Coping with COVID-19 in a Health-promoting Manner

In a matter of days, the lives of many in the United States (and around the world) have changed amid reports of a growing number of individuals becoming infected with COVID.-19. With many restrictions recommended or mandated to minimize the spread of the virus, people are rearranging their life in an effort to avoid infection while attempting to maintain as much normalcy as possible. 

While change does not always come easy, I’m hoping everyone is doing everything possible to stay healthy during this unanticipated and unprecedented pandemic. It certainly is scary to hear how quickly this virus is spreading and impacting the lives of many. For this reason, I ask readers to keep the following health-promoting practice in mind:

  • Please heed the recommendation of health officials to take care of yourself and those under your care. If you’re home with your kids as a result of their school being closed for a week or more, remember to maintain a consistent routine and educate your kids about the problem in a manner appropriate for their age (especially if they’re asking questions). And remember to continue to enjoy their company as you would if there was no coronavirus. This will help your kids to feel safe, content, and a sense of normalcy in their life. 
  • Also, please seek medical advice if you believe you or a member of your family have symptoms of the coronavirus. The CDC website is a great resource. Also, refer to the website of your local public health department which will have equally useful information.
  • While the practice of social distancing is one of several, important public-health recommendations intended to minimize the spread of infection from the coronavirus, it is equally important to remain socially connected with family and friends. Communicating by phone or video chatting (if you are able to access this form of communication) with others in your social circle is a convenient way to check in, offer and receive support and, hopefully, help ease any angst experienced by loved ones.
  • Finally, this is a time when the adage of “simple is better” couldn’t be more underscored. In this instance, I am referring to the practice of handwashing. It is one of the most effective public-health practices to avoid the spread of germs (read the CDC’s webpage on handwashing). So please remember to wash your hands thoroughly. This includes scrubbing for 20 seconds (it is recommended that you count to yourself). For kids, knowing that they’re likely to rush through by counting to 20 in five seconds, it is recommended that they sing “happy birthday” twice (make it a family activity 🙂 ).

Our hearts go out to those affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus. Wishing those who were found to be positive for the disease a healthy recovery. And thoughts and prayers are sent to those who have lost a loved one to this horrendous virus. For everyone else, stay healthy and continue to keep abreast of the latest news on COVID-19.

Best,
Pedro Antonio

Photo credit: Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Updated on 3/18/2020.

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