Coronavirus Weekly

Helix Wolfson is looking for love. He is self-isolating as a single man during the COVID-19 pandemic and, like many single people, is desiring to make a strong romantic connections. Dating during this time has a whole new set of challenges. In this episode, Helix gives advice for other singles looking for meaningful relationships despite not being able to leave their homes. He also describes how he is getting creative with digital dating, and how exactly he's searching for love in the time of COVID.

On today's episode, Christina Pascucci speaks with Paul Amadeus Lane. Paul is a TV & radio personality, brand ambassador, keynote speaker and accessibility consultant. He is also a C6 quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair as the result of an automobile accident. Paul shares with Christina how virtual reality neurotherapy from the company Mieron is helping those who are not able-bodied during self-isolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scientists around the world are racing to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. According to The WHO, there are currently 70 coronavirus vaccines in development globally. In today's episode, we look at where we're at in terms of getting a vaccine to market, and how blood tests from one couple may help scientists find answers to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's the question on everyone's mind: When will things return to some semblance of normalcy? On this episode of the podcast, Christina speaks with the man leading the charge in L.A.'s COVID-19 testing efforts, Dr. Marc Eckstein, who explains how serology blood testing works, and how it may help provide some much needed answers. He also reveals why there were early challenges to roll out coronavirus testing.

Christina Pascucci speaks with Dr. Michael Wasserman, an expert in geriatric medicine and the president of the California Association of Long Term Care Medicine, about what is needed to protect our most at-risk citizens. Dr. Wasserman explains the vulnerabilities for nursing homes and senior care facilities during the COVID-19 crisis. He also shares recommendations on what leaders should be doing to prevent outbreaks in among residents and caregivers.

It has been a stressful time for many people as there are mounting fears and worries surrounding our health and the health of loved ones, lost jobs and financial losses, and struggles with loneliness that come with self-isolating. Mental health services are expecting an increase in call volume in the weeks ahead, and there has already been a measurable uptick in calls that include “suicidal desires” spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Christina Pascucci speaks with Jessica Van Der Stad, regional director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, about some of the resources available to those who may have mental health concerns during these difficult times.

Today is Wednesday, April 8th, and Jews around the world will be celebrating the first Seder of Passover. While Passover is a time that often brings families together, this year, the COVID-19 crisis will be keeping many Jews apart. However, the worldwide community will celebrate nonetheless in these unprecedented times. Christina Pascucci hears from a local rabbi to learn the ways how.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, many expectant mothers are beginning to seek alternative birthing options to avoid hospitals. As a result, there is a renewed interest across the country in the services of midwives, trained health professionals who assist healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Christina speaks with Tiffany Gallo, a licensed midwife and owner of Pure Births Birth Center, who has seen a surge in business amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A nurse who was exposed to COVID-19 and is now experiencing symptoms expresses concerns about how the hospital she works at is handling the coronavirus outbreak. She also reveals that hospitals are still struggling securing personal protective equipment. Christina Pascucci shares how a local restaurant is helping medical workers. Plus, what two nurses are doing to help their colleagues who are short on supplies.

Earlier this week, President Trump gave a grim warning about the coming two weeks. The White House projected that the coronavirus pandemic could claim 100,000 to 240,000 U.S. lives. While this week's news has been bleak, the worst may still lie ahead. While many grapple with anxiety and mental anguish, Christina spoke with Laurie Williamson, a mental health professional, to learn about some tips and strategies people can practice for the benefit of their mental well-being.