With reported high number of casualties, it is shocking that a lot of people are not taking adequate preventive measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and in some instances, wrong measures are taken due to ignorance to the harm they pose to their families and the general public at large. In this newsletter I would be highlighting on some tips to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and staying healthy. Before I jump into the useful tips, let’s get a few things out of the way; The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not only limited to certain locations or country, neither does it affect only certain people of age, ethnicity, race, affluence or background. It is a pandemic that can infect anyone and everyone.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AS PARENTS TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM COVID-19?
- As Parents, you should provide reliable information for your kids, siblings and other family members, they should feel in control. Be a good role model, by teaching them how to wash their hands correctly and frequently and let them see you washing your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds! Always cover your sneeze or cough with the bend of your elbow and make sure your kids do the same. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that children and household members can touch. You can even make the children do the cleaning with supervision.
- Participate in moderate exercise to stay active, but remember it is not the time to start a new high-intensity exercise routine. Try to focus on home or outside exercise. Shared gym equipment, like weights and cardio machines, are prone to carry and transmit the virus hence don’t share gym or gym equipment. Eat a nutritious diet that minimizes high blood sugar, provide your children and yourself with an eating pattern that provides essential nourishment. Take food rich in vitamins C and D, Turmeric, Garlic and Ginger. It is important to note that there are no known foods that cure the Coronavirus. Suggested food is to help you boost your immune system.
- Sleep is important for health in general, and as a bonus, it may also benefit our immune function. In times like these, you should prioritize sleep hygiene. Staying at home means more time on electronics like tablets, phones, TVs and internet. This may be a good time to invest and study new ways to improve your work, job function and other sources of income and to look for non-tech related activities to do in the evening, like puzzles, crosswords, or online studies.
- For those that make occasional visits to the market, practice social distancing with everyone including the traders. Remember to wash your hands when you get back home to protect your children. Also, encourage your children and household members to stay at home, minimize contact with outsiders and visitors. Get sunshine and fresh air where and when possible.
Also, make sure your children keep up with their schoolwork by studying regularly. Contact their school to see how they can assist or advice you with remote learning or what steps they might be taking to engage students during the lockdown. Helping your children out with school work is a very vital way to understand their key strengths and weaknesses. It is also a good time for you to bond with them. There are also plenty of things you can learn or pick up by assisting your kids with School Work.
NOTE: If you or any member of the household feel sick or show a COVID-19 related symptom, the individual should be isolated and if the symptom persists, you should contact the health authorities or the Nigeria Center for Diseases Control (NCDC) for further advice and evaluation.
Stay home. Stay safe. Flatten the curve
Oyediran Halimah Ayomide
Assistant Senior Girl, Class of 2016.
email: alumni@greenlandhall.org
For more information on Coronavirus visit the NCDC website