By Waylon Galvez
From gargling warm water with salt day and night, to taking multiple vitamins to boost the immune system, bringing pocket size bottles of sanitizer or alcohol, and wearing facemask and face shields.
All of these are being practiced by PBA players which were recommended by the medical experts as well as government officials in order to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease.
“Lahat naman ng kailangang gawin ginagawa natin, ino-obsevre ko ang ng family para makapag-ingat talaga. Kung anong advise ng doctors na inumin at gawin, yun ang ginagawa natin,” said Magnolia Hotshots guard Paul Lee.
“From taking vitamins to proper hygiene, exercise, tamang pagtulog, yung pagsuot siyempre ng facemask, face shield and minsan gloves pag lalabas to buy essentials,” added Lee.
LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra said that he is doing the same, although he has added an ‘old school’ way to gargle – water with salt.
“Nag-mumumug ako ng warm water na may asin tapos sa gabi gargle ulit ng pangtanggal ng bacteria sa lalamunan,” said Tenorio, adding that having enough sleep is also a factor to boost the immune system.
Medical experts around the world have said that a strong immune system keeps a person away from illnesses, particularly these days when countries are battling the spread of COVID-19.
PBA players practice these health protocols, especially now that they are several days away from a possible return to action.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial has said that the target swab testing of players is August 20 and 21.
“Umaasa pa rin ako na makakabalik ang PBA at maresume ang practice,” said Arwind Santos of San Miguel Beer.
“Naiintindihan namin kung bakit di ma-resume ang practice, tama ang ginagawa ni Commissioner Willie na sinisugurado nya lahat ay safe bago maumpisahan muli ang PBA,” he added.
NLEX guard Kevin Alas shares the same sentiments, adding that the trust and confidence of players on the PBA Commissioner’s Office, the owners and board have always been solid.
“Buong buo ang tiwala namin kay Commissioner Willie, at sa buong PBA that they can come up with the safest and feasible protocol and guidelines for the whole PBA family,” Alas said.
For now, it’s all about taking good care of their health – whatever it takes.
Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga, like his co-players, is practicing all these health protocols, but he has a gadget he purchased from teammate Rey Nambatac that he now uses whenever he is out buying essential needs.
“Suot ko siya na parang kuwintas, kasing laki halos ng pocket wifi, rechargeable, ginagamit ko pag nasa labas. Ang gamit nya is hinihigop nya yung hangin – kumbaga napi-filter niya kung ano kung hangin sa paligid ko,” said Belga.
“Sa ngayon gagawin mo na lahat para maging safe e, effective naman siguro to kasama na siyempre yung ibang ginagawa to stay safe. Huwag naman sana tayo umabot sa magus-suot ng PPE,” added Belga.
