COVID-19….a word we’ve all heard way too many times the past 6 months. One thing I’ve realized from this pandemic is that scientists are continually learning as they go. There is still so much unknown. Will there be a vaccine down the road that is safe and effective? Will we find a cure? Will this ever go away? Will we ever go back to living the way we did prior to the year 2020?
Even with so many unknowns, I believe there are some things we DO know about this virus, and I think it’s only wise that we use this knowledge to our advantage to combat it. There are actions that each and every one of us can take to strengthen our own “armour” to battle COVID-19.
What have I learned about Coronavirus? I've learned that some of the highest “risk factors” are 100% PREVENTABLE. These factors include:
Obesity
type 2 diabetes mellitus
hypertension/heart disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
How do we PREVENT these conditions? Eating healthy, consistent exercise, and smoking cessation. Compared to other countries, America’s rates for each of these diseases are outrageous. Could this be part of the reason to why our country is being impacted so much by this virus?
It’s disheartening to read the statistic that Americans have actually DECREASED their level of physical activity by 48% since March, when the pandemic began. That’s the opposite direction we want to be moving! Exercise reduces the chance of developing chronic disease (e.g. type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity), it lessens the risk of contracting non-communicable or communicable diseases (e.g. COVID-19), and improves our immune health. This is in addition to its other amazing benefits, including improved mental and emotional health which, I beg to argue, are of utmost importance during a pandemic.
So….from all of this, what is a good plan of action? Taking steps towards things you CAN do.
Develop healthy eating habits. Toss out the processed junk and fast food. Eat lots and lots veggies! Drink plenty of water.
Get moving! Go for a walk, start a fitness routine, join a gym. If you don’t know where to begin, find someone who can help you. I know Fueled4Wellness would love to help! Start Today.
Get outside! Vitamin D is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster.
If you find yourself in the overweight/obese category, set a goal to start taking steps to get towards a healthy weight. Our nutrition program at Fueled4Wellness is an ideal lifelong plan that will help you get there!
Let’s stop waiting for a cure. It may be months or YEARS until we figure COVID-19 out. Be PROACTIVE and start strengthening your personal defense against COVID-19 today.