Moonjava - Welcome to our blog. We have a very special guest - Catherine Brugger Brown, one of our treasured health care workers during this pandemic.
Katherine – An enthusiastic welcome from Katherine with
a K to Catherine with a C. Thank you so much for all you do as a
Pharmacist, one of the health care workers on the front lines at this dangerous
time. We can never thank you and the other heroic health care workers enough.
And in addition to your work, also helpful are the knowledgeable warnings and
advice you've taken the time to share online.
Moonjava – Catherine, you and health care workers here
and around the nation and the world inspired my meditation for today: Your
greatness is not what you have, it's what you give. Catherine, what you and the others in the
medical field do and give shows what greatness really is.
Katherine - You're a Pharmacist at a hospital in Washington
State. Can you please tell us a little about your experiences and
responsibilities before, and after covid-19?
Catherine -
I normally split my time between researching new medications
the hospital should carry and working in direct patient care, where I review
medications that physicians have ordered for patients to make sure they are
appropriate and then making sure that the orders are prepared correctly.
My job has changed because I am able to do some of my work remotely. That doesn't apply for everyone, because for some tasks you have to be at the hospital, including my direct patient care shifts. My colleagues and I are working hard to care for patients at a time when some of our colleagues are also getting sick. So we are staying flexible with shifts and tasks to accommodate that.
My job has changed because I am able to do some of my work remotely. That doesn't apply for everyone, because for some tasks you have to be at the hospital, including my direct patient care shifts. My colleagues and I are working hard to care for patients at a time when some of our colleagues are also getting sick. So we are staying flexible with shifts and tasks to accommodate that.
Since
COVID-19, the biggest concern that hospital pharmacists have is that many of
the drugs that we use in the ICU are now in critically short supply. We must
come up with creative alternatives to keep patients safely and comfortably
sedated while they are on a ventilator. We are also involved in procuring and preparing
the treatments that are being tried in COVID-19 patients, like azithromycin,
hydroxychloroquine, and remdesivir, among others.
And let me just note that my opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect my employer’s positions.
And let me just note that my opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect my employer’s positions.
Moonjava - Keeping that in mind, what's your advice for people now, in Washington
state and elsewhere?
Catherine -
Unless you’re an essential worker, stay safe at home, so
that we can flatten the curve. The fewer people go out and spread this disease,
the better chance we have of not overwhelming hospitals. We need to have enough
beds, staff, medications, and ventilators to treat everyone who is sick enough
to need them. If you do go out, stick to grocery stores and medical appointments.
Wear a mask and wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Sanitize whatever you
bring into your home, including your phone.
Catherine -
I highly recommend not setting your purse down on any
surface that might be contaminated. And don’t put your wallet or phone in your
purse (or pocket) if you’ve touched it with dirty hands and haven’t sanitized it
yet. I like to use sanitizing wipes or soap and water, depending on the surface
I am cleaning. Some wipes, but not all, contain bleach, which aren’t
appropriate for every surface. Check the ingredients. Depending on the
fabrication of your purse, they may or may not be a good choice.
Katherine - Is there a type of purse you'd recommend
carrying at this time if you must go out to go to work or other essential duty,
and why? Whether a wristlet, shoulder bag, satchel, backpack, crossbody, or
something else? Or will you shock me and say no purse? What are you carrying
these days?
Catherine -
That’s an excellent question. I favor my cotton Vera Bradley
wallets and purses these days, because they can be laundered in the washing machine
with detergent when I return home. They are the perfect choice in a pandemic
with a virus that is destroyed by soap.
Moonjava – With the stay at home, what essentials should you
store handy, maybe in a purse or something else during this pandemic?
Catherine -
Hand sanitizer is my top pick. And a portable pack of wipes.
Katherine - I understand that you are also a stylist with
Lilla Rose at Hair Charms by Catherine. Is it not just fashionable, but also
important to keep hair off the face as well as hands off the face? These hair
charms could be a good way.
Catherine - I am an Independent Stylist with Lilla Rose, yes. Our Flexi
Clips are perfect for pulling your hair back into a ponytail or an up-do and
keep it out of your way. We sell seven sizes, so they fit all types of hair
from baby fine, to long heavy hair. These clips are a creative way to secure your mask while out and about so it doesn't rub on your ears. The clips are also a fun way to decorate
the handle of your tote or purse.
Katherine - Vera Bradley, is such a lovely, quilted choice. Besides the easy care, they are so pretty and also provide great organization. Often Vera Bradley purses offer matching accessories too. I love your charms. I've added these two to a favorite cotton purse a certain hippie mother gave me years ago. A cheerful blue denim color with embroidered flowers. Don't you think the Lilla Rose hair pins just accentuate the flowers well? The purse is a swagger style with two side sections that just snap shut for quick access, and then a securely zippered middle section.
Like so many Vera Bradley purses, this cotton fabric purse also came as a set including an organizing pouch/make up bag and the cutest little key chain coin purse.
And this is another cotton choice I have.
It looks so cheerful with it's Hawaiian flowers. This is a tote, so easy to carry over the shoulder. With it you see a menehune box. Hawaiian legend has it that many centuries ago, the Menehune were a mischievous group of people who lived hidden in the forests and valleys of the islands before the first settlers arrived from Polynesia. They were smart, extremely strong and excellent craftsmen. They were rarely seen by human eyes, and they are credited with mighty feats of engineering and overnight construction. They worked at night so as not to be seen by others, cutting, transporting and fitting stones for their projects in a long bucket brigade. If they were discovered, their work would be abandoned. I keep my Menehune box filled with notes on projects I'd love constructed, in the hopes that the Menehune will come back some nights ready to work.
Moonjava - You may get your wish Katherine. Even though the Menehune were said to be displaced when the first settlers arrived in Hawaii, some people still believe that the Menehune are roaming the islands, carrying out tricks on people, and some good deeds. An 1820 Census of Kauai listed 65 people as 'Menehune.' Keep wishing!
Now Catherine, your hair clips are groovy. I'm devoted to the lifestyle of the sixties flower children, and with these clips I can always have flowers in my hair, and other beautiful designs. In the little spare time of your very busy
life I understand that you're a flash fiction writer, award winning short story
writer, and that you're writing a novel. That blows my mind. I dig written
words in a cool story. Will you tell us a little about your novel in progress?
Catherine –
I am writing a young adult fantasy novel called The Appearance
of Power. It’s the story of a teen who is son of the late King, a tyrant mage
who abused his magic. As a result, this young man hates magic and is forced to try
and prove he doesn’t also have it. Then it begins to surface in his life. He must
find a way be a better person than his father, even though magic is his part of
his destiny after all.
Katherine - I can't wait to read that. It's obvious you have so many passionate interests in your life, Catherine. And you're avid about
conservation and animal rescue too. We're so fortunate that we can rely on you
and other dedicated people like you all the time, and especially at a time like
this. What can we do for you health care workers?
Catherine -
If you can sew, make and donate masks. That’s such an appreciated
gesture right now, and I know that there’s so many people like you, Katherine, out
there that have those skills. Second and most important – stay home. If it
helps you, and your mom, and your grandparents, stay out of the hospital, it takes
the burden off your health care workers at the hospital caring for the sick. To keep up spirits, I like to distract myself with a favorite hobby, watching movies with family, or to connect with loved ones in other parts of the country online.
Katherine - Yes along with individuals, so many fashion designers too are jumping in and making masks or making donations. I'll get Katherine Watson Designs on that. No mystery, you don't have to be in the same room to help others. And as you say, connect from a distance to a neighbor, a small business, a family member, an animal, you get the idea, when you help others your world will feel brighter. And use time now to take steps in purse-suit of your own dreams.
Katherine and Moonjava – A most sincere Thank You! to you and your colleagues, Catherine Brugger Brown
And here's the link to Lilla Rose
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