Many of us are feeling worry and anxiety around Covid-19. While there are aspects of this virus that we cannot control, there are ways you can protect yourself. We encourage you to use these tips to keep you healthy and well!
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home if you are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes!
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are used or touched frequently.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
We also know that a strong immune system can help us fight any virus or bacteria, not just Covid-19. Here are some ways you can support a strong, healthy immune system.
Eat a healthy diet.
Immune system boosting foods include citrus, red bell peppers, ginger, garlic, spinach, yogurt, and almonds, among others. Consider more whole foods if you typically eat a processed foods diet.
Maintain an exercise program.
Exercise within your ability. If you don't currently exercise, consider starting with short walks that make you feel like your body is working a little harder than normal. If you have questions seek out the advice of an exercise professional/personal trainer.
Get good sleep.
Set up a good routine to get your best sleep and aim for 7-9 hours whenever possible. Visit www.sleep.org for more tips and tricks that you can use for your sleep health.
Manage your stress.
Consider turning the news and social media off if you feel stressed when watching it. Explore soft belly breathing as a way to manage your stress and as a way of self-care, from the Center for Mind Body Medicine at: https://cmbm.org/self-care/soft-belly-breathing/
Visit the CDC, WHO, and local state health departments for current information. Notice when you feel "information overload" and take time for self-care at those times!
Information accurate as of 13MAR2020. References:
https://www.cdc.gov/ - https://www.who.int/ - https://www.health.state.mn.us/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/benefits-of-aerobic-exercise
https://www.sleep.org/ - https://cmbm.org/self-care/soft-belly-breathing/
