If you’ve made it to two-weeks past your second COVID-19 vaccination, or two-weeks past your one-and-done J & J shot, congratulations! It’s time to rejoin the world. But don’t go partying like it's 2019 just yet.
Our experts say before you ditch all the precautions, it’s important to know the vaccination and health status of those you want to hang out with, evaluate local coronavirus case loads, and develop your own sense of how much risk you’re willing to take on.
For example, there’s still good reason to keep masking up indoors in public, because you can’t know the status of people at the grocery store or at the gym. In higher risk scenarios, it is still a good idea to protect yourself and others.
Read on for more tips on indoor playdates, beauty services. domestic air travel and more.
Bonus: The CDC Says Vaccinated People Can Ditch Masks Outside (Unless You’re In A Crowd) |
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| As part of her job every week, NPR’s Connie Hazhang Jin checks the COVID-19 death numbers in the U.S. and worldwide. At first the growing numbers shocked her. But as the numbers grew to the millions the figures no longer had an emotional impact, leaving her feeling listless and indifferent.
It turns out that psychic numbness is a common phenomena. Jin spoke with University of Oregon Research Psychologist Paul Slovic, for advice for how fight it.
First, we need to pause and think about new information. Also, it's important to connect with how a major crisis affects individuals and pay attention to their stories, which can jolt us into caring again. And finally, stay engaged. There is usually a short window of time where we are motivated to act to help, and we should seize it.
Read on for strategies for melting away numbness in the face of others' suffering.
Bonus: To Make It Easier To Get Help, CVS Offers Mental Health Counseling In Some Stores |
Junk food: It’s cheap, legal, and ubiquitous. We crave it, especially during uncertain times, such as during a pandemic. Who hasn’t indulged in some Cheetos, Fritos or Doritos over the last year in lockdown?
Unlike illegal drugs or cigarettes, anyone can buy sugary, processed foods, and food companies are very, very good at keeping it top of mind.
Pulitzer prize-winning investigative reporter Michael Moss, who wrote, Hooked: Food, Free Will, And How The Food Giants Exploit Our Addictions, says that memory and nostalgia play a big role in getting us to buy processed junk food.
For example, an ad showing a kid drinking soda at a ballpark will trigger an emotional response that might nudge you to buy the sugary drink.
But food companies aren’t some Evil Empire, he tells NPR’s Dave Davies. They wear their strategies on their sleeves. They're doing what companies do -- trying to make the most profit they can.
Read more about how the industry works to overcome our efforts to eat more healthfully.
BONUS: 6 Simple Food Rules To Help You Live Longer
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More of this week's health stories from NPR |
We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth.
Happy reading!
Your Shots editors
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