Around Ealing Coronavirus Special | Page 6

CORONAVIRUS How to stay inside and stay healthy While children will find it unusual being stuck at home and not at school; some residents who have to self-isolate may not always have access to digital ways to stay in touch, like the internet or video calls. But there are lots of ways to stay healthy – mentally and physically – during these strange times. F ree resources on how to stay emotionally, physically, and mentally healthy during this period of social distancing are available to help all those parents and carers who are now working from home with their children. Healthy Ealing have put together an information sheet with ideas and suggestions – including advice for helping children who are feeling anxious about the coronavirus. You can download the free PDF at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/features/ stay‑healthy-inside There is also the offer of a daily email that includes an exercise video and school lesson plans. It also has a recipe of the day; mental health tip of the day; and inspiring podcasts, craft ideas and documentaries for your leisure time. You can sign up for this by emailing [email protected] with the words ‘OPT IN’ in the subject heading. STAYING CONNECTED DESPITE SOCIAL ISOLATION While many of us are able to stay connected via web and video call in these times of social isolation, a number of residents will not have access to such services and luxuries to keep them socially in touch. 6 around ealing   Coronavirus If you fall into that category, or know someone who does, there are plenty of other ways to keep the mind and body active while at home: Speak to someone on the phone. This could be a friend or relative, or it could be one of the many support networks 1 that are available including: Samaritans, Mind UK, Age UK. The Silverline is a free and confidential helpline providing friendship and support to older people on 0800 4 70 80 90. You can also find out more about it online at www.thesilverline.org.uk Get some exercise. The Green Goddess, Diana Moran, is returning to BBC breakfast television each weekday morning to help the elderly keep fit during the coronavirus crisis Take up a new hobby – drawing, cooking, puzzles, bird spotting, exercise or even reading more (there are also plenty of online reading groups, if you have web access take a look at www.goodreads.com/group) Stay healthy – remember to eat well, and share recipes Be kind. Pay someone a compliment, have some shopping delivered to an elderly neighbour, post a hello card through their door and let them know you are there for them. 2 3 4 5 Read more at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/features/ stay-healthy-inside