5 steps for COVID-19 long-haulers during their recovery

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StatePoint Media

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s becoming clear that some patients who were infected with the virus may have a longer path to recovery than others to feel like themselves again.

As of today, there have been 1,582 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in the six villages covered by The Sentinel. Of the 19,023 cases diagnosed in Champaign County, 18,531 are considered "Recovered". However, many of those who survived the initial onslaught to their immune system still suffer from lingering effects of the infection.

A new analysis of Cigna claims data estimates that about seven to 10 percent of its commercial customers diagnosed with COVID-19 could be considered "long-haulers", or patients experiencing symptoms for longer than 12 weeks after initially getting sick. That claim falls in line with a study that states that about 10 percent of people who’ve had COVID-19 will experience prolonged symptoms one, two or even three months after they were infected.

While a wide range of symptoms have been observed, the most common include a persistent cough, breathlessness, muscle and body aches, and chest heaviness or pressure. Also sometimes present are skin rashes, palpitations, fever, headache, diarrhea, and pins and needles - an uncomfortable tingling or prickling, usually felt in the arms, legs, hands or feet.

"Much remains to be learned about the potential long-lasting effects of COVID-19, but the good news is that the health care community is working to support people in their recovery long after they leave the hospital," says Dr. Steve Miller, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Cigna.

Dr. Miller, a nationally-recognized advocate for greater access, affordability and excellence in health care, is offering the following tips for those grappling with "Long COVID".

1. Take care of your mental health: It’s no secret that we’re facing a mental health crisis in America that will remain long after COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Last year alone, Cigna’s pharmacy benefit manager saw a nearly 8 percent increase in people using antidepressants.

Recovery from COVID-19 can be physically and mentally draining, especially for people whose symptoms persist for many weeks or months.

Cigna research shows at least 5 percent of its patients who recovered from COVID-19 developed a mental health disorder in the following months. The good news is that the pandemic has rapidly accelerated the availability and adoption of a range of behavioral health options, making it easier to find a mental health counselor who can help. In fact, 60 percent of Cigna behavioral health customers are now using virtual services – 97 percent of which had previously never had a virtual visit before the pandemic.

2. Take advantage of care managers: Many health plans have expanded access to virtual and telehealth services that can help you avoid additional trips to the clinic or emergency room.

Equally important, some health plans offer individualized support in your recovery from a "care manager". Think of them as a personal health advocate. They will check in to see how you’re feeling, help connect you with needed specialists and follow-up treatments, and will even check in on your family.

Patients who had a post-discharge visit with a provider, either in-person or virtually, and engaged with a Cigna care manager, saw savings of almost $2,000 in 60-day post-COVID costs. Care managers also helped people recover and return to work a full week sooner than average.

3. Get vaccinated when you can. Some preliminary reports show that getting the COVID-19 vaccine has helped improve symptoms for long-haulers.

4. Find a "long-hauler" clinic. Researchers are still learning about COVID-19’s long-term impacts, and there are a number of clinics opening across the country focused solely on treating COVID long-haulers. The National Institutes of Health has also dedicated $1.1 billion to the study of "Long COVID", and Cigna is coordinating closely with them and these clinics to support its customers. Connection is crucial, so also consider seeking out an online long-hauler support network like Survivor Corps.

5. Keep practicing COVID-19 precautions. Everyone is ready to get back to doing the things they love, but none of us are safe until all of us are safe. America is in a race to reach herd immunity before more contagious variants gain momentum. Continue wearing masks, washing your hands and practicing social distancing and encourage family and friends to do the same.

EIU ranked #3 in the country for affordable college education

Finding a college that offers a solid academic education that won't put students under a mountain of school debt is a growing concern parents and their college-bound offspring. College Consensus has curated a list of schools ranked according to the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Photo: Xin Wang/Unsplash

According to College Consensus, Eastern Illinois University in Charleston ranks #3 out of 100 schools across the country for an affordable college education.

Pursuing a college degree is now, more than ever, an expensive, but necessary journey. On average across most career fields, adults with college degrees stand to rake in a lot more money, more than 60% more according to NCES data, than those who don't continue their education after high school. Regardless of one's age, gender or race, a college degree is crucial to earning potentially more money during your lifetime.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition rate for public universities in 2017-2018 academic year was more than $20,000; by contrast, 30 years earlier, the same education would have cost $3800. But everything was cheaper in 1985 – except that, adjusted for inflation, 1985 tuition was less than $8500 in 2018 dollars. Tuition continues to rise faster than inflation.

Education debt is second largest consumer debt class in the Unite States behind real estate mortgages. The average recent graduate is more than $37,000 in student debt.

This alone makes it a priority to find college programs that are reasonably priced and focuses on teaching market-ready skills for current in-demand professions.

The top three schools in the Best Value Colleges and Universities ranking for 2021 are (1) Brigham Young University--Provo, (2) North Dakota State University, and nearby Eastern Illinois University at #3. The next 97 ranked schools can be found here.

To create their ranking of the 100 Best Value Colleges & Universities, College Consensus created a list and ordered schools based on the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

EIU, which offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 60 programs, scored well due to both in-state and out-of-state tuition runs $10,000 less than the average cost of all the 4-year schools that were evaluated.

Also making the list was Illinois State University at #93 and the University of Missouri - St. Louis at 100.

3rd quarter Unity Junior Honor Roll students named

Today, Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to the 91 students who earned the requisite grade point average to celebrate the honor. See the names of UJHS students who made the quarter's High Honor Roll list here.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Wyatt Leon Blanchard
Paige Nicole Bradley
Aiden Jacob Sharples Brooks
Clare Faustina Bryant
Brody Ray Butler
Cadence Marie Chandler
Braedyn Lucas Dalton
Addison Tyler Davis
Reese Bella Frye
Journey Maddison Gabbard
Olivia Ashlyn Hall
Walker Dale Hall
Dustin Rose Harris
Mackenzie Michelle Jones
Kathryn Clara Knoll
Rush Matthew Little
Carson Wesley McCune
Landrey Michelle Mohr
Brooklyn Marie Mumm
Sadie Jane Polonus
Evan Alexander Puckett
Max Warren Rossi
Lane Edward Sexton
Alyssa Renae Shields
Isaac Benjamin Siegwald
Jackson Leo Smith
Madison Amanda Spohn
Jacob Michael Ward
Maggie Jean Weckle
Grace Ann Wherley
Kendall Grace Wysong
Joel Mitchell Yergler

7th Grade Honor Roll

Aria Eve Battaglia
Cameryn Dayle Cobb
Kaylee Marie Cooke
Annaliese Birtukan DeNeal
Crewe William Gene Eckstein
Collin William Graven
Kenley Jo Harris
Brayden Jonathon Henry
Tyler Jason Henry
Caden Maddox Hensch
Lucas Alexander Hood
Tyler Reed Huntington
Faith Lyn Lampe
Maxwell Cort McCabe
Travis Lane McCarter
Deakin Frederick Moore
Carter Matthew Pieczynski
Dallas Jordan Porter
Kyla Lanae Reed
Jillian Brooke Schlittler
Liana Grace Sheets
Lauren Patricia Stratton
Ian John Taber
Olivia Danielle Tempel
Sophia Louise Jean Toney
Evan Eugene Vlahovich

8th Grade Honor Roll

Avery Jean Alagna
Elizabeth Marie Anderson
Emmerson Matthew Bailey
Michael Allan Bromley
Bentten Matthew Cain
Josephine Rose Cler
Jacob Ivan Davidson
Ezekiel De Los Santos
Nathaniel Gojam DeNeal
Hunter Michael Eastin
Alexis Rae Gady
Faith Marianne Hall
McKenzie June Hart
Caleb James Hoewing
Andrew Jason King
Elias Anthony Eugene Lawlyes
Isabella Cassandra Matthews
Maliyah Marie Ortiz
Taylor Aiyana Marie Prough
Oliver Mason Hyeok Joon Rawlings
Korben Dale Ray
Nolan Scott Remole
Ryan James Robinson
Brock Jacob Schlittler
Grant James Steinman
Owen Michael Taylor
Jacob Howell Thomas
Gavin Henry David Weaver
Maddie Hillary Kay Wheeling
Jordan Jeanne Whittington
Teaguen Andrew Williams
Tessah Rae Williams
Lauren Anne Williams-Scroggins