The corona epidemic has brought both big and small problems to our society. In this blog, we address the surprising challenges indirectly caused by the coronavirus and present solutions.
Your home drain is blocked
Let’s start, unashamedly, with the subject we love most: the sewer. Yle has reported on the new trend, caused by the epidemic, of putting more and more things that do not belong down the drain, such as handkerchiefs and disinfectant wipes. Especially in old detached houses, things that don’t belong in the sewer are effectively trapped in the rough interior surfaces of the sewer pipes. When enough stuff builds up, a blockage occurs, allowing water to rise up. The situation shown in the picture occurs when a blockage on the lowest floor of the house is not immediately noticed, but water continues to flow into the drain from somewhere else. This can result in a significant bill for the owner-occupier, but we know from experience that this is not even the main concern for the occupier. The smell of sewage water can be terrible.
To keep your drains working properly, never pour or throw the following items down them:
– Fryer soybean
– Food sources
– Paper towels or tissues, so make sure you have enough toilet paper.
– Disinfectant wipes
– Any solid objects, such as cotton buds
If a drain gets blocked, you can often unblock it at home. Read our article on opening a drain to find out how to do this.
A drain can become blocked from time to time, even if it is used correctly. This is a typical symptom of a sewer in poor condition and may indicate the need for repairs or maintenance. If you suspect that the sewer in your private house is in poor condition, you should take advantage of a free sewer survey.
Washing your hands dries out your skin
Washing your hands is more important than ever. A quick wash is not enough either, you need to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Why 20 seconds? One of the reasons for this is that it allows the soap to effectively remove oily dirt from the skin. This is particularly deadly for coronavirus, whose fatty coat is destroyed when it reacts with soap. The downside of soap, however, is that it does not differentiate between the virus and the skin’s natural fats, but strips away all the fat it encounters. When you wash your hands with soap often, long and thoroughly, your own hand oils may not be enough to keep your skin in good condition. This can – and has for many – caused skin dryness and even cracking. Dry hands can cause rashes, pain and inflammation, among other things, so it’s definitely worth correcting.
What’s your advice? At the very least, make sure you don’t irritate your skin unnecessarily with the cold weather – so wear gloves outside if you need to. In addition, apply a basic moisturiser a few times a day. The fat content of creams varies a lot; you can start with 30-50% and then move up or down as needed. It could also be the soap you’re using. There are big differences between soaps in how much they irritate the skin. So choose a soap from the shop that is specifically for sensitive skin.
You may also have heard that you can wash your hands with a basic lotion instead of soap. While this is true, creams are not as effective against viruses and bacteria as soap. So don’t substitute soap, at least not these days.
The state of emergency keeps the Sleeping Mummy at bay
The ongoing situation has already caused stress, at least in the form of layoffs, health threats and toilet paper shortages. The challenges we face in everyday life can easily surface when trying to get some sleep. If this has happened to you, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. Staring at the ceiling gives you time to think about things, and unfortunately often these things are not the most reassuring. Trouble falling asleep – and sleep problems in general – can make everyday life more difficult and, in the longer term, can even be a health risk. This is why it is important to try to solve sleep problems as quickly as possible when they occur.
There are a few chemical compounds that can help you fall asleep, but often relaxation exercises can help. One of the most popular and effective exercises is the diaphragm breathing. While lying on your back, place one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest. Breathe so that the chest remains still, but the abdomen bulges as you inhale. Breathe calmly and deeply until you relax. It may seem clumsy or silly at first, but there’s science behind it; diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body. Relaxation exercises also often require practice. Try diaphragmatic breathing at least a few nights in a row before you give it up. You can also try other relaxation exercises, for example on the HUS mind self-care website.
