
When news broke of the coronavirus, most people didn’t take it seriously. It was assumed that the virus was nothing more than the flu and that you were only at risk of contracting the virus if you’d traveled to China, come into contact with someone who recently traveled, you had preexisting conditions, or you were older than 50 years old. Those assumptions have now been proven wrong.
Over the past few weeks, many people have contracted the virus who haven’t traveled out of the US nor come into contact with anyone who traveled outside of the US. The sufferers of this deadly virus are also of varying ages, races, and health statuses. Though there are still studies underway to learn more about COVID-19, medical experts do agree that those who are healthiest have the greatest chance of survival.
Knowing that there is a highly-contagious virus out there that could potentially take your life should prompt you to want to do something about it. There’s no cure or vaccine for the coronavirus yet, but getting serious about your health can significantly reduce your chances of contracting the virus and/or help you survive. Now that you’re spending more time at home, take this opportunity to get serious about your help. Below are some suggestions on how to do this:
Know Your Health Status
Believe it or not, there are millions of people across the nation that are suffering from medical conditions that they’re not aware of. As having preexisting conditions weakens your immune system and puts you at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, it’s important to know your health status.
While you may not be able to visit the doctor for bloodwork, screening, and tests, you can still schedule an appointment to get informed. Talk with your doctor about any changes you’ve noticed in your health. They can use this list of symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Another option would be to take some at-home tests to assess your health. They have everything from PH balance and HPV tests for women to testosterone and hormonal tests for men.
Manage Your Preexisting Conditions
If you have preexisting conditions, it will be especially important for you to manage your condition appropriately. Your body’s natural defense systems are working around the clock as a result of your condition, therefore, reducing its effectiveness when combatting problems like the coronavirus.
From obesity and diabetes to autoimmune diseases and cancer, there are a number of things you can do to minimize the impact on your health and ease symptoms. If you’re diabetic, for instance, monitor your blood sugar levels, take an a1c home test, reduce your intake of refined sugar and carbs, stay active, and take your medications as prescribed.
Give Your Body the Fuel it Needs
Food is your body’s fuel source. It is supposed to provide your body with everything it needs to operate efficiently. Much like the fuel you put in your car, however, quality and grade matter. If you put low-grade fuel in your car not only will it burn faster, but it can ruin the working parts of your vehicle over time. Similarly, if you continue to eat things that aren’t of good quality and grade, your body will not operate as efficiently.
While it may be hard to break old habits and adopt healthier eating habits, it is extremely necessary if you’re going to safeguard yourself from the coronavirus. Start with something small like not ordering takeout and simply preparing meals at home. Eliminate foods that are high in sugar, salt, or processed ingredients. Also, find healthy alternatives to some of those comfort food cravings you have.
You can also use tools like food trackers, meal planners, portion-control containers, and cookware to help make eating healthier easier. It can take time to break old habits, but if you work at it each day you’ll begin to see significant differences in how you feel.
COVID-19 may have been mocked by politicians, news mediums, and individuals earlier this year, but current reports show that it is no laughing matter. Until there is a vaccination or treatment option available for this deadly virus, the only way to combat it is to maintain good health. If your health and wellness have been on the backburner due to life and responsibilities, now is the time to take a moment and reprioritize as it could be the very thing to save your life.