More than 400 employees attended the virtual event. Two doctors from Mayapada Hospital Kuningan, sports medicine specialist dr. Grace Tumbelaka and clinical nutrition specialist dr. Kwan Francesca Gunawan, talked about how to stay fit in this ongoing pandemic.

In his opening remarks, HSSE Manager Alvin Reginald said that PetroChina management conveyed its highest appreciation to all employees for their hard work in this difficult time.

“Today’s event is part of our continuous effort to educate our workforce and their families on how to stay fit during the pandemic. Hopefully, we can share the lessons we take from today’s event, so that we can protect them better. Your support is highly important in our fight against Covid-19,” Alvin said.

In the occasion, Grace shared strategies and tips on easy physical exercises employees can do at home, especially as people are encouraged not to go out during the current period of emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat).

She said that physical exercises are important to boost immune and reduce possibility of depression and anxiety while staying at home all the time. “You can do simple cardio and muscle exercises to stay healthy. For cardio, you can just walk around your house or walk up and down stairs for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day. Use a treadmill or stationary bike if you have it. Meanwhile, for muscle exercise, you can do squat, lunges, planks, or crunches,” she said.

She explained that even a few minutes of exercises a day would be useful, as every minute counts. “It is easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle while staying at home in this pandemic. Please avoid this. Be active, don’t do your activities while sitting or lying down all the time. Even simple house chores like sweeping, mopping or watering your flowers are good for your body,” she continued.

Grace also encouraged PetroChina employees to take part in online exercise classes provided by PetroChina communities. During the pandemic, the company’s yoga, freeletics and zumba communities regularly hold virtual classes on Zoom.

Meanwhile, Kwan talked about the importance to maintain a healthy diet and balanced intake of nutrients to boost our immune system against Covid-19. She said that poorly nourished individuals are at a greater risk of various bacterial, viral and other infections.

“Several healthy ways to strengthen your immune system include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, having enough sleep, exercising regularly, minimizing stress and not smoking,” she said.

A healthy diet means that you get enough carbohydrate, protein, fat and various vitamins from your daily meals. According to Kwan, fresh and unprocessed foods are always the best.

Furthermore, she also clarified several hoaxes about types of food believed to be effective to prevent or cure Covid-19.