Good day, WA community members. I trust you are coping well at this time that the world is going through this difficult time due to coronavirus pandemic. Many countries like South Africa where I live are experiencing a national lock down, only allowing essential services. As we keep the recommendations to prevent infection and the spread of the communicable disease (COVID-19), let us also be sure not to increase our risk for non-communicable diseases (hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis etc). This is more important for those of us who stay and work from home at this time. The following tips are advisable:

1. Maintain reasonable physical activity; at least 5000 steps daily. You can achieve this in many ways. The following are just a few of the activities you can engage with at home.

• Do on-the-spot jogging for 10 minutes in the morning and evening + intermittent walk around your home between your chores.
• If you have stairs in your residence. Do as many rounds as you can endure + intermittent walk around your home between your chores.
• If you have the facilities, engage in activities such as table tennis, throw and fetch the ball, rope skipping, dancing, gardening, swimming etc.

2. Maintain healthy eating

• Ensure your food is varied as much as possible for your body to get the daily nutrient requirement.
• Accompany all your meals with at least a portion of vegetables.
• Have 1 or 2 fruits daily.
• Ensure adequate intake of water (6 to 8 glasses) daily.

3. Be sure to get outdoor daily in the morning to have sunlight which is necessary for vitamin D synthesis.

Please feel free to share how you have been coping at this time for the benefit of others.

Keep well, stay safe and healthy.

Debbie.