There is no doubt that the world is going through a tough time, the current situation affects each one of us differently and individually. During these times it is very important to not lose focus on your health and mental well-being.
Improving your immunity and your hygiene protocols is the first step in preventing the spread of certain viruses such as Covid-19. Simple measures taken can make a huge impact on how we can control and eradicate these situations in the future.
As a dental clinic we have always had strict infection control guidelines in place, what we as a community need to start learning is how to enforce similar guidelines in our personal life to try and prevent these viruses from spreading so rapidly.
Coming into flu season (winter) it is so important that we carry these practices throughout our everyday life. Be aware of your surrounds, be aware of people and do not think that you are resilient just because you are fit or young, you still must take the necessary precautions.
Your first line of defence is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as the below:
Healthy ways to strengthen your immune system:
Don’t smoke
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
Get adequate sleep
Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly
Try to minimise stress
STRESS & IMMUNE FUNCTION
Modern medicine has come to appreciate the closely linked relationship of mind and body. A wide variety of maladies, including stomach upset, hives and even heart disease are linked to the effects of emotional stress.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress or anxiety, take some time out. Time to yourself with a good cup of hot tea can work wonders and put some balance back into your life.
EXERCISE: GOOD OR BAD FOR IMMUNITY?
Regular exercise and staying active is one of the pillars of healthy living, it improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight and protects against a variety of diseases. But does it help to boost your immune system naturally and keep it healthy? Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.
IMMUNE SYSTEM AND AGE
As we age, our immune response capability becomes reduced, which in turn contributes to more infections and more cancers. As life expectancy in developed countries has increased, so too has the incidence of age-related conditions.
While some people age healthily, the conclusion of many studies is that, compared with younger people, the elderly are more likely to contract infectious diseases therefore this is the time to really ‘ramp’ up your health and well-being, this not only includes eating healthily and exercising regularly but getting regular check-ups with your GP and your Dentist to ensure all is well when it comes to your general health and well-being.
