Three Health Reminders During This Pandemic
May 27, 2020
By now, you are well aware of basic steps to prevent exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. You wash your hands, use hand sanitizer when you can’t, avoid touching your face, wear a mask when advised to do so, and keep your distance from others.
Our Webster at Rye team want to remind you of three other considerations for staying healthy during these challenging times. Think of these as preventing possible “side effects” of social distancing that could put your health at risk in other ways.
- Pay attention to your regular health care needs.
As the epidemic unfolded, many hospitals were overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. Elective procedures were deferred. Regular check-ups cancelled. But now, many hospitals and medical practices are experiencing the opposite problem, as patients stay away from routine health appointments, and even delay treatment for serious health events such as stroke and heart attack.
It’s important to continue your usual health care monitoring of diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension and other chronic conditions. Hospitals, clinics, doctor offices and dentists are now beginning to re-open scheduling for more routine procedures. As they do so, they are putting in place stringent precautions to keep their patients safe.
- Remember the importance of good nutrition.
During stressful times like a pandemic, it’s easy to slip into eating habits we would avoid in normal times. We can’t go out to our favorite restaurant or make a leisurely trip to the grocery store. We may be eating more processed foods, rather than fresh veggies and fruit. Some people report that depression and anxiety have diminished their appetites. Others are eating too much at this time.
So, it’s a good to remember the role good nutrition plays in our overall health. As you are able, be intentional about what you eat and how your nutrition fits as a key factor in your overall good health.
- Go easy on “couch time.”
Inactivity can become a major threat to a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Some of us are more active than others, with a regular routine of aerobic, muscle strengthening and balance activities. Others might not take part in formal exercise, yet still get a fair amount of activity—walking to the store, visiting friends, gardening or cleaning the house.
Many of our usual outlets for physical exercise have become unavailable or severely limited during the pandemic. But there’s plenty we can still do, while observing the recommended social distancing. Can you go out for a walk? Are there virtual exercise classes available online?
By keeping in mind these and other simple steps, we can make sure the pandemic does not end up having unintended and unexpected adverse effects on our health that are only indirectly related to coronavirus.
Source: IlluminAge AgeWise