Regardless of how you may feel about Covid19 and its effects on American life, it's important that you take the risk seriously. Making adjustments to our daily lives is essential for keeping us all safe and healthy. Most of these tips are ideal to consider incorporating into our regular lives as they add to our overall health and wellness regardless of whether or not we are experiencing a global pandemic. Proper hygiene, good eating practices and common courtesy are always a welcomed addition to daily life.

Tip #1 - Wash Your Hands

This tip seems silly to even have to mention, considering most reading this are adults. However, studies have shown that many adults do not wash their hands after key "dirty" activities. This can lead to spreading germs, viruses and bacteria that can cause harm to ourselves and others. It's also important to teach the younger generation, and stay on top of reminding them, how important hand-washing is for the prevention of spreading Covid19. Consider the following "top times" to wash your hands:

• After using the bathroom (make sure not to touch the door on the way out; use a tissue to grab the door handle if you have to, then discard the tissue.)

• After coughing or sneezing

• After touching your face, nose, mouth or eating

• After touching door handles or other public touch points

• Upon entry into your home

• Prior to leaving your home

• Prior to cooking

• After engaging in physical contact with others

Tip #2 - Eat Vitamin-Rich Foods

While this tip is important year-round, it is even more essential while a potentially harmful virus is circulating within the community. When viruses enter our bodies, they begin to reproduce immediately, devouring healthy cells in the process. If our bodies are full of vitamins and minerals, then our bodies have the necessary ingredients to begin to fight off the virus like a group of ninja's. If our bodies are not strong and healthy, then the virus can begin to overwhelm the cells in our bodies, creating system-wide havoc. Eating vitamin-rich foods ensures that your body has what it needs to beat almost anything that comes its way!

Tip #3 - Support Your Immune System

While this tip goes hand-in-hand with tip #2, there is a bit more to the story. Certain herbs, foods and supplements can specifically enhance your immune system in ways that support a healthy diet. Vitamin C supplements, for example, have been recommended to boost your immune function, especially while Covid19 is such a high risk. Herbs like echinacea and elderberry have been shown to improve immune function when taken regularly during cold and flu season. Foods such as garlic, onion and thyme have also been shown to have anti-viral properties and are recommended to incorporate into your diet during this challenging time.

Tip #4 - Stay Home If You Feel Sick

Even if you just feel a little "under the weather", STAY HOME! Viruses spread from infected person to infected person. It is understandable to go out in public when you don't know if you are infected, but it's simply irresponsible to risk exposing other people if you already feel symptoms. Many people who you are likely to come into contact with in public spaces have immune systems that are compromised. To prevent infecting them or anyone else, quarantine yourself until you no longer feel any symptoms. Ask friends and family to run your errands or grab your groceries if need be, and leave them outside your front door to eliminate any contact with the outside world. Then grab them, wash your hands and get back to bed!

Tip #5 - Keep Your Distance and Wear a Mask

As recommended by the CDC and WHO, be consistent with wearing a mask and keeping your distance from others. Masks help prevent your respiratory "spray" from entering the air, possibly infecting others if you are a carrier of the virus. Distance reduces the possibility for physical contact, thus preventing the spread of the virus from mutual surfaces.

Following these tips will not only help you stay safe during this pandemic, but also improve your overall health and well-being by practicing good hygiene, healthy eating and common courtesy.

At Cedarwood Housing Cooperative, we are practicing all recommended guidelines for ensuring the safety of our members and staff. We are consistently sanitizing surfaces, practicing social distancing, properly hand-washing and wearing protective gear when entering members' homes during maintenance. We take your safety and health seriously and only wish the best for you. Please be careful and safe!