FIVE THINGS TO BEWARE ON COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

Most people are completely aware that they should; maintain Physical “social” Distancing at all times, hand hygiene and never touching your face with unwashed hands. They are also aware of the risks connected to touching, coughing, sneezing, talking and very likely, breathing (each breath expels water from the lungs). Think of breathing in a cold environment where you can see the condensed water cloud.

Some people know that it is unhealthy to be excessively fearful and constantly grabbing at and sharing misinformation such as, drinking hot water every 30 mins, cutting onions, drinking coconut oil, gargling vinegar and other similar poppycock.

But many people are unaware that there are behaviors while at home which can increase their chances of becoming a severe to critical COVID-19 patient.

EXPERTS ARE CONCLUDING THAT SARS-COV-2 ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE.
The main question is not if, you will encounter the virus, but when, and how severe your illness will be. The goal of course being to develop vaccines and treatments before too many people contract.

HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED WILL DEPEND ON SEVERAL FACTORS:
• Your age, more specifically your biological age as opposed to your chronological age
• Any underlying health conditions, such as
o A heart conditions
o Respiratory issues
o Type 2 Diabetes
o High blood pressure
o Impaired immunity
o Autoimmune diseases
And based on studies related to the flu and other coronaviruses:
• Overweight
• Obesity
• Poor lifestyle and activity levels
• Poor nutritional habits
Each of these will lower your immunity, which, under infection will lower even further, even beyond survivable levels.

WHEN AT HOME UNDER LOCKDOWN THESE FACTORS WILL PUT YOU AT SERIOUS RISK

1. Being overweight and eating as you always have, this will increase your risks
   a. Yes, these are unusual times, but you need to be stronger and healthier than ever. If your family is with you, try to minimize nutritionally weak snack foods in the house.
   b. Please, keep in mind that, sadly, there are also now victims who are children of the virus, PROTECT YOUR YOUNG ONES, AND PROTECT YOURSELF FOR THEIR SAKES.
   c. it is also important that you monitor your weight. It is an easy measure of your susceptibility
2. Putting on weight while at home
   a. If you are not overweight, you have an advantage, now is not the time to lose that advantage by overeating and gaining weight.
3. Not focusing on your immunity supporting foods
   a. Scarfing down empty calories, refined flour and sugar every day, will create inflammation, deny your body of the micronutrients and healthy microbiome and stress your immune system.
   b. Focus on healthy natural foods, laden with vitamins, A, Bs, C, K, zinc (berries, legumes, fruit, vegetables, proteins, fibers, nuts) and they will help you physically and mentally.
4. Becoming a chair jockey
   a. If you are working at home get up, at least once every 60 minutes or so, walk around, do not be a work hero, be your own hero who works efficiently.
   b. Sitting all day can lead to potential health problems such as deep vein thrombosis.
5. Embracing the bed or couch potato life
   a. A strong body, healthy muscles, lungs, cardiovascular system and sunlight (vitamin D) is of preeminent importance in surviving an infection.
   b. No matter how simple, maintain a routine of daily physical activity. Exercise daily, but I would recommend mildly. I have a personal concern about the potential inflammation, and subsequent immunity vulnerability, which may be brought about by consistent, intense, vigorous exercise.
   Developing and maintaining a daily routine, including work if needed, family time, relaxation and communications, but be sure to prioritize healthy food planning and preparation and daily exercises. Get the help and guidance if you are finding this too challenging, this can mean the difference between life and death, you are worth the effort.