World Health Day 2020

Just like World Health Day 2019 theme ‘Universal Health Coverage: everyone, everywhere’ this year also has a theme. This year’s World Health Day theme has been dedicated to the doctors and nurses who are fighting on the COVID19 front lines as the novel coronavirus continues to spread globally. These healthcare professionals are the real heroes shielding us from the threatening pandemic. To mark this day and to recognise the efforts of all those who have taken it upon their shoulders to fight this pandemic, we have compiled a list of quotes, slogans, and messages.

• Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
•  Eat healthy, think healthy, live healthy, life is all about a good state of mind in a happy space.
•  Health is more important than anything else in the world, without health there is no other wealth.
•  Your lifestyle decides your choice of health. Never compromise good health for anything in this world.
•  Everything under the sun can be accomplished by a hale and hearty soul. Health creates opportunities for well being and prosperity.

Following are World Health Day quotes that tell you the importance of staying fit

1. Health is a blessing in one’s life that only the sick person can see.
2. Your body follows what your mind says. Seek good health.
3. A healthy outside starts from the inside.
4. He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.
5. In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties.
6. Life is not merely being alive, but being well.
7. If you want good health, you have to take that first step. You cannot sit and wait for it to arrive.
8. Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.
9. A healthy body is a guest-chamber for the soul; a sick body is a prison.
10. I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.

Quotes for Health Professionals – 

1. Healthcare professionals make a living by what they give, but they make a life by what they give.
2. In nothing do men more nearly approach the gods than in giving health to men.
3. It’s to the nurses and the doctors that we owe our sleeps right now.
4. They fight for our existence as we sit in quarantine and complain of boredom.
5. And when we make past this all, may we never forget the sacrifices that our healthcare heroes made for us.
6. They are out at work so that you can be at home in good health.
7. Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.
8. When love and skills work together, expect a masterpiece. That’s what the healthcare professionals aim for, every single day.
9. They save lives. They comfort the sick. You can’t expect that to be easy.
10. From now on, never should we dare to forget the sacrifices that healthcare professionals make with the single motive to serve humanity.

Quotes on importance of focusing on one’s health – 

1. Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.
2. To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise, we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and clear
3. Life is not merely being alive, but being well.
4. Keep your vitality. A life without health is like a river without water.
5. The human body is the best picture of the human soul.
6. Give a man health and a course to steer, and he’ll never stop to trouble about whether he’s happy or not.
7. Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos – the trees, the clouds, everything.
8. The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness.
9. Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and spirit as well; …and not today’s pain or pleasure alone, but the whole being and outlook of a man.
10. Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of year.

Slogans for Healthy Day – 

1. Life without health is like hell!
2. Be at ease without disease
3.  If health is lost, everything is lost
4. You are what you eat from your head down to your feet
5. Prevention is better than cure!
6. The groundwork of all happiness is health
7. Stay at home for the health of those you care about
8. When you’ve got your health, you got everything
9. Never has staying healthy been so easy: stay at home!
10. Healthcare is a right
11. Eat right, Stay fit and live bright
12. Your health is your key to prosperity
13. Aim for good health and holistic living
14. Sound health, abundant wealth
15. Prioritize health, not wealth

Healthy day messages for Health care Professionals – 

Before everything else, it is the healthcare professionals across the world who deserve a big applause in the current pandemic for holding the fort for us. To appreciate their zealous efforts and dedicated efforts, here are world health day messages that you can send to all our heroes:

1. Nurses may not be angels, but they are the next best thing.
2. Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.
3. A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.
4. Nurses are I.V. Leagues.
5. Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.
6. In our job, you will never go home at the end of the day thinking that you haven’t done something valuable and important.
7. Being a doctor offers the most complete and constant union of those three qualities which have the greatest charm for pure and active minds – novelty, utility, and charity.
8. Observation, Reason, Human Understanding, Courage; these make the physician.
9. People pay the healthcare professionals for their trouble; for their kindness, they still remain in his debt.
10. Not all superheroes wear capes.

Health day messages for Layman – 

1. Sickness is the vengeance of nature for the violation of her laws.
2. The crucial letters in wellness are we. Take care of you and your family this World Health Day!
3. When you are young and healthy, a pandemic might not look like that much of a scare. However, by putting yourself at risk, you are also putting your family at risk. Pledge to be more responsible this World Health Day.
4. They are going out to work so that you can stay safe at home. This World Health Day, respect the sacrifices that healthcare professionals make and stay at home.
5. You have been provided with the rare opportunity to stay at home and save lives. Don’t mess this up.
6. This World Health Day, let us all take a minute and pray for the well-being of those at the forefront of this health crisis.
7. It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. Practice social-distancing and take care of your and your family’s health this World Health Day.
8. The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for other kinds of happiness. Stay safe, stay healthy.
9. A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Happy World Health Day!
10.  Health is a blessing in one’s life that only the sick person can see. Learn from others’ mistakes, stay home, stay safe.

World Health Day Quotes –

• Life is no merely being alive but being well.
• It is health that is real wealth and not coins of Gold and Silver.
• He who has health has hope and he who has hope has everything.
• Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.
• A healthy body is a guest chamber for the soul; a sick body is a prison.
• Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that very important for good health.
• Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.
• When love and skills work together, expect a masterpiece. That’s what the healthcare professionals aim for, every single day.
• To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom and keep our mind strong and clear.

Cases of Covid-19 first emerged in late 2019, when a mysterious illness was reported in Wuhan, China. The cause of the disease was soon confirmed as a new kind of corona virus, and the infection has since spread to almost all countries around the world and become a pandemic.

On 11 February the World Health Organization announced that the official name would be COVID19, a shortened version of corona virus disease 2019. The WHO refers to the specific virus that causes this disease as the COVID19 virus.

The WHO’s definition of a confirmed case of COVID19 is a person shown by laboratory testing to be infected with the virus, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms include a fever, dry cough and tiredness, and in mild cases people may get just a runny nose or a sore throat. In the most severe cases, people with the virus can develop difficulty in breathing, and may ultimately experience organ failure. Some cases are fatal.

The virus can also be asymptomatic, causing no noticeable illness in some people – but these people are still contagious and can spread the virus. COVID19 is a respiratory illness and is largely spread via droplets in the air. These are typically expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These can be difficult times for all of us as we hear about spread of COVID-19 from all over the world, through television, social media, newspapers, family and friends and other sources. The most common emotion faced by all is Fear. It makes us anxious, panicky and can even possibly make us think, say or do things that we might not consider appropriate under normal circumstances.

Over a period of time COVID19 has been increasing all over day by day so all of us should know everything about COVID19. As on today there is no definite medical solution available so no one knows how long it will take to eradicate completely.  In such times following points will give you complete knowledge in terms of communication, prevention, treatment and many such related issues.

How to communicate with COVID19 suspected or confirmed cases – 

• Be respectful, Polite and Empathetic and use local language
• Be aware that the suspected and confirmed cases, and any visitors accompanying them, may be stressed or afraid
• The most important thing you can do is listen carefully to the questions and concerns
• Answer any questions and provide correct information about COVID19
• You may not have an answer for every question : since a lot is still unknown about  COVID19 and its fine to admit that
• If available, share information pamphlets or handouts with your patients
• Its okay to touch, or comfort suspected or confirmed patients when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Gather accurate information from the patient:  their name, address, phone no., date of birth, travel history, list of symptoms etc
• Explain the heathcare facility’s procedure for COVID19, such as isolation, and limited visitors, and the next steps
• If a person has symptoms provide him/her a mask and guide on wearing and safe disposal of mask
• If the patient is a child, the accompanied family member/guardian should be provided and informed on the appropriate use of PPE
• Provide updates to visitors and family when possible

Prevention – There’s currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID19).

You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

Do
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell
• Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

Don’t
• Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean

Treatment – There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat corona virus disease (COVID-19). People may need supportive care to help them breathe.

Self Care – If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you:
• rest and sleep
• keep warm
• drink plenty of liquids
• use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough

Minding our minds during the COVID19

Understanding the importance of Lockdown

Lockdown is meant to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, to protect ourselves and others. This means, not stepping out of the house except for buying necessities, reducing the number of trips outside, and ideally only a single, healthy family member making the trips when absolutely necessary. If there is anyone in the house who is very sick and may need to get medical help, you must be aware of the health facility nearest to you.

Handling Social isolation

 Staying at home can be quite nice for some time, but can also be boring and restricting.

Here are some ways to keep positive and cheerful.

1. Be busy. Have a regular schedule. Help in doing some of the work at home.
2. Distract yourself from negative emotions by listening to music, reading, watching an entertaining programme on television. If you had old hobbies like painting, gardening or stitching, go back to them. Rediscover your hobbies.
3. Eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
4. Be physically active. Do simple indoor exercises that will keep you fit and feeling fit.
5. Sharing is caring. Understand if someone around you needs advice, food or other essentials. Be willing to share.
6. Elderly people may feel confused, lost and need help. Offer them help by getting them what they need, their medicines, daily needs etc.,
7. If you have children at home, keep them busy by allowing them to help in the household chores – make them feel responsible and acquire new skills.

Focus on facts, reject rumors and theories

Knowledge is power; the more you know about a certain issue, the less fearful you may feel. Make sure to access and believe only the most reliable sources of information for self-protection.

6. Do not follow sensational news or social media posts which may impact your mental state. Do not spread or share any unverified news or information for self-protection
7. Do not keep discussing all the time about who got sick and how. Instead learn about who got well and recovered
8. Stick to the known advice- hand hygiene and keeping a physical distance from others. It is being careful about yourself, and also about care of others
9. A common cold is not Corona infection. The symptoms of Corona have been well described. Follow etiquette of sneezing, coughing, avoiding spitting in public places etc.
10. In most people, the Corona infection causes mild symptoms and the person only needs to follow social distancing till he/she stops being inefective, usually 2 weeks. Mild infection does not require a person to be admitted in hospital. Only people who have breathing difficulties need to be in hospital. Most people recover

Handling emotional problems  

1. At times of anxiety, practice breathing slowly for a few minutes. Try and distance the thoughts that are making you anxious. Think of something calm and serene, and slow down your mind helps
2. When feeling angry and irritated, calming your mind, counting back from 10 to 1, distracting yourself
3. Even when feeling afraid, deal with it by asking yourself:
   1. What is under my control?
   2. Am I unnecessarily worrying about the worst thing that can happen?
   3. When I have been stressed in the past, how have I managed?
   4. What are the things I can do to help myself and be positive?
4. Feeling lonely or sad is also quite common. Stay connected with others. Communication can help you to connect with family and friends. Call up people whom you haven’t spoken to and surprise them. Discuss happy events, common interests, exchange cooking tips, share music
5. If any of these emotions persist continuously for several days, despite your trying to get out of it, talk about it with someone. If the feelings worsen, a person may feel helpless, hopeless and feel that life is not worth living. If that happens, call at helpline number  for advice from a mental health professional or contact your doctor / mental health

What is NOT advisable  

1. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Use of tobacco or alcohol or other drugs to cope with emotions or boredom can worsen physical, mental health and reduce immunity. People who already have a substance use problem may require professional help, especially when they feel low in mood or
2. Do not shun or judge people with a CoVid infection. While you need to maintain a physical distance and keep yourself safe to prevent such infection, remember they need care and concern. If you know someone who might have the infection, tell them about precautions, and how to get medical assistance, if required.
3. If you happen to get infected with Corona, remember most people get better. Do not panic. Practice self-isolation and take medications that are advised.

Emotional issues after recovery  

1. While it is wonderful to recover from COVID19 infection, you may actually face stress after you have recovered and wish to get back into the community. You may have fear about your loved ones falling ill.
2. People who do not understand the illness well may actually keep you at a distance, which is also very stressful and isolating.
3. You may experience feelings of guilt that you were not able to work or care for others. This may lead to feelings of depression, helplessness or frustration.

3. Use the ways mentioned earlier to deal with these feelings. Share your positive story that it is possible to recover from COVID19

Recognise mental health problems in your near and dear ones  

Just as you can recognise your own mental health problems, be sensitive to such problems in your near and dear ones, which may include:

1. Changes in sleep patterns
2. Difficulty in sleeping and concentrating
3. Worsening of health problems
4. Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs

Be supportive to them. If the problems persist, please contact the helpline or contact your doctor or a mental health professional.

Persons with mental illness  

Persons who had previous mental illness may face newer challenges during self- isolation or Covid19 infection:

1. They would also have the same fears and stress as others which may worsen their previous mental health condition
2. Social isolation may make them more withdrawn, moody and irritable
3. They may not seek/ get easy access to medicines and counselling

Help and support is vital for persons with mental illness from their families and other care givers. Health helplines can provide support, in addition to regular taking of prescribed medication, a regular daily routine, keeping engaged and positive.

Remember, good mental status in the difficult times may win you the battle more easily!

Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent COVID-19.

You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.  Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees does not prevent COVID19.

You can recover from the coronavirus disease (COVID19). Catching the new coronavirus DOES NOT mean you will have it for life.

Most of the people who catch COVID19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call your health facility by telephone first. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from COVID19 or any other lung disease.

The most common symptoms of COVID19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. Some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have  the virus producing COVID19 disease is with a laboratory test.  You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.

Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID19 and can be dangerous

Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems.

COVID19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates

From the evidence so far, the COVID19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Cold weather and snow cannot kill COVID19.

There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill COVID19 or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against COVID19 is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.

How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with COVID19?

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

Taking a hot bath does not prevent COVID19

Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against COVID19?

No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine.

Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID19, and WHO is supporting their efforts. Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

COVID19 cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.

To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that COVID19 could be transmitted by mosquitoes. COVID19 is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus. There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.

Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected by the new COVID19. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

Are hand dryers effective in killing the new corona virus?

No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID19. To protect yourself against the new corona virus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new corona virus?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new COVID19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the COVID19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill COVID19?

UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new corona virus?

To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new COVID19.

However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.