Yiqing Song, Professor of Epidemiology at the Department of Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being while adhering to social distancing measures during the pandemic. Here are some tips and resources to help you achieve this:
1. Monitor Your Weight: Keeping track of your body weight on a daily or weekly basis enables you to observe any changes. Whether they involve weight loss or gain.
2. Opt for Healthy Meals: Ensure you have a nutritious breakfast and choose meals that are high in protein and fiber while being low in fat, sugar, and calories.
3. Consider Multivitamin Supplements: Taking a daily multivitamin supplement can help maintain adequate nutrient levels, especially when access to a variety of vegetables and fruits is limited. Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium, are crucial for a healthy immune system. However, it’s important to note that there is currently no evidence that supplements or “miracle mineral supplements” protect against the virus or aid recovery. Additionally, consuming excessive doses of vitamins can be detrimental to your health.
4. Stay Hydrated and Limit Sugary Drinks: Drinking water regularly is essential for maintaining overall health. However, there is no evidence to suggest that frequent water consumption, such as every 15 minutes, can prevent viral infections.
5. Engage in Regular Exercise: At-home workouts can be an excellent way to stay physically active during this time. Additionally, activities such as walking your dog or running outdoors can also be beneficial. Make sure you are aware of any restrictions or mandatory self-quarantines in your area.
6. Reduce Sedentary Behavior and Screen Time: Exercise alone cannot offset the negative effects of prolonged sitting and excessive screen time. Even individuals who exercise regularly are at increased risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. If they spend significant time in sedentary activities. To mitigate this, consider taking breaks from sedentary time. Such as walking around your office or room a few times a day.
7. Prioritize Sufficient Sleep: The quality and quantity of sleep have a strong impact on your immune system. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to ensure your immune system functions optimally.
8. Drink Alcohol in Moderation: It’s important to note that consuming alcohol does not protect against coronavirus infection. Furthermore, alcoholic beverages can contribute to excess calorie intake. Always practice moderation when consuming alcohol.
9. Manage Your Emotions: It is common to experience feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty during a pandemic. These emotions may arise from various factors such as the fear of contracting the virus, concerns about loved ones’ health, financial difficulties, disruptions in daily routines, and overall uncertainty about the future.
10. Utilize Movement, Sleep, and Heart Rate Tracking Apps: Monitoring your physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being. However, individuals with serious chronic medical conditions. Including extreme obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, should consult their healthcare providers and follow their advice as they are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 infection.
By following these tips and utilizing the provided resources. You can maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage your weight, and promote overall well-being. While staying at home and practicing social distancing.