Health care heroes: Staying connected online

One acupuncturist is finding ways to stay connected with patients, Facebook friends, and his community at this time when many people are seeking physical activity and social connection.

“Following the example of youth in China and Italy, I sought to reach out to patients, friends and family alike through digital means,” explains Steven Mui, integrative medicine provider at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh, WI. “I felt that it was one small way that I could contribute to the well-being of the community around me. The only difference this time was that I couldn’t hear the laughter at the corny tai chi jokes!”

Mui has been holding guided meditations and tai chi videos for exercise at home, as well as live tai chi and qi gong classes at least once a week on Facebook live.

“It’s been wonderful to see people from this area and from my hometown in Indiana joining in virtually,” says Mui. “The reaction to these virtual options has been wonderful! I’ve made many new connections with people from this area, but also friends of friends and people I’ve never met. I think everyone is looking for options at home and having some sort of social interaction. And if they aren’t able to join the live session, they are able to watch it at a later time.”

Not only is he pitching in digitally, but he and his wife also commissioned dozens of cloth masks to distribute to their neighbors, and the leftover masks are going to health care workers.

“I’m glad I had something small to offer and had the resources to deliver it,” Mui says.

And as for inspiration, he looks to a quote that he’s “been reflecting on frequently during this unique time. It was written right near the end of World War I and during the Spanish Flu outbreak. I found it to be appropriate for today.”

The quote?

“The darkness of this gloomy night shall pass away… Have patience – wait, but do not sit idle; work while you are waiting; smile while you are wearied with monotony; be firm while everything around you is being shaken; be joyous while the ugly face of despair grins at you.” – Abdu’l-Baha

Check out this video that Mui recorded for ear self-massage for his team members, patients and anyone else who is interested in finding ways to reduce stress, anxiety, benefit sleep and reduce fatigue.