Health Hacks for the Coronavirus

These are strange times. As I write this, the U.S. is declaring the Coronavirus a national emergency. For the first time in history, a global pandemic has given cause for us to close our schools and cancel public events. 

Many families are hunkering down at home, but anyone who has lived through school breaks with young children knows that it can be... a lot. Venturing out, especially on these unseasonably warm days, is exhilarating. Playgrounds are germy but nature walks? Heaven. If it's freezing out, go to an indoor pool. The chlorinated water blasts every germ into smithereens. Exercise is a great boost for your immune system, and in times like these, every bit helps. 

Ladles and Linens is here to help with cabin fever. We are open and doing best practices with hygiene. We're stocked with immune-boosting teas to keep you ahead of the curve. If you'd rather not venture out, we can ship, hold merchandise and even deliver curbside. We value our customers, who continue to support small business and buy local. 

Speaking of buying local, I went from store to store and there was no hand sanitizer to be found. But no worries. If you have an aloe vera plant, or a bottle of aloe in your first aid kit (sunburns), you can mix it with rubbing alcohol and voila! You have hand sanitizer.  Vinegar is a great cleanser, but not strong enough to kill the germs on your counter. Neither is vodka, regardless of what you've heard. In that case, it's best to scrub with good old-fashioned soap and water. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide kill the germs, but be mindful that they can be too harsh for certain surfaces. 

The good news is that Covid-19 is one of the easiest types of viruses to kill, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It has an envelope around it that allows it to merge with other cells to infect them. You can disrupt that coating with the simple act of scrubbing your hands with soap and water. 

In addition to keeping clean and social distancing, keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Stay hydrated, keep exercising and make sure you are getting enough sleep. Almonds, papayas, broccoli and garlic are powerful immune system boosters. You're spending a lot more time at home, so take a few minutes to research recipes that incorporate these foods and create new family memories in...where else? The kitchen! And if you need help, Ladles and Linens is here. Stay safe!