Taking Care of our Health (5/3/24)
It seems to me, that people are more susceptible to getting sick these days. Typical theories about this include that it is a post-pandemic effect. In reading about this phenomenon, I learned that the Coronovirus also triggers other viruses to also be spread. (see the article: https://www.vox.com/even-better/2024/1/8/24026652/cold-flu-influenza-covid-rsv-season-respiratory-virus-cough-sneeze) During the period of isolation during Covid, people's immune systems were not being strengthened by exposure to others. For whatever reasons, it is apparent that we should all take care of our health.
As we are a small school building and we have closeness, it is advisable that we continue to observe basic measures to keep all of us healthy and to especially reduce risk of exposing our teachers. It is so very much appreciated that people stay home when sick or consider Zoom lessons.
"Other measures will sound familiar to most people: “handwashing, masking, and distancing — those are the big three,” said Desai. Cleaning your hands before touching your face or preparing food, and after touching shared surfaces or using the bathroom, is a key way to reduce the likelihood that any germs on your hands make it into your nose or mouth. Masking is particularly effective for preventing transmission through the air, which is more likely to happen in crowded places, and in the case of the especially transmissible Covid-19 infection; a surgical mask offers a lot of protection, although if you’re really worried about Covid-19, an N95 or KN95 is best.
Ventilation is also a powerful tool for preventing viral transmission, said Jackson. He recommends opening windows and turning on fans if the space and climate you’re in allow. “That can really make a difference, especially in a crowded space,” he said. He also recommends considering a portable air purifier for use if you’re gathering with others at home."
At the Suzuki School, we continue to provide masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and air purifiers. Please help yourself to using these supplies.
Sleep is also extremely important for brain function and mental health. We are now a society that often does not have adequate nor consistent nightly sleep patterns. For learning (and memorizing music) sleep is essential to giving the brain time for processing and filtering information. Memory is dependent upon this filtering process each night, and when sleep patterns are disturbed it is harder to remember essential information. Dr. Suzuki is quoted as saying "without hurry, without rest" meaning that consistency is very important. However, he did not say to skip sleep nor to overlap too many activities.
This is an exciting time of year, and we are so pleased with the progress of our students and sharing their accomplishments. The Suzuki Preschool will have its art show at 4 pm and Open House 3-5 pm on the afternoon of the Multicultural Festival on our lawn on Saturday, May 11th from 2 pm to 6 pm. We hope you will plan to attend this big event and our Solo Recitals and Graduations. But also, please plan your good night's sleep and a consistent pace that will get us happily and healthily to our goals.
- Sachiko