Hello to my Mustang families:
As we are all starting to realize, we are in for a real adventure. The Covid19 virus has gotten us all thrown for a loop. However, there are some things that we can do to prevent the spread of the virus (and maybe decrease your anxiety of the spread of the virus as well). I might also caution you not to dwell on the news reports as that tends to ramp up anxiety. Stay informed, just not continuously. I know you all have heard of these precautions, but I just want to remind you of them.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC as well as government officials are strongly suggesting that we all practice social distancing. So as tempting as it is to go visit friends or hang out with others at parks, we all need to resist the urge and stay home. If you must go out (to get groceries for example), do your best to maintain 6 feet distance from others. Also, it is probably best to leave your kiddos at home as to minimize contact.
There are everyday steps that can also help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you or someone is sick at your home, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible. If not, clean with disinfectant when objects and surfaces when touched.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.If a tissue is not available cough into your elbow
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. The type of soap is not important; it is the motion of washing that cleanses your hands.If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
In addition, there are several things we can do to help keep ourselves and our families healthy and strong during this time.
One thing at the top of the list is eating as healthy as we can. It would be so easy to just sit down with Oreos and Cheetos. ?? But instead, let's offer our kids fruit over packaged processed snacks . We can eat a rainbow of veggies instead of eating a rainbow of Skittles (though a few Skittles now and then wouldn't hurt). Eating healthy will give our bodies the best vitamins from nutrient dense foods. Extra Vitamin C is especially good to keep our immune systems strong. Fun fact: the human body cannot produce or store vitamin C so it's essential to consume it regularly. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, lemons, broccoli, cantaloupe, bell peppers, and strawberries.
Let's all try to get 60 minutes of family exercise daily. This can be as simple as playing outside in the backyard. Kids will love it if we play a grown-ups vs kids game or a boys vs girls game of Badminton or Soccer or Kickball. This will get our hearts pumping and give us a boost of endorphins. The 60 minutes does not all have to be together. It can even be split up in 10 minutesegments.
Make an effort to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Adequate sleep refreshes and regenerates our cells in ways that science is just now beginning to understand.
Finally, we all know that too much screen time is not healthy; however, as the mom of 4 teenagers, I am acutely aware of how challenging this proves to be in this unusual time. So let's, as parents, encourage our children to engage in activities throughout the day that has us putting down our screens. Let's do puzzles, build things with blocks, set up forts, play tag, make an obstacle course, etc. In particular during the 2 hours before bed, let's shut off our media as this will help all of us relax and unwind. There is data now suggesting that too much "blue light" from screens inhibits melatonin production which reduces the quantity and quality of sleep.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon and hearing about your family's unique and interesting healthy activities!
I am available by email for any individual questions or concerns.
Stacey Backhus, RN
MRE School Nurse
[email protected]