As the storm tears you apart, you get to choose how to rebuild your life again. COVID is our storm, and while there will be no return to normalcy, there will be a new way of living.

COVID-19: Glimmer Of Hope In Dark Times  (Part-1)

It is said that a person in pitch darkness should still be optimistic and must pursue the light. It keeps us motivated to strive towards happier times. To battle, the gloom we need is a ray of hope, like sunshine on freezing wintry days or rainbow, on a rainy day. 

 

In the present scenario, which is unprecedented, people are bombarded with many kinds of pessimistic reports regarding the impact of  COVID-19  on everyone's life.

 

By now, we are all familiar with the origin of the pandemic in the Chinese province of Wuhan and its spread to the remotest part of our world. The COVID-19 epidemic, which appeared out of nowhere, has become a great obstructor in our daily lives.

 

How Coronavirus Changed the World?

As the countries struggle to find a cure for the epidemic, mother nature has already rebooted itself and is healing the scars inflicted because of the polluted environment. While complete recovery requires time and patience, yet some significant issues contributing to pollution like Global warming because of greenhouse gas emissions is actively being addressed.

 

1- Greenhouse

There are many aspects of nature promising in these difficult times, imploring us to remain positive. Some positive indicators, such as a miraculous decrease in greenhouse gas emissions across the globe, are not only impressive but much required to address the global warming crisis. 

 

To combat the COVID -19 pandemic, policymakers across the globe were compelled to limit people's movement and take drastic measures such as lockdowns or curfews.

Due to lockdown

Governments across the world are prompted to enforce lockdowns in their respective countries brought the entire vehicular movement and air traffic to a complete halt. As factories, transportation, businesses have stopped, and people are confined to houses, working remotely, the end product of these efforts is a safe, noiseless, and calm environment, the type that we all longed for but were unsuccessful.

 

Despite constant appeals by environmentalists and NGO's, nothing much was achieved on a global front to cut carbon emissions, the lockdown, however, may prove to be a hidden blessing in disguise. If civilians across the world, who have now witnessed the risks of a toxic atmosphere, can prepare their respective governments, to frame and implement environmental conservation policies after the lockdown, this period could prove to be a game-changing moment in the history of humanity.

 

According to studies, there is a 25 percent reduction in carbon emissions in China; likewise, satellite imaging around Europe has shown a significant reduction of toxic emissions of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), back home, data collected by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), part of India's Environment Ministry is pleasing. 

However, the clean environment can only be sustained if two significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, namely fossil fuel-based power plants and transportation networks, are checked. This is possible only by investing in renewable energy resources.

 

Investments

The COVID-19 pandemic could stimulate the world's investments in cleaner technologies.  

 

More investments can spur research in Solar, wind, and other renewable resources that harnesses nature to produce electricity. It can also prove to be a boon in the transportation sector to upgrade, resulting in an entire generation of electric or hybrid vehicles for public or private transportation.

 

Since transportation accounts for 23 percent of global carbon emissions, the coronavirus pandemic may be the tipping point toward discarding the existing fossil-fuel-based transportation system. This would promote private and public investments to create a safe and sustainable potential transport network. 

 

Such an endeavor is urgently required for countries like India, where vehicular pollution has become a significant health hazard in urban areas.

 

Lockdown In India 

The lockdown scenario has already shown a dramatic reduction of pollutants across different cities and towns in India, which has the notorious distinction of having 21 of the world's 30 most polluted cities.

 

The coronavirus pandemic has given countries such as India, an unprecedented chance to invest in clean energy or efficient green public and private transportation that will have long-term benefits.

 

After the environment, another social sector that needs more attention during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is healthcare.

 

 

2 - Healthcare 

Throughout the case of the COVID-19 outbreak, the healthcare system, which is the proverbial shield against any disease outbreak, has been found wanting. This time, not just the developing nations, even the developed world, has been brought to its knees. There are desperate attempts made by the European Union and the USA government to import vital medical equipment and supplies.

 

Jostling for Medical equipment

Not just qualified doctors and paramedics even the shortfall of medicines, masks, protective gear, ventilators, the scramble to gain such primary products is perpetual, and the condition is scary.

 

The desperation of the US administration became apparent when it urged the Indian government to lift the ban on hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol medicine immediately. After that, with adequate supply available for internal use, GOI has partially relaxed the export of drugs on humanitarian grounds.

 

It no denies the fact that the healthcare system across the nations is under-prepared primarily to cope with any significant health crisis that involves large volumes of people who would seek medical care because of the pandemic.

 

Rethinking  

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted people to think, we not only need more hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and qualified doctors and nursing staff but also resources for research to develop a new generation of disease-fighting drugs.

 

It is interesting to note that even when an alarming amount of resurgent and 'modern' infectious diseases are growing internationally, investments in the discovery and introduction of new antimicrobial agents by the world's major pharmaceutical companies are diminishing. 

 

One major factor being huge investments required to develop a newer range of antibiotics and the time required. 

 

Today, our total allocation of healthcare resources is just 1% of our GDP compared to 10% in the developed world and 18% in the USA. Similarly, resource allocation for research and development in India is .7% of GDP, while on defense, it stands at 2.4% of GDP. The rising death toll and the havoc caused because of COVID-19 pandemic may force the respective governments to change their spending pattern.

 

Radical changes possible 

As the pandemic eventually subsides, there is expected to be a significant overhaul in the way resource allocation is carried out globally, including India. The social sector, like healthcare, needs substantial investment to ward off crises like today.

 

The fact that the collective consciousness of the society has been jolted and may radically alter the preferences.

 

Today as the threat of COVID-19 pandemic is looming over us, it has prompted institutions to forge a coalition to innovative and produce medical equipment on a war footing.

One such initiative that deserves to be emulated is the coming together of different organizations in India.

India setting example 

Few would have envisaged a scenario where a multi patient-ventilator designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would be manufactured by automakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M), Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars India, and Maruti Suzuki India. This will not only help in overcoming the shortage of critical equipment like a ventilator, which is necessary to fight coronavirus, but is also a low cost and can be exported to developing countries.

 

It is promising to see the collaboration between Indian government laboratories and the private sector who have risen to the occasion to meet the virus's challenge.

 

Future expectation 

The future looks promising as the Indian scientists, engineers, and technicians have shown the mettle to provide solutions overnight. They have worked overtime to tackle hurdles while industries have contributed by mass-producing critical items at low-cost. 

 

The time has come for us to improve our hospital's capacity to plan for and respond to the threat of bioterrorism and natural epidemics and disasters. Countries must focus on developing protective equipment, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals instead of taking vital money aside for disruptive purposes.

 

Apart from healthcare, the education sector will also be in focus. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the education sector was negatively impacted because of lockdown.

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It is critical to understand how to use isolation to your advantage during a Covid pandemic. Eating a balanced diet and getting 30 minutes of exercise every day can help our bodies prevent, fight, and recover from ailments. While no dietary supplements can avoid or cure COVID-19 infection, healthy eating habits and regular exercise are essential for immune system support.

5 Ways To Include Exercise And A Good Diet In Your Isolation Routine 

During these testing times, when the entire world is in lockdown, it becomes imperative to remain focused and disciplined. Setting achievable targets for a day, and maintaining a positive mindset helps one to stay motivated and energetic. In our efforts to remain engaged during the Isolation period, health should be guarded jealously. Both physical and mental health must be looked after during isolation. To remain fit, exercise and proper diet should be included in your isolation routine.

Exercise Routine At Home

According to health experts, there are different ways to exercise in your isolation routine while remaining indoors. If followed rigorously, they can help you to maintain your health. Let us discuss some of these good practices in detail.

 

Yoga - Yoga is an elixir for humans, that keeps mental and physical health in perfect shape. During these challenging times, anxiety pervades our minds affecting our physical health too. Under such circumstances, yoga comes to your rescue. Yoga can be practised in limited areas within our homes with ease.

 

If one isn’t familiar with yoga postures, plenty of certified yoga instructors on youtube or other social media platforms can help you in performing and perfecting the yoga postures. 

 

The health benefits of yoga are universally acknowledged and are best suited for your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being during the isolation period. It is a cost-effective, simple and highly efficient way to rope in your isolation routine and remain healthy.

Light exercises - Another method to maintain fitness is to follow an exercise regimen at home. An individual can include light exercises in his morning routine or can do simple tasks in patches throughout the day.

 

Skipping rope is a great cardio exercise and increases muscle strength. Skipping of cable can be carried out according to comfort for any length of time. Apart from the flexible time limit, it can be practised at any period of the day.

 

Alternatively, if one has a treadmill at home, that is a great way to exercise and maintain fitness with ease. Otherwise, push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, or weight exercise using household items as weights can also come in handy.

 

These are light exercises that can be conveniently practised at home to achieve fitness goals and are especially recommended for fitness enthusiasts.

Climbing Stairs - Due to lockdown going to the gym isn't possible anymore; however, one way to remain healthy is to climb the stairs of your house or building in which you live. Climbing stairs is an ideal workout to increase stamina and is an easy way to include in an isolation routine. However, one should refrain from touching the railing of the stairs. Stair workout is trendy among athletes and is an ideal workout during isolation. There are plenty of videos in social media where famous athletes have resorted to this exercise to be in shape.

Dancing or Zumba - Isolation can make anyone lazy and non-productive. It is, therefore, necessary to self motivate oneself in different ways. If one gets tired of following the same exercise routine every day, then he can choose dancing as a means to exercise. It is a fun way to lose weight and increase agility.

 

There are different dance forms such as Zumba, Latin dance, aerobic dance, or Bollywood style of dancing that are ideal ways to relieve stress besides keeping you in shape.

 

Dancing boosts metabolism, strengthens body muscles and keeps you happy. Dancing is a complete body workout and can be easily performed at home. It is a simple and entertaining way to include in your isolation routine. So, happy hours coupled with fitness is a recommended recipe during the lockdown. 

Gardening or Cleaning Home - Not many people realize the fitness benefit of cleaning home by themselves daily. It is an easy and cost-effective exercise to remain healthy. Performing simple tasks like sweeping or mopping the floor or cleaning windows, cleaning your vehicle burn extra fat and relieve your stress.

 

Similarly, gardening makes you squat, tone your abdomen and pressure applied on thighs, arms, strengthen them. These are simple ways to include in your isolation routine and can work wonders on your mental and physical well-being.

Steroids for fitness 

While remaining indoors, some people who were into the body-building routine may not get the opportunity to visit gyms. Such individuals may be tempted to take Human grade steroids to boost their energy level.

 

The human-grade steroids are of different types and if taken without medical prescription may end up damaging vital body organs. A person can also become addicted and face severe health emergencies. It is advisable to take a properly nutritious diet followed by exercises to build muscles and avoid steroids as they are incredibly harmful.  

Food For Your Health

Food for boosting health 

Embracing exercise routine during self-isolation keeps your body and mind focussed and energized. However, exercises are not sufficient to keep you healthy. It would be best if you eat a healthy diet regularly to boost your immune system. Isolation is a perfect excuse to dwell on satisfying your taste buds with healthy foods.

 

It is essential to take a diet which is rich in protein, fibre and minerals to tide over the crisis time with comfort. It would be best if you take small meals at regular intervals of time. A critical aspect of a healthy diet is to plan and ensure that you have all the required ingredients. However, processed food should be avoided, and more fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet.

 

Apart from a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, it is equally important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. You should drink lukewarm water or fresh fruit juice frequently, especially after exercising as one loses water by sweating.

Conclusion 

During the self-isolation period, one is likely to feel lost and wasted. It is the right time to see the brighter side of life and be self-motivated. Home workouts are essential to keep yourself free of any physical or mental problems. Similarly, plenty of rest, spending time with friends and family and munching a balanced diet at regular intervals keeps your immunity healthy. Keeping positive thoughts also helps in relieving stress, and maintaining a hearty lifestyle, a vital necessity during the isolation period.

Maharashtra Demands More Ventilators Amid Covid -19 Pandemic

Maharashtra Demands 2000 Ventilator From Center 

As of April 22, Maharashtra has the maximum number of COVID-19 patients and highest mortality rate in the country.

With the rising number of Covid-19 patients across the state, the Maharashtra government has asked the Center to step in and provide 2000 more ventilators. The concern being doubling of cases rapidly and virus entering new territories across the state. The state medical authorities are actively preparing to contain the crisis.

Lockdown Extension  

The first phase of the lockdown helped in no community transformation of the virus. Within Maharashtra, 90% of the cases have been registered from Mumbai, Pune and Metropolitan region around Mumbai, while the rest of the state accounts for 10% cases.

However, due to the exponential spike in new cases, the Maharashtra government has extended the lockdown till April 30.

How to contain pandemic?

The state government has now devised a new strategy to combat the pandemic. The measures include fever clinics to monitor potential carriers of the virus, a substantial increase in testing, door to door survey, drone surveillance in crowded areas, stringent enforcement of social distancing norms and containment zones to stop the transmission of the virus.

Health Care 

The Maharashtra state health department has designated 120 hospitals with approximately 4000 ICU beds for critical COVID -19 patients. Vacant residential complexes, schools, guest houses, hotels, etc. are converted into health care centres for providing medical aid to quarantine patients with mild symptoms of COVID -19.

Objective 

The key goal is to stop the transmission by curing the patients and slow down the disease spread, thereby flattening the curve.

The government has estimated the requirements and is stockpiling the medical essentials like medicines, oxygen cylinders and hence the demand to supply 2000 ventilators from central government.