Manage Your Health during COVID-19

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It is very important to take care of your health during COVID-19! Leading a healthy lifestyle will help you and your family cope better during this uncertain time. You can do that by eating well, exercising and taking care of your mental health. Here are some tips for these three categories.


1. Healthy Eating:
Get started with a healthy meal plan.  Planning ahead can help to stretch food dollars.  You can also use your fresh foods first, then use your frozen and canned food later.  Visit http://eatsmartmd.blogspot.com/2020/04/healthy-eating-during-covid-19.html for more tips on how to eat healthy.  While your children are home with you, get them involved in food preparation, such as stirring, chopping, adding ingredients, and cleaning up.  It is also important to allow your children to help make meal choices.  Visit https://eatsmart.umd.edu/recipe/recipesearch to search for new recipes.  

Safe shopping and handling of food is also important.  Always remember to limit your trips to the grocery store or farmers market and write a shopping list before you go to save you time spent there. When preparing food at home, practice good hygiene, serving, and eating food to stay food-safe. Do not forget to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after you handle food or food packages. Wash fresh produce under running water for 20 seconds, and after food is unpacked and put away, sanitize the countertop with soap and water and let it air dry.

There are many ways you can access and eat healthy during this uncertain time. You can locate your local food bank by visiting https://mdfoodbank.org/find-food/.  For children 18 years and younger, check www.mdsummermeals.org to find a feeding site close to you.


2. Being physically active:
There are many different ways to stay physically active.  . It can be as simple as taking the family out for a walk. But sometimes when the weather is too cool or wet, you can simply put some music on and have a dance party! If you have stairs, run up and down five times with your children. Try to do more than one set.  Your children can also learn to spell using movements of their bodies check:  www.go.umd.edu/alphabet-activities for word inspiration. Another fun family activity is going on a scavenger hunt, have a family member hide five objects around your house and see how fast the rest of the family can find them.


3. Taking care of your mental health: 

It is normal to feel stressed during this time. But trying to maintain healthy habits will help you stay positive.  Other than eating healthy and exercising, try to get enough sleep and stay connected with loved ones. Social distancing does not mean being isolated. Try breathing exercises as a family. Get in touch with extended family and friends using your phone, email or social media. Also avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. For additional resources related to mental health visit Maryland's Crisis Helpline: Call 211 and press 1, text 898-211, or visit 211md.org  for information or to chat confidentially about local services and programs. For families, call Maryland Family Tree 24/7 Parenting HelpLine: 1-800-243-7337

Do not forget to visit our page often for regular updates. Remember you are the child’s role model! Lead by example and remember we are here to help your family stay healthy and safe during this time!