Why did I embrace my natural hair?

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My background story I went natural in 2014, just before I got pregnant with my daughter. I embraced natural hair because I didn’t feel confident in my relaxed ends. I tried other hairstyles, weaves, and braids. They were great. They were time savers, they gave my hair personality, and they were convenient. However, they could be expensive. They could backfire. Sometimes that weave was so tight that I would go, They still require maintenance.I was always scared that they had a smell, especially after clubbing and feeling conscious again. They damage hair even more if you go the cheaper route, i.e., your local “kibanda” salon route, where the stylist has just graduated from 3, and went to hair school for 3 months. When there was a unique occasion, like a wedding, or corporate event, I had to go to the salon as well. So, after feeling frustrated and thinking, “My life can’t be like this. 

Oh, did I mention the hours you spend on a weekend or weekday trying to get your hair done? Man,, I hated that too. I wanted a better quality of life for myself. I wanted to spend time doing other things, not compete with the other ladies for the only shampoo sink in the salon, and then if I didn’t go to the salon, i.e., my busy weekends. 

I would then get Sunday anxiety and walk into the office feeling self-conscious and edgy because my hair was messy. I would beat myself up about how I hadn’t gone to the salon and what a terrible person I was because I spent time with my friends and rested. It didn’t feel healthy at all.  

I also hated the exorbitant amount of money I spent on my hair. Every month, I was spending over 3,000 on hair that I didn’t even like. 

I also hated seeing other women with “my look”. I had this great curly weave. 

I wanted my own natural, unique hair look. And the only way I could have that was to have my own natural hair. 

How to clean your natural hair

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Standard 1 natural hair class is a clean scalp

Why do we wash our natural hair?

This sounds like a silly question but when it comes to African natural hair there are a lot of weird and insane theories about how to grow natural hair long and how to keep it healthy. There was once a lady who had long hair and said the reason she has long waist-length hair was that she only washed her hair, once every year. Not only does this sound gross in my opinion but also no.

The scalp, like our other skin, gets greasy, sweaty, and dead skin. And just like your face, you can’t keep on slathering products. You also put yourself at risk for infections, and your hair just stays looking greasy or dull grey if you add more products, and of course, it has a “fragrant”

And here’s motivation for you

I’m a lazy natural, so washing my hair sounds absoIt’s also something I’ve built a habit of, so it now feels weird if I don’t. The trick is to not think about it too much. Get it done at least every week.

How long does it take me to wash my natural hair?

I keep my wash days simple, short and effective. What this means is that I try not to do too much on wash day other than focus on cleaning my scalp and hair. 20 minutes or less.

So what’s my natural hair cleaning process?

Wash day starts with a pre-poo. I do this because my ends get dry easily when shampooing. Applying pre-poo also starts the process of defining my natural hair curls. I first section my hair into 4 or 6 sections using duck clips. I apply pre-poo on each section, aiming at the ends of the hair. I let the pre-poo sit in for 30 minutes or more. When shampooing, I apply shampoo, focusing mostly on my scalp. It’s easier if you have parted your hair. Then apply the shampoo to the base of the hair. I use a scalp shampoo brush or fingertips to scrub.

What natural hair products do I use?

The good thing nowadays is that there are many natural hair cleaning products at different price ranges. It all depends on your budget. It all depends on your budget. Also when used properly alot goes along way. My favourites are Marini sulfate-free shampoo, Zerufi shampoo bar, Bentonite clay and African black soap.

You can also DIY your shampoo with Bicarbonate soda, ACV, lemon juice.

Lately I’ve also been using Silver shampoo

The natural hair tools I use

I use Section hair clips for sectioning hair to make shampooing easier, Scalp massage shampoo brush stimulates blood flow, a satin hair bonnet for pre-poo and a clean old t-shirt is for drying my hair.

Soooo….in summary!

Cleaning your hair is super important for natural hair management, pre-poo your ends to get softer more defined ends, rinse and repeat at least every 5 days to have a healthy scalp and hair.

Here are 7 of my favourite go-to Natural Hair Tools

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Natural hair tools

They save my life every day!

Times have changed and having black hair in its natural state is super acceptable but it’s still a struggle managing your natural hair at home. I remember one time when my hair was super messy and the next day I had a work photoshoot. I was definitely stressed about how I would.

Natural Hair tool no1 is My hands

My hands are these are probably the best, convenient tools at your disposal, helpful in detangling, scrunching in your curl product, applying your leave-in conditioner, doing your twists, braid-outs, lift your roots to add more volume…Don’t underestimate the power of your hands.

Natural Hair tool no2 is Duck Clips

Duck clips make it easy to section my hair when doing braid-outs, twist outs or applying deep conditioner.

Natural Hair tool no. 3 is a Good quality Natural hair brush

A good brush helps me get the product on every section and neaten the edges as the final touch to your hair. I find that after applying the gel, brushing my hair brings out the natural texture of my curls.

Natural Hair tool no. 4 is lots and lots of Bobby Pins

Click on pic to buy bobbypins

When uninspired in the morning I usually pick up a hairpin and pin up a section of my hair, then I pick up another one and do the same and then I pick another one and do the same….I continue doing this until I get a style that makes me feel confident.

Natural Hair tool no. 5 is Scrunchies as many as you can

Click on pic to shop!

Satin and velvet scrunchies are super life savers especially if your hair has a little more lenght. It provides the perfect framework for a bun or any updo. Whenever Im in a hurry I put my hair in a scrunchie and go ‘on about my day

Natural Hair tool no. 6 is a Silky Satin Scarf

I wrap a satin scarf to flatten down my edges. make my hair shiny. I usually tie the scarf for 5 mins or more as after getting styling as Im getting dressed in the morning.

Natural Hair tool no. 7 is a Natural Hair Diffuser

Diffusers are a lifesaver when you have to dry your hair real quick. Having a diffuser has saved my hairstyling countless times after I’ve washed my hair and needed it to dry fast. They give a good stretch without having to compromise your natural curls. I usually comb through the hair with gel before using diffusing.

Sooooo…in summary, these tools don’t have to be bought at once. There just a few things I bought in time as my natural hair grew longer. I promise the natural hair police is not going to come knocking on your door if you haven’t bought all these items. However they are a help in terms of managing your natural hair.

I got anxious so I cut my hair

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My hair after I cut it Source: Me

Anxiety… it’s our body’s natural response to stress. It’s a fear, an apprehension, dread, doom. Anxiety is also a feeling of nervousness. It’s feeling worried, having butterflies in your stomach. It’s an impending sense of restlessness…danger. Its also a normal response to stress. Why we get anxiety is complicated? Im not an expert but I figure it could be the way our unique brain chemistry, genetics and what we learned as children that we haven’t unlearned. Having some anxiety is normal, maybe healthy and necessary for survival. But it got unhealthy for me when it affected my everyday life, routine, work, relationships etc. It built up slowly as stressful events approached.

How did my anxiety feel?

It started as worry, then I had difficulty controlling my worry and then the unnecessary worry about what was going to happen created anxiety. Even when I was safe, I felt unsafe. I had difficulty differentiating fact and feeling. Every feeling needed to be investigated to determine if it’ accurate. I was irritable and I felt inadequate and ashamed “How could I not handle challenging emotions or situations?” It then led to a vicious cycle, a never-ending treadmill of irrational thoughts.  A sickening feeling in my stomach, fearful. I kept having a sense of dread and doom, painful butterflies were in my stomach. I felt weak and had a sense of helplessness. I had a strong sense of disconnect, nightmares and procrastination. My mind kept going round and round replaying possibilities and scenarios. It triggered for me a flight-freeze response.

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What triggered my anxiety?

The global pandemic, work stress, financial stress, changes to my routine as a result of lockdown, conflict in personal relationships.

Learn to recognize the cycle of anxiety. 

“Sit with your feelings”. Whenever I felt like I was in a labryinth of feelings, I would distract myself with Netflix streaming, watching TV instead I tolerated the negative feelings, said hello to anxiety. Usually in the morning, anxiety knocks on the door, I say hello, talk to it like a friend and then just sit with it like you would a long term friend… then I take a shower, go about my day, some days relatively easier than others.

Practice this breathing technique. I love it. It has helped me in times when Im not ready to sit with my feelings. It helps to break the anxiety: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds. It’s a fast effective

Treated myself with compassion and kindness

Regular exercise. The moment i feel anxious, if I can, I stand up, take a 10 minute break, go for a walk. Regular exercise releases helpful feel-good hormones

Meditation. Helped me to calm the nerves down. 

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, helped me to stop the obsessive round and round irrational thoughts

Listening to soothing music. Classical, jazz, rain sounds. Youtube gave me a wide array of calming music to download and listen to. 

Writing out in a journal…helped me to clear my mind of the thoughts and helped me pinpoint the source of my anxiety, as well as analyAlso going back to journals, showed me progress. 

I strived for a healthy perspective of reality by being only responsibly informed i.e. get news from reputable news channels that report responsibly. 

I avoided social media posts and videos with trigger words and images.

I did what I could do in my world to take care of myself and my family.

I saw my anxiety as a fire that can be a small matchstick flame or a raging burning bush. I can either pour water or gasoline on it or recognize its presence, and let it burn out. Like any fire, my anxiety eventually burns out, if I just let it sit for a while. 

Do You Have What it takes to have Natural Hair?

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To manage natural hair you will need the right mindset….

For most women, a big chop is a way of starting fresh and wearing your natural hair curls for the first time completely, but it takes guts… serious lady cajones (cahones)..to big chop your hair into natural hair. I was scared too even though I knew my hair was unhealthy overprocessed, thin with split ends. It was affecting my self-esteem and confidence. I hated that, this is because I wasn’t the inner vibrant sexy female that I was not reflecting outwards. Something drastic needed to happen so after doing a lot of research, asking myself questions, I stopped relaxing my hair, later on, I big chopped into natural hair. I’ve been natural for over 5 years and what I’ve learnt the most is that your attitude will determine your altitude.

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Source: Google

Your mindset is a summary of those beliefs, ideas and attitudes. Your mindset will determine how successful you are on your natural hair journey. Having a growth mindset is having the belief that your abilities to have natural hair can be developed while having a fixed mindset is believing that your natural hair is “ugly” and believing that you are not good at managing your own hair and that you will never this ability no matter what you do.

Those with a growth mindset believe they can always improve, catch up or even surpass others on their natural hair journey.They also believe that most abilities required to manage their natural hair are developed. Having a growth mindset makes a difference between giving up, relaxing hair again or having healthy natural hair for the rest of your life.

Growth mindset naturalistas value what they are doing regardless of the outcome. They love to learn and are resilient. Meanwhile, fixed mindset curly girls give up easily and are afraid of challenges. Everything is about the outcome for a fixed mindset girl and if she fails, she considers having natural hair “a waste of time”.

To be a true naturalista, you must be ready to charter into a sea of unknown. Some of us haven’t seen our natural hair since the Kibaki-era so having natural hair is almost like trekking a whole new territory. And in as much as you will watch all the Youtube videos you can, you will try and failing is part of the game until you’ve set up a routine that makes you feel confident in your natural hair. You also have to be open to doing your hair in a different way, using different products and setting up new routines so there is a learning curve and you make mistakes.

Learning curve to managing natural hair
Source: Google

So how do you develop this natural hair mindset.?

STEP #1: Awareness. Awareness is the most important tool to developing a growth mindset. Notice when you are playing it “safe”

Source: Google

STEP #2: Acknowledge and embrace your natural hair in all its glory.

STEP #3: Track your progress.

STEP #4: Reach out for guidance and ask questions.

STEP #5Tackle the small elements of having a natural game. Break your tasks into small tasks and you will master and grow in confidence. When you can clearly achieve a small task such as softer hair, manageable hair, curl definition, wash day.

STEP5#: Focus and celebrate your wins and reflect on what worked and what to improve on.

STEP #6:Try different learning tactics. There is no one-size-fits-all model for learning.

STEP#7: View the challenges as opportunity for self-improvement.

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It takes guts…serious lady balls to cut your hair. Get into the right mindset help and enjoy the journey

If you are still struggling with your mindset, here are 2 good books to help:

Growth Mindset by Carole Dweck

Grit by Angela Duckworth

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Thinking to Big Chop and have natural hair?… All the Useful Tips You will ever need

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View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rahab Kinyanjui (@imakenyancurl)

Big chop or the BC is the act of cutting all of your processed hair to leave your beautiful natural healthy hair. It’s the quickest way to go natural, an alternative to long term transitioning and is considered a milestone in having natural hair

Ive big chopped twice. The first time I did it i relaxed my hair thereafter 🙁 before I big chopped I knew I wanted a change and i wasn’t happy with my processed hair but when i did big chop…i felt good i felt great then i panicked…”what’s next?” So out of sheer panic i relaxed it 🙁 the second time i big chopped i was ready. I understood what I was doing, I knew what I wanted and I knew how to go about it. I’ve never looked back. Also it’s safe to say, I have a few ideas on how to get it right but also an expert of how to get it wrong.

#1. Research, plan and then research some more. It’s an awesome time to bigchop to natural hair because there is so much information out there on having healthy natural hair.

#2. Choose a muse 

Sanaa Lathan source: Google
Solange Knowles source: Google

#2. Be Prepared-Ask friends, stylist and other curlies for advice, their experience, products etc. Talk to spouse, family or friends to gauge their reactions but don’t be discouraged by negative reactions. If this is something you want to do, then go for it

#3. Transition for a while. I trasitioned for 5 months, to get a little growth before I big chopped. If you cant see yourself big chopping try switching it up to extensions or at least braids or cornrows to give your hair a break and for you to have more time to build up the confidence to cut your hair. I also used this time to learn and try out products that enhanced managed curl pattern and control frizz when I eventually big chopped. Also practice the LOC method as you are transitioning.

#4. Hydrate, hydrate -incorporate coconut and castor oil into leave-in conditioner and hydrate like its going our of style-Umm yes, you can still break hair while short, so keep on hydrating with a moisturizing conditioner. The curlier your hair, the tighter your coil curl pattern the more intense hydration needs to be.

#5. Get a great stylist who will support you on your journey. The second time I big chopped I got a stylist to cut my hair. A stylist can help you transition longer. The stylist should also be able to give you a proper hair cut i.e. cut out the relaxed ends Ask to see pictures of their work. 

#6. You can decide to have a tapered cut. Honestly I wish I could have had a tapered cut. A tapered cut looks sexy, helps you have a more feminine edge and highlights your cheekbones

source: Google

#7.You dont have to be super drastic. You can trim it it a little at a time as you get used to seeing your natural hair

#8.Snap a before and after picture 

#9.Just Do It! You hair will grow back. Most women find it freeing, liberating.

#10.Enjoy your Big Chop moment. Natural hair is a journey and your hair will grow faster than you think so don’t overthink it. There will be good days when you love your hair, there will be tough days when you hate it…that is will all hair. so have some fun…budget for some awesome hair accessories, statement earrings, buy makeup that highlights your cheekbones etc

 

Source: Google

Pssst!…you can get a pretty pearl headband here

How I make my hair curly and the products I use?

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I recently got a message in my inbox. It was short and sweet. “How do you have curly hair?”

To be honest, there are so many answers to this question, I dont even know where to start but I will try as much as possible to provide all the information on how to have the best curly hair. 

Okay what does it take to have curly hair?

So curly hair depends on first on genetics. If you have the genetic predisposition i.e. science talk for if it runs in your family then you have curly hair. Based on your hair curl types you can have waves, coils, spirals, ringlets.

This nice white lady here has ringlets:

So first step to having curly hair is….drumroll please…you must have naturally curly hair for you to

So that we’ve established that you have curly hair you can now understand curl definition. This is because curl products cannot change your natural hair type. Products are designed to enhance and help define your natural hair type. So eco styler gel on a Hair type 3a is going to look different on a 4c hair type. For me, I have a mixture of different hair types. Im a combination of 4a, 4b 4c. This is the beauty of all-natural hair. Everyone’s natural hair is different, unique and beautiful and curling products are for enhancing your natural hair texture.  

To change your hair type it means using chemicals to change the bond of the hair to either curl the bond. White people call this a perm. Or to loosen the curl…using the relaxer/straightner treatment. 

Natural hair curl products do not change the bond of the hair rather enhance and define the curl more.

My best curl definition process 

Ive been the curly since 2014 and this so for is the best process I’ve found for maximum curl definition

Undo hair, apply shampoo, wash, rinse, apply conditioner or deep conditioner, hot oil, detangle, leave conditioner for 30mins, rinse with lukewarm water,  dry until damp, section hair, apply the product on each section, comb through, style using twists or braidout, let hair dry, comb out and style

Ecostyler Gel (Kshs. 699)

SHOP: https://www.jumia.co.ke/professional-styling-gel-black-castor-flaxseed-oil-8-oz-eco-styler-mpg130461.html

Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Gel (Kshs. 895)

Shop: https://www.jumia.co.ke/dont-shrink-flaxseed-gel-aunt-jackies-mpg187889.html

Cantu Curling Cream (Kshs. 895)

SHOPhttps://www.jumia.co.ke/moisturizing-curl-activator-cream-355-ml-cantu-mpg93750.html

Conclusion

To be natural is to understand, accept and embrace and love your curls. It takes time, its a process undoing of your definition of what is beautiful curly hair. That’s why we call it a natural hair journey. So dont focus on social media posts on curly hair. Rather try out the products that define your curlt

What are your best products for curl definition?

I miss going to the salon…is it safe to go?

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I miss going to the Salon source:google

There is no denying it, salon closures have impacted my beauty routine and self-esteem and the Kenyan economy as a whole. The salon industry is a multi-million industry and supports over 50,000 Kenyans mostly women raising a family. A Kenyan woman who did not have easy access to education is able to undergo informal hair training and able to start a business to feed their families. The industry is also informal and goes unchecked 

Like all industries, the salon hair care industries took a blow. I was never a big fan of salons but it was always nice to know that they would be there for a quick blowdry, cornrows or box braids.

As a naturalista it was always nice to know that they are there for a quick blowdry, cornrows or braids. Since the easing of restrictions, is it safe to go to the hair salon? Is going to a salon now increasing my chances of contracting COVID-19? I really want to go here’s what Im hoping will change:

  • source: google

Guidelines for Salons

  • Most salons are commendable for hygiene because the know it’s important to their clients. However they need to steup the sanitation. Wear masks, wipe down after every client, temperature check at the door etc. 
  • Place chairs 6 feet apart
  • Stylist to wear a mask and eye shield
  • They should only provide service to patrons who are wearing 
  • Services to be by appointment only to space the clients safely in between sanitization. An easy online calender which clients can book can help with this. 
  • Sanitation should be done after every appointment
  • They should have little or almost no one in the salon. Anyone who is not with a client should not be in the salon. If possible have a waiting area outside where clients and stylists can maintain social distancing 
  • Encourage cashless payment…VISA or MPESA card
  • Even though the industry is struggling, they need to avoid random walk-ins for the sake of the health of the stylists and their loyal clients.  They should take things slow and only have a small team. 
  • Remove magazines and drinks from the salon. 
  • Space out clients 
  • Work in shifts to get more clients but still ensuring the health and safety of everyone.
  • Offer virtual consultation ahead of appointments to minimize exposure time. Virtual consultations to take the guesswork out so they are more prepared and efficient during the actual appointment. 
  • Provide disposable masks should also be available for clients. 
  • Cleanliness is key-gowns, hairdressing, equipment should be disinfected after every client. Hand sanitizer should be made available. Single use towels should be washed and disinfected. 
  • Payment should be cashless…MPESA or VISA Card
  • No walk-ins allowed to avoid crowding the salon. Come alone, avoid coming with family. Have a 1 meter distance rule (3 to 6 feet). 
  • Carry out extra sanitation. staff should wear visors and masks. Gowns and hair-dressing equipment should be disinfected or discarded after every use. 
  • Stop having tea, coffee and magazines are likely to become a thing of the past
  • As a stylist keep yourself updated on the latest health and safty news regarding coronavirus. Its always important to be aware on the number of infections in your area. 

Guidelines for Patrons

  • Visits to salons now should be taken seriously. It’s no longer a flighty impulsive thing to go to a salon. It should be done with purpose because honestly whenever you are going out of your house you are putting yourself and your loved ones at risk .Before going to the salon,  try doing your hair at home. There are lots of videos, tools, products you can order online get to manage your beauty during this time.
  • But if you must go here are a few guidelines Im hoping we all can abide by:
  • Call beforehand to find out what precautions they are taking and also to discuss your hair and what you want. This will keep your conversation in the salon to a minimum. Talking releasing droplets into the atmosphere.
  • Prep your hair beforehand to spend less time in the salon. I.e. remove the braids, detangle with a wide-tooth comb, wash hair, deep condition, blow dry etc. 
  • Don’t dring fluids before your appointment in order to avoid using the bathroom. 
  • Wear a mask. Once you to wear a mask wash your hands. Carry eye protection, gloves or disposable tissues, hand sanitizer. 
  • Cancel your appointment if you feel sick…don’t put the salon’s health and business at risk.
  • Wear your face throughout the duration of your appointment. Even at the sink, unhook your mask and hold it to your face.
  • Stand up for yourself and others. If you see risky behaviour say something. 
  • To lower the risk of cross contamination, stick to one hair stylist.

Conclusion

It’s fair to say new hairdressing experience looks a lot different from the one we once knew. And 

This is the new normal, a whole new experience to be felt, where now the priority is health and safety for everyone. 

So during this global pandemic, which salon in Kenya would you recommend?

Ugghh..can I get Covid-19 on My Hair?

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Source: instagram

It’s time to confront the tweepadock in the room ( read Big Bang Theory Ep7, season 6)

Can you get corona through your hair? Are there risks that the virus could be in your natural hair?Should I be worried about viral contamination on my hair?What if someone sneezes? am I gonna get the Rona?

Is Corona in Your Hair?

First of all you have to think through the process of what has to happen for someone to become infected

Here is what scientists know so far… the virus is spread through symptomatic people via respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person, or by contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus is viable for “hours to days” depending on the surface and conditions. 

 Dr. Janowski of Washington University School of Medicine sets a plausible scenario of contamination via hair.

“You have someone who sneezes and they have to have X amount of viruses in the sneeze. There has to be so many drops that land on you to spread the virus”

“Then you have to touch that part of your hair that has those droplets which already have a significant reduction in viral particles”.

“Then you have to touch that and then touch whatever part of your face to come into contact with it. When you go through the string of the events that must occur, such an extended number of things have to happen just right. That makes it low risk”

Dro. Omes, Yale Institute of Global Health doesn’t “recall anyone” testing hair but said the virus likely wouldn’t live as long as other surfaces.When it comes to stainless steel and plastic, coronavirus can live on the surface for 2 to 3 days.   So far scientists have seen that viruses survive for lesser durations on porous surfaces such as hair than smooth surfaces such as stainless steel. It’s not clear how long the virus may be able to survive on hair. Possibility the virus could remain viable on your hair for a few hours or even a few days.

Dr. Friedman, School of dermatology, George Washington school of medicine says it depends on the circumstances of the hair. If hair is ripped out and sneezed on directly by someone who may have the virus it could live on it up to 3 days. However if hair is attached to the scalp it would be a different story. Natural oils cover our strands as a protectant. They have antimicrobial properties. But you can’t rely on natural hair oil production; it varies according to each person, health, diet , hair types.

You can’t wash your hair as often as your hands. Washing hair too often will dry it out, cause frizziness, split ends, and damage your scalp’s natural defense mechanisms including the oils and friendly bacteria that sit on your hair. It will also cause dandruff, and make you susceptible to fungal infections and injury. 

So how can we protect ourselves from getting corona on our hair?

Hair is not exposed  to large amounts of the virus. Unless your hair is constantly touching doors, shopping carts or shaking hands or unless someone is sneezing, coughing or panting directly into your hair stroking your hair with this virus-contaminated hands there are few ways for your hair to be contaminated.

List of Do’s and Dont’s

-Do avoid touching your hair before washing your hands.

-Don’t be worried about viral contamination of your hair if you are practicing social distancing. Even if someone sneezes on the back of your head, any droplets that landed on your hair will be an unlikely source of infection

-Don’t let someone who could be contagious come close to you without wearing a mask.

-Don’t put sanitizer, disinfectants on your hair…unless you want it to break off

-Do wash your hands before and after touching your hair.

-Although it highly unlikely, don’t touch your hair and then touch your face, you may transfer the virus to your face If someone does contaminate you i.e. sneeze, cough, wash your hair and soap for at least 20 secs.

Am I the only one freaking out about Coronavirus?

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Am I the only one freaking out about the coronavirus? Is the coronavirus a sign of the times? Is this the pandemic that scientists have been claiming is long “overdue”?Im not a hypochondriac but I’ve been freaking out about the coronavirus. I guess because nowadays rather than little information, there is a lot of information overload and a lot more “fake” news. The Internet has made it super easy to get hourly updates on any news. and coronavirus has been one. Most recently I met a friend who had recently talked to a work colleague come back from the Philipines, gave him a hug. As she was telling me this I started joking to her about Coronavirus…I then googled coronavirus, Philipines and saw there was a case. Our laughter got a little bit awkward after that.

What is the Coronavirus?

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Coronavirus in the lungs

Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that attack respiratory system. It is zoonotic meaning these viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. coronavirus was identified in Dec by Chinese officials. It is said that it is derived from a Wuhan seafood market in Hubei province in China. New cases are reported on an hourly basis. So far 811 people have died in China from the coronavirus. There have been over 20,000 reported cases. The virus has spread to 28 countries including the US and the UK.

Death toll is reaching over 40,000 on Feb 10th.

 

Why is it scary?

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  • It is presenting as a potential pandemic threat.
  • The current outbreak is sparking anxiety and concern. This is because the virus might spread too far and cause dramatic harm before health officials can find a way to stop it. Questions of its transmission remain unanswered. It takes 5-6 days to rise to symptoms. Some people may carry the virus but do not show any visible symptoms. 2-4% of people infected with the virus in China have done. 
  • It’s easily contagious.
  • The incubation time of the virus is two weeks. This means it can spread fast before it is detected
  • Even though African countries have so far not reported any cases Kenya does not yet have the testing tools to detect the virus.
  • Given the current state and corrupt culture, will our government actually take real precautions to protect us it’s citizens?
  • Our government may not have the resources, training and knowledge of how to contain this virus
  • So far there is no cure for the common cold virus, there is no cure for the coronavirus
  • Getting the latest updates of coronavirus, makes us feel disheartened, vulnerable…like very little is in our control.

Aaannywaays here’s what you can do to gain some sense of control:

Wash your hands

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Practice really good hygiene-wash hand with warm water, lather up and scrub for 20 seconds.

cv7

Use a hand sanitizer that is 60% alcohol. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or elbow when you are coughing or sneezing. Maintain a social distance of 1 meter (3 feet). When someone has coughing or sneezing they project droplets. If standing too close you can breathe the viruses. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with contaminated hands. Avoid direct contact with napkins, tissues, handkerchiefsDont share dishes, glasses or eating utensils. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing seek medical care early. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. 

 

Immune System

immunity

Build a strong immune system. Take vitamin c supplements. When levels of vitamin c are low, the immune system can never function at its full capacity. For the immune system to function well. It requires balance and harmony. Factors that affect our immune response is diet, exercise, age, psychological stress. Practise general healthy living strategies and hose a healthy lifestyle

 

 

Diet

veggies

Eat a healthy diet of veggies. Your plate should look like a freaking rainbow, with colourful foods to ensure you are getting antioxidants, phytochemicals and polyphenols. This good stuff are soldiers in the immune system, creating healthy cells and killing damaged cells. Only eat well-cooked animals and animal products. Avoid raw and undercooked animal products.

 

Exercise

 

exercise

Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight and improves circulation. It allows cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently. Rest and avoid overexertion.

 

Sleep, Rest and relaxation

relax

Practice rest, relaxation and meditation. Stress has been shown to lower our immune systems. Aim for 7 hours or more of sleep. Reduce stress by doing yoga, meditation and exercise.

 

 

 

Don’t smoke

Drink alcohol in moderation