healthy heart

I grew up in an Italian family where social gatherings, hugging, and kissing on the cheeks were the norm. I enjoy being with people. Social gatherings are a source of energy and ideas for me. Social Distancing is putting a crimp in my style. Yet, I know it’s important to flow with it. I’m putting aside hugging. I placing going to places where I can connect on the shelf. I’m rescheduling travel plans. I trying to do my small part not to get COVID-19 or to be a carrier of the beast and hurt those near me. I found a list of 15 ways to make social distancing work on the Internet. I’m only placing five here. I created a link for the complete list of the social distancing tips.

1. Maintain a routine. As much as possible, social distancing should not disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, working hours and daily activities.
2. Make social distancing a positive by taking time to focus on your personal health, training, diet, physical activity levels and health habits, as well as reassessing your work.
3. Cook for yourself and others in need. Add more fruits, vegetables, vitamins and proteins to your diet. (Most U.S. adults don’t consume enough fruits and vegetables). Eat two or three meals a day.
4. Go for a walk or exercise at home. “Definitely go out in nature as much as possible. Only half of American adults today get enough exercise.”
5. Don’t let anxiety or being at home lead to binge eating or alcohol and drug use. Don’t oversleep, but try to sleep at least seven hours a day.

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Ready to Fight COVID-19?

Imagine a championship boxing match. Two fighters boxing for the world title. One fighter, the challenger, trains for months, honing his body and mind into top fighting shape. The crafty veteran, knows the ropes and tricks of the trade. Can’t teach him anything new. He doesn’t need to train. He lets his body grow flabby. He loses an edge to his quickness. The outcome is predictable. The challenger easily whips the champ.

We’re in a fight with COVID-19. There’s no magic bullet, supplement, or food that will prevent COVID-19. We do know how we can put our immune system into tip top fighting shape. If you haven’t been thinking about putting your immune system into tip top fighting shape, it’s not too late. The good news is the Internet is full of useful information to get our immune systems into fighting trim. We don’t have time to take a day off. We’re in training. We’re in the fight of our lives. We can and will win with persistence, perseverance, and dogged toughness.

I’ve put together a list of links to check out. They’re full of useful suggestions to tone the immune system.

Useful Links to Tone Your Immune System (There’s loads of information on the Internet).

1. How to Boost Your Immune System – Harvard Health Publishing
2. Here’s The Best Way to Boost Your Immune System – Time
3. Want to Boost Your Immune System? – Forbes
4. 10 Great Health Foods (Immune System Boosters) – Mayo Clinic
5. Facts and Myths about Boosting Your Immune System – Wall Street Journal
6. Ten Superfoods to Boost a Healthy Diet – Harvard Health Publishing
7. How to Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy While COVID-19 Has You Stuck at Home – Time

Sip While You Sit 

Bring a cup or bottle of water with you whenever you sit (at your desk, in the car or in front of the TV, for example). Although moving is better than sitting, at least you’ll be performing a healthy habit when at rest.

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Eat More Vegetables

Vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrients that are essential for our immune system. Consuming them on a daily basis boosts the immunity. For a healthy liver, cruciferous vegetables like Kale, Broccoli and Cabbage should be included in daily diet. Healthy liver ensures the body’s’ natural detoxification process.

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COVID-19 – Social Distancing – Excellent Info

Source: U.S.News

Should I go to the doctor or dentist for nonurgent appointments?

During this period of social distancing, it is best to postpone nonurgent appointments with your doctor or dentist. These may include regular well visits or dental cleanings, as well as follow-up appointments to manage chronic conditions if your health has been relatively stable in the recent past. You should also postpone routine screening tests, such as a mammogram or PSA blood test, if you are at average risk of disease. Many doctor’s offices have started restricting office visits to urgent matters only, so you may not have a choice in the matter.

Harvard Health

Keep Used Surfaces Clean – Zap COVID-19

Research has shown that coronaviruses can be inactivated within a minute by disinfecting surfaces with 62-71% alcohol, or 0.5% hydrogen peroxide bleach or household bleach containing 0.1% sodium hypochlorite. Higher temperatures and humidity also tend to result in other coronaviruses dying quicker, although research has shown that a related coronavirus that causes Sars could be killed by temperatures above 56°C or 132°F (hotter than even a bath scalding enough to cause injury) at a rate of about 10,000 viral particles every 15 minutes.

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KEEP GOOD COMPANY

You can do all the right things — but if you have personal relationships with people who have unhealthy habits, it is often an uphill battle. The healthiest people are those who have relationships with other healthy people. Get your family or friends involved with you when you walk or plan healthier meals. Making healthy changes with a loved one can bring you closer together as well as motivate you.

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