For the gym-goers
Because gyms are now closed to reduce
the spread of infection, picking up a bug
during your workout is one less thing you
have to worry about.
Getting movement into your day is still
important though, both for your physical
and mental health. It will keep your
bones and muscles strong, can instantly
lift your mood, improve sleep, reduce
stress, and can also help to boost your
immune system and flush bacteria out of
your airways and lungs.
Heading outside for a walk, run or bike
is an easy way to get some daily exercise
with an added dose of freshair,
but if you are unable to
leave the house, there is
an abundance of free
workouts available
on YouTube, or you
could download a
fitness app such
as Sweat or Nike
Training Club.
For a ballet-inspired
workout or 10 minutes
of toning exercises – both
of which can easily be done
in your own home – flip to the Be
Energised section on page 82.
To maintain interest and motivation,
the main thing is to find something you
enjoy, so don’t be afraid to experiment
with a mixture of yoga, Pilates, HIIT or
resistance training. If you’ve never had
much of an exercise routine or
don’t know what you enjoy,
this is the perfect time to
get started and try different
things out, and
a fun activity for any
children too.
You might not have to
worry about germs on shared
gym equipment, but it still
pays to keep your hands away
from your face and mouth, and wash
your hands before and after your
workout, especially if you are living
with other people.
According to the Department of
Health, washing hands thoroughly
with hot water and soap is one of the
bestways of controlling the spread of
common infections,
by killing a lot of
bacteria and viruses. If
you’ve got sweat running
down your face, use a
towelto wipe it off instead
of your hands.For parents,
teachers and
carers
For those who spend a lot of
time around little ones, you have to
think about both your own health
and theirs. The immune system
of a child is not as strong as
that of an adult, and they
aren’t the best at remember-
ing proper hygiene habits.
As an adult, demonstrate
healthy habits for children
by frequently washing
your hands with soap and
encouraging them to join
you, sneezing into your elbow, and
demonstrating good use and disposal
of tissues.
Make sure you keep your hand
sanitiser in your bag or car as it can be
a lifesaver for those moments when you
need to wash your hands but there are no
facilities nearby.If you can, keep a bowl full of fresh
fruit rich in vitamin C, such as oranges
and kiwifruit, somewhere where they can
reach it, and explain to them the amazing
healing powers of eating fresh produce.For work
Whether you are working in
an office space or from home,
keep your desk clean and tidy,
with spray or wipes nearby
to regularly disinfect the
equipment you touch the
most such as your keyboard,
phone, mouse or printer.
If possible, open a window or door as
often as possible to let some fresh air
circulate, or head outside for a walk on
your lunch break.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser
before eating, take a break away from
your desk for meals, move around often,
and even though you’re at home don’t
feel embarrassed or afraid to take time
off when you aren’t well – it will help you
to recover faster and keep others around
you healthy too.
The Department of Health has also
advised to conduct meetings via video
conferencing or phone calls, defer any
large meetings and to postpone any
non-essential business travel.the
immunity
system ofa
child isnotas
strong asthat
ofanadultPHOTOGRAPHYGETTY IMAGES