Drug Addiction: Effects of addiction and the available support for de-addiction

Drug abuse is using illegal drugs or taking medications from a form not recommended by the doctor or manufacturer. Drug addiction consists of depending on a drug and that it becomes central part of life. This can lead to physical dependency or psychological dependence.

Physical dependency is that the body is so used to drug that if you stop taking it, the physical symptoms of withdrawal appear. Psychological dependence consists of consuming drugs because it is part important in your life and doing it to feel good. You may have a feeling who cannot stop using the drug. Some drugs have both effects physical as well as psychological.

By increasing the consumption of a drug, the body increases its tolerance and effect of the drug is no longer as strong. This makes you have to take higher doses.

The definition

Examples of commonly abused drugs: illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications including pain relievers, sleeping pills, cold medicine, khat, glue, sprays, gases and solvents.Illegal drugs are those whose consumption is prohibited in our country. These are classified into three classes: A, B and C. Possession or supply of illegal drugs are prohibited.

Some illegal drugs can be used legally if prescribed by a doctor.

Class A drugs are considered the most dangerous to health. They include:cocaine, dicanol, heroin, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy) and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Class B drugs are also considered dangerous. Include: amphetamines (speed); codeine and barbiturates.

Class C drugs are considered less harmful to health, but their possession is also illegal, or given or sold to others. They include: cannabis; anabolic steroids; ketamine, and GHB.

The risks

Illegal drug use carries many serious health risks, because they are not controlled or supervised by medical professionals. Many illegal drugs have been processed and have passed through many hands before they are finally sold on the street. They can be mixed (cut) with other dangerous or harmful products.

Some drugs are addictive and lead to prolonged bodily harm. The heavy or prolonged use of some illegal drugs can cause a consumer overdose, which can cause irreversible damage to the body.
Mixing drugs is also very dangerous. Being detained in possession of Class A drugs may result in a conviction of seven years imprisonment, while supply can lead to chain life. Convictions for the supply or possession of Class B drugs or Class C can be similar. Supplying means giving or selling drugs to others persons.

Symptoms and health risks of illegal drug use

They are: Cannabis: dizziness, vomiting, panic, paranoia, loss of coordination (short term). Lung cancer, mental health problems, respiratory problems, infertility and heart disease (long-term).
Amphetamines (speed): dizziness, hallucinations, insomnia and depression.

Ecstasy (MDMA): dehydration, nausea, unconsciousness (short term), depression (long-term). Rarely, it can cause coma and even death.

Cocaine and crack: extreme paranoia, depression, insomnia, weight loss and impotence in men.
LSD (acid): hallucinations, delusions, mental health problems. Flashbacks (a sudden memory of a bad experience with LSD) can occur.

Heroin: heart failure, unconsciousness, coma. HIV (by sharing needles),collapsed veins, loss of appetite and acute constipation. Frequently links heroin to antisocial or criminal behaviors such as neglecting children or stealing.

The benefits

Illegal drugs that have been shown to have medicinal benefits are classified as prescription drugs only. This means that in certain circumstances a doctor may prescribe them. For example, heroin addicts are sometimes prescribed methadone as part of rehabilitation program.

Other illegal drugs can have some beneficial medicinal effects. By for example, some people believe that cannabis has properties that calm the pain. Studies have been done to see if cannabis can alleviate pain of people with diseases like multiple sclerosis, but up now there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabis controls more effectively pain than other prescription drugs.
Some people also believe that cannabis is an effective relaxant for the treatment of diseases such as anxiety and epilepsy. Not until now there is conclusive evidence to support this.

To make changes

The first and most difficult step for people who abuse drugs is acknowledging they have a problem, and then admitting they need help to overcome it. Some people are aware that they have a problem, but find it difficult to stop using drugs.

Other people need someone to help them realize they have a problem.

Signs of having a drug problem are:

• continually increasing your drug doses to achieve the same effect;
• a feeling of dependency of drugs; fear of stopping them;
• withdrawal symptoms if you stop take them for a short period;
• sudden mood swings; 
• a vision of life negative or changed; loss of motivation; 
• poor work or school performance; problems with personal relationships; 
• borrow money or steal it from friends and relatives; and keep activities and actions secret.

Get help

When you have recognized that you have a drug problem, you should go to your family doctor. The doctor can advise, support and refer you to a specialized treatment. Be frank with your family doctor regarding your drug use and reasons why you want to quit. You can also tell your family members and close friends the decision you have made and ask them to support you.

There are also organizations and websites that offer information, advice, data from meetings and support groups, and complementary orientation. There are some drug de-addiction centers available who are rendering the best de addiction programs, you can call them their free and confidential telephone service that offers information on drugs and drug abuse. They answer the phone all days of the week for 24 hours.

In case of emergency

If someone who takes drugs has unusual symptoms or seems to be suffering, you may have an overdose or an allergic reaction to the drug you have taken. It is important to follow these steps immediately.

In a bar or club, ask employees for help immediately. Be totally frank about the drugs that person has used. Call and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator exactly where is the person, what drugs they have used and what symptoms they have.

The healing

The cure of a drug addiction is a long process that begins with detoxification. This is to stop using the drug and not to relapse. Healing normally consists of a combination of treatments, including psychological and behavioral therapy, as well as necessary medication. Treatment varies depending on the specific addiction. If you stop taking drugs, it is normal for you to have withdrawal symptoms.

They can be: nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, fever, mood swings, irritability, anger, guilt, depression and anxiety. It is important to take things slowly, little by little. Take advantage of the support health professionals, friends and family offer you. Try to stay away from situations where drugs are available.

If you know someone who has recently quit using drugs, give their full support. You can spend time learning more about drug abuse so you can better understand what is happening to that person.

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Parenting: 10 tips for raising strong children

Raising strong children means teaching children to trust themselves and others, not being afraid to express their ideas in a respectful and constructive way and to ask themselves in difficult moments in life: "how can I get out of it?", "Which ones strategies can I use? ". Here are the recommendations from the experts.

Sometimes observing our children we fear that they are too fragile in a world that seems increasingly difficult.

But how do you raise strong children? Its really not a big deal...

What does it mean to be strong?

"Strength is the ability to accept others, who may have different mentalities than ours; it is the ability to resist fear and continue to move forward without guarantees of reward; it is the ability to live in love".

Strong personalities are those who have an assertive behavior, that is, they have full confidence in themselves and in others, they are able to affirm their rights without denying those of others and express themselves clearly and directly, but not threatening or aggressive.

According to the Psychologists, The passive and the aggressive one, both sharing the lack of trust in themselves and in others and the inability to communicate their needs and rights".

Raising assertive and strong children means getting them used to asking themselves in difficult moments in life: "how can I get out of it?", "What strategies can I use?".

1. Cultivate self-esteem

In order to raise a child with self-confidence, it is essential to convey him the idea that he applies only to the fact of existing. It applies even if it takes a bad mark, even if it is a whim and is scolded. Unconditional acceptance by the parent is the basis of secure attachment. And it will help him, when he grows up, to face life constructively.

Acceptance obviously does not mean permissiveness, indeed limits and rules are important. Unconditional means being empathetic with your child, accepting him for what he is. Never go out with phrases that affect being "you are not good because ...", but only the behavior: "it is wrong to throw objects, you must not do it!"

It is also important to have realistic expectations for your children and to teach them to achieve a goal step by step. To expect too much from a child is counterproductive, it can demotivate your kid, with negative consequences for self-esteem.

2. The positive reinforcement

Whenever a child takes a small step towards his goal, he should be underlined and praised with words of encouragement. These reinforcements help him motivate himself. But do not limit yourself to conditioned reinforcements, that is, those linked to specific behaviors, such as "I am happy with your beautiful report card", but often also use unconditional reinforcements: "I am fine with you", "how nice to be with you!".

And if a child is particularly difficult, for example he is hyperactive, take advantage of the brief moments in which he is behaving correctly and intervene immediately to underline how good he is doing, in order to consolidate and strengthen a positive attitude. Imagine having a magnifying glass that shows only the positive aspects, otherwise the risk is that of triggering a vicious circle of reproaches with consequent increase in problematic behavior.

3. Listen to him with empathy

"Authentic listening is an attitude that comes from the heart of the adult and reaches that of the child where his emotions are contained. Listening presupposes strong emotional availability, benevolence, understanding, emotional closeness"

The advice is therefore to devote to your child at least 10-15 minutes a day paying close attention (maybe in the night before going to bed ...). During this listening you can also ask him to tell you three good things and three bad things that happened to him during the day.

The three positive things help him to visualize that even on the worst days there is always something positive; the three bad things to make people understand that negative emotions can be accepted and that sharing them with parents is helpful. Reformulate what he tells you and give a name to his emotions.

This emphatic listening foresees that the parent does not give solutions (they must learn to find them alone), nor judgments.

4. Help him overcome the difficulties by telling him fairy tales

A good way to help him solve his problems on his own is through therapeutic fairy tales. That is, tell them stories specially designed by you to deal with a specific problem. Create a protagonist with the physical characteristics of your child, so that he identifies with him.

Then invent the character of the friend who immediately solves the problem and tells it to the protagonist, highlighting the advantages of having overcome that difficulty. Listening to the words of the friend also the protagonist / child will be able to reach the goal.

5. The importance of the rules

The rules give security and favor the process of adaptation to social and relational life. Acquiring the rules means becoming constructive people and developing a feeling of security. "They are the tracks in which to channel the energies: without them the train can go anywhere and derail".

To give rules effectively, it is important first of all to express them positively: instead of saying: "do not make the usual brat with your grandmother!", Better: "when your grandmother comes, help her sit down and offer her some biscuits".

Express them gently but in a feminine way, clearly and without going too far: "I'm sure you will put the bedroom in order today: start with the doll basket". If he does it right away, highlight it with positive praise.

Do not exaggerate in the numbers.

You can also play the game of the contract: if the child respects them, he will receive an award in return (a snack at the bar ... an extra hour of play at the park ...)

6. Teach step by step

As explained in the first point, it is important not to have unrealistic expectations of children in order not to create unnecessary frustrations in them. Teach them to do things in small steps, positively reinforcing them for each step they reach.

For example, if you want to learn to tidy up the bedroom, you start making him put two games ... and then three ... and so on, until he does everything himself. The ultimate goal of our teachings must be to get them used to doing it themselves. The child who is asked to do it himself is given a message of trust, important for his self-esteem.

7. Take risks and be able to say no

A strong person is one who learns to take risks, that is, to carry out one's ideas and beliefs, in a respectful and non-aggressive way, even with the risk of losing something. Teaching this attitude, as well as saying no is important because it will get children used to having courage and to reject wrong or inappropriate requests. These attitudes are learned basically through the example of parents.

8. Willpower

Convey to your children the concept that in life, 'to get what you want, you have to commit yourself.'
Also in this case the example of the parent counts a lot: if after an effort you are satisfied and not just tired, show them that reaching the goal, however tiring, makes you feel satisfied and makes you feel good.

If the goal to achieve is very difficult, break it up into many small intermediate stages, and to encourage your child, use many positive reinforcements.

And if one day you can't make it to the expected stage, don't dramatize it, you must also teach yourself to be self-indulgent (on the contrary, you risk having a negative vision of yourself).
It can be useful to help the child visualize the things he has to do with a drawn or written list.
Another trick is to repeat the same instructions several times so that the child, when he is in the live situation, reminds him of the behavior to be put in place, for example ask him several times: "how will you behave when you are sitting in classroom with the teacher? ".

You can also play the game and mimic the behavior your child has to follow. These repetitions are used to automate gestures and show the closest success.

9. Limit television and digital devices

Old and new media are sources of distraction: they compromise the development of children and weaken their personality. A study showed that only after an hour of exposure to television, the academic performance of the children may surely drop drastically.

Other research has shown that early and massive exposure has negative effects on language development, logical skills, socialization and also on willpower. The same applies to mobile phones. The Canadian Pediatric Academic Societies presented a study in 2017 in which children between 6 months and 2 years of age who spent more time with smartphones were more likely to experience language delays.

It is therefore important to limit TV or other digital media. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any type of screen up to 18 months, from 18 to 24 months very little and well-selected contents, between two and five years not more than an hour a day.

10. Take some time for yourself

In order to raise a strong child, first of all it is important that the parents are well, if you are full of energy you are naturally stronger and more positive and you can set a good example. If a parent is tired and stressed, it is easier for them to have low resistance and react with depression and despair when faced with difficulties.

So first of all try to limit stress.

Put your worries in the right perspective, often in stressful situations you tend to exaggerate. Ask yourself, "Is what really happened that bad? Will it destroy me?" One way to recharge your energy is to dive into the present, not to bask in the past or to return to happiness the next day. We must learn to enjoy the moment, and to focus on the little things of everyday life.

Then don't forget to give yourself some attention: take 20 minutes to read a book, have a coffee, take a bath ...

Exercise: a good rule would be three times a week for at least 20 minutes. Exercise affects the release of endorphins that raise mood and make you feel good.

Try to sleep between seven to eight hours (the absence of sleep leads to a state of chronic stress).
If you can't relax, you can try yoga, autogenic training, mindfulness ... And finally try to follow a correct diet. :)

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Questions and answers about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

WHO is continuously monitoring and responding to this outbreak. These questions and answers will be updated as more data becomes known about COVID-19, its mode of spread, and how it is affecting people around the world.

For more information, regularly consult the WHO pages on coronavirus.

https://www.who.int/en/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are an extensive family of viruses that can cause disease in both animals and humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections that can range from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered is COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the most recently discovered infectious disease caused by coronavirus. Both this new virus and the disease it causes were unknown before the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is currently a pandemic that affects many countries around the world.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other less frequent symptoms that affect some patients are aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, and skin rashes or color changes. on the fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some of the infected people only have very slight symptoms.

Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without the need for hospital treatment. About 1 in 5 people who get COVID-19 end up with a severe condition and experience breathing difficulties. Older people and those with previous medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart or lung problems, diabetes, or cancer are more likely to develop severe conditions. However, anyone can get COVID-19 and become seriously ill. People of any age who have a fever or cough and who are also breathing hard, feeling chest pain or tightness, or having trouble speaking or moving should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, it is recommended to call the healthcare professional or medical center first so that they refer the patient to the appropriate healthcare facility.

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19 and when should I seek medical attention?

If you have mild symptoms, such as a mild cough or fever, you generally do not need to seek medical attention. Stay home, isolate yourself, and watch your symptoms. Follow national guidelines on self-isolation.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have trouble breathing or feel chest pain or pressure. If possible, call your health care provider in advance so that they can direct you to the appropriate health center.

How is COVID-19 spread?

A person can get COVID-19 from contact with someone who is infected with the virus. The disease is spread mainly from person to person through droplets that fly out of an infected person's nose or mouth by coughing, sneezing, or talking. These droplets are relatively heavy, do not go very far, and quickly fall to the ground. A person can contract COVID-19 by inhaling the droplets from a person infected with the virus. This is why it is important to stay at least one meter away from others. These droplets can fall on objects and surfaces around the person, such as tables, knobs, and railings, so other people can become infected if they touch those objects or surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based disinfectant.

WHO is reviewing ongoing investigations into the ways in which COVID-19 spreads and will continue to report on the conclusions that are drawn.

Is it possible to get COVID-19 from contact with a person who does not have any symptoms?

The main way of spreading COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who coughs or who has other symptoms such as fever or tiredness. Many people with COVID-19 have only mild symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. It is possible to get it from someone who only has a mild cough and does not feel sick.

According to some information, people without symptoms can transmit the virus. It is not yet known how often it occurs. WHO is studying the ongoing research on this issue and will continue to report on the conclusions that are drawn.

How can we protect ourselves and others if we don't know who is infected?

Practicing respiratory and hand hygiene is important at ALL times and the best way to protect yourself and others.

When possible, keep at least a meter of distance between you and others. This is especially important if you are next to someone who is coughing or sneezing. Because some infected people may not yet have symptoms or their symptoms may be mild, you should keep a physical distance from everyone if you are in an area where the COVID-19 virus is circulating.

What should I do if I have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID ‑ 19, you may be infected.
Close contact means living with someone who has the disease or being less than a meter away from someone who has the disease. In these cases, it is better to stay home.

However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue, it is important that you do not ignore fever. Seek medical help. When you go to the health center wear a mask if possible, stay at least one meter away from other people and do not touch the surfaces with your hands. In case the sick person is a child, help him to follow this advice.

1. If you do not live in an area with malaria or dengue, please do the following:
2. If you become ill, even with very mild symptoms such as fever and minor pain, you should isolate yourself at home.
3. Even if you don't think you have been exposed to COVID-19 but develop these symptoms, isolate yourself and monitor your condition.
4. You are more likely to infect others in the early stages of the disease when you have only mild symptoms, so early isolation is very important.
5. If you have no symptoms but have been exposed to an infected person, quarantine for 14 days.
6. If you have undoubtedly had COVID-19 (confirmed by a test), isolate yourself for 14 days even after symptoms have disappeared as a precaution. It is still unknown exactly how long people remain contagious after recovering. Follow the advice of national authorities on isolation.

What does it mean to isolate yourself?

Isolation is an important measure that people with symptoms of COVID-19 take to avoid infecting others in the community, including their families.

Isolation occurs when a person who has a fever, cough, or other COVID-19 symptoms stays home and does not go to work, school, or public places. You can do it voluntarily or on the recommendation of your health care provider.

1. If a person is in isolation, it is because they are ill but not seriously ill (in which case they would require medical attention)
2. Take up a spacious and airy single room with a toilet and sink.
3. If this is not possible, place the beds at least one meter away.
4. Stay at least a meter away from others, including your family members.
5. Monitor your symptoms daily.
6. Isolate yourself for 14 days, even if you feel fine.
7. If you are having trouble breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call first if possible.
8. Stay positive and energetic by keeping in touch with loved ones over the phone or internet and exercising at home.

What is the difference between isolation, quarantine, and Estrangement?

Quarantine means restricting activities or separating people who are not ill but may have been exposed to COVID-19. The goal is to prevent the spread of the disease the moment people start to show symptoms.

Isolation means separating people who are sick with symptoms of COVID-19 and can be contagious to prevent the spread of the disease.

Estrangement means being physically separate. The WHO recommends keeping a distance of at least one meter from others. It is a general measure that everyone should take even if they are well and have not had a known exposure to COVID-19.

Can children or teens get COVID-19?

Research indicates that children and teens are as likely to be infected as any other age group and can spread the disease.

The evidence to date suggests that children and young adults are less likely to develop a serious illness, but serious cases can still occur in these age groups. Children and adults should follow the same quarantine and isolation guidelines if there is a risk that they have been exposed or if they have symptoms. It is particularly important that children avoid contact with older people and with others who are at risk for more serious illness.

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of the disease?

Keep up to date with the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, which can be accessed on the WHO website and through public health authorities at the national and local levels. Cases have been reported in most countries of the world, and outbreaks have occurred in many of them. Authorities in some countries have managed to slow down the outbreak progress, but the situation is unpredictable and the latest news needs to be checked regularly.

There are several precautions that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contracting or spreading COVID-19:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often using an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based disinfectant kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Keep a minimum distance of one meter between you and others.

Why? When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks, droplets of fluid that may contain the virus are released from the nose or mouth. If the person who coughs, sneezes, or talks has the disease and you are too close to it, they can breathe the droplets and with them the COVID-19 virus.

Avoid going to crowded places

Why? When there are crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and it is more difficult to maintain a physical distance of one meter.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, the hands can transfer the virus to the eyes, nose, or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and cause illness.
Both you and those around you should ensure that you maintain good respiratory hygiene. That means covering your mouth and nose with your elbow flexed or with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Immediately discard the used tissue and wash your hands.

Why? Viruses spread through droplets. Maintaining good respiratory hygiene protects people around you from viruses such as cold, flu, and COVID-19.

Stay home and isolate yourself even if you have mild symptoms like cough, headache, and light fever until you recover. Ask someone to bring you the supplies.

If you have to leave home, put on a mask to avoid infecting other people.

Why? Avoiding contact with others will protect them from possible infections with the COVID-19 virus or others.

If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek medical attention, but telephone as far in advance as possible and follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up-to-date information on the situation in their area. Calling ahead will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health center. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay up-to-date on the latest developments from reliable sources, such as WHO or local and national health authorities.

Why? Local and national authorities are the best partners to give advice on what people in your area should do to protect themselves.

Is there a vaccine, medication, or treatment against COVID-19?

Although some western or traditional medicine solutions or home remedies can be comforting and relieve mild symptoms of COVID-19, no medicine has been shown to prevent or cure this disease so far. The WHO does not recommend self-medication with any drug, including antibiotics, to prevent or cure COVID-19. However, there are several clinical trials underway, both for western and traditional medications. WHO is coordinating vaccine and drug development work to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to provide updated information as research results become available.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 are:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
3. Cover your mouth with your elbow flexed or with a handkerchief. If a handkerchief is used, it must be discarded immediately after use and hands must be washed.
4. Keep a distance of at least one meter from other people.

Does the WHO recommend the use of medical masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

There is currently insufficient evidence for or against the use of masks (medical or otherwise) by healthy people in the general community. However, the WHO is actively studying the rapidly changing scientific data on the use of masks, and is continually updating its guidance on this.

Medical masks should be combined with other key infection prevention and control measures, such as hand hygiene and physical distance.

Why? N95, FFP2, or equivalent type medical masks and respirators are recommended and should be reserved for healthcare workers caring for patients. Close contact with people with probable or confirmed infection with the COVID-19 virus and their environment is the main route of transmission, which means that health workers are the most exposed.

People who are sick and have symptoms of COVID-19

Why? Anyone who is sick and has mild symptoms, such as muscle aches, mild cough, sore throat, or tiredness, should isolate himself at home and wear a medical mask in accordance with the WHO recommendation on home care for patients. with possible infection with the COVID-19 virus. Coughing, sneezing, or talking can generate droplets that cause the infection to spread. These droplets can reach the faces of other nearby people and fall into the surrounding environment. Having an infected person who coughs, sneezes, or talks wears a medical mask can help protect those around from infection.

If a sick person needs to go to a health center, they should wear a medical mask.

Medical mask is essential for anyone who takes care of a COVID-19 patient at home

Why? Caregivers of COVID-19 patients should wear a medical mask to protect themselves. Again, close, frequent, and prolonged contact with someone with COVID ‑ 19 puts caregivers at high risk.
National decision-makers can also choose to recommend the use of medical masks by certain individuals, taking a risk-based approach. This approach takes into account the purpose of the mask, the risk of exposure and the vulnerability of the mask wearer, the environment, the viability of its use and the types of mask.

How to properly use a medical mask

If you choose to wear a mask, please note the following:

1. Before touching the mask, wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water
2. Inspect the mask for tears or holes
3. Orient the top up (where the metal strip is located)
4. Be sure to point out the correct side of the mask (the colored side)
5. Put the mask on your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so that it conforms to the shape of your nose
6. Pull down on the bottom of the mask to cover your mouth and chin
7. After using the mask, remove it with clean hands; remove the elastic straps from behind the ears keeping the mask away from the face and clothing, so as not to touch the potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
8. Dispose of the mask in a closed container immediately after use. Do not reuse the mask.

Practice hand hygiene after touching or disposing of the mask. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant or, if they are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water. Please note that there is a global shortage of medical masks (both surgical masks and N95 masks), so these should be reserved as much as possible for healthcare workers.

Remember that face masks are not a substitute for other more effective ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, such as frequent handwashing, covering the mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue, and maintaining a distance of at least one meter with others. See the basic protective measures against the new coronavirus for more information.

Follow the advice of the national health authority on the use of masks.

How long does it take between exposure to COVID-19 and the development of symptoms?

The time between exposure to COVID-19 and the time symptoms begin is usually around five to six days, but can range from 1 to 14 days.

What is the relationship between COVID-19 and animals?

COVID-19 is spread by transmission between humans. We know a great deal about other viruses in the coronavirus family, and most of these types of viruses originate from animals. The COVID-19 virus (also called SARS-CoV-2) is a new virus in humans. The possible animal source of COVID-19 has not yet been confirmed, but is under investigation.

WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 related issues and will provide updated information as new data becomes available.

Can a pet or other animal infect me with COVID-19?

Several dogs and cats (domestic cats and tigers) have tested positive for COVID-19 after being in contact with infected humans. Also, it appears that ferrets are susceptible to infection. Under experimental conditions, both cats and ferrets can transmit the infection to other animals of the same species. However, there is no evidence that these animals can transmit the disease to humans and spread COVID-19. COVID-19 is spread mainly through droplets that are released by an infected person by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

The virus has also been detected in farm-raised minks that were likely infected by workers. In some cases, human-infected minks have transmitted the virus to others. They are the first reported cases of transmission from animal to human.

People with COVID-19 and people at risk are still recommended to limit contact with pets and other animals. In handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be taken, namely: washing hands after handling animals, their food or articles, as well as avoiding kissing them, letting them lick us or sharing food.

WHO will continue to follow up on the latest studies on this and other topics related to COVID-19 and will update the information as new conclusions become available.

How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

The most important thing to know about coronavirus contact with surfaces is that they can be easily cleaned with common household disinfectants that will kill the virus. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces, less than 4 hours on copper surfaces, and less than 24 hours on cardboard surfaces. As always, wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

How can I shop safely at grocery stores?

In grocery stores, keep at least a meter away from others and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If possible, disinfect the handles and bars of carts or baskets before purchasing. When you return home, wash your hands thoroughly upon arrival and also after picking up and storing the products you have purchased. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission through food or its packaging.

How should I wash the fruits and vegetables?

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. Wash them as you would under any circumstances. Before touching them, wash your hands with soap and water. Afterward, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water, especially if you eat them raw.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, only against bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work against it. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. In hospitals, doctors sometimes use antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections that can be a complication of COVID-19 in seriously ill patients. They should only be used to treat a bacterial infection following a doctor's instructions.

Can I get COVID-19 from contact with the stool of a person with the disease?

Although initial investigations suggest that the virus may be present in some cases in the faeces, to date no cases of fecal-oral transmission of the COVID-19 virus have been reported. In addition, to date there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus survives in water, including sewage.

WHO is reviewing ongoing research on the ways of spreading COVID-19 and will continue to report on developments on this issue.

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Do you yell at your kids and then feel guilty?

As the period of confinement lengthens, the spirits at home are more heated. Combining teleworking with kitchen, cleaning, school and amusement park tasks has not been easy from the beginning and day after day the feeling of overload is increasing.

It is difficult to stay focused when, to the already demanding task of organizing family logistics, there is a concern for health and the economy or the uncertainty of when and how this will end. And all this in the small space of a home that we now perceive full of people and where finding a moment for ourselves involves shutting ourselves in the bathroom and closing the latch. They don't always make it easy!

"With this panorama it is not surprising that from time to time, much more often than we would like, the outbursts of anger are directed at the smallest of the house."

Let's see, they earn it… they don't stop talking, they seem to be in the clouds, they never pay attention, they enjoy making love with each other and wherever they go they sow chaos. These are generally we do...

Explode ... and feel guilty 

And when you have already spoken, explained, reasoned, repeated and repeated the same thing over and over again without, apparently, no result, comes the scream, the anger, the door slam or the super-punishment.

And you are an erupting volcano without any control. And after a while, of course, you recognize that you have passed, that it was not so bad, but it is that ... and guilt comes. The feeling that you should be doing better but it doesn't work. So I'm going to give you some guidelines for trying to handle conflict in a somewhat healthier way.

Admit the problem 

The first of all is to call a family reunion and calmly explain the problem: the situation is getting longer, you are all tired, nervous and somewhat sad and lately you feel that the atmosphere at home is from a cowboy movie when mourning the sun . Don't look guilty, don't go into details. Talk about how you feel and how you think others feel (tired, frustrated, bored, fed up ...).

Announce that from this moment on, the important thing for you will be to stay calm, not to have food on time, or clean bathrooms, or that homework is done. Take a mental picture of that moment. Repeat it every morning in front of the mirror. Write it on a piece of paper and hang it on the fridge.

The place of calm

You are going to prepare a containment place at home. Your room, the balcony, the bathroom ... When you feel that you are going to explode, announce it briefly: "This situation overwhelms me, I want to explode, I need to calm down", you let go of everything you have in your hands and you leave without looking back. Reclude yourself, take three deep breaths and repeat to yourself those things that you sometimes forget: "all this will happen" "they have not done it on purpose" "the important thing is to calm down".

Serenely consider what has happened, rate its severity from 1 to 10. It is not the same as your child inadvertently spilling a glass of water to throw a fork at his sister. Think of a natural consequence of this behavior: if it has become dirty, it is cleaned, if the brothers are not able to live together, they each play in their room, if they do not fulfill their obligation, they do not have their reward ... Use this resource sparingly. As much as sometimes you want the solution is not to spend the day in isolation.

Focus on the emotions 

Describe what you have seen and how you think it feels. Put yourself in their place, but really: “I understand that you are tired of making these school cards that seem stupid to you. It doesn't seem to make much sense to do them from home. ” Invite him/ her to talk about how he/ she feels. Do not judge or say what you have to do. Look and listen. Talk about what makes you feel similarly so that she knows you understand or remembers a similar situation that ended well “Do you remember when you had to do that social work…? look it was hard, but in the end you were super-proud of the result. ” State the rule and seek a consensus solution (if possible) or give it a graceful exit.

Values ​​successes and progress 

This is not the time to get delicious. Celebrate small victories explicitly: take the chocolate out of the drawer to celebrate that your children have assembled a layman without arguing, propose a wave for finishing homework in record time, wink at whoever gives you a hand to set the table, invent a victory dance for when the room is tidy ... And when the day is over, review all those moments when you have been able to not use your family as an escape valve. Take out the chocolate again and put on that song that you like or that series that makes you laugh. You have overcome a new day. If the situation overflows you continuously and you have entered a tension dynamic at home, just try to consult with yourself who is the great psychologist you could ever seen..

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Saalai Manikam - The Successful Women Entrepreneur Who is Making Ghana Greener Than Ever Before

Vertical farms, living room greenhouses, robots and apps to control crops: innovative agriculture makes great strides, with brilliant ideas that will, in all likelihood, be the protagonists of the agriculture of the future. It may be one of the oldest crafts in human history, but agriculture knows no brakes on modernization. When we talk about innovative agriculture, in fact, we open a huge chapter made up of brilliant ideas, entrepreneurial ideas that combine a deep knowledge of the subject with a new vision of the sector.

That's why the business of agriculture knows no stops. And it's by no means a job for old people: start-ups are constantly evolving, and young people are increasingly interested in making this vital work more technological. The theme of food could not be without in-depth studies on new techniques and technologies to create profitable and innovative crops, with ideas really cutting edge on every front.

Every day the rural world acquires more and more charm for young people who already dream of a life linked to land and agriculture from high school. And so after decades when young farmers no longer existed, the numbers begin to rise exponentially. According to studies, agricultural entrepreneurs increased 63% from 2018 to 2019. And thanks to them, agriculture changes, meets technology, opens the door to new forms of sustainable tourism and returns to being increasingly organic.

The Superficial ancient techniques which is much better than the today innovations

With the term “Innovation” we generally deal with profitable farms, hydroponic greenhouses, aeroponic crops, profitable greenhouse crops, high-income crops and all those lucrative investments in agriculture that make up the profitable innovative crops, now available to an agricultural entrepreneur.

But, what we recently learned is, we can achieve this without these latest novel advanced technological innovations. Yes, this news has really surprised us and we started to investigate who is behind the scene. For our most flabbergast, we came to know she is an Indian woman who she is making the major part of Ghana greener and more fertile than ever before. Her technique has been adopted from our ancient agriculture proficiency skills of our Indian ancestors which greatly works in that country.

Women overwhelmingly entered the farms, bringing inspiration and efficiency. Businesswomen, who by virtue of the first settlement, were able to take advantage of Community aid. Among the many we have identified Ms. Saalai Manikam who she is a Socio economic entrepreneur, social empowerment worker, strategic development consultant. She dedicates her life to agriculture and who have decided to open an Eco-sustainable accommodation facility in the countryside of Ghana. She has decided to take sustainable measures in agriculture, for getting back a more natural lifestyle.

Learning from Nature, rediscovering simplicity, feeling part of a whole ... are some keywords that unite her story, let's discover her together

Saalai Manikam - we can call her the 'Greener Lady of Ghana'

Born in Meivazhi salai, India and raised under a holistic state of living, she has an inner self that is still making her reach to the very heights of pure intelligence. A lot of winsome opportunities came to herself that she profusely grabbed and leaped to the greater heights. Her fine diplomacy of dealing with people in a sensitive and tactful way make her propinquity to administer government departments and agencies. And she also been involved in very successful projects both in India and abroad. Her wise computing intelligence make her play a vital role in financial structuring and liaison with many financial institutions. She is also an intelligent CSR advisor.

She has now undertaken a very respectable position in ARIMA GROUP, Ghana – as a Managing Director & Promotor of Agriculture and Mining which both are the most respectable domains that determines a fortuity of a Nation.

The story behind her goal

She made this choice because of the strong bond she has always had with this place. This strong vocation has allowed her to face the difficulties and overcome the lack of experience in the agricultural field and the initial prejudice that the so-called "humble" jobs arouse.

Overcoming the initial difficulties, however insurmountable they might seem, made her stronger. The first satisfactions then made her aware of being part of something greater than what she could think at the beginning: being an active part of the traditions makes her satisfied with what she do, and increasingly interested in learning more and improving herself.

“She is a woman stepped to achieve as the opportunities called her. She chose to be a diplomat, in a respectable concern and sometimes act like a farm field worker. She does an innovative way of agriculture which is putting in place new knowledge and particular attention to the environment.” 

She has created through many details, starting with respect for the place in the restructuring of traditional materials and forms. The fields, furnished in a simple but particular way, do not hide their previous agricultural function, she hosted equipment found in the farms and local artisan creations that support social projects.

Armed herself with a lot of patience, kindness and availability and be able to learn from anyone and from any experience. Of course, it is a very tiring job but if done with passion and determination it will give anyone incredible satisfaction that will repay all the energy spent.

Her vision towards the future

Fundamental for us is not only to give a room or to eat, but to make our guests live an experience. With the help of her local friends, she managed to make it happen in Accra, which she simply defines 'an area where you can dream ... cultivate ideas ... make projects grow'.

Accra is the place to do, 1000's of hectares of agri lands, in the province, is ready to clad herself as a ‘greener mom’. The old farms have been renovated in an ecological way, experimenting with innovative technologies with phytodepuration system, clean energy and bio-lake, and creating a beautiful eco-friendly rural hospitality. Their organic agricultural products from citrus fruits to avocados, from rice to natural greens, are in high demand in the local markets.

The rural world offer more than city life 

It is something subtle because here too the rhythms are often frenetic and even much more rigid than in the city. Nature does not wait, plants have their cycles, seasons alternate and if you are not prepared, you have not foreseen and planned well the times you lose the harvest, that is, the work of an entire year.

"What pays off is simplicity, learning again to surprise yourself with the colors of the sunrise, the scent of freshly picked fruit, the gestures of animals ... In short, the simple beauty and the perception of feeling part of a whole. "

Her advice to anyone who is at the beginning of a similar project to prepare for it which there is no school or preparation. Hospitality on a farm is something unique and special, every day is different. Her philosophy is to give what she would like to find on a farm, therefore warmth and pleasure in welcoming and sincerity and familiarity in telling her story and that of the place.

 Her current positions:-

• ARIMA GROUP, Ghana – Agriculture & Mining, Promotor & Managing Director

• ICCOA - International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture, Board
Member

• PAF - Periyar African Foundation, Founder & General Secretary

• Dec 3 Movement – Differently Abled Rights Movement, Patron & Chief Advisor

• ACOSA – African Council for Organic & Sustainable Agriculture, Conceptor &
Founder

• FWC – First World Community, President, West Africa

• WACWISA – West Africa Centre for water, Irrigation & Sustainable Agriculture,
Sectoral Advisory Board Member (World Bank, The Association of African
Universities (AAU), Ecowas – CEDEAO, AFD – French NGO)

• Green Heart Africa, Company into agricultural development in the Bounkani
Region, Northeast part in Cote d`Ivoire to increase rice production through
mobilization of the community farmers and youth groups, Advisor

• Uzhavan Organics – Farmers Group (Pudukottai District in Tamilnadu), Advisory
Board Member

• Half Land Enterprise Pvt Ltd, Working with Marginal Farmers in Mysore, Socio
Economic Development Advisor.

• A-RAISE Foundation - African Robotic, Artificial Intelligence, and Space
Education Foundation, Founder Director

• TKHub – The Knowledge Hub, Conceptor & Founder

We, the Karuvi Foundation feels really proud to felicitate our Prestigious Icon Ms. Saalai Manikam and we wishes her heartfully to reach the very heights to the epitome of success.

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Karuvi foundation helps for the Youth Empowerment and Skill Development

Empowerment of youth is a process through which they  experience a sense of control over their lives, making choices and making informed decisions. Younger people feel they are experiencing an empowerment process when they feel listened to, understood and feel they can make decisions for themselves thus having control over their own lives. As the term suggests, youth empowerment means acquiring power, when we talk about power we do not mean the exercise of one dominion over the other, rather we are talking about all those ways in which they manage to exert an influence on the other, therefore of a increased influence in social relationships at all levels of these relationships, from those of a couple to those between a person and a group.

What actually is Skill Development and what are the impacts it creates among youth?

Faced with the profound changes that, in recent decades, have affected the labor market, how can we help people - and above all young people - to relate, in the best possible way, with this context, inter alia in continuous and fast transformation?

From many quarters it is suggested to also acquire "transversal skills" - to be continuously strengthened - and to combine them at best with one's own technical skills. In general, technical skills (also called hard skills) are those necessary to carry out a certain activity or profession; the basic theoretical technical skills are acquired in a path of education and / or professional training, while their operational deepening takes place through practical experience in the workplace (internships, traineeships, actual work).

The transversal skills (soft skills) represent, instead, personal knowledge, skills and qualities that characterize the way of being of each person in the study, at work and in daily life. Precisely for this reason they are called "transversal", because they do not refer to technical areas or specific knowledge of a subject of study, but they call into question all those aspects of the personality and knowledge that everyone uses every day in different contexts.

Cross-cutting skills emerge when making decisions, when trying to get out of a difficult situation, when trying to change things you don't like, when you are with others, every time you have to learn something new. They are, for example, the ability to communicate one's thoughts well to others, to relate correctly to people respecting their different roles, to work in a group, to be flexible, to be proactive. Karuvi foundation have dealt with the topic of both transversal and technical skills, calling them in various ways; this section of the guide will refer to those identified within, but it is possible to find a more comprehensive picture of the various definitions in part of the guide dedicated to this theme.

Karuvi foundation is always forward for taking actions to strengthen the key technical and professional skills of the unemployed youth and also for the young people with disabilities. Our Karuvi Foundation's Youth Strategical goal is improved in terms of accessibility, visibility and impact to ensure better participation of young people. To many of us the concept of Transversal and Technical Skills is still quite unknown, although they are considered indispensable in world. The list of these skills is long and includes social and communication skills, emotional intelligence and problem solving, adaptability, intercultural work and job specific skills that are merely hard skills.
Unfortunately, it is not easy for schools or media to offer them the right space to develop these skills: if in schools, teachers have an obligation to complete programs and prepare students for exams and often there is no time to explore these life skills.

We, the Karuvi foundation, precisely for this reason, do this wonderful task through Mr. J. Gokulnath. B.E., who is an exceptional entrepreneurial engineering  pro. He helps children who are in need of the opportunity to get to know and develop transversal skills which may not have been sufficiently studied in school.

He helps young people to enlighten themselves with the transversal and technical skills and also guiding them to choose the exact platform to leap to the very heights. Mostly, youth who are living in under developed parts of the state i.e., young people living in slums, unschooled, discontinued, orphanages, rehabilitation centers. He is also helping youth with physical disabilities to learn the comprehensive stock of knowledge to work in a corporate milieu.

For more information, please drop a line to: info@karuvifoundation.in

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