Azima Therapeutic Massage

This spring, Unite for HER was scheduled to provide their unique Wellness Program to 900 newly diagnosed breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients through multiple live events. The amazing staff at Unite for HER has quickly switched gears and created virtual wellness program, Unite for HER at Home. This virtual program will allow Unite for HER to safely deliver programming to all registered spring event participants as originally planned. Click the link for more details: https://uniteforher.org/uniteforherathome/

PA Gov. Wolf is asking all PA residents leaving the house should wear a mask. Especially for the protection of grocery store workers. If you leave your house, behave as if you HAVE Covid-19 and DON’T want to give it to anyone. Leave the N95 masks for healthcare workers! While a homemade mask may not be a 100% effective in stopping the spread, it is another important layer of protection if you do have to leave your home.... For those of you, like me, who can barely sew a button on a shirt, here is a no-sew mask you can make with a handkerchief or small scarf and some hair ties.

Important information for anyone in Philadelphia struggling with food insecurity right now. https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-28-where-to-find-free-nutri/

I hope all that see this post are faring well during this unprecedented time. The need to stay aware of news and changes during this fluid situation is testing everyone’s stress management skills right now. I say that with first hand knowledge. As many of you know, in addition to being a massage therapist, I am also trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE) which is a body oriented, trauma resolution method. I have been incorporating elements of SE into my massage practice for... the past few years and this year I was planning to explore how to offer this work virtually. Finding time to develop that was holding me back. Seems that has now changed. Please stay tuned for virtual stress management resources and support that I will be developing and offering through the Zoom Teleconference and Meeting platform. Until I have things up and running, remember we are all in this together. We can and will get through this together by both Social Distancing and, more importantly, DISTANTLY SOCIALIZING! During stressful times like this, the state of circumstances can easily become our state of mind. When you feel moments of overwhelm, try and tune in to your body and mind for what is true. If you still feel stuck, perhaps these little reminders can help:

In this elevated time of stress and concern, slowing down and being mindful with decision making is really important. To that end, when you are using cleaning and disinfectants, keep these tips in mind.

Thank you to everyone who has been reaching out with concern, support and patronage during the past several weeks during this critical health situation. It has been a stressful time for everyone and I am grateful to have a client community that is so thoughtful, compassionate, supportive and understanding. For those who have asked how they can help or continue to support my business, gift certificates are always available for purchase on-line. Another way to help small busin...esses right now that doesn't cost anything more than your time, is to contact our State Senators and ask them to quickly pass and enact the "Families First Coronavirus Relief" Act. The BIll was passed in the House on Saturday. In Pennsylvania, our Senators are Bob Casey and Pat Toomey. Please encourage them to get this bill to the Senate floor and VOTE YES. Until we are able to see each other again in person, I am hoping you and your loved ones remain in good health. Take good care of yourselves: eat real food, avoid sugar and processed food if possible, drink water, get more than enough sleep, exercise moderately, go for walks outside if possible, listen to music, read inspirational material, connect with others on-line when possible, and ask your doctor how to best support your immune system. This pandemic will require our individual and collective efforts, and I have faith in our local community and my extensive Azima family. Yours in good health, Andrea Kocerha

As of 5pm today, the City of Philadelphia is closing all non-essential business throughout the city for at least two weeks. In accordance with the City of Philadelphia, Azima Therapeutic Massage will be closed through at least March 31. https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-16-city-announces-new-restri/

The House passed Congressional Bill HR-6201, "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" on Saturday (March 15, 2020). It is now waiting for a Senate vote. The bill includes unemployment benefits for interruption of business for self-employed folks and independent contractors. I contacted my Congressperson yesterday (to thank him for his quick support) and both Senators asking that they please push this to bring this to a vote immediately and VOTE YES. I am still not sure if or... how this will trickle down to a VERY small, sole-proprietorship business like mine, but I am BEGGING everyone to please contact your representatives and Senators and ask them to support this bill and get it enacted as quickly as possible! Our PA Senators are Bob Casey and Pat Toomey. https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

As of today and until further notice, I will be determining business operations one day at a time and handling scheduling decisions one appointment at a time. If you have a scheduled appointment at this time, I will contact you within 12 -24 hours of your appointment to mutually discuss our respective health status, recent travel and social interactions, and any necessary precautions to determine if it is appropriate to keep or reschedule your appointment. For now, this seems... the best way to maintain a safe environment and address any concerns for all of us. My office is a low traffic space, and I increased strict, daily sanitizing measures in the past several weeks. The following measures continue to remain in place at my office and in my life: - I am taking my temperature daily and throughout the day, every day. - Number of client appointments in one day is limited to 3 people or less. - Additional time is scheduled between appointments to allow for thorough cleaning and prepping of the treatment room and office. - I am wearing nitrile gloves to clean and prep the treatment room and office between clients. -Thorough hand washing throughout the day and before/after each client session. - A soap based cleaner and Lysol pump spray is being used to disinfect and wipe down all surfaces including the bathroom sink and faucet, toilet handle and seat, all door knobs (including front door and keypad), stair handrail, and all hard surfaces in the office and treatment room. - A disinfectant air spray is being used in the office space and treatment room between sessions. -I live alone, have restricted outside visitor from entering my home and am adhering to social distancing in my life outside of the office. Here is what is requested of you if you choose to come to my office: - Take your temperature daily and before you arrive for an appointment. - Wash your hands as soon as you arrive at the office. Hand sanitizers and wipes are also available throughout the office. -Practice social distancing with interactions during your daily life. Thank you for your continued understanding and support during this challenging time. May you and your loved ones be and stay well.

I have been monitoring developments of the COVID-19 virus here in Philadelphia. It is a fast changing situation. I am doing my best to stay on top of all information and adhere to city, state and federal guidelines in terms of on-going business operations. I did email clients last Tuesday (March 10) to inform everyone of the additional steps I am taking at my office to ensure a safe and healthy environment. This is a very fluid situation and I am evaluating best business prac...tices every day. I will be posting updates about business operations here as well as continuing to communicate via email to my client base. The city of Philadelphia is holding live updates every day at 1pm. If you would like to receive text updates from the city, (which will remind you of the daily live updates) simply text COVIDPHL to 888-777. In today's update (Sunday, March 15) the city reported there are now 8 confirmed cased in Philadelphia. Up from 4 yesterday. They are awaiting results on 45 other cases. Also, Starting tomorrow UPenn Hospital will have a drive-through testing location. No other details were mentioned. And this is separate information from a doctor at Jefferson that I received from a mutual friend who knows the doctor: A drive-through testing location was established today (March 15) near the Jefferson ER at 11th and Sansom. Here is what to do: 1) Call/connect through JeffConnect (download app) FIRST. This app offers 24/7 connection with Jefferson docs. You DO NOT need to be part of Jefferson's system. Doctor's will triage and tell you if you need to go for testing. 2) If you have symptoms, they will order the test and send you to one of the drive through sites. Hours are 12-5 Sunday (3/15) adn 8-5 (3/16). 3) If you live near Abington, PA, Christiana DE, they are offering the SAME service at local Jeff hospitals/clinics. Remember, call/connect with JeffConnect FIRST!!! 4) An this is really important....if your insurance DOES NOT cover JeffConnect, the visit is $49. If anyone thinks they have symptoms, this may be helpful and save you an unnecessary visit to an urgent care or hospital.

Had two cancellations tomorrow, Thursday, February 13. Available times tomorrow: 4pm and 6pm. Contact me to schedule.