Staying Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The recently discovered virus strain known as the Coronavirus has no cure or vaccination developed yet, but there are a few things you can do to avoid exposure, boost your body's natural ability to combat infection, and prevent spreading the virus.

Before I share these valuable tips, lets examine more about the virus itself.

*This information is not intended to scare but to inform.

COVID-19, first detected in China has now been confirmed in 100 locations including the United States. Thought to have originated in bats, the virus is zoonotic, meaning it is commonly transmitted from animals to humans. Reported illnesses range from mild to severe, and take a greater toll on the elderly or individuals with severe chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and auto immune disorders.

Common signs and symptoms include fever and respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath) in some cases causing pneumonia or kidney failure. It is spread through direct contact with an infected individual, through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing), and (least likely) contaminated surfaces. According the the CDC (Center for Disease Control), immediate risk for exposure in America is still relatively low, but international travelers and healthcare workers have an elevated risk for exposure.

With no treatment yet developed there are necessary precautions we can take in preventing further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Avoid Exposure and Protect Yourself and Others:

*Stay home if you are sick

*Wash your hands often

*Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth

*Cover your mouth when coughing & wash hands immediately after

*Wear a facemask (ONLY if you are ill)

*Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Here is a link with more information on prevention and protection from the Coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Boost Your Immunity and Your Body's Ability to Combat Illness:

*Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

*Hydrate

*Stay active / exercise

*Get adequate sleep

*Eat probiotic rich foods

*Go outdoors / spend time in sunlight

*Practice stress management

*Reduce inflammation (via diet, supplements, and herbs / spices)

*Purify your environment by diffusing essential oils

*Avoid heavy alcohol consumption and smoking

*Refrain from regular use of Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which have the ability to decrease antibody synthesis, leading to a weakened immune system

Check out my other articles related to many of the topics listed above for more information

https://www.thewellnesswandererblog.com/

Aside from keeping yourself and others healthy and preventing its spread, it is of utmost importance to remain calm during this time. Avoid misinformation or allowing mass media to consume your time. Do not become obsessive or let your worry and fear escalate. As individuals and a collective we must develop coping strategies for "Coronavirus anxiety" and use this time to reflect and unite.

A Few Ways to Help You Relax:

*Avoid unnecessary travel for fear of risk of infection

*Connect with family and friends via text, phone call, email, or video chat

*Stick with credible sources when gathering information and updates

*Powerful practices such as Prayer, energy healing, and journaling

*Yoga (there are many FREE videos available online you can do at home)

*Meditation (you can find guided meditations on YouTube or through downloadable Apps)

*Controlled breathing (try the 4-7-8 technique for stress management below)

4-7-8 breathing

This exercise also uses belly breathing to help you relax. You can do this exercise either sitting or lying down.

To start, put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest as in the belly breathing exercise.Take a deep, slow breath from your belly, and silently count to 4 as you breathe in.Hold your breath, and silently count from 1 to 7.Breathe out completely as you silently count from 1 to 8. Try to get all the air out of your lungs by the time you count to 8.Repeat 3 to 7 times or until you feel calm.Notice how you feel at the end of the exercise.

*Any activity that brings you joy and calm (Reading, taking a bath, watching a good comedy)

My hope (as is I'm sure is all of yours), is that we remain unaffected, our family and friends stay healthy and happy, and that the measures we take together bring the COVID-19 outbreak to its end. Sending you all Love and Peace, stay well!