Covid-19 thoughts

[Subtle_badger]

Just a couple of ideas that might help as reduce infection or fight it off. Please add others that you think may help.

1) Get your sleep and food

My family lives on the other side of the world. About half the times I visit them (24 hours travel + jetlag) I have ended up quite sick with a virus or bacteria a day or two after I arrive. I can't emphasise enough how important good rest and nutrition are if you are going to fight off a virus. If you are not eating well, fix that. If you aren't sleeping, do everything you can to fix that. Try to minimise stress, though that is harder than getting a good night's sleep. The more people you have to care for, the more important self care is.

2) In public spaces, put a glove on one hand. This tip is from the NY Times. I have found it's nearly impossible not to touch my face. I do it without thinking, and even if I know I am about to do it, it's really hard to stop myself. So this is a simple trick. Put a glove on one hand, and only touch unreliable surfaces with that hand. If you need to scratch your nose, the other hand is safe. Wash the glove when you get home each night. Take it off at the wrist, so you don't touch it with your "safe" hand unless you can wash your hands immediately.

[Tiggerr]

I'd like to embellish on your point about eating well. For anyone who is eating too little and I suspect you know who you are, this is 'not' eating well. You are stressing your body and is unlikely to be conducive with what is currently going on.

[Hidden]

A little tip I've been given - use first defence. It's a nasal spray you are meant to use when you think you might be getting a cold, but use it if you are going out and about. If you can't find that specific product, moisturiser/vaseline/Vicks Vaporub in the nostrils will help.

[Dietbunny2 7lbs]

Totally agree about the health and fitness and a brilliant tip about the glove - so simple and also helpful at raising your body awareness of touching your face, which is one of the key factors in transmission - thanks for sharing and stay well!

[MMP1]

Get your sleep and food you say. Well, I was in Asda

Friday and Saturday of last week and the shelves were depleted of so much. So, I never got a full shop. Greedy people are stockpiling and the likes of me, 67 with autoimmune illnesses and a recently diagnosed lung complaint, will have to self isolate without enough provisions. My sleep pattern is hit and miss. I have Lupus that drains me, but doesn't necessarily make me sleepy. We can only do our best. Soap and water and regularly washing our hands is important. Don't forget to clean phones, tablets, remotes and keys. Don't stress over it. Take one day at a time.

[OilpainterUS]

Take your vitamins and try to get some sun to raise those Vitamin D levels.

Make plans for trip, a garden, a renovation. Looking forward helps.

Call someone who you think may be isolated. They'll love you for it.

Spend time in prayer if that is in your life.

Organize your favorite top 40 songs and play them!

[OilpainterUS]

Love the info re:glove!

[Subtle_badger in reply to OilpainterUS]

I tried to practice "glove discipline" today. It requires some concentration - at least at first. It's worth starting now, even if there isn't much risk where you are, so you can learn to stop passing objects between gloved hand and ungloved hand. 🤪

[OilpainterUS in reply to Subtle_badger]

I already found the glove. 🙂 Such good advice!

(Removed info)

Your threads are great. It really helps pass the time.

[Subtle_badger in reply to OilpainterUS]

Oh.

I don't like that word in this context: mass. Very good idea being careful at a clinic. And everyone will understand why you are doing it there, so it won't feel weird.

Very best of luck with the biopsy. I will be sending positive thoughts your way.

Oh, I have further refined my glove practice: I am peeling them off from the wrist so they are inside out, so the "germy" side never touches the inside of my bag or pocket or hand.

[Subtle_badger in reply to OilpainterUS]

"Your threads are great. It really helps pass the time. :)"

😂 You are welcome.

It's quiet today. I may post a few threads to entertain you, if you promise to reply so I don't look thirsty.

[OilpainterUS]

Thank you, Subtle_badger. I appreciate your positive thoughts. I really can't tell my family as my brother recently died of cancer. Why burden them needlessly if it's nothing?

mayoclinic.org. Here's the link to Mayo. It's world renowned and I was accepted and also have the Department Chief as my Dr. I feel very fortunate. Ken Burns has a documentary out on Mayo, they are incredible pioneers in research and care. They came from the UK to Minnesota where I also live.

I'll work on my glove action! Kudos to you!

[lucigret in reply to OilpainterUS]

I am also sending you positive thoughts and will be thinking of you on Thursday

[OilpainterUS in reply to lucigret]

Thank you, lucigret. It's greatly appreciated. X

There are so many people who have existing medical conditions who are worried about Covid-19 I was a bit deign to say anything.

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts for people here. This website is so wonderful. So many, many people come here for support, comfort, knowledge. I've never seen a site so pwerful. Thank you for being an admin.

[lucigret in reply to OilpainterUS]

It is a pleasure to be an Admin on this forum. It is the only forum I have ever belonged to so I have nothing to judge it by. But you are right, it is a great place to be. There are so many caring people who are happy to give their time to support and comfort, I have been on the receiving end of it myself and have made many lovely friends here.

Thank you for your kind words

[Subtle_badger in reply to OilpainterUS]

Mayo clinic is just as famous as you imagine. I don't need to read about it.

The US health system is the best and worst in the developed world. If you have access to the Mayo Clinic, then you have access to the best medical system in the world. Indeed, likely the best clinic in the world.

That's good news, if you can look at it that way.

[OilpainterUS]

I was uncertain if you knew of Mayo. I grew up near there and we always knew it was excellent and probably took it for granted. I didn't fully appreciate their research and approach until I moved to DC where others told me of Mayo's reputation.

The documentary was very interesting. The Mayo brothers came from Ireland and before death, gave most of their ownership away. I think they were truly marvelous, altruistic people.

I mentioned it's notoriety here as th e Mayos came from the UK and some may find this of interest.

[Subtle_badger in reply to OilpainterUS]

While it is extremely famous, I didn't know it's founder was English and I thought it was in New York - I got the Rochester part right, but missed the Minnesota bit.

[Subtle_badger]

I got this from another site:

If you can't get any liquid soap (much better for emergency washing especially in the kitchen) but you have empty bottles, you can make a couple of litres of it for pennies.

I got some unscented, uncoloured bath soap. I then grated a bar and melted it in about 2lt of water and stirred in about 20ml (that is a tablespoon for those who prefer) of glycerine. When it is cool, and I am happy with the consistency, I shall add some tea tree oil.

In order to enhance the hippyishness of the experience, I wore a tie dye scarf that I had made whilst doing it. This element is optional.

He later shared a photo of a line up of bottles. It worked great.

[OilpainterUS]

😂 You made me laugh! TY!

However, I love the idea of making my own soap.

You are pretty great Subtle_badger! So nice to have "met" you here.