, many The Most Recognized and Respected Name in Senior Home Care
folks attacked closets and storage areas and took advantage
of down time. Storage bins were impossible to fi nd! However, America’s Choice in Homecare
as time went by and Amazon purchases exploded, that gained
space dwindled. For many, it became a matter of becoming
accustomed to living with clutter while being hunkered down
during the past year. Bottom line is internet shopping over
the past year has contributed mightily to the amount of stuff
we have…and it may not all have a place to call home in our
homes!
Clutter is a collection of things scattered about in a disorganized We’re here for YOU!
and untidy mess. Clutter may be the result of kids leaving their
Available 24 hours a day,
toys all over the house (Legos and Barbie shoes stabbing one
7 days a week
in the foot comes to mind!) or the family shoe dumping area
getting out of hand. Newspapers and magazines piling up? I

personally accumulated piles of books from Th rift Books online 2

while in lockdown! (a little plug for very affordable used books Locations
in great condition!) Perhaps the stairs leading to the second
221 Glenwood Ave, Easton • 443-746-0494
2
2
1
G

floor have become almost impassable with items meant to
106B Williamsport Circle, Salisbury • 443-210-2007
travel to bedrooms! Or it may be that pile of Junk Mail we have
visitingangels.com/mideasternshore
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