Invest in health

If there is one thing we have been learning from the pandemic then it is the importance of flexibility.

It has shown us the harsh reality of the need to be humble because we learnt that even our best of plans can be rattled in no time. The only solution is to revive one's self.

The other question is to invest or to insure? In any other health issue there was generally an idea on how to take care and plan for it. Most people managed to live with it. With Covid 19 there is almost no choice but try prevention. For the ones who had to be admitted in hospitals, the cost of treatment need not be limited to the average expectation. For some it has been life savings left with no choice but to start fresh.

Having said that, undoubtedly the biggest gift to the family is when they see their loved one back home with the efforts of the doctors and nurses. The Sultanate lost its first Omani health worker (nurse) due to Covid 19. Shannuna al Nu’maniyah is a covid 19 warrior who also bid goodbye to the world while trying to heal others. The frontliners are often forgotten as they are addressed in this term and we think it is part of the system who are naturally available as part of treatment. They are not part of the medical equipment such as the ventilator or the oxygen cylinder. The frontliners breathe and have feelings of emotions and fear as well as anxiety. They are protective of their patients and family but are vulnerable too.

When we have the option of working at the 50% at the office, they do not have the option of working from home. It is their duty and everyday they appear on time to continue where the other shift members have left. They are trained and are graduates with specializations but have not been mentally prepared to handle the fear of a pandemic. Their PPE (personal protection equipment) is inconvenient and their oxygen intake is probably at a lower rate with N95 masks to be worn for so many hours.

The pandemic has taught us that mental fitness is equally important to physical fitness. Mental fitness, almost a taboo before, must be embraced now. As a society it is time we gave our full support to the health care workers. There must be a doctor or a nurse we know. Maybe it is time to reach out to them, no, not to clear one of your medical doubts; but to ask about them and appreciate them and to give them an opportunity to express themselves. There is nothing as valuable as appreciation when it comes to work. They may not have an option but to work, yet they face each day bravely knowing very well how vulnerable they are in their work environment. Maybe it is time to revisit the subject – Occupation Hazard.

As for the patients who are recovering, each breath, each step reminds us the value of the force that is within us and it is the air that we breathe in that sustains us. Inhaling and exhaling are not mechanical actions but rather a beautiful rhythm proving our connection with nature while plants and trees do that almost in a meditative manner we human beings waste so much more energy by being restless. The pandemic has taught us to stay connected to nature but most importantly has made us realise our similarities and interdependency with trees and plants. We also know whom to invest in as we need more oxygen – trees.

There is nothing as refreshing as watering plants and performing the breathing exercises in the garden. We have learnt not to take anything or anyone for granted.

Our friend who is recovering from Covid19 took his first ten steps and it was a celebration probably just as his parents would have when he took his baby steps.

The pandemic has also taught us how important it is to encourage recovering patients with conversations and messages thanks to technology.

Let us stay connected and be there for each other.