We are monitoring the evolving situation and following the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) in all of our practices and workspaces to keep our patients and team members safe and clean.
This includes:
- Stay informed. It’s important to process the considerable information we’re all receiving in a balanced and thoughtful way. With that in mind, worrying or panicking in response to the overwhelming amount of information can create stress in the body, which is known to compromise immunity. The CDC provides a comprehensive overview of "What You Should Know."
- Boost your immune system. Now more than ever, it's essential to prioritize our health and well-being and do all you can to boost your immune system so you're as healthy as possible, in the event you encounter this virus. Research shows that sustaining healthy habits supports immunity and can help prepare our bodies to better fight and recover from illnesses, including coronavirus. These include:
- Stick to a nutrient-dense, toxin-free diet, including known immune-supportive foods like garlic and ginger. Avoid foods that tend to weaken the immune system, such as sugar, refined grains, industrial vegetable oils, and processed and refined foods, as much as you can.
- Get plenty of sleep, ideally seven to eight hours a night. This is your body's time to perform preventive maintenance, which bolsters the immune system. Research shows that repeatedly short-changing sleep by even an hour or two can negatively affect immunity.
- Get plenty of sunshine and supplemental vitamin D + K2. High levels of vitamin D have long been linked to lower rates of illness.
- Consider taking additional vitamins, micronutrients, and supplements to support immunity, such as a high-quality multivitamin, magnesium, omega-3 fish oils, vitamin C, elderberry, and digestive enzymes. Probiotics and powdered greens have also been shown to support immune and gut health.
- Get at least 20 minutes of low- to moderate-intensity exercise a day to prime the immune system. This movement results in the production of more white blood cells, which combat bacteria and viruses, and promotes improved circulation.
- Practice good hygiene. These habits include washing your hands frequently, and for at least 30 seconds, with soap and water to protect yourself and others from germs. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Keep your hands away from your face, because germs routinely spread when a person touches something contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- If you begin to develop cold- and flu-like symptoms or become ill, take care of yourself and minimize the spread to others by staying home. If you think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, call your healthcare provider immediately.
We all have a responsibility to do our part to limit the spread of this virus and other illnesses, especially to those at a higher risk due to age, compromised immunity, or pre-existing conditions. Additionally, by doing as much as we can to stay healthy ourselves, we support the healthcare providers who will be caring for those in greater need when it becomes necessary.
Your health and happiness are paramount to us and we are committed to monitoring the situation, communicating openly with you, and doing anything we can to help with this situation and anything else that comes our way.
For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit the CDC's website: cdc.gov
Thank you for your confidence in our Team.