Now that we're all staying home, you'll be wondering what you can do about your swimming. The best you can do is keep yourself healthy and ready for a return to regular training when we are able.
Firstly, below there's some advice on how to reduce the chances you catch Covid-19, even if you're exposed to the virus. I can't vouch for it's authority, but all the advice makes good sense anyway.
Secondly, SwimSmooth (a great on-line swimming resource) are putting together a video series on what to do to maintain (or improve) your mobility and other aspects of swimming fitness while we're unable to swim. The first two posts on this page are the first in a series they'll make so check it from time to time.
http://www.feelforthewater.com/?mc_cid=183db2bcec&mc_eid=4f4588b567
Take care.
South City Masters Swimmers
This is a translation of information from someone who works at Doctor Negrin, the main hospital on the island of Las Palmas, Spain.
“The Chinese now understand the behaviour of the COVID-19 virus thanks to autopsies that they have carried out. This virus is characterised by obstructing respiratory pathways with thick mucus that solidifies and blocks the airways and lungs. So they have discovered that in order to be able to apply a medicine you have to open and unblock these airways so that the treatment can be used to take effect. However, all of this takes a number of days. Their recommendations for what you can do to safeguard yourself are:
- Drink lots of hot liquids; coffee, soups, teas, warm water. In addition, take a sip of warm water every 20 minutes because this keeps your mouth moist and washes any of the virus that’s entered your mouth into your stomach, where the gastric juices will neutralise it before it can get to the lungs.
- Gargle with an antiseptic in warm water, like vinegar or salt or lemon every day if possible.
- The virus attaches itself to hair and clothes. Any detergent or soap kills it, but you must take a bath or shower when you get in from the street. Avoid sitting down anywhere, and go straight to the bathroom or shower. If you cannot wash your clothes daily, hang them in direct sunlight, which also neutralises the virus.
- Wash metallic surfaces very carefully, because the virus can remain viable on these for up to 9 days. Take note and be vigilant about touching hand rails and door handles, etc. (I guess within your own house as well you can make sure that you are keeping those clean and wiping them down regularly.)
- Don’t smoke.
- Wash your hands every 20 minutes using any soap that foams. Do this for 20 seconds and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Eat fruits and vegetables. Try to elevate your zinc levels, not just your vitamin C levels.
- Animals do not spread the virus to humans. This is person to person transmission.
- Try to avoid getting the common flu (I guess because this just already weakens the system) and try to avoid eating and drinking cold things.
- If you feel any discomfort in your throat, or a sore throat coming on, attack it immediately using the above methods. The virus enters the system this way and remains for 3 or 4 days in the throat before it passes into the lungs.”
