02 March 2021

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and youth nutrition and physical activity

How has the pandemic affected the diets of adolescents and youth in the region?, This was one of the questions that motivated a rapid regional poll that amplified the voices of 8,949 adolescents and young people aged 13 to 29 from different countries and territories. The poll was conducted between July and August 2020 through U-Report, a platform that encourages the participation of adolescents and young people in issues that…, How has the pandemic affected the physical activity of adolescents and youth in the region?, U-Reporters also mentioned a decrease in physical activity. 52% reported that they were less physically active compared to pre-pandemic times. While 33% reported no physical activity and 25% were less than one hour per week physically active. In the other hand, only 7% did practice more than 6 hours per week of physical activity.  Banner Physical…, Recommendations from participating U-reporters to world and national leaders  , In the face of these difficulties, adolescents and youth shared their recommendations on what world and national leaders should do to ensure good nutrition for all during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The following are the most common recommendations: Increase and improve the quality of nutrition education. Reduce prices of healthy products.…, UNICEF responds to participating U-reporters, Banner Recommendations for a healthy life Banner Start the day rigth by always having breakfast UNICEF LACRO Banner Consume fruits and vegetables daily UNICEF LACRO Banner Turn off the screen UNICEF LACRO Banner Not sure how to start exercising? UNICEF LACRO In response to the demands for information and proposals, UNICEF will share a series of…, Do you want to receive the recommendations?, Access these links: Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/ailn4snk WhatsApp: https://tinyurl.com/1wjoig0h The results are a call to increase access to healthy products and a nutritious and balanced diet; in addition to strengthening opportunities for physical activity during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
05 January 2021

Travelling with your family during COVID-19

Travelling is a part of life for families across the globe – be it for necessity or recreation. But with the onset of coronavirus, this part of everyday life has become increasingly risky. If you find that you and your loved ones need to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some tips to help you do so more safely., Is it okay to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic?, All travel comes with some risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, check if COVID-19 is spreading in your local area and in any of the places you are going. Do not travel if you or your family are sick, have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Family members who are at higher…, How should we prepare to travel together as a family?, If you do choose to travel, check for any travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, quarantining and testing requirements in your local area and all places you’re planning to visit (check websites of Ministries of Health, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and local health authorities). Keep in mind, these policies may change with little advance notice…, What should we do if we plan to spend the night away from home?, If you plan to stay at a hotel or other accommodation, check in advance what prevention measures they have in place: Are staff wearing masks at work and practicing physical distancing, frequent handwashing? Are extra precautions in place, such as plexiglass barriers at check-in, modified layouts or barriers to allow for physical distancing between…, What safety precautions should we take while travelling?, While travelling, all parents and caregivers should take standard precautions for themselves and their children: Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub   > Read more on handwashing Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) Avoid crowded places, confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation Try to…, What should we do when we return home?, After you return home, follow recommendations or requirements from your national or local authorities, and continue to follow all the key precautions – including watching for any symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking medical advice if they develop.