Every year typically has a few defining moments, but 2020 has been one for the history books.
From the way the pandemic has exposed the failures of our social system, to the #BlackLivesMatter protests that shook the world, to the plans we’ve made and had to ditch, and much more – there have been so many challenges and obstacles that life has thrown at us.
Life as we know it came to a full stop due to the coronavirus pandemic. But guess what? It’s not over yet!
God has a way of bringing diamond out of the rough and He can turn any difficult situation into a miracle. As we step into a new month and the third part of 2020, I want to encourage you to stay positive and reach for your dreams with renewed zeal. Anything is possible and God still has lots of surprises for you this year.
I wish you a great new month and the best of the rest of 2020.
The year 2020 began with a lot of expectations and dreams, but for many people across the world, it has turned out to be one of the most uncertain years ever!
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. The interesting thing about a crisis period such as this is that it gives us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. For me, I’ve had to dig deep and think creatively in order to react to a rapidly changing landscape. Business structures have been affected, travel plans have been canceled, events have been put on hold… there’s so much change to deal with.
But the pandemic should not stop us from reinventing our career and our goals. Actually, it’s the perfect time to do so.
As we begin the second half of 2020, I want to encourage us all to reinvent ourselves, our business ideas, our dreams, our capabilities. This pandemic will result in lasting societal changes. There is no going back to the pre-COVID status quo. We have a new reality, but that doesn’t mean we should dream any less or limit our expectations.
I challenge you to use this crisis to reimagine and stay on track with your dreams. We will all emerge from this season victoriously!
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, today, we are marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
There’s a lot of uncertainty and increasing demand on our healthcare systems at this time. But we must remember that women and girls have to be protected from Obstetric Fistula, a vivid sign of gender and health inequality.
This year’s theme has a clear message “End gender inequality! End health inequities! End Fistula now!” It is grave injustice that our most vulnerable women and girls suffer from this tragic childbirth injury. My message to all today is this: obstetric fistula is preventable and it must end! All mothers, regardless of social background, should have timely access to quality maternal health care services. Obstetric fistula is preventable, and it can largely be avoided by delaying the age of first pregnancy, the cessation of harmful traditional practices, and timely access to obstetric care.
It is our collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable amongst us. Let’s work together to End Fistula, now more than ever!
For many of us, the COVID-19 crisis has changed our lives
and the way we relate with people around us almost overnight.
We hear this term – social distancing – almost every day as a means of protecting ourselves from getting infected with the virus. But the truth is what we should really practice is physical distancing and not emotionally disentangling ourselves from our friends and loved ones. Yes, we’re keeping the physical distance between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still emotionally connect.
Sickness reminds us that we are all each other’s responsibility, but it can be painfully difficult to know how to enact those responsibilities when the physical distance is first and foremost among them. How do we help people when we need to limit physical contact with them? The answer is simple: Let’s focus on reducing physical contact while maintaining—to the extent possible—the social connections that help us thrive and stay healthy.
Small steps can lead to big effects.
Here are some of the ways I’ve been keeping that emotional connection with my loved ones:
Phone Calls; Video Calls; Text messages; If you live in a place where you’re allowed to go outside, meet up with friends for walks or a run. Just remember to keep about two meters (six feet) between each other and avoid shaking hands.
Not only can you emotionally connect during this period, you absolutely should! Check-in regularly on family, older parents, neighbors, friends, or relatives and let them know they are loved and valued.
Amazonians, how have you been connecting with your loved
ones emotionally during the pandemic?
With the Coronavirus sweeping across the world and infecting many at an alarming rate, one common thing people are looking into is is ways to boost their immune system.
On the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. Multiple research studies have proven the effectiveness of antioxidants to neutralise and eliminate free radicals from the bloodstream in a bid to keep your body functioning optimally. The immune system prevents countless diseases and cures infections. However, sometimes it needs a little help. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can provide that extra boost.
The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and vegetables, especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. Don’t forget whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans are awash in these potent compounds, too. In addition, consuming green tea, garlic, ginger, onions and turmeric are not only good anti-inflammatory foods, but also contain antioxidants that boost your immune system.
These foods are by no means a cure to any kind of virus infection. They make your body stronger and better able to fight diseases, so, incorporate them into your diet not just during this pandemic but always.
How do you feel about the partial lifting of lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State?
How’s it OUTSIDE?
Hey Lovelies 💕 How is it OUTSIDE? How do you all feel going out again after observing the lockdown for over a month?
What do you think about the Federal government decision as regards relaxing the lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun state amid rising cases?
Trader – Lagos state
Do you think it’s the right time to lift the lockdown?
Please share your thoughts with us in the comment box below. Meanwhile, I will advise we keep staying at home for obvious reasons. If you must go out wear a face mask. Take care of yourself for you and the people who care about you. Let’s try to maintain all the safety measures to keep staying safe.
Practical tips to get ready, without hitting the panic button.
It’s safe to say ‘CoronaVirus’ is the trending topic in the world right now. It’s been declared a pandemic. A lot of major cities in the world are enforcing shut-ins and curfews and the outbreak is forcing lives to a stand-still.
So, what does this mean, for us?
According to Nicholas Kristof of New York Times, some epidemiologist has given their best case outcome for the virus.
“The best case is that the virus mutates and actually dies out,” said Dr. Larry Brilliant, an epidemiologist who as a young doctor was part of the fight to eradicate smallpox. Brilliant was a consultant for the movie “Contagion,” in which a virus evolved to become more deadly, but that’s the exception. “Only in movies do viruses seem to become worse,” he explained.
Two other lethal coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, both petered out, and that is possible here. “My hope is that Covid-19 will not survive,” said Dr. Charles G. Prober, a professor at Stanford Medical School.
Several countries have shown that decisive action can turn the tide on Covid-19, at least for a time. China, astonishingly, on Thursday reported not a single new case of domestic transmission. While China is still vulnerable to a second wave, it has apparently shown that the virus can be squelched.
coronavirus
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
Follow the guidance outlined above by WHO.
Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.