How to Keep Your Family Healthy During COVID-19

Living through a global pandemic such as COVID 19 means that you need to be selective about what you believe.  Everywhere you look there is misinformation, and in amongst that, nuggets of science-backed advice. How do you tell the difference? Especially when it comes to taking care of your family’s health.

Drugstore shelves are groaning under the weight of the latest ‘immune boosting’ ingredient or supplement. You know, the one that promises lifelong good health in the form of a capsule. While many vitamins and supplements may be beneficial, there is no one magic tablet that can guarantee immunity to illness.

Your immune system is a complex one, that our amazing bodies use to fight off disease and illness.

How do we strive to stay healthy and protect those we love in a time when health can be compromised in the blink of an eye?

There are no guarantees.  However, a consistently healthy lifestyle approach and hygienic practices that stop the spread of infection could prevent you and your family from getting ill. 

Stress Busters 

Dealing with increased stress is something that has affected the population for many years, but COVID-19 has certainly added to that. Prolonged stress could weaken the body’s immune system and staying on top of ways to manage stress could be beneficial to your health.

It may sound like a cliché, but do you take time to relax and do things that you truly enjoy? Examples are spending time with people you love and socialising, spending time with a pet, laughing and consciously cultivating a positive outlook.

A Healthy Diet and Exercise 

A healthy diet does not mean that you can never have that chocolate or a delicious bowl of ice cream. It does mean that most of the time, your food should include a wide variety and colourful array of fruits and vegetables, and sufficient protein, whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian or vegan. If you stick to a healthy diet at least 80% of the time, your immune system may be stronger and more resilient.

The positive effects of exercise are well documented. Moving your body can ease stress and makes you feel oh-so-good. Exercise does not have to mean hours of sweaty gym (unless you enjoy that.)

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) physical activity also helps to:

High Quality Sleep 

Sleep is the time when our minds and bodies rejuvenate and heal. Most adults need from 7 – 9 hours of good quality sleep every night, and children need more, depending on their age. No one can deny the joy of waking up after a truly deep sleep. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol or a large meal near bedtime so your body can benefit from the full effects of this restorative elixir.

Hydration and Good Habits

Drinking water throughout the day helps your body to function optimally and possibly flush out any toxins before they have a chance to cause trouble. You would also have to have been under a rock not to know that habits such as smoking and excess alcohol can cause health problems. Quit the smoking and keep alcohol to a zero or low level.

Wash Your Hands and Stop Infection Spread

In amongst all the information you might have seen or read, washing your hands regularly has never been in question, for general good health, for COVID-19 and for other infections. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that you thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This can eliminate germs, including viruses that may be on your hands.

A high quality, effective, gentle and fresh smelling soap like Lifebuoy means keeping you and your family healthy and strong.