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Published on: May 15, 2020
4 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Living With COVID And Returning To BAU!

Hurdles to Business As Usual – Hurdles to Life as Usual – Living with COVID!

Obstacles to re-open the country

As we come to the 2-month mark of lockdown, its effect on the populous is becoming apparent. The extreme restrictions have had a significant impact on people’s physical health, mental health, and general livelihood, and many people are itching for life to get back to normal. Many countries including New Zealand, Germany, Italy, and Spain have seen the first peak of COVID infections pass, and some have already begun reopening parts of their economy. This has led to concerns from public health officials that relaxing the lockdown too early and too liberally will lead to a rapid increase in infection rates. Indeed, Germany has already seen an increase in R0 above 1 (one infected person will infect more than one person, causing the disease to propagate).

Trying to work out how to reopen a country without causing another spike in COVID deaths is probably the biggest issue faced by public health officials across the world. And trying to convey clear instructions to the public is an issue some countries are currently struggling with. In the next few blogs we will look at the issues faced, what has worked and what needs improvement, and what we as the public can do to keep ourselves safe.

THE MASKS WE WEAR

We have discussed masks at the start of the pandemic, and we have discussed masks as the pandemic has progressed. Why are we bringing it up again?

Masks have been a heated point of contention, but their role in public health has matured over the past few weeks. At the beginning of the pandemic, masks were a rare commodity, with DIY stores running dry of masks, stories of people stealing masks from clinical environments, and very confusing advice on whether the public should wear masks in public.

At that time the WHO had recommended only infected patients and those working with infected people wear masks, to save on the precious PPE for medical professionals. N95 respirators are seen as the gold standard in protective equipment, and hospitals are still struggling to provide staff with enough respirators, let alone the public. Concerns have also been raised on whether using masks will provide a false sense of security, especially if they stop washing hands or touch the infected parts of the masks.

But now we are past the first COVID peak, and advice on masks has changed. People should wear a mask if they are in public. Germany has implemented this advice, as has Austria for its public markets. In the US many stores are requesting public wear masks before entry. Rather than surgical masks or respirators, the use of homemade or purchased cotton masks has been encouraged.

LET’S LOOK AT WHY

Surgical masks and respirators aim to protect the user from inhaling microscopic aerosolized COVID particles. Cotton masks do not function this way. Instead, they prevent the wearer from spreading COVID by catching much larger droplets that is coughed/sneezed or generally breathed out.

The majority of people with COVID-19 are able to spread the infection to others up to 3 days before they show symptoms. Indeed as many as 50% of infections seem to occur from pre-symptomatic individuals. During this time they produce the greatest amount of viral particles, and these particles can stay in the air for several hours. Someone with asymptomatic COVID walking around in public or in a shop could infect lots of people.

So wearing a mask, even if you are not symptomatic or around infected patients helps prevent the spread of the infection. We know already just how infective COVID-19 is, so any measures that reduces infection even a little will end up reducing spread drastically on a population level. It has been compared to seatbelts – one person might not feel the benefits, but they save thousands of lives across the country on a yearly basis.

IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE?

In our blogs, we often talk about the importance of evidence. We look at the quality of evidence, how different types of research gives good and bad evidence, and why we should always give evidence-based advice.

So is there any evidence supporting masks? We have evidence that cloth masks can stop 99% of droplets that are coughed up, and whilst it doesn’t block aerosols or actual viral particles it still has a significant impact on transmission. We also have strong evidence from high infectivity in choir groups and at call centers that the majority of transmission is via the air, rather than from surfaces.

But what about the highest level of evidence? Comparing people who do or don’t wear masks is not a study that can be easily performed or one that has been performed adequately. But why should you wait? There is minimal to no risk associated with wearing a cloth mask, it offers some protection to you and a lot of protection to the public. In these cases, we should take a precautionary approach.

We don’t have any high-quality evidence looking at hand washing or physical distancing. But precautionary measures enforced have helped reduce infectivity. The same applies to masks. The best we can offer is an Australian study looking at mask use during influenza. They found observational data suggest that transmission of viral respiratory infection was significantly reduced during the SARS epidemic with the use of face masks as well as other infection control measures” and “in an adjusted analysis of compliant subjects, masks as a group had protective efficacy in excess of 80% against clinical influenza-like illness.”. In compliant users, masks were highly efficacious.

So that’s our advice. If you're going to go out in public, wear a mask.

If you don’t have a mask, you can order one online. Or be adventurous. Make one out of an old T-shirt or sock. Here are some ways to make one without needing to sew.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/11/make-non-medical-coronavirus-face-mask-no-sewing-required masks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r51YroAFPds DIY Face Mask

MORE INFORMATION

https://www.fast.ai/2020/04/20/skeptics-masks/#mightnt-people-handle-their-masks-wrong-and-make-things-worse Masks - FAQ

https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1435 face masks for the public

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30918-1/fulltext wearing face masks in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic: altruism and solidarity

https://twitter.com/trishgreenhalgh/status/1253244613927874560 twitter trisha

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Masseuse Visits: How Monthly Stress Relief Camps Improve Workplace Well-Being

Stress has become one of the most common health challenges of modern life. Long working hours, screen exposure, sedentary routines and emotional pressures create a constant state of physical and mental tension. Over time, this stress accumulates and begins to affect sleep, productivity, immunity and emotional stability. This is why masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps are emerging as a valuable wellness intervention.

These camps are not about luxury or indulgence. They are structured, preventive wellness initiatives designed to help people relax, reset and restore balance in their bodies and minds.

Why Stress Needs Structured Management

Stress is not always visible, but its impact is real.

Chronic stress contributes to:

muscle tension and body pain
headaches and migraines
anxiety and irritability
sleep disturbances
weakened immunity

According to WHO, unmanaged stress is a significant risk factor for both physical and mental health disorders.

What Are Monthly Stress Relief Camps?

Monthly stress relief camps are organised wellness sessions that focus on relaxation-based therapies. Massage visits form a central component of these camps, where trained therapists provide structured massage sessions aimed at relieving physical tension and calming the nervous system.

These camps typically include:

short therapeutic massage sessions
guided relaxation techniques
posture awareness
breathing exercises

They are designed to be accessible, time-efficient and safe.

How Massage Therapy Reduces Stress

Massage works through multiple biological pathways.

Nervous System Regulation

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and recovery. This helps:

lower heart rate
reduce blood pressure
calm the mind

Reduction of Stress Hormones

Studies show massage lowers cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.

Lower cortisol is linked to:

improved mood
better sleep
enhanced immune response

Muscle Relaxation

Long hours of sitting or standing cause muscle stiffness.

Massage helps by:

improving blood flow
releasing muscle knots
reducing stiffness

This improves physical comfort.

Mental Health Benefits of Masseuse Visits

Mental health is closely tied to physical relaxation.

Regular massage sessions:

reduce anxiety
promote calmness
improve emotional stability
enhance overall mood

Lancet research highlights the role of physical relaxation techniques in supporting mental health outcomes.

Why Monthly Frequency Matters

One-time relaxation is not enough.

Monthly camps:

provide consistent relief
prevent stress buildup
encourage routine self-care

Consistency is the foundation of preventive wellness.

Who Benefits from Stress Relief Camps?

These camps benefit:

working professionals
caregivers
students
frontline workers
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Anyone experiencing chronic stress can benefit.

Workplace Impact of Stress

Workplace stress affects both individuals and organisations.

It leads to:

reduced productivity
burnout
absenteeism
poor job satisfaction

NITI Aayog reports emphasize the need for preventive wellness initiatives at workplaces.

How Masseuse Visits Improve Workplace Wellness

Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Relaxed muscles and a calm mind improve concentration.

Reduced Musculoskeletal Pain

Massage addresses:

neck pain
shoulder tension
lower back discomfort

Common in desk-based roles.

Better Sleep Quality

Stress relief improves sleep, which further enhances mental clarity.

Positive Workplace Culture

Wellness initiatives show employees that their health matters.

Physical Health Benefits Beyond Relaxation

Massage therapy improves:

circulation
lymphatic drainage
joint mobility
posture awareness

These benefits reduce long-term health risks.

Safety and Professional Standards

Masseuse visits in stress relief camps should:

use trained professionals
follow hygiene protocols
offer non-invasive techniques
respect personal boundaries

Safety and dignity are essential.

Integration with Preventive Healthcare

Stress relief camps complement:

health screenings
mental health counseling
nutrition programs
fitness initiatives

They form part of a holistic wellness ecosystem.

How Monthly Camps Encourage Self-Care

Many people ignore early stress signals.

Regular wellness camps:

normalize self-care
promote early intervention
reduce stigma around mental health

This proactive approach prevents burnout.

Measuring the Impact of Stress Relief Camps

Impact can be assessed through:

stress level surveys
absenteeism rates
employee feedback
productivity metrics

Data helps refine future programs.

Long-Term Value of Stress Relief Programs

Over time, organisations notice:

improved morale
reduced healthcare costs
higher engagement
stronger loyalty

Preventive care always costs less than treatment.

Common Myths About Massage-Based Wellness

Myth: Massage is only for luxury

Reality: It is a validated stress management technique.

Myth: It is temporary relief

Reality: Regular sessions offer cumulative benefits.

Myth: Only physical benefits exist

Reality: Mental and emotional benefits are equally important.

Why Holistic Stress Management Matters

Stress affects:

hormones
digestion
immunity
sleep
emotional regulation

Addressing it holistically leads to lasting improvement.

Conclusion

Masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps offer far more than temporary relaxation. They represent a structured, preventive approach to managing stress, enhancing mental well-being and supporting physical health. In a world where burnout is becoming increasingly common, consistent wellness interventions help individuals reset, recharge and regain balance. By investing in regular stress relief programs, communities and organisations build healthier, happier and more resilient individuals.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress and Mental Health Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Stress Research
NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Preventive Healthcare Reports
Lancet – Stress, Burnout and Mental Health Studies
Statista – Global Workplace Wellness Trends
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports

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