If you’ve been following the news for the past few weeks, you might have started feeling anxious and apprehensive about the way the Coronavirus outbreak has been affecting the lives of thousands of people across the globe. It is downright alarming.
And if you have a family with kids, you don’t only have yourself to worry about. You have your kids and the entire family to protect.
Infectious diseases like Coronavirus can serve as a reminder of how vulnerable we are. Even if we are healthy, it’s possible to develop an infection strong enough to put us on the brink of death. Therefore, it’s crucial that we take responsibility for ourselves and our families.
It can be terribly frightening but there are several steps and measures you can take to fight back. Read on for some helpful tips to keep your family protected from emerging infectious diseases.
Stay informed
One of the first and most important measures to keep sickness at bay is to stay informed. Watch news updates and leverage the internet to keep yourself updated.
Be wary of the fake news spreading around the internet, though. Do not easily believe things you see on social media and take time to check the source. Look for reliable sources of information to make sure your family is taking effective measures to stay healthy.
Encourage frequent handwashing
Regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways to combat the spread of sickness-causing germs and viruses. Germs are easily passed from one person to another when we touch our face with our hands.
Some microbes stay on surfaces anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days. And when we fail to wash our hands properly and frequently, it increases the likelihood of contracting infections.
Practice effective handwashing and encourage every member of the family to develop this habit, too. Use soap and water to thoroughly scrub off dirt and do this for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands afterward using air drying or a clean towel.
In cases when running water is out of reach, try to have rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer handy.
Immediately wash your hands after coming home from public places.
Boost immunity by eating balanced meals
Eating balanced and nutritious meals is important for staying healthy. It increases a person’s resistance to disease. So make sure your family gets to eat well-balanced meals.
Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. And if your kids are picky eaters, search for creative ways to make healthy eating more appealing to them. Try cutting foods into fun shapes or combining foods they may avoid with ones they love, like broccoli and cheese.
Be a good role model and set an example for healthy eating.
Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is another way to keep your family protected from infectious diseases. Unfortunately, as of right now, vaccines for Coronavirus aren’t available yet. But if you haven’t gotten shots for flu and other illnesses yet, now is the best time to get them.
Children, in particular, should complete the recommended childhood vaccinations. Also make sure their immunizations are up to date.
Follow proper hygiene
Preventing infections means following proper hygiene. Besides thorough handwashing, it’s important to keep yourself and your family clean all the time by bathing and tooth brushing. Cover the mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue properly. If tissue isn’t handy, you can use your elbow instead of using your bare hands.
Engage in an active lifestyle
For overall good health, it is best if your family engages in regular exercise and physical activities. This an excellent way to strengthen your bodies, reduce stress, and improve mood. It is also a good way to bond as a family.
Exercising doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym or doing calisthenics. It can be as simple as playing a fun outdoor game, going for a walk, or hiking. What’s important is that you constantly find ways to keep moving instead of settling into living a sedentary lifestyle.
The thought of contracting infectious diseases can be terrifying but there are ways to prevent them. Keep your family protected against emerging infectious diseases and keep sickness at bay by following these helpful tips.
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