While the Coronavirus (COVID-19) had already become pandemic, there is no doubt that this dreadful disease is starting to spur fear among everyone with the increasing cases and death tolls across the globe. Hence, every nation is now alarmed and now strictly observing health measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. During this pandemic, it is as well the perfect time to protect yourself by making health and nutrition your priority to fight COVID-19. Now, here are some worthwhile tips you can take in these times of health crisis.

1. Proper Handwashing and good hygiene
-When it comes to protecting yourself, never underestimate the power of handwashing! Our hands can harbour harmful organisms from any surfaces that is invisible to our naked eye. It is advised to wash our hands properly with water and soap in appropriate times such as before and after eating. However, in the absence of water and soap, one may use any alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in cleaning our hands, also, minimize touching your face.
-But above all, keeping a clean and good sanitation practices could save you from the exposure and being infected. This time, routine cleaning is very much critical in fighting the virus.

2. Eat healthy and load some vitamin C
-One should always bear in mind that healthy eating is especially important in keeping our immune system in top condition. Always consider nutrition in your food choices as best illustrated in Pinggang Pinoy. Do not also forget the important messages of the 10 Kumainments serving as the Nutritional Guidelines for the Filipinos. Further, while avoiding the crowd to reduce possibility of Covid exposure, such as supermarkets, it is best to have efficient meal planning ahead of time to ensure that you will store or stuck up foods that will stay fresh for a week or longer.
– It is also essential that we are being proactive especially in terms of health. Loading our body with a daily dose of vitamin C at least 500 mg daily, is of great help in fighting any forms of infectious disease. Vitamin C can also be found naturally in some vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, oranges and other citrus fruits.

3. Social distancing and Respiratory etiquette
-In protecting yourself against Covid-19, the same public health measures are taken in dealing influenza and other respiratory viruses. Know that Coronavirus can be transmitted thru droplets in the community setting. To minimize dispersion of these droplet particles, we should observe social distancing of at least one meter apart and follow respiratory etiquettes such as covering your mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing. In this trying times, it is also best to adhere quarantine procedures/protocols as advised all for our own safety.

4. Practice Healthy Habits and Think positive
-Despite the anxiety that this crisis has brought us, always remember that our mindset matters in getting through this pandemic. Practice healthy habits such as staying positive, drinking plenty of water, having adequate rest and sleep and managing stress. Most importantly, Pray. One should be reminded that the spiritual aspect is the unifying force for us to maintain emotionally, mentally and physically healthy.

We are all facing this battle together. We may not be certain how long this would go but surely, as what they say, this too shall pass! Let’s do our part in flattening the Covid-19 curve and continue to look forward, coming out stronger and wiser, revelling the next wonderful days! (DPA/AMF/NPC)