The global pandemic has taught everyone how important health is. Sadly, Covid-19 has made some people more anxious about test results, sudden death, the immune system, cold symptoms, and more. Many people are unsure of how to handle ongoing health conditions and symptoms in the middle of a pandemic. Worried about viral infection, many experience real fear at the first sign of shortness of breath or a mild fever and rush off for another Covid-19 test. Others do the opposite and avoid having unrelated medical issues like an abnormal heart rhythm, blood clots, or heart issues checked because of fear of virus exposure. Neither choice leads to better health and is leaving people more anxious and confused than ever.
The great news is that there are things you can do to improve your overall wellness in spite of Covid-19. If you’re someone looking to make your health a priority again this year, there are five things you can do every day to increase the odds of maintaining better health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
1. Wear proper protective equipment throughout the pandemic.
One of the most obvious thing anyone can do to protect their health right now is to follow guidelines when it comes to Covid-19. Depending on where you live and work, you may already be in the habit of wearing a fabric or paper mask, or even something more protective, like Parcil Safety respirator masks for full face and half face. Great options for anyone who works or lives in close contact with someone who has recently experienced symptoms of Covid-19, these heavy-duty masks are one way to protect yourself. Other options can include lightweight masks, full face masks, and partial masks.
Many people are now experiencing pandemic fatigue and have become lax about social distancing, wearing masks, avoiding close contact with others, and using N95 masks. According to most health care providers, this can put them at greater risk of catching Covid-19 and puts public health at higher risk. To protect yourself and the people you love during the pandemic, it’s important to stay vigilant about social distancing, using hand sanitizers, regularly washing your hands, and wearing those masks.
Maybe you’re like many and have already had Covid-19. Some people believe that because they have the Covid-19 antibody in their system or have experienced severe cases, that they can’t get it again or don’t need to protect themselves from repeat infection. The reality is that public health recommendations from the CDC in the United States are that, even if you’ve had Covid-19, you should do what you can to prevent reinfection, as antibodies don’t remain in the body forever. If you aren’t sure of where you stand, if you’re experiencing symptoms or wonder if you should have a Covid-19 test, contact your healthcare provider and ask about diagnostic tests, vaccinations, and symptoms. They can also point you in the direction of a test site near you.
2. Drink plenty of water.
While many people are focused on avoiding viruses during the pandemic and any symptoms they suspect of Covid-19, some are making the mistake of neglecting other health issues. Pandemic stress even has some people forgetting about basic needs like eating properly and basic hydration. If you’re someone who has Lyme Disease, suffers from symptoms of Myocarditis, often experiences fatigue, had a heart transplant, is a former Covid-19 patient, or even has Lupus or another autoimmune disease, you should know that staying hydrated is a great way to stay in better health.
Many might be surprised to know that The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink at least 101 ounces of water per day and women should drink at least 74 ounces. While this amount can vary based on body weight and general health, drinking water regularly throughout the day can help your body stay healthier.
3. Get daily exercise.
While it won’t protect you from viral infection, another way to stay healthier is through daily exercise. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about creating a regular exercise habit that could work well for you. Someone who’s had issues with Edema or signs of heart failure will have a different exercise routine than a person with a bacterial infection or Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis. For this reason, it’s a great idea to talk to your health care provider before getting serious about any new regular exercise regimen.
4. Stay on top of symptoms and chronic conditions.
Heart issues, pulmonary problems, and other chronic conditions can make Covid-19 testing even more important at the first sign of Covid-19 symptoms. If you have a chronic health issue that could be considered even more high risk when it comes to the Covid-19 virus, you’ll need to be even more vigilant about attending to medical needs and symptoms.
Some have avoided seeing healthcare providers since the beginning of the pandemic because they don’t want to be potentially exposed to the virus. One way to protect you or a family member’s overall health is to make those chronic conditions a priority. Contact your healthcare provider to ask about Telehealth visits, to check in, or to get back to regular testing for irregular heartbeats, inflammation, or other symptoms of ongoing conditions. By treating your underlying conditions and staying in contact with your physician, you’ll be better able to distinguish symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and more from potential viruses, something that could reduce anxiety, too.
5. Eat healthy.
Eating healthy throughout your life can help you to live longer, feel stronger, and be less fatigued. A basic way to take care of your health on a daily basis, consider talking to a nutritionist or dietician if you’re not sure where to get started with a healthier diet. It could be one of the best things you do for your health this year. While good overall health is never a guarantee, by making your health a priority on a daily basis, you’ll give yourself a better chance of a longer life and higher quality of life.