• Published on: Oct 28, 2020
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

COVID: A Reminder To Stay Safe

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COVID: A reminder to stay safe

As we approach the second wave of COVID, we need to remain vigilant with our actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are continuously reminded about wearing a mask in public, maintaining socially distant, and not engaging in risky behavior such as large gatherings. But today we will focus on other forms of transmission. COVID is primarily transmitted by airborne droplets, but spreading the infection through infected surfaces is still feasible. Here we will look at three articles that investigate this mode of transmission.

  • SARS-COV-2 Survives for 28 days on surfaces

This study by Australian scientists has found that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days. The team investigated using the same amounts of virus found on infected individuals, interacting with surfaces such as cotton, paper, stainless steel, glass, and vinyl. Such materials were chosen as they represent commonly touched objects such as mobile phones, ATMs, supermarket checkout regions, items that may not be cleaned regularly enough. Previous research showed the virus could be detected in aerosols for up to three hours, and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.

This study found the virus may survive as long as a week on most surfaces, with enough potency to re-infect. Even after two weeks, there were still plenty of detectable viruses. On other surfaces such as banknotes, the virus could survive as long as a month. The survival of the virus is also potentiated by colder temperatures. The virus is far less likely to survive at 30C than at 6 C, a worrying finding for countries currently approaching winter.

  • Survival of SARS-CoV 2 on the human skin

 

We know our skin is host to millions of different bacteria and viruses, but the conditions created by the body alongside the degree of microbial competition actually makes it quite a hostile environment for pathogenic microbes. Hirose et al looked to investigate how well the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on human skin, using a model. They found that SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza A virus were destroyed more quickly on the skin than other surfaces such as steel, glass, and plastic. However, COVID lasted over 4x longer on skin compared to Influenza A (9 hours vs 1.8 hours).

More importantly, ethanol compounds were found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds on human skin. This highlights the importance of regular hand washing, even if with alcohol gel. Taking this in mind, it is useful to keep small bottles of alcohol gel on a person when traveling in public and using it regularly. After all, if you are touching door handles and other items that hundreds of other people may have touched before you, potentially with poor hygiene, it is safer to regularly disinfect.

  • Low risk of COVID transmission by fomites in real life conditions

Having taken these studies into account, it is quite difficult to quantifiably measure transmission from surface to a person. Knowledge of this transmissibility is quite important, especially to those working in a hospital environment. A review by Mondelli et al published in the prestigious journal The Lancet (Infectious Disease) describes two sequential studies to looking at the possibility of contamination of surfaces in an infectious disease ward of a major Italian hospital, and also whether risk of transmission was higher in emergency rooms and sub-intensive care wards.

These studies found there were very few surfaces in the hospital through which positive swabs could be taken, suggesting contamination was low. Of course the hospitals were running standard cleaning procedures, with regular wipedowns of commonly toughed objects. This again highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene, and how adequate cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

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Monthly masseuse

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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