Posted on Apr 15, 2020 in Senior Health
If you’re looking for some actionable tips on how to stay safe from COVID-19, you’ve come to the right place!
Staying safe and healthy from the ongoing pandemic involves taking care of yourself and implementing some simple but practical personal hygiene measures.
Many people who contract coronavirus show no symptoms. These asymptomatic people could be spreading the virus to vulnerable people with pre-existing conditions. This, in summary, is why we are all hunkered down right now.
Luckily, the death rate for COVID-19 is as low as many other diseases like the flu, so if you’re relatively fit and healthy, a dose of COVID-19 shouldn’t harm you. Sadly, some people react badly to the virus and go on to develop pneumonia.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that 15% of over 80-year-olds will die if they contract COVID-19.
If you are aged 65+, you could be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 as your immune system could be weakened, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions like diabetes or cancer.
COVID-19 is still not very well understood but the World Health Organization has guidelines to follow right here.
Even if you feel well, you must embrace social distancing and look after yourself.
As COVID-19 is so highly infectious, we now need to minimize contact with each other to stop the virus from spreading.
To embrace social distancing:
Immunity is a strange thing predicated on many factors. If you’re unlucky enough to get coronavirus, you want your immune system in shape to fight back.
To boost your immunity, make sure you eat plenty of vitamins and minerals or “eat the rainbow.”
Foods reported to be great for immunity include:
Try to eat as wide a range of fruit and vegetables as possible. Vitamin C is good for immunity as it reduces inflammation and boosts immune cells called phagocytes.
The daily recommended dose of vitamin C is 30mg a day although you’ll need 35mg a day to stay healthy if you smoke.
There have been some inconclusive studies to see whether intravenous vitamin C might be capable of fighting COVID-19, but vitamin C supplements are ineffective.
Regular exercise that increases your heart rate also boosts your immune system. If you’re stuck for ideas,here are some easy exercises you can do at home.
Stay relaxed, calm and free of stress. A cheerful mood can also strengthen your immunity.
Get plenty of sleep each night. You shouldn’t underestimate the power of a sound slumber to recharge your system.
Drink plenty of water, juice, and tea. Staying hydrated is key.
Some of us are not accustomed to isolating ourselves from others and this isolation can become lonely and boring in short order.
To stay well mentally, you can still keep in touch with your friends and family. Many people are having virtual meet-ups with their friends and loved ones using teleconferencing software like Skype.
The traditional telephone is also a great way to keep up with family and friends.
If you start to get depressed and anxious, reach out to a friend or a relative. Remember, you are not alone and this crisis will pass, even if it takes a while. By respecting the lockdown, you are playing your part in this fight against coronavirus.
Try not to watch too much news if you’re feeling sad or anxious. Instead, turn on your favorite quiz show or try your hand at a crossword. Stretch your mind and disengage from what’s unfolding on the news.
Use this time to enjoy the things you like doing whether that’s reading, watching movies, drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument.
Keeping yourself and your home spotless is crucial if you want to reduce your chance of catching the virus.
Consider the following:
By staying home or limiting your time out, you are helping the community to stop the spread of this virus. Knowing how to stay safe from COVID-19 is crucial if you’re in your golden years so stay on top of hygiene and follow the guidelines laid out above.
If you have any questions about COVID-19, or if individuals can still come to senior living facilities, don’t hesitate to get in touch. One of our friendly team here at Landmark Senior Living will be here to help out.
