In August, we are normally preparing our children for school. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many adults may also be getting ready for a return to work in person for the first time since March. Be it in a school building, office complex or other place of employment, theres a lot to think about to ensure that the first day back gets off to a good start.
With countless changes and new safety protocols, we have come up with several rules of thumb to consider:
Dont go back if you pose a risk.
This is an easy one. If you or your children have COVID-19 symptoms, or have come into contact with someone who has symptoms, continue to isolate or quarantine pending the results of a test. We all have a responsibility to our community to stay put if we pose a risk to others.
Waiting for the right time to return to regular activities is crucial. Follow Massachusetts guidelines and be sure to self-quarantine for 14 days after exposure and self-isolate for at least seven days if you tested positive and have mild symptoms that are improving.
Be prepared to not go back.
Mentally and physically we need to be prepared to not return to our offices or for our children to not go back to the schoolhouse. It will be important to stay informed and make note of your communitys policies and guidelines coming from the Commonwealth.
Stock up on supplies.
As folks return to work and school, there will be plenty of bathroom tissue on supermarket shelves, but youll need to invest in hand sanitizer, sanitary wipes and face masks. While your employer and schools should have plenty, its best to be safe and stock up on medical-grade hand sanitizer that is at least 65 percent alcohol and wash your hands with soap and water frequently. It will also be wise to have enough masks for the school and workweek so you have a fresh, clean mask each day.
You should also consider other available supplies that can help support your immune system. For example, there are many versatile supplements like zinc, elderberry and vitamin C that each support immune health and can help your body fight the coronavirus.
Be mindful of stressors.
While we discussed managing your stress during the pandemic in a recent Over the Counter column and its benefits for your health and immune system, it will be important to take note of your familys behavioral health as well. Be mindful of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions signs of anxiety and depression in your children, like fear toward people or places and altered eating patterns, and facilitate an open dialogue with your entire family to gauge how they are feeling as things return to normal. If you or a loved one are feeling depressed, seek guidance from a behavioral health clinician.
Pack a healthy lunch.
Once youre back on the job, dont rush to your favorite lunch counter too quickly for two reasons: to avoid unnecessary contact and to eat healthily. Limiting your trips to busy lunch-hour destinations will help ensure youre not coming into contact with COVID-19. It will also be an opportunity to continue the healthy eating habits that we recommended in an Over the Counter column earlier this summer, including consuming a nutrient-rich diet that can boost your immune system.
The same goes for your children. Schools have done a great job creating balanced and healthy meal options that millions of youths rely on, but packing a lunch box with some extra healthy snacks or lunch alternatives are the best way to make sure your children are getting the nutrients they need.
Dont forget to exercise and sleep well.
Just because youre headed back to work doesnt mean you should curtail your home workout routine. Theres a good reason why children have recess and gym class. Try to continue those push-ups, crunches and virtual yoga sessions at home before or after work, or in the office on your break. Some virtual yoga sessions can be done with a chair in as little time as 15 minutes.
At the very least, continue to get outside every day. Take a 15-minute walk during the workday, or carve out some time before or after work to get out and soak up some of the suns vitamin D.
We likely dont have to remind you of the importance of sleep on your immune system or your childrens development. But if you are having trouble getting to bed earlier since youre waking up earlier to get your kids ready and to commute, consider natural sleep remedies like magnesium, melatonin and lavender oil.
Things will certainly be different, but by practicing common sense and working to ensure the health and safety of you and your family, youll be better prepared to navigate the new normal.
Gary Kracoff has a degree in naturopathic medicine and is a registered pharmacist and John Walczyk is a compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham, Mass. For more information, visit http://www.naturalcompounder.com. Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email gary@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.
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Over the Counter: Getting ready for back to school and work - MetroWest Daily News
