The past few years have been ones of tribulations and upheavals. We have been impacted globally with a pandemic and it has had far reaching effects on us all. With lockdowns, illnesses and countless outbreaks, we are in some ways vulnerable, but more awake than we have been before.

Besides Covid, there are many virus out there that may affects us, and with the flue season being in full swing, and other diseases appearing to be ready to make a comeback, it’s no wonder may people are seeking preventative measures such as organic hand sanitiser , keeping warm and being more mindful of social distancing.

Our own health and that of our loved ones is always an important matter. It’s important to keep ourselves and those close to us as safe as we can from potential infections. Here are some simple tips to keep you and your family safe.

1. Wash your hands.

We might be prompt to encourage our kids to wash their hands at regular intervals, but do we do the same ourselves?

Use soap and warn water to wash your hands and wash for 30 seconds, which is as long as it takes to belt out a lovely tune by the name of “Happy Birthday”. Get your groove on and sing away whilst getting your hands all clean.

You should wash your hands 

• After using the toilet
• Before you eat
• After you blow your nose
• Before you hold a baby
• Before you cook or prepare food
• Before you touch yours or anyone else’s mouth, eyes or nose. Especially if you are putting eye drops in.
• Before and after changing dressings or tending to wounds.
• Before and after changing nappies
• When they look or feel dirty.

2. Stay away from sick people.

Sometimes when one person gets sick in a family home or close working environment, everyone gets sick. It may spread through the place quickly and without discriminations. This can be ongoing, becoming a vicious cycle that may last for many weeks.

Whilst at home and especially when caring for your children, social distancing might not be possible, try and wash your hands before and after tending to them. In the case of an adult, consider delignating them a room to rest and recuperate and use a separate bathroom if possible.

3. Stay home when you’re sick.

There is no need to share the love when you’re ill. If yourself or the kids are ill, keep them and you home to rest and recover. This not only helps you get better quicker, but also stops the risk or infecting others. It’s best to stay home and avoid populated areas such as shopping centres, indoor play facilities, gyms, your work place and day cares until you get better. The only exception should be if you require medical treatment and then contact the facility to check what regulations they have for assessment as each venue may have different rules such as face masks or a preference for telehealth appointments.

4. Keep a clean environment.

Wipe down surfaces and door handles with disinfectant wipes on a regular basis. Be sure to keep eating areas and utensils clean and use separate chopping boards for meat, dairy, fruit and bread. This lowers the risk of cross-contamination and bacterial infections.

5. Eat healthy and often.

Your body needs fuel and sustenance to function. Much like a car, the better fuel you put in, the smoother it runs. Avoid skipping melas and over indulging in junk food to keep your body and organs healthy and functioning at their best level. 

Eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, iron and dairy. Meat is a great source of protein and iron, but if you’re vegan or vegetarian, be sure to eat other options to ensure you’re not missing out on valuable nutrients.

6. Stay hydrated.

Adults should drink around 2 litres of water a day and children from 5 years onwards should drink between 1 to 1.5 litres of water a day. To much water is as bad for you being dehydrated as it can lead to water intoxification and in some cases it can be damaging. To much water in your system can make your body’s salt content decease and your cells to swell. This may cause headaches and brain functioning problems. 

Drink water often and avoid the over indulgence of caffeine.

7. Get plenty of rest.

Aim for between 7 – 9 hours sleep each night, babies and young children will need more. Whilst we live in busy times, it’s vital we allow our minds and bodies time to slow down and enter into slumber so we don’t burn out.

8. Mental health matters.

Just as your physical body needs TLC, your mental and emotional health matters to. Be sure to talk to loved ones or a trained professional when life becomes hard and participate in beneficial and appropriate treatment. Poor mental health can affect you in many ways if you don’t keep on top of it.

9. Physical play is important to.

Make time for physical exercise. It might be a session at the gym, a hike in the woods, a swim at the beach or just a roll and play on the lawn with the kids. What ever strikes your fancy, make sure you get active for at least 30 minutes each day.

10. Keep on top of your check-ups. 

As we grow older, there might be parts of our body that require a little more monitoring than in our younger years. Simular to a car, if we don’t stay on top of it, situations that may have been able to be easily rectified in early stages may become quite problematic is left unattended. 

11. Get outside.

Nature is a great healer. Step away from the hustle and bustle of life and take some tine out to enjoy he wonderment.