CuriousKeds

Like we all know we’re going through a pandemic crisis at the moment. It’s a very weird moment for all of us globally. In Belgium the lockdown has started on Friday night the 13th of March. We have already been quarantined for more than three weeks… I know this is very unusual to live this kind of lifestyle, to do social distancing from friends and other family members. But this is something we need to learn to adapt ourselves.

Atleast this is also the moment that people or the community are showing solidarity all around the world with all the videos in social media that are going viral. It’s something that really helps us by feeling hopeful that this virus could be stopped as soon as possible as long that everyone works together. This is also the opportunity for families to be together, the moment to reflect, finding your own creativity and learning to self-care. But unfortuantely these kind of priviledges are not fit for everyone. There are people dealing with a lot of financial difficulties such as people owning their own restaurants, bars and other non-essential workplaces. Let’s not forget the homelessness, the asylum seekers, family problems, domestic violence etc. The lockdown effects a lot of people in a different way.

Refugees or asylum seekers and homeless people have more difficulties accessing to basic facilities. There’s a lot of uncertainties regarding this pandemic crisis. It affects so many organisations at the social sector.

On Monday the 16th of March, the Immigration Department decided to close its doors so there are no longer new asylum registers and no reception for new asylum seekers.

From the information I read and what I saw on TV got me a lump in the throat knowing that there are a lot of people suffering from this lockdown. It’s also important that the government should take action. They shouldn’t forget that there are people in need of help financially and a place to stay.

We understand that the government is taking drastic measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus and protect personnel. What we do not understand is the lack of additional measures to protect the most vulnerable and avoid a humanitarian disaster. We note that in these uncertain times our government is abandoning vulnerable people such as asylum seekers and the homeless, but we are calling on the population to show solidarity with each other,’ the organisations say.

(vluchtelingenwerk, 2020)

This brings to our attention, how grateful we are to have a roof over our heads. That we have more than enough food in stock. Atleast it’s a reassurance that we’re not short of anything.

We should definitely not only focus on the negativity but also the positivity. Scrolling down your features in social media, you come across so many videos of Chinese citizens at the beginning of the outbreak, singing songs to lift each other up by singing the national anthem or other songs. Italians, Spanish and many other countries singing, dancing, clapping for the healthcare and other essencial workers, together workouts, helping out neighbours for grocery shopping etc. these videos are the main reasons that we should hold onto hope. This is the opportunity to show solidarity to everyone in our community. It doesn’t matter which country, it’s also a moment to help one another.

As long as we all work in this together collectively by staying home/quarantined, social distancing or self-isolation… we can certainly help the physicians and other medical staff to limit the amount of patients hospitalized.

The message we should all be sending to each other is definitely stay healthy and hygienic as much as possible… Especially when you’re living with other family members… I know these are also moments of uncertainty especially when you’re showing from non to mild symptoms of potential COVID-19. At the moment everyone recovered from mild to severe symptoms… but we’re doing our outmost best to boost our immune system to tackle this virus. Thank God I finally recovered from a fever that lasted 6 days… I was the last one with the severe symptoms.

Thanks to the research I read the advice from doctors and other medical specialists we have been taking a lot of supplements, vitamin drinks, remedies etc to boost our immune system.

What I definitely want to recommend everyone (no symptoms to mild symptoms or if they live with someone who shows symptoms) thanks to the recommendation by doctors and my dear close friend who keeps following me up these remedies and other nutrients are effective to help boost your immune system especially most of these great sources of vitamin C, A, B, D and E. Zinc and selenium also play an important role to boost your immune system. Here are is a list of them we have been using over the whole periode:

• Mix drink with hot water: Ingredients: 1 tbsp fresh grated Ginger, juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1 tbsp ground turmeric powder (or 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric), 1 clove of garlic (grated), Freshly ground black pepper and 1 or 2 tbsp of raw honey. Directions: 1. Boil the water in a water kettle. (If you don’t have water kettle: combine turmeric, ginger, garlic, pepper and water in a pot on the stove. Gently bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes). 2. combine turmeric, ginger, black pepper and garlic in a glass. After the water is boiled you pour it in the glass you leave it for 10 to 15 minutes (if you want to have a stronger raste leave it for 20 minutes). 3. After 5 minutes you add some lemon juice and 1 or 2 tbsp of raw honey. This type of tea is a very simple remedy to make. To boost my energy levels, especially when I feel exhausted and weak.

• Daily Essential nutrients 360 capsules (given by my aunt who’s doctor herself). Advisable during breakfast, lunch and dinner : 1 x 3 capsules a day (if you’re not sick); 2 x 3 capsules a day (if you’re not feeling 100%); 3/4 x 3 capsules a day (if you’re feeling sick).

• Hot Chilli Pepper: while it’s true that citrus fruit contains the highest source of vitamins C but apparently according to experts red hot chilli pepper contain three times the amount in oranges.

• Fruitsalad: It has full of nutrients. It contains potassium, fiber, folate, and vitamin A, B, C, and D. These nutrients are essential for our health and reduce the risks of many diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases.
• Citrus fruit: (Oranges, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon and lime) They’re excellent for its vitamin C immune-boosting system.
• Vegetables: (Broccoli, Garlic, Spinach, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, potatoes etc.) They have high sources of vitamin C. Each one of them have a high potent of antioxident. They also have tons of benefits on the skin health and the immune system.
• Almond nuts: The benefits of it is they have a massive amount of nutrients. It’s loaded with a lot of antioxidants. They’re high in vitamin E. It also contains healthy fats, fiber, protein and magnesium.
• Yogurt: Contains many good nutrients, including protein, calcium and vitamins B12 and B2. It’s a great source of probiotics, they’re good bacteria which helps promote a healthy gut and immune system. I would definitely recommend plain yogurt (Greek yogurt, natural yogurt, etc). Recent studies have shown probiotics to be effective for fighting the common cold and influenza-like respiratory infections.
• Echinacea (3×20 drops daily): The plant occurs naturally in North America. It was therefore the North American Indians who discovered the medicinal properties of the plant. They used the herb to treat all kinds of wounds such as snake bites and diseases. It’s one of our favorite medicine to use when we deal with colds and flu. It’s one of the most popular means to strengthening our natural resistance.

• PHYT exponent: ingredients: Ethanol, Matricaria Chamonilla, Triticum repens, Echinacea purpurea, Allium sativum, Viola tricolor (3×20 drops daily) Dietary supplement based on plant extracts. Supports the natural defense mechanism. (made in Belgium)

• Vita Boost drink: 100% natural; For the perfect immune boost; Contains vitamin C that contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage; Without added sugars

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When you start taking them, make sure to do this daily. Even after the pandemic is done, it’s better to make sure your health to stay in tackt and never take your health for granted. Especially your immune system which protects you against the disease. For the once who may have the virus but the symptoms are not showing or showing mild symptoms you may have built immunity but it’s always better to boost your immune system.

What definitely helps if you have trouble breathing is a bowl of Eucalyptus oil steam which is beneficial for cold and respiratory relief. Doing this two times (morning and night) does wonders! That’s what we have been doing a lot. I still have some trouble breathing this really helps.

I know these are the advices you’ve heard multiple of times and you’re tired of reading them… It’s not bad to keep hearing them again… since that’s what I’m dealing with at the moment. We’re all in this together. According to specialists or experts they recommend us to wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds).

If you don’t have soap, you can still use handsanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. I always take my handsanitizer with me when I or my siblings go out to do grocery shopping even though it’s not always necessary, because most marketplaces have them. But I still take it with me for a peace of mind…

For more guideline information go to this website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fprevention.html

Trust me I know it’s difficult and stressful to do all this while we’re dealing with a virus by protecting ourself and others by daily disinfecting surfaces, deepcleaning all areas that are dirty and cleaning yourself… It’s very exhausting, but this is the only way to prevent the virus to spread even more. Especially when you have a big household. It requires collaboration from others which is not always simple to do. I know there are times we tend to forget to do those important stuff daily. It really drains you out when there are a lot of housecores and working for school you’re feeling sick yourself and you need more rest yourself and self-isolating…

But don’t worry guys, I’m slowly feeling better. We have been staying at home for more than three weeks. It’s quite challenging but we’re going to get through this.

I have also been trying to stay active, working on my thesis, reading a book and trying to stay out of media, doing some meditation to allow myself have some peace of mind. I have also started writing down poems which help me sort out my feelings and thoughts on this crisis. For the ones who didn’t read this I hope you may like my poem (down below). Unfortunately I can’t do any workouts because I’m still dealing with a fever, I need time to rest before I can start my normal routine again. It’s very important keep your body active to help boost your immune system.

Please stay safe and hygienic. Follow the rules and the guidelines, that way we can resume our daily lives again as soon as possible… it’s not going to be the same anymore but the lessons we have learned from this crisis will definitely have a positive impact on us.

Cheers ❤

Ps. With sad news I would like to announce that my grandfather passed away on Monday not really due to the virus itself but the virus made him weaker and died of cardiac attack… He remains in our hearts and memories for the rest of our lives. It’s a very difficult time but we’re going to get through this together and it’s not going to stop me from blogging ❤

Bibliography

• How to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fprevention.html
• Vluchtelingenwerk. (2020, maart 17). Regering sluit de Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken, sommige Daklozencentra doen deuren dicht > Kinderen op straat. Opgehaald van Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen: https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.be/nieuws/regering-sluit-dienst-vreemdelingenzaken-sommige-daklozencentra-doen-deuren-dicht-ook