CAPE TOWN - The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live our lives. Daily routines have changed and we have to now look to embrace a 'new normal'.
This is government's 18 step survival kit for dealing with the pandemic ;
- Prepare healthy food – eat nutritious food to keep strong and healthy. You may try a new recipe and teach a family member to cook or bake.
- Keep hydrated – drink lots of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and healthy. Hydration is an important factor in maintaining overall health and wellness.
- Maintain good ventilation – in confined spaces, good ventilation is beneficial. Oxygen from fresh air can enhance your heart rate, blood pressure and energy levels. It also strengthens your immune system.
- Exercise regularly – keep fit by engaging in exercise activities such as push-ups and sit-ups; even a brisk or leisurely walk around the house can make a difference. Among other health benefits, exercise also helps to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Read a book – a good book can help you relax and take your mind away from worry. Even a good magazine or journal can keep you occupied for a few hours. Check some of the online bookshops.
- Work in the garden – apart from beautifying your environment, gardening provides substantial health benefits and moderate exercise to keep you fit and healthy.
- Do some DIY – do some paintwork around the home and repair broken appliances. Detect and seal all water leaks. Spring-clean your home – this is the ideal time to shift things such as beds to do a thorough cleaning of your home.
- Meditate – it can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and overall health.
- Provide educational support – do some home schooling, and help your children to catch up with their lessons and studies.
- Observe family time – spend quality time with your loved ones and engage in pastime activities together such as playing cards or computer games, or watching a TV show or movie.
- Involve children in creative activities – prevent boredom by finding creative ways to keep your children busy such as drawing cartoons, colouring books, etc. A singalong is another form of family entertainment.
- Access virtual religious services – most religious organisations provide live radio and television broadcasts and online live streaming of their religious services.
- Get enough sleep – it helps you stay healthy by giving your body the chance to heal damaged cells and boost your immune system, among other health benefits.
- Stay tuned – listen to the radio and watch television regularly to keep updated with latest news and developments. Keep in touch – maintain regular contact with family and friends through telephone, email or social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc).
- Care for the elderly and people with disabilities – ensure that elderly people and people with disabilities are safe and comfortable, and receive a proper diet and take their prescription medicine regularly.
- Avoid Fake News – obtain official information from www.gov.za or www.sacoronavirus.co.za or send the message “Hi” to 0600 123 456 for WhatsApp support or call the 24-hour toll-free hotline: 0800 029 999.
- Keep contact details of emergency services – ensure that you have the correct telephone numbers of local emergency services such as doctor, police and ambulance.
- Seek medical care if sick – should you or any of your family members feel sick, seek medical care immediately.
CORONAVIRUS MONITOR