Posted in corona virus, health

Cost of Covid19 on Business Establishments

Posted on by mitch.e

Business Resiliency is being tested in the most extreme ways. The impact of this pandemic particularly here in the Philippines is so great that it continues to pull down the economy and left many unemployed.

For the first time in 22 years, the Philippine economy slowed down and contracted 0.6% in Gross Domestic Product.

Listed below is the added operational expense on every establishment following mandatory requirements to flatten the curve of Corona Virus. Figures are inconsistent and depends on each store.

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  • Hand Sanitizer / Alcohol – P520 per gallon. Consuming 2 gallons per week = P1040

  • UV lamp / Air Sanitizer – P3000 minimum market value

  • Basic Face Mask & Face Shield – P170/set. Multiply to the number of employees e.g x 10 = 1700

  • Disinfectant / bleach – P 450/gallon. Using almost 3 in a week = P1350

  • Shuttle/Delivery Service

  • Lodging for Employees

  • Non-Contact Thermometer – P1200

  • Test Kits

Operational cost of P8290 which does not include the variable expenses of shuttle, board and lodging, test kits, rental, manpower expense like hazard pay, and so on.

Weekly basis may reach upto P5000 and an average of P20,000 per month. That brings the operational cost to P80,000 since March.

This article is not to discourage start-up entrepreneurs rather help by giving a glimpse on what to expect on surviving a pandemic.

Entrepreneurship is about survival, which nurtures creative thinking. Business is not financial science, it’s about trading – buying and selling. – Anita Roddick (UK entrepreneur)

 

 

References:

cnn.philippines

pttc.gov.ph

Posted in corona virus, covid 19, health

ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ – Simplified

Posted on by mitch.e

Confused about these quarantine levels? You’re not alone!

Here’s an easy-to-understand chart to compare the four levels.

 

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TERMS

  • ECQ – Enhanced Community Quarantine

  • MECQ – Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine

  • GCQ – General Community Quarantine

  • MGCQ – Modified General Community Quarantine

More to remember;

ECQ is the highest level so it means it has the most strict regulations. No movement regardless of age and health status. While in MECQ and GCQ, there’s limited movement within the containment area or buffer zone you are located and in obtaining essential needs.

Essential workers (doctors, nurses, grocery personnel, etc.) are allowed to go out. Non-essential workers will only be allowed to go out of their homes if they have to purchase groceries and other necessities.

In MGCQ, the period is a transition or preparation for the “New Normal”. Socio-economic activities are permitted with certain Health guidelines.

Still puzzled? Just remember the two main categories – ECQ and GCQ. All these levels are focused to help flatten the curve of the pandemic. Following above guidelines will help us stay safe from Corona Virus and help our frontliners as they are getting overwhelmed.

For details on each, go to this website – https://covid19.healthypilipinas.ph/ 

Stay Safe!

 

 

Posted in corona virus, covid 19, health, life

Covid-19 Infographics

Posted on by mitch.e

Sharing Infographics you may use for free.

No registration needed. From reputable sources like WHO World Health Organization and CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Stay Safe!

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covid symptoms

 

Posted in corona virus, health, life

The Most Common Covid-19 Symptoms

Posted on by mitch.e

Know the symptoms of Covid-19 that range from mild to severe cases varying from one patient to another. This serves as a guide only and it is important to seek professional help if symptom worsens.

Top 3

1. Fever

2. Cough

3. Shortness of breath or Difficult Breathing

The next 6 are the new addition to common symptoms of Covid-19 or Novel Corona Virus Disease.

1. Chills or Shaking

2. Fatigue

3. Sore throat

4. Muscle Pain

5. Headache

6. Loss of taste and smell

These may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with mild symptoms should self-isolate immediately to avoid further spread of the virus.

Serious Symptoms

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Chest Pain or pressure

  • Loss of speech of movement

Above list does not include all possible symptoms.

covid symptoms

Thanks for reading.

Stay Safe!

Posted in Catholic faith, prayer

Healing Prayer by Padre Pio

Posted on by mitch.e

Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me.

I thank you for sending your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ to the world to save and to set me free.

I trust in your power and grace that sustain and restore me.

Loving Father, touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul and spirit.

Cover me with the most precious blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.

Cast anything that should not be in me.

Root out any unhealthy and abnormal cells.

Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild and replenish any damaged areas.

Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection by the power of Jesus’ precious blood.

Let the fire of your healing love pass through my entire body to heal and make new any diseased areas so that my body will function the way you created it to function.

Touch also my mind and my emotion, even the deepest recesses of my heart.

Saturate my entire being with your presence, love, joy, and peace and draw me ever closer to you every moment of my life.

And Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to do your works so that my life will bring glory and honor to your holy name.

I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Posted in corona virus, health

How to Stay Healthy during Covid19

Posted on by mitch.e

As of this writing, almost 9 million confirmed cases of Corona Virus Disease worldwide are recorded. Sadly, there’s currently no vaccine available.

Is it possible to stay healthy during Covid-19 pandemic?

yes!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent contracting it is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

It is frightening indeed but don’t fret just follow these – 5 simple steps that summed up everything you need to know:

1. Social Distancing

– also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.

To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

socialdistancing-cdc_490x350

2. Wear Mask

– this is one of the best tools to protect yourself or other people from Corona Virus.

A campaign called “Wearing is Caring” – now circulating across the globe to promote the importance and responsibility of wearing mask and other safety measures to halt or minimize the virus spread.

In a study of 94 patients from China, they found that patient with Covid-19 released the most virus at initial onset or before symptoms become apparent. And that a great proportion of transmission occurred before the first symptom appeared. Hence, wearing of face mask is being required by many local government & establishments across the globe.

3. Practice Frequent Handwashing

– during Covid-19 pandemic, keeping hands clean is especially important to help prevent the virus from spreading. It is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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What’s the best Time to Wash Your Hands?

  • Before, during, and after preparing food

  • Before eating food

  • Before and after putting or removing your mask

  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

  • Before and after treating a cut or wound

  • After using the toilet

  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

  • After handling pet food or pet treats

  • After touching garbage

 

4. Stay Home

The whole purpose of quarantine is for people to stay home and refrain from non-essential travel. There are exceptions though like essential workers, buying groceries and medicines and those who need medical care. When going out make sure to remember steps 1-3 and carry with you a bottle alcohol or sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol.

5. Improve Your Immune System

– Our Body’s Immune System is our first line of defense against any illness.

Our immune system is an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that band together to defend your body against foreign invaders – things like germs, viruses and bacteria.

There’s such a thing as “Viral Load”, also known as viral burden, viral titre or viral titer, is a numerical expression of the quantity of virus carried by an infected person. This medical term is emphasized given that thousandths of frontliners succumbed to Covid-19 and many died from it.

These frontliners are exposed to higher amounts of Corona Virus everyday. Making themselves more vulnerable on getting infected.

woman in yellow protective suit wearing white face mask
Photo by CDC

Here enters the importance of having a strong immune system. Supplements like Vitamin C, antioxidants and zinc work wonders with our immune system and help it function effectively. Enough rest and at least 7 hours of sleep is equally significant in strengthening our bodies.

With frontliners getting ill, sleep deprivation is another probable cause.

“Evidence supports the need to sleep for seven to eight hours each night and suggests that those who regularly sleep less than this are at higher risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.”

Covid-19 is fatal, and a strong immunity can guarantee a recovery. Half of the persons infected don’t develop symptoms (asymptomatic) while most patients have only mild symptoms.

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As we continue our collective battle against this dreaded Covid-19, it is important to establish a routine and shift to health-promoting behaviors.

Let us remember the simple Five Steps listed above. 

Stay home if possible and Stay Safe.

Thanks for reading.

Posted in corona virus, life

Wearing is Caring

Posted on by mitch.e

Have you heard of this campaign?

Wearing is Caring….

It makes common sense right? Wearing masks has become an emblem of this recent pandemic. The mask is now a public etiquette in the fight against this terrible disease.

Corona Virus causes the Covid-19. It is highly contagious and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives all around the world. Anyone can be a carrier as some can be asymptomatic – not showing symptoms or presymptomatic – period before the symptoms.

“feeling healthy doesn’t mean we don’t have it.”

people inside a bus wearing masks
Photo by zydeaosika on Pexels.com

How does a Mask can help prevent the spread of Corona Virus?

The small particles of Corona Virus can spread when people breathe, talk, cough or sneeze. It is said to remain suspended in the air for quite a time.

“After attending a choir practice in Washington State in early March, dozens of people were diagnosed with or developed symptoms of COVID-19 even though they had not shaken hands or stood close to one another. At least two died. After dining at an air-conditioned restaurant in China in late January, three families at neighboring tables became sickened with the virus—possibly through droplets blown through the air.” 

Some new evidence suggests that talking can be a significant mode of viral transmission. A minute of loud speech could generate more than a thousand of virus containing droplets that could hang in the air for minutes.

In most parts of Asia like Hong Kong where outbreak is kept under control, masks are worn by the majority of population. Tells us why is it a must to do so.

“Masks can play a big role in reducing the virus spread, as long as they’re worn properly” – Doctor Aaron Hamilton of Cleveland Clinic.

people-wearing-protective-face-masks-vector

It is strongly advised to wash cloth masks and should be dried on high heat or discarded for single-use face masks.  It is equally important to wash your hands after removing or handling used masks.

Masks are our extra layer of protection. And if you are overwhelmed which type to wear, maybe this article can help.

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

 

 

Posted in covid 19, health

Anti-Covid Masks, everything you need to know

Posted on by mitch.e

Wearing Face Mask has become a global trend. Its importance is being backed by professionals in the fight against Covid-19. Came across an update from South Korea with their own Kf94 mask. They made their own in response to the high demand and shortage of mask. But first, let us review the different masks in the market.

WHO – World Health Organization strongly advise the use of mask as protection against Corona Virus as it can be transmitted via close contact droplets between people. It is almost similar with airborne transmission but this virus should not be taken lightly. As of this writing, there are 3,428,422 confirmed cases and 243,831 deaths worldwide. Bringing even the most powerful countries to its knees.

 

 

Surgical/Medical Mask

Surgical masks are disposable, loose fitting masks that cover your nose, mouth and chin. Filters as much as 60-80% of small particles under lab condition. It is often flat and rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. Since it is for one time use only, a lot of people are using this now and throw on rivers and other bodies of water.

 

Homemade Cloth Mask

Affordable and reusable, anyone can make at home. Though it offers little protection especially if it has no filter inserts, it’s better than not wearing anything. The risk lies from providing a false sense of security. User of Cloth Mask should remember that it doesn’t replace other protective measures like frequent handwashing and social distancing.

 

N95

This kind of mask is more tight fitting and has oval or circular design. Can filter out 95% of very small particles like viruses and bacterias. Some types have exhalation valves which can help in breathing and humidity. Please make sure there are no gaps between your skin and edge of the mask so no particles can enter. 

photo of person wearing face mask

 

kN95

kN95 is designed in China. kN95 and N95 are almost identical on the features important in Covid-19 protection. Both masks capture 95% of tiny particles about 0.3 micron to be exact. Again, reminders on finding a good fit and comfy enough for you.

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Pitta Mask

US has N95, China has kN95, while Japan has Pitta Mask. It is sleek and incredibly popular with celebrities wearing one with matching OTDs. Claims to filter PM 2.5 or smaller particles of matter. It is made of sponge-like material. Elastic, light and comfortable to wear. 

pitta mask

 

PM2.5

As the name suggest, PM2.5 mask filters PM 2.5 or smaller particles just like Pitta Mask. PM stands for Pollutants in Micrometers. PM 2.5 is equivalent to 0.001 millimeters. Highly comfortable too, shape is similar to kN95.

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kF94

Pardon if I’m biased to this. Not because I’m a K-pop fan but I’ve grown accustomed to wearing one. South Korea solved their mask shortage by creating their own. kF94 stands for Korea Filter. This is their protection level and filters 94% of particles. It has quadruple filters and has ergonomic 3D design that allows breathing space for nose and mouth. 

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Sponge Mask

A dupe for Pitta mask, it is breathable and comfortable. Great for those allergic to synthetic fibers of Surgical/medical mask (like me) since it’s skin-friendly. Washable and reusable, too! A good alternative to cloth or surgical masks.

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Antibacterial Face Masks

One particular brand – BioMask – is a revolutionary face mask that inactivates 99.99% of viruses/bacteria with the surface of the mask. BioMask has a hydrophilic plastic coating that rapidly absorbs aerosol droplets away from the outer surface of the mask. The first and second layers of the mask are treated with different compounds that inactivate viruses. Some types use Carbon for their antibacterial property. Taiwan made one under the brand – Blue Eagle. 

 

So there you go, summed up all masks in the market. Wear mask when going out. That’s because studies show that people can spread coronavirus even if they don’t have symptoms (called asymptomatic) or before they have symptoms (called presymptomatic).

Please do remember that wearing mask is just one way to protect yourself. It is equally important to practice social distancing and frequent handwashing. 

Stay Safe everyone!

 

Posted in Family health, health

Household products that can kill Corona Virus

Posted on by mitch.e

Stores are running out of alcohol and sanitizers as supply came short while demand continues to escalate. You may worry how to disinfect your home and protect your family in the absence of these two, so read this article for some tips.

Corona Virus like any other viruses, is easy to kill. Just use the right product, follow the recommended usage and bid adios to corona!

Common household products that you can use;

Soap and water

It is the most effective among all products and can literally wash away this pesky virus. FYI, anti-bacterial soap is only effective against bacteria not viruses.

Bleach

CDC or The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one part concentrated bleach to 3 parts water – diluted solution against virus disinfection. Well known brands of bleach available in the Philippines are: Zonrox, Clorox, Ajax, Domex, etc. (I’m not being paid for this haha 😅)

Hydrogen Peroxide

According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide (3%) is a powerful disinfectant that deactivates rhinovirus. Rhinovirus is the virus that causes common cold. And is much tougher to destroy than Corona Virus. That means hydrogen peroxide is one mighty killer!

Multi-surface Cleanser Sprays

Mainly use on hard surfaces like kitchen counters, tiles, toilet. This is my go-to cleanser next to bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Just spray and wipe with clean cloth or tissue, make sure to discard the tissue after use.

There you go, wishing everyone to stay healthy and corona virus free!

Thanks for reading! 😊

Posted in health & fitness, life

Lose weight at home

Posted on by mitch.e

Here are proven tips for losing weight using reliable methods that really work:

  1. Get good sleep! A lack of sleep (less than seven to nine hours nightly for most people) can mean a lack of weight loss.
  2. Eat more fiber: Adults need to aim for at least 25–30 grams daily from things like veggies, fruit, ancient grains, sprouted legumes and seeds.
  3. Use healthy fats: Coconut oil has natural fat-burning effects just like GC does, plus many more benefits like improving gut health, too. Other healthy fats that can help control your appetite include real olive oil, avocado, fats from grass-fed beef, nuts and seeds.
  4. Utilize adaptogen herbs: Adaptogen herbs like maca, ginseng and rhodiola can help control health conditions that can make it hard to lose weight (like high amounts of stress, thyroid issues, leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, cellular toxicity and candida).
  5. Don’t skimp on protein: Protein foods are satisfying and essential for building muscles. Regularly include proteins like cage-free eggs and wild-caught fish in your meals.
  6. Consume probiotics: Probiotic foods and supplements not only help balance improve digestive health, but they also balance hormones, raise immunity, control your appetite and play a part in weight control.
  7. Switch up your exercise routine: Try burst-training exercises and other forms of high intensity interval training (HIIT) to keep challenging your muscles, work in with a group, add in weight training, and relax with yoga in between workouts.
  8. Stand up more during the day: Sitting for long periods of time is associated with being overweight and a higher risk for obesity.
  9. Sneak more fitness into your day: Take the stairs, do body weight exercises at home. or try wearing a fitness tracker for motivation — try some of these exercise hacks.
  10. Schedule your workouts ahead of time: This makes it much more likely you’ll follow through.
  11. Use essential oils for weight loss: Natural oils including grapefruit, cinnamon and ginger oil can help control your appetite, hormones and digestive symptoms.

Article: Dr.Axe