Maintaining Good Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Maintaining Good Mental Health 
What To Do During A Pandemic

MAY 4th, 202 by REBECCA WALLACE  

 

Being in the middle of a pandemic can be very scary for a lot of people. Life as we know it has changed and who knows when that will go back to normal, or what the new normal will be. There has been an increase in domestic violence and suicide rates are also anticipated to rise. Unemployment is up, and there is a coloration with unemployment and suicide, schools are closed, grocery stores are low on supplies, the list goes on. So how do you stay positive? How do you handle the stress and uncertainty? 

 

There are many things that you can do whether in a pandemic or not that will help increase endorphins and help with good mental health. Here are a few. 

1. Adopt a pet or foster a pet. Studies show that playing with a pet and petting them releases serotonin and dopamine which cause feelings of happiness and contentment. 

2. Go outside. Take a walk in your yard, around your block, or just sit on your porch. If you are able to take a hike or be in nature, take advantage of that. Being outdoors can reduce stress and depression and increase productivity and energy. 

3. Try to stay connected to your community. Having human contact and interaction is something most people yearn for, its in our DNA. So put together ZOOM meetings with your friends, watch bands perform live on Facebook, join an online club to learn a new skill.  

4. Stay tapped into your religious/spiritual network. Watch online sermans, listen to music, pray, meditate, try to stay rooted. Some places of worship are having online gatherings which can help you feel involved. 

 

 

Everyone has a different way to promote good mental health in their own life. For some people it is exercising or reading a book, it can be so many different things. The best thing to remember is that whatever it is you do to help with your mental health, stick with it. Our mental health is so important and shouldn't be taken lightly. For ways to help maintain good mental health please visit the links below. If you need to talk to someone or need resources for your area, please call or email us.

 

480-276-4061 | 928-863-8276 | info@BioOneScottsdale.com | info@BioOneFlagstaff.com 

 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health

https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-better-mental-health.htm

 

DONATE BLOOD, AND SAVE A LIFE

If there is one thing we have seen since the Coronavirus pandemic started, its that our communities come together. There has been fear and panic, but there have been many people helping one another and giving back. How can you give back? One way you can really make a difference right now, is by donating blood. Please sign up to donate at our blood drive this Friday, May 29th. 

 

Many hospitals are experiencing blood shortages due to COVID-19, and some are even having to consider closing their doors because of it. When COVID-19 hit our communities, schools, churches, dentists, doctors and so many other businesses had to shut there doors. And do you know where a lot of blood drives take place? In those same places. Because of that, many blood drives have been canceled for the foreseeable future. Blood transfusions are needed for premature babies, women in labor, people with blood disorders, people who have experienced a trauma, and so many more things. Blood saves lives. Please consider donating or even sponsoring and putting on a blood drive.

 

Here at Bio-One and Best Option Restoration, we strongly believe that we can make a difference in our communities by putting on blood drives with Vitalant. Bio-One has been on the front lines decontaminating homes and businesses due to COVID-19. We use chemicals that are EPA approved for COVID-19, have the proper PPE, and are trained for this specialized decontamination. So, if you come to one of our blood drives, be assured that we will be taking every precaution to keep the space clean and safe. It will be decontaminated prior to the event starting and after it is over. We will also be decontaminating the bathrooms throughout the day. Vitalant has also put  standards in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to uphold the CDC recommendation for social distancing (each area will have at least 6 feet from the other areas). We have 2 blood drives coming up and hopefully more in the near future. Please sign up to donate today for the blood drive on May 29th. 

 

Please, reach out if you would like to set up your own blood drive. We can get you into contact with the rep in your area and help you get the ball rolling. Lets keep supporting our communities while still staying safe and being conscious of the precautions set in place.

 

Contact Rebecca Wallace 480-276-4061 or 928-863-8276 

 

 

Recent posts 

Coronavirus Decontamination 
When to Call a Professional

MARCH 15, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE 

With all of the talk about Coronavirus, hygiene and self quarantines, it is really hard to know when you need to call a professional to decontaminate your home or workplace. It is also imperative to make sure you are hiring a licensed, experienced company if you do need to make that call. Many companies will try to capitalize off of the fear people are experiencing right now, so hiring the right company is crucial.

The only company who is available nationwide and has extensive experience with infectious disease decontamination is Bio-One. All Bio-One franchise owners have been trained how to decontaminate a scene with infectious disease present, have the proper chemicals that are EPA approved and have the proper PPE to ensure not only the safety of themselves, but also to minimize possible cross contamination. Many other companies may claim this, but many cannot deliver. A few things to ask a company you are considering to hire are 1. What chemical will they be using and is it EPA approved for Coronavirus 

2. You need to see their certificate of insurance (COI) 

3. You need to see their business license 

4. Ask them what other types of infectious diseases and virus they have worked with and when.

If they cannot provide these items, they are not qualified to even be considered to do the work.

Now, how do you know when to make that call? If you, someone that lives with you or someone you came into contact with tested positive for Coronavirus, make that call. Decontamination after a virus is confirmed is very detailed and thorough, and should be done by a professional. Special chemicals, equipment and PPE are needed to ensure the best possible result and minimize the potential spreading of the virus. If no one has tested positive, you can use one of the EPA approved products to do some disinfecting on your own. However, if you are not confident in your ability to disinfect properly or would like a professional to do it, call a professional. Bio-One has been preforming many proactive decontamination services for many people and businesses. 

 

No matter what the situation, know that there is help available to you and your family. Professionals, such as Bio-One, are available around the clock to ease your mind and help you feel safe in your home again. Don't hesitate to call or email us with any questions you may have.

 

Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant 
$5,000 Grant Recipient Chosen By The Public

MARCH 5, 2020 by Rebecca Wallace  

Bio-One is known for helping people during crisis, such as homicide, suicide and hoarding. What you may not know, is that we give back to our communities as much as we can, as often as we can. With that, we are pleased to announce the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant.

 

This grant is a chance for us to say "Thank you" to all of the agencies who protect our communities.  We made the grant simple and easy to access. The following is all the information you will need for grant and voting. 

 

 

Grant Information

 

The 2020 Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Safety Grant is a statewide grant that is available for all law enforcement agencies to apply for. The purpose of the grant is to provide 1 law enforcement agency in the state of Arizona with $5,000 in funding to help with safety equipment, safety training, or anything in between. The grant recipient will be decided by the public, not by Bio-One. Because Bio-One works with multiple law enforcement agencies, any Arizona Bio-One office or employee of an Arizona Bio-One office will not be eligible to vote. All voting is done through the survey monkey link provided on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page. No other voting platforms are available or will be accepted. At Bio-One we believe in “Help First, Business Second” so it goes without saying, we want to give back to those in our community who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

 

 

 

Prizes

 

1^st Place

 

 $5,000 grant from Bio-One which can be used for anything safety related. That can be equipment, training, or anything in between.

 

2^nd and 3^rd Place

 

Brats and Burgers catered BBQ. Bio-One will have a BBQ catered at your precinct for all the law enforcement. Date is TBD

 

 

 

Rules

 

Step 1: Law Enforcement departments must submit a Word document or PDF stating the law enforcement name, location, contact information, a write up why they could use the grant and a picture of the department. All submissions need to be sent to (undecided at this point) and received by April 20^th, 2020. Once your submission has been received, you will get an email confirmation. This submission, minus all the contact information, will be put onto the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page for the public to read about your department to help them with their voting decision.

 

Step 2: On April 24^th, 2020, all submissions will be listed on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page for the public to view.

 

Step 3: Invite people to view the page, share the page, try to gain some traction for your department

 

Step 4: May 1^st-May 31^st, 2020 voting will be open to the public. There will be a link on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page to vote. You can share it on your law enforcement page, personal page, email it out, etc. Gain as many votes as you can!

 

Step 5: June 1^st, 2020, the winners will be contacted via phone by Bio-One and work out a time to bring the grant to the law enforcement office.

 

 

 

How to Vote

 

Go to the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant Facebook page and read through each of the nominee’s post about what they will use the grant for. Once you have read through all the nominees, click on the pinned post which will guide you to the voting platform. Click on the law enforcement agency you would like to see receive the grant and you will get a prompt that your vote has been received. Share the page and tag your friends and family to help the law enforcement agency you would like to receive the grant get more votes!

 

 

Questions?

 

For questions you can send us a private message on the Bio-One AZ Law Enforcement Grant page, or you can reach out to the organizers.

 

Rebecca Wallace 928-863-8276, 480-276-4061 or email at info@BioOneScottsdale.com

 

OR

 

David or Caroline Scott 520-771-5960 or email at info@BioOneTucson.com

 

 

 

At Bio-One we are not only committed to helping people during some of their most difficult times, but also thanking those who keep our communities safe. Thank you for helping us thank the law enforcement agencies who serve and protect our communities every single day.

 

 

 

#HelpFirst

 

 

Contributing Sponsors

 

Bio-One of Flagstaff | 928-863-8276 | info@BioOneFlagstaff.com

 

Bio-One of Glendale | 623-888-4276 | info@BioOneGlendale.com

 

Bio-One of Goodyear | 623-606-9873 | info@BioOneGoodyear.com

 

Bio-One of Mesa | 480-930-2416 | info@Bio-OneMesa.com

 

Bio-One of Scottsdale | 480-276-4061 | info@BioOneScottsdale.com

 

Bio-One of Tucson | 520-771-5960 | info@BioOneTucson.com

 

 

 

 

Animal Hoarding:

What Happens to the Animals Once They Are Rescued?

Animal hoarding is something that is more common than you might think. And unfortunately, it is on the rise. The most common animals that are hoarded are cats and dogs and hoarding can consist of hundreds of animals. The media shares a lot about animal hoarding cases, but what they do not talk about as much, is what the animals go through once they are rescued. 

 

There are 3 major things that are seen with animals once they are rescued, malnourishment, disease/illness and severe trauma. Rescuers work hard to help the animals regain their health, but it is a big undertaking and can cost thousands of dollars. Every animal that leaves a hoarding situation needs to be examined by a veterinarian and the vast majority will need some type of medical care. Some will need lifelong care, and those animals are usually harder to find homes for. In addition to that, these poor animals have undergone trauma by the hoarding situation and by the rescue. These animals normally come from dirty, tight quarters with little veterinary care and without enough food or water. It is traumatic. It takes time, patience, money, and usually foster homes to get the animal ready for adoption. Sue Marue the founder of the Arizona based cat rescue, Ark Cat Sanctuary had this to say, "We have taken in dozens and dozens of cats from all over Arizona that have been rescued from hoarders. The lucky ones can be up for adoption within weeks. But for some, they will never be ready for adoption and will live out their days at Ark or we cannot save them because they are just too sick. We have one little tabby that we rescued from a hoarder in Phoenix over a year ago that just last week allowed us to pet her and love her. Sometimes it takes that long. The problem with that is most rescues cannot take a year for an animal to come around. They don't have that kind of space or time. It isn't their fault; it is just how it is. We deal with overpopulation, under-funding and just not enough help. Unfortunately, it’s the animals that suffer." 

 

One thing to also keep in mind is that people who hoard animals, and have the animals taken away, are at a higher risk of suicide and/or suicidle thoughts. This is a traumatic event and needs to be treated as so. It is important to get the person help to work through the psychological trauma that may occur. Lasting success is more attainable when there is a plan put into place for professional help. 

 

As a community, how can we help? What impact can we make? 
* Please contact your local animal rescue to make a donation or volunteer your time
* If you see an animal in distress, contact authorities
* Let the animal hoarder know that it is okay to ask for help
* Contact your local social services department 

*Give the person who is hoarding information about a company who can help them regain their home

For more information on how to identify an animal hoarder please visit  https://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/animal-hoarding/closer-look-animal-hoarding. You can also contact us at info@BioOneScottsdale.com or 480-276-4061. One of our owners, Rebecca, is on the board of directors for an Arizona based animal rescue and can help you navigate getting the help you need. 

Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaning 
Who Can Do It?

JAN 31, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE 

 

In the state of Arizona, to remove, and dispose of biomedical waste, you must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). In Northern Arizona, there are a few local companies that transport biomedical waste, but only 1 local, licensed company that works with city, state and federal agencies, and remediates, removes and transports biomedical waste, that company is Bio-One. Bio-One also has a location that is in Scottsdale and it services Central Arizona. Our branch in Scottsdale is trusted by city and state agencies throughout the area and has multiple contracts to speak to that.

 

When you have a leak, you call a plumber; when your car breaks down, you call a mechanic; so when there is a crime or trauma that occurs, you call Bio-One. There are many special protocols that need to be taken to properly and safely remove and dispose of biomedical waste from a scene, so licensing is important. You cannot just throw anything away with biomedical waste on it in the local landfill. There are designated facilities throughout Arizona. Most facilities are in Maricopa county, with only 1 north of Maricopa county in St. Johns and a couple south of Maricopa County. Companies who are not licensed by ADEQ are not allowed to remove any biomedical waste (human blood and blood products) from the scene, they cannot transport it and they cannot dispose of it. ADEQ can impose multiple fines for not using a properly licensed company. That fine can be given to everyone involved with at scene (homeowner, property management company, referral partner, company doing the remediation without the proper license, etc). Do not put yourself at risk of getting fined from ADEQ for allowing a company to clean a scene and remove the biomedical waste that is not properly licensed and maybe not even properly trained. Bio-One is trained and licensed and has locations all over Arizona including Flagstaff (with satellite offices in Cottonwood and Prescott), Scottsdale, Goodyear, Mesa, Tucson and Glendale.

 

Our technicians are trained and certified to clean crime and trauma scenes as well as help the families. Each technician not only learns to remediate properly but also takes multiple OSHA courses and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. We all take MHFA training because it is important to treat each victim/client with the dignity and respect they deserve and to know how to respond to the trauma and crisis they are in. OSHA training is important to make sure our technicians are always working safe and making each scene safe for the victims/clients returning home. Our training never stops as there is always something new to learn.

 

Because of our proper ADEQ licensing, MHFA training, attitude of helping our community above all else and ability to help in all corners of Arizona, we are the preferred Bio-Remediation company in Arizona. We partner with first responders, victim advocates, city entities, state entities and federal branches. Don’t let a company tell you they can do the work if they are not licensed with ADEQ and trained in crime and trauma scene cleaning if they are not. When you experience a loss from suicide, homicide, unattended death, decomposition, accident, etc, you need someone you can count on. Bio-One is trusted, professional, available 24/7/365 and ready to help.

 

The link included is to the ADEQ licensed bio-medical waste transporter list.

 

https://static.azdeq.gov/wpd/biohazard_medical_waste_transport_list.pdf

 

 

Bio-One                                                                 Bio-One 

 

480-276-4061                                                        928-863-8276

 

10632 N Scottsdale Rd                                          2532 N 4th Street #640

 

Suite B303                                                             Flagstaff, AZ 86004

 

Scottsdale, AZ 85254                                            info@BioOneFlagstaff.com

 

info@BioOneScottsdale.com

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31st, 2020

 

Bio-One of Scottsdale and Bio-One of Flagstaff announce the launch of Tobacco and Cannabis Smoke Remediation 

 

 

Scottsdale and Flagstaff, AZ- Bio-One is excited to announce the launch of tobacco and cannabis smoke remediation available in Central and Northern Arizona to help clean homes and businesses of toxic tobacco and cannabis smoke. The toxic fumes of both tobacco and cannabis are known to have health risks. So, with our professional remediation, not only can we remove the smell but also the possible health risk associated with the smoke. The official launch date for tobacco and cannabis smoke remediation is February 3rd, 2020.

 

Furthermore, Bio-One strongly believes tobacco and cannabis smoke remediation can have a positive impact on those who utilize our service. We service commercial and residential properties through all Central and Northern Arizona with our main branches located in Flagstaff and Scottsdale, and satellite locations in Prescott and Cottonwood.  

 

Bio-One is committed to providing excellent service in recovery and suicide cleanup, homicide cleanup, hoarding situations, junk removal, deceased animal recovery, feces removal, pest and rodent droppings and much more. Our technicians are trained to take care of any situation big or small. We hold multiple state and national certifications and continue our education every year.  

 

“Smoke is harmful to lung health. Whether from burning wood, tobacco or marijuana, toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.”

-American Lung Association

 

 

Bio-One is available 24 / 7 / 365 at (480)276-4061 and (928)863-8276 to speak with you regarding services. Please give us a call if you have any questions and we will help you.

 

Contact Bio-One at (480)276-4061 or (928)863-8276 for more information or for an estimate today.

 

 

Help First, Business Second 

JAN 24, 2020 by REBECCA WALLACE  

When looking at opening a Bio-One office, the first thing that stuck out to us wasn’t the fact that we would be cleaning what is impacted after a suicide, homicide, unattended death or so-on. What stuck out to us was “Help First, Business Second.” We wanted to help people and make a difference in our community. 

 

We get to help people during some of the hardest times in their lives. Normally, we are the last people they see right after tragedy. The police, EMTs and medical examiners have left, and then we come in. Because of that, we also make sure to have all of the resources the family may need. We have a responsibility to take care of people when they need us and help them however we can. It is why we do what we do.  

Something else we take pride in, is helping local nonprofits with fundraisers, events, and planning. Most of the nonprofits we work with help first responders, suicide survivors, crime victims, trafficking victims, veterans, domestic violence victims and so much more. They help our community and ask for nothing in return, so the least we can do is help raise money for them, donate our time and share their stories. 

For us, Bio-One is not just a business. It is an extension of our hearts. We love where we live and we love our community and are so honored to hold the place in it that we do. We are the people everyone hopes they never have to call. However, when you do need a service like ours, we are glad we are the ones who are here to answer the call because we truly do care. Help first, business second is who we are.  

 

For more information, please contact us at info@BioOneScottsdale.com or info@BioOneFlagstaff.com