Jason Hoppe, For the Green Bay Press-Gazette Published 7:19 a.m. CT Nov. 24, 2020
My 10-year-old daughter was playing with her friends in our yard as I arrived home from work at the hospital the day I wrote this.It was a beautiful fall day and they were climbing a tree, not social distancing or wearing masks.
Between daily requests that we get a new dog, I try to remind my 10-, 11-, 12- and 15-year-old to social distance and wear masks with varying degrees of success.
I thought about telling them how this pandemic is similar to what polio did to children and young adults in the 1950s, and that social distancing was also necessary at that time until widespread polio vaccination which has nearly eradicated this disease that once closed beaches and pools and kept children from playing with their friends at all.
Jason Hoppe(Photo: Courtesy of Jason Hoppe)
I thought about sharing the coronavirus math: COVID-19 kills roughly 10 times as many people as influenza and we dont have a vaccine for it. Children have to social distance and stay out of school and sports to prevent bringing it home to their families and making them sick. I think they know this, but it doesnt make it easier for them to stay away from their friends.
I thought about telling them of what Ive seen in the hospitals.That Ive never seen or heard of anything like this since I started practicing medicine over 25 years ago.That Ive never heard of transforming a state fairgrounds into a Field Hospital or of a local hospital in Green Bay using industrial plastic dividers to allow a single patient room to fit two patients.That Ive never routinely had to keep patients in the ER after I admit them because there were not beds for them in the hospital.
RELATED: For first time, most of my patients have same illness: COVID-19. You may be spreading it.
RELATED: Game plan for battling COVID-19 in Wisconsin must consider risks from youth sports
I thought of telling them of the elderly couple who wanted to move from their home of countless decades to an assisted living facility how less than a week later my patients husband died of COVID-19 after contracting the illness there an all-too-common mode of transmission.
But I dont have to tell them these things or scare them.My kids listen, at least to this advice.They get it: They wear masks when I remind them, without complaining.They follow social distancing guidelines even though they would rather not.They actually do these things more consistently than picking up their clothes, doing their homework or a multitude of other things my wife and I ask them to do, as Im sure other parents will attest.
My prayer for our city, state and country is that we listen to good advice.That we wear our masks, work or go to school from home whenever possible and get the influenza vaccine now and COVID-19 vaccine when available. I pray that we transcend politics and leave that to the electoral process.Germs do not have political parties.
I know that united together Wisconsinites and Americans will defeat this pandemic.The basic tools we have to prevent this infection by wearing masks and social distancing, looking out for one another and following the Golden Rule are much more powerful than all of the remdesivir, dexamethasone or convalescent plasma I could ever give the very sick patients Im seeing at this time.
Jason Hoppe, MD, is a primary care physician at Prevea Clinic and internal medicine specialist and hospitalist atSt. Vincent, St. Marys and St. Clare's hospitals. He lives in Green Bay.
Read or Share this story: https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/opinion/2020/11/24/green-bay-doctor-my-kids-listen-covid-19-rules-pray-we-all-do/6394951002/
Follow this link:
- Versions of the Golden Rule in dozens of religions and other ... [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- Rockwell's "Golden Rule" - Norman Rockwell Museum [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Versions of the Golden Rule in dozens of religions and ... [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Golden Rule - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Golden Rule (fiscal policy) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Rockwell's "Golden Rule" - Norman Rockwell Museum [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Health insurance made simple | UnitedHealthOne [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Health insurance made simple | UnitedHealthOne [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- The Golden Rule - harryhiker.com [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- What is the Golden Rule? - GotQuestions.org [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Golden Rule Plumbing Heating & Cooling [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Golden Rule: Treat People as You'd Like to Be Treated [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- What is the Golden Rule? (with pictures) - wiseGEEK [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- World Scripture - The Golden Rule - Unification [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Golden Rule: Treat People as You'd Like to Be Treated [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Golden Rule - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Golden rule (law) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Golden Rule - Robinsons Brewery [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Live by the Golden Rule (pledge/petition/proclamation ... [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- The Golden Rule in World Religions - TeachingValues.com [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- 18 Practical Tips for Living the Golden Rule : zen habits [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Golden Rule Plumbing Heating & Cooling [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Health insurance helps you manage your health care costs ... [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Upcoming Events Welcome the Golden Rule to Poulsbo ... [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2016]
- UCF Golden Rule UCF [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2016]
- VFP Golden Rule Project | Advancing VFP Opposition to ... [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2016]
- Bible Verses About Golden Rule - King James Bible [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2016]
- Why Choose UnitedHealthcare? - uhone.com [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Golden Rule Charter School [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2016]
- Golden Rule Chronology - Gensler's Home Page [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2016]
- The Golden Rule | Our Daily Bread [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2016]
- Golden Rule Community CU [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Golden Rule - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Golden LivingCenter Golden Rule [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- The Golden Rule - Life, Hope & Truth [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Transition Probabilities and Fermi's Golden Rule [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2017]
- Rockwell's "Golden Rule" - Norman Rockwell Museum - The Home ... [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2017]
- Golden calf - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2017]
- Matriarchy - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2017]
- Opinion: No room for walls in Gospel's Golden Rule - The Catholic Register [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Rev. Jeff Bobin: The Golden Rule - GoErie.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- No Gods, No Masters: Live the Golden Rule - Dissident Voice [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Let the Golden Rule be our response locally and globally - Berkeley Independent [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Good neighbors and the Golden Rule - WiscNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Shock on The Voice UK as coaches break a golden rule of the show and meet rejected Blind Audition singer Ciara Harvie - Radio Times [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Following the golden rule in times of tumult - College Heights Herald [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule of Business - Times-Citizen Communications [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- A Fool's Golden Rule - Word and Way - Word and Way [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- LETTER: Living by 'Golden Rule' would defeat ISIS - Daily Record - Daily Record [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- h3cz: The Golden Rule of Twitter - Dexerto [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Motivating Your Team: Why The Golden Rule Doesn't Always Apply - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Would golden rule survive if we were under siege? - Port Huron Times Herald [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Apply the Golden Rule to lift results - Business Management Daily [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- United Way to present Golden Rule-Lightkeepers, Fabric of our Community Awards - Jacksonville Daily News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- 57th District It's the Golden rule: J. Central moves into 7th straight finals - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- From mushroom picker to deputy sheriff: Herc Avello relishes golden rule - Daily Local News [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule of Social Selling: Solve Your Customer's Problem - Business 2 Community [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Ron Forthofer: To live by the Golden Rule, we must recognize the 'others' - Longmont Times-Call [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Measuring life by the Golden Rule ... not a cellphone app - Bristol Herald Courier (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Apply the Golden Rule to immigrants - Statesman Journal [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Is the Golden Rule Still Alive and Well in America? - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Five golden rules to always be in profit when you invest in equities - Economic Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Engineering's Golden Rule - Sourceable [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Email and The Golden Rule - Memphis Daily News - Memphis Daily News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Golden Rule of Chaplaincy: Thy Shoes Matter - Boston.com [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Career Corner: The Golden Rule - Journal Record (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Much to be gained from Golden Rule - Jackson Clarion Ledger [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2017]
- OPINION: If only our institutions practiced the Golden Rule - Cape Cod Times (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- OPINION: If only our institutions practiced the Golden Rule - Nantucket Island Inquirer [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- In the Neighborhood: A Meditation on the Golden Rule, Cheaters, and Prophets - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule: Not So Golden Anymore | Issue 74 ... [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- The Golden Rule | Our Daily Bread - odb.org [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Prairie Talk: Picture books teach us all - Herald & Review [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- #3 Golden Rules for Entrepreneurs Starting Out Today - Entrepreneur [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- A bowl of water and the golden rule - West Plains Daily Quill [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- Hawaii judge upholds America's 'Golden Rule' - CNN [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- Letter: If all could only follow the Golden Rule - Olean Times Herald [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- 377A: Remember the golden rule in policymaking | TODAYonline - TODAYonline [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- The Candlery keeps working partners busy - Muskogee Daily Phoenix [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Five golden rules to help solve your recycling dilemmas - The Conversation AU [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]