Food supply

The food supply it should be enough to provide food and water for two weeks for all family members, including pets. (1) It is useful to focus on dry, canned and frozen foods, the supply of which can last a long time without storage problems. Green light therefore to pasta, rice, cereals and legumes, all the better if organic. Which along with canned tuna and mackerel can also be crammed out of the fridge, well separated from detergents and other chemicals.

Fresh food they are also indispensable. Seasonal vegetables and fruit (in primis), choosing the less perishable ones, but also eggs and dairy products, fish and meats for omnivorous consumers. We have developed a weekly shopping scheme based on the Mediterranean diet and individual needs, in the previous article on GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade. See note 2).

Water, coffee and chocolate

The water is critical. Especially for the over-65 which, as seen, are the most exposed to the risk of dehydration. Avoid using softeners for tap water, which can cause serious damage to health. The water from the pipeline must always be drinkable, By law, and is therefore frequently monitored by public health services. However, if you find it difficult to take it, it is advisable to buy mineral water. Considering a daily requirement of 3 liters per person.

Comfort foods - like coffee and chocolate - they also play a role, if not indispensable. The important thing is to take them in 'homeopathic' doses, especially when it comes to foods with a high energy density. That is, rich in calories, like sweets in general. In any case, avoid the junk food, which creates dependence and weakens the immune system.

Hygiene products

An checklist essential hygiene products should always be kept in mind:

- soap,
disinfectant by the hands,
- toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss,
- toilet paper,
- paper towels,
- diapers and feminine intimate hygiene products,
- razors for men,
masks surgical and / or respiratory N95 FFP2 or FFP3 (when found),
- disposable gloves. (3)

Disinfection products and the cleaning of the surfaces must not be missing. (4) Neither those for the hygiene of pets (e.g. litter for the litter of cats and smaller dogs).

Medicines, various remedies and medical material

It is appropriate organize a 30-day supply of prescription drugs in use to prevent the need to reach the pharmacy or abrupt withdrawal of treatment.

To verify the reserves of over-the-counter medicines and other remedies, including homeopathic and phytotherapeutic, which are usually used. In addition to food supplements, vitamins and minerals, where used.

Take note medical supplies you may need (e.g. contact lenses, hearing aid batteries, diabetes treatment kits).

Il Gift Sets first aid to treat common injuries (wounds, sprains, etc.) it must always be ready for use, to minimize the need to go out. Gauze and plasters, scissors and tweezers, thermometer, disinfectant.

Dario Dongo e Martina Novelli

Note

(1) 60,2 million pets as many as the human inhabitants (!) were registered in Italy in 2019. 30 million fish, 12,8 million birds, 7,3 million cats, 7 million dogs, 1,8 million small mammals (e.g. hamsters, rabbits), 1,3 million reptiles. Source Assalco-Zoomark, 2019 report
(2) Covid-19, food supplies and the Mediterranean diet, the ABC https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/covid-19-scorte-alimentari-e-dieta-mediterranea-labc/
(3) Hand washing and use of glovesi https://www.egalite.org/covid-19-guanti-meglio-lavare-spesso-le-mani-ecco-come/
(4) How to sanitize surfaces https://www.egalite.org/il-coronavirus-persiste-a-lungo-sulle-superfici-bisogna-sanificare-anche-gli-smartphone/
Do-it-yourself disinfectants, WHO's anti-Covid recipes https://www.egalite.org/disinfettanti-fai-da-te-le-ricette-anti-covid-di-oms/