Hundreds of millions across the world find their lives have completely changed in a matter of just a few weeks.
Internationals living in the Netherlands are even having a harder time trying to make sense of it all. Some have just arrived and barely adjusted to their new environment, others are worried that the measures taken in the Netherland are different from those in their home country.
In this newsletter we are updating you on
- The why and how of the Dutch approach
- How to get medical support, even if you have not registered with a GP
- Managing family life, with everyone at home
- How to keep mentally fit and whom to call if you can’t cope
- How to keep close with friends and family in times of ‘social distancing’
- The Healthiest Way to Sweat Out a Pandemic: keeping fit in isolation
In addition you may want to check out this overview of information and support resources.
Let us know what further healthcare related information you would like us to provide. Please comment at the bottom of this post or mail your input to info@h4i.nl.
The Dutch approach
In the Netherlands, one of the main priorities is to ensure that the hospitals, nursing homes and home care services are not overwhelmed, so there is always enough capacity in the healthcare system to treat those infected. In addition, the government wants to protect vulnerable groups. Various approaches have been considered for how the Netherlands can respond to the spread of the virus.
These scenarios vary from complete nation-wide lockdown to the other extreme: allowing the virus to run its course. At this point in time the government, based on scientific insights, has opted for the middle road: Maximum control of the virus.
Staying home: how to manage family life
The current ‘stay home situation’ is raising questions for many parents. How do you deal with this as a parent? Twelve tips by the Netherlands Youth Institute will help you on your way.
Stay calm and lead by example: Having to stay indoors together for a long period of time is a new situation for everyone. In new situations, children look to their parents and other role models, and model their behaviour to their example. This is why it’s important to stay calm and lead by example.
How to get medical support
If you suspect you may be infected by the novel corona virus, you should call, not visit, your GP, but only when the symptoms get worse (read here what that means).
But what to do if you have not yet registered with a GP. In the past 6 month quite a few internationals have found it impossible to find a GP in their neighborhood that was accepting new patients.
If you urgently need medical support, we advise you to call a GP near to you and explain your urgent need. This also applies if your medical situation is not covid-19 related.
In case of a life threatening situation, always call 112.
Note: Even if there is no immediate need now, keep on trying to register with a GP, if you haven’t been able to do so yet. The situation at practices in your neighborhood may have changed in the meantime. You can also ask your health insurance provider about practices in your neighborhood that are accepting new patients.
How to keep mentally fit and whom to call if you can’t cope
It is a very uncommon and extraordinary situation that may be very stressful especially for internationals. Fear and anxiety about a disease, a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty, rapidly changing and different (often contradictory) information coming from all over the world, can be overwhelming and cause a lot of negative thoughts and strong emotions in adults and children.
There is a lot you can do yourself, but if you feel you can’t cope, please know that help is just a call away. Free of charge. See what resources are available to you.
How to keep close with friends and family in times of ‘social distancing’
During this pandemic, we are home-bound. That means that we should not be going outside unless it is necessary. It also means that we cannot meet our friends and family. Many of us also can’t go to work, school, or university. Our chances for socialization and physical connection with others have been put on hold.
Yet, we, as humans, need that connectedness to others. Because well, we are social beings. And now due to the physical isolation (not social isolation mind you!) the risk for many of us to develop loneliness symptoms ranges from high to very high. But we need to stay connected! Read how we can do this.
The Healthiest Way to Sweat Out a Pandemic
We are currently living in uncertain times and with gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs closed, many people are searching for safe alternatives to keep fit and active whilst in isolation. Even Olympic athletes have been substituting their training for at home alternatives!
In this article you'll find some simple tips on how to keep active.