How To Stay Healthy (And SANE!) During The Covid-19 Outbreak In Singapore

The World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dispensed advice on how people can look after their health at a media briefing late last month.

He said this will not only help people in the long-term, but it will also help the fight Covid-19, if they get it.

In his opening remarks at the briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, he included the following health tips:

1. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, which helps your immune system to function properly.

2. Limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid sugary drinks.

3. Avoid smoking, he said, as smoking damages your lungs and can increase your risk of developing severe disease if you become infected with Covid-19.

4. Exercise. WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults, and one hour a day for children.

If allowed, go outside for a walk or a run, while keeping a safe distance from others.

If you cannot leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs. (Here’s our guide to stay-home workout apps.)

If you’re working at home, make sure you do not sit in the same position for long periods. Get up and take a three-minute break every 30 minutes. (Try these fixes and exercise tips to prevent bad posture and back pain.)

5. Remember, its normal to feel stressed, confused and scared during this pandemic. (Here’s a YouTube video about this phenomenon.) Talking to people you know and trust can help.

By Joyce Teo, Text adapted from Shape Singapore (first appeared on www.straitstimes.com.sg), March 2020

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