COVID-19 – Keep Healthy, Staying Well
I have compiled some information about the Coronavirus and subsequent illness called COVID-19 that I thought you might find useful. While I definitely believe there is nothing to panic about the fact is that there have been cases of the Coronavirus locally and it will spread just as the common cold and flu does. As you know serious infection affects those of you or someone you care for who are immuno-compromised, over 70 years old, are undergoing chemotherapy or have other chronic health issues such as asthma, recurrent bronchitis or COPD or are a smoker. If you are one of those listed above, a caretaker or a frequent traveler there’s a lot you can do to stay and keep healthy as I’ve outlined below.
There are simple everyday precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
These include:
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-90% alcohol if soap and water are not available. COVID-19 can transmit through both respiratory droplets and via stool, so careful hand washing is critical. You can even make your own hand sanitizer here: https://www.foxnews.com/media/how-to-make-your-own-hand-sanitizer.
· Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can. Cough or sneeze into your elbow and not your hand if you do not have a tissue available. If you contaminate your hand and then touch other objects, you will spread the virus.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
· Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Other actions you can take that can meaningfully support your health and ability to fight illness:
· Get good sleep and prioritize your self-care. Sleep is critical to optimal immune function. If you are sleep-deprived, you are not at your peak immunity.
· Eat nutrient-rich foods and prioritize a healthy diet. Your diet provides building blocks used by your immune system to fight illness. Without those resources, your immune system will be weaker.
· Talk to your doctor or other healthcare practitioner about optimizing your vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C levels. These nutrients are particularly important for optimal immune function and may be depleted in the typical diet, and in the winter depending on location. You should consider taking supplements if will be traveling or if you or someone you care for are immune-compromised, over 70 years old, are undergoing chemotherapy or have other chronic health issues such as asthma, recurrent bronchitis or COPD or are a smoker. I recommend the products at USANA. These are science based supplements of the very highest quality. You can shop for them at my site here: Leigh’s USANA Website. I recommend their Booster C with vitamin C, zinc and Elderberry, as well as Proflavonol C and Vitamin D.
· Have an acupuncture session to boost your immune system. Did you know there are acupuncture points that can increase your T-Cells? Let’s catch and treat any imbalances before you get exposed. You can book an acupuncture treatment on my online schedule here: https://westgeorgiaacupuncture.schedulista.com/.
· Boost your immune system with Chinese Herbal Formulas. There are some great herbal formulas you can take long term which boost your immune system. You should consider taking an herbal formula especially if you have to travel. You can order these formulas through me to ensure the highest quality and freshness. Just email me at: Leigh@WestGaAcup.com.
· Stay hydrated. Water is at the foundation of our health. Clean/filtered water consumed regularly helps keep our whole system functioning optimally, including our immune systems.
· Don’t panic! An outbreak is scary, but most people will experience COVID-19 as a mild illness. Prolonged, toxic stress inhibits immune function, so whether it is fear about the virus or excess stress at home or work, do what you can to give your system a break and restore. Exercise, acupuncture, nutritional and herbal supplements recommended by your healthcare practitioner, qigong/tai chi, yoga, meditation, or whatever your “go-to” to unwind must take priority now. These are not luxuries! Take care of yourself.
Here's some handy links that you might find helpful:
Georgia Health Department Website: https://dph.georgia.gov/ As of March 5th there have been two confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The CDC’s Health Alert Network. The CDC’s primary method of sharing cleared information about urgent public health incidents. : https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/index.asp
