Staying Well During COVID-19

What a month it has been. It has been a month filled with hours spent on finding correct sources of information regarding the Covid-19 Corona Virus Disease, and as the disease evolves, so do the guidelines and recommendations.

I have been sifting though both cdc.gov/COVID19

and who.int for the most accurate and up-to-date information I could find.

By now, some of you are tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, confused, and apprehensive over the sudden loss of the way our lives used to be. Within days, the catch phrase” Social Distancing:” has become the new ‘normal’.

I have narrowed the following information down to these basics so it will not be overwhelming and can be easier than you might think.

I get it; the frequency of hand washing is tedious, but wash your hands frequently because all of our lives literally depend on it.

1.Wash your hands frequently.

Remember to wash your hands before touching your face. Wash your hands immediately after coming home, after touching public surfaces, using the bathroom, after handling your pets, and always before eating, handling food, and after cleaning your home or work area.

This above video was produced by World Health Organizion.

2. Keep hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes in your kitchen, bathroom, and in your car for when soap is not available.

3. Keep your home and living areas immaculately clean. I have made it a habit of wiping down all door knobs and handles, our electronics, phone, tablet, laptop, keys, cards, etc., basically, all things that are touched.

4. If you feel more comfortable wearing latex gloves, then do so. An unlikely source of latex gloves can be found at an auto parts store, because car mechanics wear them working under the hood of your vehicle.

5. I like to maintain a social distance beyond the recommended area of 6 feet. I usually like to double the distance, if at all possible, due to the virus being airborne, and who knows how long ago some one may have recently coughed, sneezed, or otherwise expelled mucous particles in the space you now inhabit, however briefly.

6. Take off your shoes before coming into the house, or leave them by the door.

7. Most importantly, don’t panic. Don’t overthink this.

You do not need to irrigate your sinuses, unless your doctor advises you to do so.

Drinking warm liquids, keeping the mouth moist, and gargling, does nothing to kill the virus, because the viral cells have already invaded your mucous membranes when you become infected.

These are comfort measures only because viruses are not killed like bacteria.

Last… keep taking a daily shower and wear clean clothes.

Launder your clothing as you normally do, disinfect your shoes, if necessary.

As of today’s writing, March 29, 2020, it is now advised to wear a mask when you are out and about. Data from Korea and Japan shows this has been effective in their collective efforts towards flattening the curve.

Wearing a mask offers some protection for all parties involved.

Until next time..

Stay well and don”t forget to exercise, or Karen will find you.🤣

Start Learning More At:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) by Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Staff
WHO: How to handwash? With soap and water by World Health Organization on YouTube
World Health Organization Website

Nancy Cho-Auvil is the author of From the Heart column for Wellness Works NW. Nancy is also a contributing author of Mixed Korean: Our Stories. Native to the Pacific Northwest, Nancy lives in Cowlitz County with her life partner and their cat, Keekers. Nancy enjoys working out with Karen G Clemenson. She also enjoys knitting. Check out Nancy’s personal blog at CrazyCozyChick.Blogspot.com. You can also find Nancy on Facebook. Nancy is a mom, a grandmother and a heart attack survivor so we know what she writes comes straight From the Heart…