Faces of the Frontline – Maureen Napoli – A Runner’s Story

In our efforts to help highlight those in our community on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are bringing interviews from around New England.

Maureen Napoli, a resident of Naitik, MA works as a  Speech-Language Pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, MA. Maureen works with individuals who suffer from speech-language and swallowing disorders.

In terms of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Maureen has been working on the recovery side of the Coronavirus. As patients enter recovery and no longer require the help from a ventilator, Maureen ensures that the patients are able to breathe, swallow, and drink properly before being discharged from the hospital and are reunited with their families.

“I really truly love my colleagues and the people I work with, and what I do is only a small piece of a big puzzle that’s happening right now.”

Q: What do you tell yourself before you go to work so you feel positive and safe all day?

I tell myself that this is what I can do, this is what I can contribute, and I can continue to do this one thing well and that’s about all I can do and that’s enough. What I do is a small piece of. a big puzzle that’s happening right now, so if I can do my one job well and help contribute to help patients recover then I have done my job.

Q: Do you run/exercise? If so – what do you do?

I do exercise! I ran the Boston Marathon back in 2013 and have run a bunch of half marathons. Prior to COVID-19 my first race post-partum was going to be the Brooklyn Half Marathon which is a favorite of mine, unfortunately that race was canceled. However, I have been doing a lot of yoga and I have a home gym in my basement. I keep myself moving.

Q: How do you relax, refocus and/or recover mentally and physically from the daily tolls of your job?

Digital disconnection is instrumental for me. I try not to attach to the negative stuff out there, when I come home I have a baby and he has no idea what’s happening in the world and that’ a great gift, I can put my phone away and be present with him. I also make sure that I’m including physical activity into every day. Movement and exercise to me are key to de-stressing and relaxing.

Q: Does your facility have enough PPE and ventilators if you were to have a surge in COVID-19 patients?

Yes, Massachusettes General Hospital is really fortunate. We’ve been told we are in the surge right now and we will be able to take care of it.

Q: What could the community do for your place of work that would have an immediate and substantial impact on either the staff and/or patients?

Stay at home, wear your masks, be conscious of where you’re moving in your communities, and be thoughtful. It’s heartbreaking to see the number of people on the Esplanade running without masks and too close to people. If you choose to exercise, wear your mask, and run in non-congested areas, make sure to social distance.

Q: Has there been any evidence that runners and other physically fit individuals have a milder case of COVID-19 and/or recover quicker?

It’s too hard to tell right now. I don’t think there’s enough evidence/ information yet.

Q: Do you have any additional advice for the community?

Exercise safely, away from others, and most importantly wear a mask!

Q: What kind of footwear do you wear on your feet when you’re working?

I have a few pairs of walking sneakers that I wear, right now I am using a pair of Saucony’s.

Do you know a local frontline worker who’d like to share their story? Let us know! Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or in an email nominating your favorite frontline worker!