The world is now facing a pandemic situation with the Corona Virus or COVID-19, which started in Wuhan, China and has spread out worldwide. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
COVID-19 is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. This virus infected more than 400,000 people globally and more than 18,000 have died as of March 25, 2020 (World Health Organization data).
However, the good news is that we have ways to protect ourselves against this deadly disease. One of the protective measures to fight COVID-19 is as basic, as simply to regularly and thoroughly wash our hands with water and soap or with alcohol-based hand rub. Aside from that, we have to strictly observe ‘social distancing’ by keeping away from another person within a meter or three feet at the least. Also, we must avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth and practice respiratory hygiene by using tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and dispose it properly, clean hands after sneezing, coughing and blowing your nose and wear a mask for protection.
There is another protective measure that people can certainly do to fight this virus - it is by strengthening the body’s immune system. Immune System is a defense system in our body that protects us from infectious diseases. How can we boost our immune system? We can achieve a strong immune system through the right amount of exercise and proper diet. According to research, regular moderate exercise reduces the risk of infectious diseases compared with people who have sedentary lifestyle. Exercise, partnered with healthy food intake that our body needs are indeed strong protection against not only the new Coronavirus but with all communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Proper nutrition when complemented with appropriate exercise will improve one’s overall health.
Healthy nutrition often serves as our body’s natural medicine – can cure ailments, fuels the body to perform better. Good quality food intake can also repair and build our body’s sore muscles. Doing regular workout and exercise can strengthen our muscles and bones and develop stronger cardiorespiratory system.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables with high amount of vitamins A, C, B-complex and D would support body’s immune function. Green leafy vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes contain high amount of vitamin A. Foods rich in vitamin C are mostly citrus fruits, bell pepper and broccoli are immune boosters and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
COVID-19 has drastically changed our lives and has made a great impact in the whole world. It serves as a wake-up call for us to change - our personal lifestyles and habits if we want to live a long and productive life. This can only be achieved by keeping our bodies in optimum wellness – the key is in being physically active and disciplined in our food intake. (AVETPariarca/ MBRonquillo-PIA)
Sources:
World Health Organization
Everydayme.com.ph
