April 2020 - President's Message
A message from Gord Kruger, Evergreen Club president
Greetings All!!….a strange and difficult time is upon us……the streets are somewhat empty……little traffic, few persons……..people it seems have heeded the call of the authorities and have retreated to their quarters….and rightfully so. During this time of many unknowns it seems very poignant to avoid public spaces and stay in to repeatedly wash one’s hands…..repeatedly!! When will this end you may ask? The answer to that seems somewhat clouded and seems totally dependent on who one talks to or listens to. However, at some point it will end and we will all be able to return to a better life of Evergreen activities. Patience is a virtue at a time like this as it is difficult to appreciate that there will be a better tomorrow….hang in there my friends!!
One of the more difficult things to get one’s head around is how harmful this virus can be to people of our generation. I have been doing a fair bit of research to better understand coronavirus and appreciate it’s effects on older guys and gals. It seems that the older you are the likelier you are to not only contact the SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19), but to suffer a severe or fatal case. Study of the infectious situation that hit China shows that the median age range of people who died of the disease was 75 years.
Older people it seems are more likely to be infected, especially older people with other underlying health issues. Even those seniors who do not suffer from compromised immune systems seem to be less able to fight viruses and bacteria say medical experts. So staying with the 6 foot plan and committing to self-isolation seems a reasonable thing to do. The Evergreen Club at the Florence Filberg is our very favorite “Socialization Centre”. For many amongst us it is where we stay active and engaged…but unfortunately in times like this it can serve as a pathogenic laboratory. Maintaining closure is the very best thing at this time.
It is also important to remember that the appearance of the virus in older people may not always fit the normal criteria. As a for instance, fever and higher than normal body temperatures may not always be evident in older people who have become carriers. With us seniors, the experts tell us that we should react to things that seem abnormal to us even if other common symptoms are not there. Any reason you don’t feel the same as you normally do should not be dismissed. Be “PRO-ACTIVE”….not “RE-ACTIVE”. Following this type of regimen will have you back dancing and active when the club reopens.
The Coronavirus is not going away tomorrow but it will go away. That means that continued vigilance for your own good health is very necessary. So stay alert and stay safe. Hopefully my May message will be much more positive and we will be back in full swing at the Evergreen and the Coronavirus will be but a memory….
BE WELL!!!….gk