Maine CDC Director Says Call Your Mom

The Director of the Maine CDC offered some mental health advice during Tuesday's daily press briefing, including a suggestion to call your Mom.

I really like the way Dr. Nirav Shah is handling the current crisis. I had the chance to interview him before COVID-19 arrived in Maine, and found him to be an interesting and reassuring person. And now, watching the daily press briefings, I'm struck by how concerned he is for people's mental fitness, as well as their physical health.

During Tuesday's update, he offered some of the best advice I've heard, to date. "Call your Mom." He was referring, of course, to staying connected, even though we can't go share a cup of coffee with our loved ones. Other suggestions including taking walks and going for drives. But that one simple sentence made me smile. Mom makes everything better, doesn't she? Growing up, she'd kiss your boo-boo's, hug away the monsters in the middle of the night, and make you laugh when all you wanted to do was cry. So, if you're feeling hurt or scared or lonely...call your Mom.

As a Mom of three grown sons, I can assure you that the call will do as much for her as it does for you.