Better protection against Covid-19.
The Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare made a courtesy inspection visit to the National Referral Hospital yesterday where he saw firsthand the new facilities, such as the Isolation Ward and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the newly acquired medical equipment.
The Prime Minister was impressed by what he saw at the NRH and the preparations in place to deal with a case of coronavirus should one eventuate.
The purpose of the PM’s visit was clearly to see the physical preparations in place at the hospital to be able to respond to Covid-19 but also to give his thanks to all those serving the country in their selfless commitment to helping to ward off the deadly virus.
The Prime Minister was reported as commenting during his tour of the hospital, “If we can keep the virus at bay, or at least delay its arrival in our country, we can minimise the effect that Corona virus can potentially have on our country.”
I believe all must be appreciative of the measures the government has so far taken to keep the country safe from coronavirus, but how are we, the people, best prepared?
I am not referring to the infringements of a few that are alleged to have broken the night curfew rules, but about the steps being taken to ensure we remain healthy enough to stave off any infection.
Are our immune systems in sufficient good shape to overcome any attack on our bodies by an unseen and dangerous virus that coronavirus is?
I am not a doctor but the immune system is our first line defence and, in lay terms, I will explain it this way.
Our immune system is an intricate network of cells, tissues and organs that together act as out body’s built-in defence system protecting us from infection and illness.
The healthier our immune system, the more difficult it becomes for bacteria, viruses and other antigens to enter the body – and the better equipped we are to attack and destroy any that sneak past and multiply.
While this highly complex structure may be built by your genes, it’s shaped almost entirely by your environment – and therefore, our lifestyle.
The government with its aid partners and friends has put in place facilities, measures and equipment to best protect against Covid-19; I suggest we look at our own protection measures by trying to ensure our immune systems are ready.
Let me mention a few of the ways we might have a weakened immune system already or are depleting it.
Cut out smoking as much as possible
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly. Keeping up regular exercise is an essential part of maintaining a good immune system.
Maintain a healthy weight.
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol severely blunts our body’s protective defences, making you more vulnerable to viruses and other infections
Get adequate sleep.
Take all the necessary steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
Try to minimize stress, also
Cut down on salt. High-salt content weakens our body’s antibacterial immune defence
Cut out too much fat and sugar, including sugary drinks.
I do wish all will keep well and try to better protect themselves by following the simple steps outlined as I believe they will help to ward off any threat from coronavirus
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
