Q: When should I use my at-home COVID test?

Kelly Catiel, Infection Control Manager, Maui Health: At-home COVID tests, also called self-tests, are now widely available. If used properly, they can be a tool to help prevent the spread of infection. These tests can give results in as little as 15 minutes and detect a current infection. You can take them whether you are vaccinated, unvaccinated or have symptoms.

The best time to use an at-home COVID test depends on why you are using it. If you have symptoms and think you might have COVID-19, test yourself immediately. If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, test yourself five days after the exposure. If the test results are negative, consider waiting another day or two and repeat the test.

If you are attending an indoor gathering or get-together, test yourself right before going to the event. This can be especially important if you are gathering with people at higher risk for COVID-19.

When giving yourself the test, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

If your test is positive, that means you probably have an active infection. Stay home and isolate for at least five days, then wear a mask when around others for the next five days. Monitor your symptoms and let your close contacts know you tested positive for COVID-19.

If your results are negative, that means the test did not detect the virus. However, negative test results may not be reliable. Strongly consider retesting after a day or two, and continue to take precautions, especially if you have symptoms.

Lastly, do not forget to order your free at-home COVID-19 tests. Every household is eligible to order two sets of at-home tests through the U.S. government. Each set contains four COVID tests and can be ordered at www. COVIDtests.gov.

Q: How can I help my kids eat a healthy diet?

Dr. Irene Papaconstadopoulos, Pediatrician, Child and Adolescent Maui Physicians/CHAMPS Pediatrics: Eating a healthy diet is important for kids all year long. Good nutrition helps kids grow and develop properly, and it can also keep their immune system strong to protect them against COVID, flu and other viruses.

You can help your kids eat a healthy diet by making sure they get a lot of fresh, nutrient-rich foods, and limiting sweets, sugary drinks and foods that are highly processed or high in salt and saturated fat.

A healthy, balanced diet includes:

• Proteins like fish, chicken, lean meat, eggs, beans, soy products and nuts.

• Lots of fresh produce in a rainbow of colors, including vegetables like leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas and beets; as well as fruits like pineapples, bananas, papayas, mangos, apples, citrus and strawberries.

• Carbohydrates that are high in fiber or other nutrients like sweet potatoes, taro, poi, whole-wheat bread and whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal are also healthy choices.

• Low-fat milk, yogurt or other dairy products for kids who can eat dairy; or other high-calcium foods for kids who are lactose intolerant, including beans, leafy greens or calcium-fortified soy milk, cereal or other lactose-free foods.

Studies have found that kids who eat a healthy diet have improved focus and do better in school. The bottom line is, good nutrition keeps kids healthy and growing all year long.

* Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health System hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in “Healthwise Maui,” which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health System operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.