Come back story - Sixty days of a courageous fight with COVID 19: Manu B.S

COVID-19 pandemic may be a threatening factor and a reason for worry for many. As a result, there are so many emotional victims in society and even the extreme effects like suicides are reported. To defeat this disease, social distancing is crucial, but the other way which make people feel isolated and lonely and can cause increased stress and anxiety. 

Hello, everyone! I am Manu, Emergency Medical Technician, Dubai was the victim of COVID-19, had a courageous battle for 60 days and beaten it successfully. I would like to share my experience in this pandemic time. Here is my story….                    

On 13th April, I felt warmth all over the body and thought that it may be due to climate variation. I went duty as usual for next 2 days. Later I started to realise that something went wrong and experienced severe body aches, joint pain and tiredness. Unfortunately, I had to do night duty on the same day. I suspected about corona attack, hence I informed my team leader and my company made arrangements for the swab test.       

The memorable and unforgettable moment is the guilt of thinking about my 14 roommates. They all are various professionals. When I came back to the room after the swab test, I got a bitter experience from them. I was frustrated because my friends had fears of getting the virus from me. Some of them started blaming me on my face. Hence I took some of my belongings and rushed to be isolated myself under company accommodation.  

On a subsequent day, my symptoms got worsened. I had a distinctive symptom, breathing difficulty while lying on a bed. I was completely restricted and I could not draw a breath of air due to intense chest pain. When coughed, I felt like my internal organs were piercing out. As a result, I was again shifted to DHA isolation centre. I got supportive treatment from there. I met 2 strange persons with same conditions in my isolation room.                         

A week later, I underwent the test for the second time which came negative. I enjoyed to some extend. My third result came again positive and the remaining people’s results came negative. I was scared. At that time, I was under severe mental stress and I confirmed that there would not be able to go back home, can’t see my 5 years old daughter, my wife and parents again. I had guilt about not being a best father, husband and a son by not being able to perform these roles anymore. 

Apart from this, I had fear and worry about my health and financial support. All of these disturbed me a lot and made me feel so low. I talked with my wife about my concerns and feelings. She was the backbone and helped me in this crucial stage as always. I am really lucky in this case. She insisted me to think positively and realised me the fact that if we think, feel and act negatively which will affect our mental health. Our mental health has a vital role in overcoming this disease. 

                     

My fifth swab test came which was still positive. Anyhow, I didn’t lose my hope. I know that hope is the one thing that sometimes keeps us going. I began to cope with this situation through prayers, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and healthy foods. All of my symptoms were returned to normal little by little. Another positive thing is that I was socially connected and less lonely through phone calls from my company and colleagues. 

I started making video chats with my family. My daughter used to send her Tiktok videos daily, supportive talks from parents and caring talks of my wife. All these make me surrounded myself with positivity. Especially I would consider my daughter’s videos are the emotional medicines gave me more psychological relief and relaxation. 

My sixth swab test showed again positive. Still, I had the courage I will come out from this. After that 2 more swabs were taken. About 2 months later of after the viral attack I tested negative for the virus and got a great sense of relief. I got discharged and started my routine. 

These 60 days taught me some lessons in my life. Even I went to the extreme level of fear of death, panic about my future, thinking about my absence in my family. But one stage I realise the importance of my life. I was hopeful. 

Whatever situation like this come across; we don’t lose our hope. How-much expectation rises that much courage builds to face tomorrow. Now I recovered completely and the living example for beating the virus. I am grateful to Almighty for giving a new lease of life. I recommend you all to wash hands frequently, wear a mask, stay home, follow the social distancing norms, take care of your natural immunity and develop self-confidence to overcome the Pandemic. 

“Be strong and courageous to face the challenges in life, never lose hope, be the role models for many who struggle with issues”

Dealing with the psychological needs of the elderly during the pandemic

Presence of elders in the family is a great blessing. Their contributions are highly valid and much needed in a family. They always measure the options for solutions based on their personal experiences. Unfortunately, their worth of presence will be felt in their absence than during their presence. Till the last phase of life, they contribute to the family and society as much as they can. 

COVID 19 cases are increasing day by day. It is becoming more and more challengeable to tackle. The only positive factor is that the vaccine may be available in the market soon. Till then the present struggle continues. The old aged population is vulnerable since the virus attack can take over the lower immunity group. They need to be highly cautious and provided with adequate support in all aspects including psychological. This article analyses the elderly life and care during the occasion of a pandemic.

Physical health of elders is always a concern. Most of them are living with the help of medical support. The pandemic situation is not like other health concerns since it spreads from one to other. Hence the special attention is needed to prevent them from the exposure of virus. This is a practical challenge in families. Opting isolation or distancing may create a sense of increase the intensity of loneliness which may result in other psychological issues.

By knowing the fact of being more vulnerable, elders may develop the fear of death. Fear of death may lead them into the stage of self negligence, depressed and anxious. There is a possibility of developing a feeling of guilt by being a career of virus and spreading it to the family. The media like news channels and news sites making their condition even worse by getting more than required information regarding the spread of the virus. The generational gap further adding the issues like the youngsters may not clarify their concerns resulted in a lot of confusion and stress.

Quarantine may be the best option to prevent the virus attack. Effects of quarantine leading to loneliness, physical distancing from their loved ones, grief, anxiety and chronic stress that can have long-standing psychological effects. Increased incidence of depressive disorders, complex post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and adjustment reactions are some of the exclusive mental disorders resulted in elders due to quarantine. Furthermore, increased suicidal ideations and attempts consequent to stress, on the background of the already existing suicidality risk in the elderly, is an added concern. 

Loneliness is a potential risk factor for depression and cognitive disorders, especially when chronic and associated with lack of physical activities. Many elderlies might not be well-versed with the usage of technology results in increased emotional distancing in absence of even digital contact with the family members and relatives. The social stigma of ageism magnified by this outbreak. Even healthy aged people are looks like the victims of pandemic. All such instances make it difficult for the elders’ cope with.

Measures to take care of the elderly during Covid-19 pandemic

• Families need to be involved in the care of the elderly with increased sensitivity to their mental health. By remembering their contribution to family a respectful and affectionate dealing is needed.
• Ensure the basics of food, safety and emotional security
• Involve them with day to day decision-making activities
• Pay attention to their self-dignity
• Establish facilities to connect with their relatives, friends and loved ones
• They need to be provided with adequate updates and their queries to be answered
• Deal them with patience and always keep the values of paying respect to elders
• Any kind of threatening situations like abuse need to identify in the early stage and assure them the emotional safety and comfort
• Never encourage them on self medications and make decisions on their health affairs
• Elders prefer to be more spiritual. Hence, all necessary arrangements needed to be made for practising their spiritual activities
• Assure the availability of immediate support system and response with in a reach by a call or signal.

Elders are rich in ideas and the ability to make decisions based on real-life experiences. Kids in a family are more attached to them since they get enormous emotional support and comfort from them. COVID -19 pandemic makes the situation like elders are more vulnerable and resulted in psychological challenges. Remember, the dignified way of treatment and support to elders pay us back when we get old.

Online education for children – Accept or reject?

Technological advancements made life more sophisticated. Online mode of lifestyle practices replaced the old pattern. Almost all needs are met at the doorstep of our house. No need of going out or attend in-person to carry out our responsibilities and obligations. Work from home and Online education are the concepts got introduced a few years back. It was an optional choice for many till the occurrence of the Covid – 19 pandemics. Right now, it is a compulsion for the employees and students.

Learning is moving away from the classic classroom concept to virtual. Technology made it possible without much hassles. It includes lectures, demonstrations, student-faculty interactions, quiz, examinations, assignments and feedback. Many softwares are designed according to the needs of educational organizations and time to time get modified and altered. As always, there are some challenges while introducing and implementing. 

Many are welcoming and accepting the concept of online education. But when it comes to the children, they have the second thought about it. This is quite challengeable for the children, parents and teachers. Here the parents especially the mother is forced to play an additional role of teacher which may impact the relationship as better or worse. The online educational trend for children has raised the concerns of many academicians all over the world. 

Based on the report of UNESCO released on April 21st, “Half of the total number of learners — some 826 million (82.6 crore) students who kept out of the classroom by the Covid-19 pandemic, do not have access to a household computer and 43 per cent (706 million or 70.6 crores) have no internet at home, at a time when digitally-based distance learning is used to ensure educational continuity in the vast majority of countries.” 

Online learning makes the teacher be on camera. This is a unique experience or challenge for them. It is a tough task of many teachers since they are not at all used for. Whether the teacher likes or not, but forced to do it. As a result, many teachers are stressed about this and feel like over-demanding. A virtual classroom may not be the best platform for them to show the best of their abilities. But it is just an initial struggle. Once they get used for the new system, they will find it is quite interesting and more confident. 

Benefits Online learning for children

Not Depending on external factors: Online class takes place while the child is inside the home. There is no need to worry about to reach the school or classroom environment. Hence the pandemic conditions, travel restrictions or adverse climatic situations won’t affect the learning.

Saves Time: There is no need for travelling or getting ready to school and catching the vehicle. A lot of time may have saved by this. Children can stay comfortably in their home and learning takes place in a comfortable environment. 

Less chance of distractions: There is less chance of distraction during a virtual teaching session as the student is focused on the teacher completely. If the home atmosphere is supportive then chances of distractions are minimal and better learning takes place. 

The positive impact of the environment: Online learning poses much less of a burden on the environment. Children can choose their own space to sit and learn like their own preference of room or furniture and all. Their own choices make a positive impact on their learning.

Challenges of Online learning for children

Lack of adequate facilities: Not everyone is feasible to have a laptop, tablets or smartphones with parents. Without these basic instruments, Online education is highly impossible for children.

Network Issues: Low bandwidth network won’t be supportive of online education. Unfortunately, many rural areas are not having internet connectivity or inadequate. In that case, children belong to rural and remote areas may not be accessible to Online education.

Struggling with a new mode: All parents are not expected to be familiar with computer skills or smartphone operation. Moving from a conventional setting to online education in a virtual classroom may be difficult for children may result in adaptation issues.

Working parents: Children of working parents facing a lot of issues with it. Most of the parents are falling under the mode of work from home. All devices like laptops and smartphones used for their job purpose. Moreover, the timing of classes may not be suitable for parents to be with their children.

Lack of human interaction: Education is not just gaining textbook knowledge. A lot of learning takes place by interactions with fellow students and teachers. Online learning considerably reduces the chances of informal learning. It may result in developing inadequate social skills among children.

Familial issues: Single parents or children from broken families getting inadequate support from parents. In that case, children struggle a lot for coping with the new demanding situation. 

Chances for addiction: Some children fall into excessive likeness toward the online contents. They may be motivated again and again to watch the contents and even related. Gradually they develop a sense of curiosity to explore many concepts online and leads them to get an addict to it.

Online education for children is a hot topic of discussion on many platforms at the moment. Abrupt introduction of Online classes for children provocate the parents to react with much more negativity. No one can deny the positives and advantages. Online education is the future face of the educational system. Technology makes more and more ways for creative and innovative learning among children through online. Proper guidelines in implementing and overcoming the constraints are the areas to work out. Society will adopt this system soon and won't be a hot topic of discussion any more!

Come back story: A deadly encounter with Swine Flu (H1N1) - Priamvadha Venkatesh

I am sharing my experience in this pandemic time because many of us are worried much about Covid-19. My experience was like expect the unexpected and that too a very unpleasant situation. We all know the seriousness of Swine flu. Though it is less contagious but more dangerous than Covid-19. I was the victim of Swine flu, had a courageous battle and came out successfully. I want to share my near-death experience with you all.

It was a nightmare, started on a Saturday night with a cough, continued on Sunday the whole day severely without leaving for a second. Hubby got me my usual cough medicine which didn't subside and Monday I developed body ache and temperature.

He took me to the dispensary first where they prescribed antibiotics and if not subsiding advised that I have to be taken to the main hospital. I came home and had glucose and electoral with medications and was lying down in bed unable to sleep. Evening Venkat (Hubby) came and gave me Crocin as the temperature was 102. But the temperature was remaining on 102. Tuesday morning I coughed out blood in sputum twice. That is the time he panicked and rushed me to the hospital.

When the symptoms were suggested for Swine Flu, doctors advised me for immediate admission. Swine Flu medications started by keeping me in an isolated room where Venkat alone allowed to be with me. I didn’t even get to meet my daughter got admitted too, she was with my in-laws.

They took swab culture and said it will take 72 hours to know the result. I was confidently telling Venkat that it will be negative. But just like it wanted to fool my result turned out positive and came within 48 hours. The doctor told if positive then my daughter and hubby also should go in for the test. I knew for sure my daughter's result will be positive as she got it first.

On Thursday night I developed breathlessness. I was unable to sleep however the cot was positioned. Sister applied pain balm on my back but no effect. On Friday morning doctor ordered for a bedside chest X-ray. Both hands were pricked for IV so much that no more place to prick any more. Afternoon a junior doctor came in search of Venkat. I told him that he has gone for lunch.

He came for the second time saying it was urgent. So I called him. A senior doctor took him out of the room to say that I have developed ARDS complication of Swine Flu and lungs have been affected big time. And need to be shifted to ICU for observation as high-pressure oxygen to be given and if not improving will have to put me on a ventilator the last stage.

In between people from Government hospital for census purpose were irritating Venkat and asking him if doctors have hope in my recovery which scared him big time. I was shifted to ICU where again I was kept in an isolation room. They tried finding a vein for IV to administer ICU medications but couldn't get. So they called Venkat around midnight and got his signature on a consent form and did a small surgery in my neck around 1 am in the early morning to insert CVP through which medicines can be given easily.

Surrounding was full of monitors which were scaring. I was getting high-pressure oxygen every time. The air to the nose gushed out like a tsunami. Meanwhile, my daughter tested positive and her medications were given at home as paediatrician advised no hospitalisation required.

My daughter will be sending me drawings stating she misses me and want me to come home soon. I was in ICU, my daughter also tested positive at home. Just imagine my husband's situation. God's grace he was tested negative. Saturday morning, he came to see me; I had a big bandage in my neck and he started crying. He told me that he lost hope that I will not recover. We got an opportunity to feel how much we meant for each other.

That is the time I became courageous and cooperated with whatever was told. Chest X-ray started becoming clear. So Monday morning I was shifted back toward. Second swab culture was done and it came negative and got discharged. Solid 13 days I was in the hospital and fourteenth night got discharged.

This is the nightmare that I shared with you. I thank God always for my second life. I encourage everyone to be hopeful and brave. I am a living example to prove we all can beat this virus by staying positive and strong. The more we panic the less we will be able to combat. Stay strong, stay safe!!

Start your day for success

Start of the day plays a role to decide the rest. Every day is neither perfect nor dull. Nothing can be predicted much as we all live in a world of uncertainty and fast-paced. It is all about our feelings and perception to make a day peaceful and productive. Keeping ourselves composed and express appropriate emotions are very much required to perform better. First thought, first move, the first task in a day are so important to remain positive and complete the day in a highly satisfactory note.

First of all, every day in our life is an ‘added gift’. Not all are getting up from the bed with the same note. It is a tough task for some. A man who is living with the ‘pre-confirmation of success’ never find it tough. A common man with the half-chances gets up with some better expectations. A man who is struggling for livelihood forced to make it. All depends upon what you have ascribed or achieved.

All need to understand the fact that another day is another chance. It is not that same as previous. It is a chance for testing or implementing the new ideas or new trails or new approaches for the old tasks. Today is the chance for making better choices of the previous day’s demands. Understanding this fact makes us gain confidence and trust in our abilities. The probability of success depends on the choices we make and the chances we create. Ultimately no meaning of carrying the previous day’s worry to the next day.

Emotions playing an important role at all point of time in a day. However, the first emotional response in a day is highly notable since the effect remains for the whole day. We need to be vigilant on our first emotions, though it seems like silly but have a major impact on us. Exposure to a pleasant stimulus is needed to keep up our morning emotions in a positive sense. Any kind of negative emotions like irritability and anger limits the ability to create better choices for the whole day.

Not all go on our way or nothing is on our control. But still, most of our issues can be preventable or well handled. Starting the day with positivity helps to make better decisions and solve problems for the whole day. Hence early mornings should be completely free from the ‘trigger’ factors leading to emotional imbalances. 

Suggestions for starting a perfect day

• Spirituality always calm down and bring inner peace. Hence an ‘early morning personal prayer’ would be an ideal start for a theist 
• Play soothing music either it can be a religious or some other. The rhythm in the music and lyrics of the song would bring a lot of comfort to the mind
• Practising meditation and relaxation techniques in the early morning are the best choices for a perfect morning
• Keep your temper on your control. Don’t let your temper to take control over you
• Avoid the trigger factors with in the family during the mornings. Many occasions we take it granted with our spouse or kids. This is not a healthy mechanism since all are having their own emotions
• Help the spouse or kids in their house holding and school-going activities
• Avoid checking the mobile as soon as get up from the bed. Such activities may take you more time without your knowledge and add up more stress unknowingly since the real human interactions are less
• Try the maximum to complete your tasks than depending or distributing to others
• Make an unwritten policy on your routine in the morning so that all family members do consider and avoid unnecessary confusions in the morning itself
• Morning walks and Gym practices add additional advantages to keep us engaged and stay positive from morning onwards

Sleep is a hidden factor, very much needed for energetic mornings. Adequate rest, balanced food, realistic goals and bearable responsibilities make every day as special. Pleasant start of the day is needed to end a day in the same way. 

“Perfect mornings are the secrets of perfect days”

Smartphones are the bad friends of children

Every one of us agrees with the fact about childhood is the sweetest phase of life. Children are powerful resources to bring joy and happiness in the family. Child-rearing practices are more challenging than before. Some of the lifestyle practices make it complicated even more. One among them is the usage of ‘Smartphones’.

Cell phones became part of our life. They emerged into the stage of ‘smartphones’ now. The first and last used object in a day is a smartphone. Smartphones never keep an individual free. As like other technological devices, Smartphones have their negative effects too. People got addicted and even forced into the state of anxiety and hopeless with its absence. These effects are commonly seen among children. Over usage of smartphones raised as an issue due to the lockdown effect resulted from a pandemic.

Sad truth is that; the number of child victims is sharply increasing. According to the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 95 per cent of children in India live in homes with a mobile phone and 73 per cent of Indian children are mobile phone users. Of these, 70 per cent fall under the age group of 7-10 years, while 76 per cent are in the age group of 11-14 years. 

Reasons for children to depend on smartphones

1.Easy availability: Smartphones are easily available in the families. At least one extra phone is available all the time other than the requirement.

2. Attracted by options: Utility of smartphones are not just limited to calls. It has all other attractions for children like games, puzzles and other entertainments.

3. The increasing number of nuclear families: Nuclear families are small in their size. Less number of people involved. Children get no one or few to interact and lead to remain in their phones.

4. Advanced lifestyle: Advanced like style practices forced the parents to concentrate more on financial resources. They need more time to spend on their responsibilities, even at home they are busy on calls and text messages. 

5. Addiction: Usage of smartphones increase the curiosity of the children to use it more and more. Because the options don’t have limits. Every single day, plenty of updates and new entertainment options get introduced. 

Overcoming measures for smartphone addiction in children

Parents need to be a role model for children. They should avoid the circumstances of holding the phones always.

• Make a strict policy on using the phone inside the home. Set a schedule for studying, outdoor play, phone usage etc. and implement it.
• Children should be using the phones while the parents or family members present nearby. Never encourage or give chances to use while they in the bedroom or bathroom or upstairs.
• Positive reinforcement requires when they limit the usage of smartphones.
• Never allow them to enter into the social media platform until they reach the required age.
• Continuous monitoring is needed. 
• Don’t take any drastic steps like severe physical or mental means of punishments. Explain to them about the reality and adverse effects and implement firm restrictions on usage.
• Children tend to compare other children whom they are connected. Parents should never encourage the habit of comparisons.

Younger generation attracted more towards materialized entertainments. Unfortunately, objects are given more importance than human interactions. The time has come to think about the basics of life than advancements. Children must get the chance to live more in the real world, not at the virtual. Try to be more responsible in the process of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow!