How to Maintain Good Health During COVID-19

More than ever, individual and public health are topics of great concern. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you can take proactive measures for good health between visits to your local health center. The following tips will help you achieve and sustain a healthy lifestyle. 

Whether you're inside or outdoors, regular exercise boosts your immune system and helps manage stress and weight gain. Brisk walking, jogging, and riding a bicycle are easy ways to fit beneficial movement into your schedule outdoors. In your home or apartment building, take the stairs, dance to music, or exercise while watching TV. If you need advice from a doctor or medical provider about an exercise program, many health centers offer phone and video consultations.   

If you feel stressed because the pandemic has changed your circumstances, don't cast discipline to the wind and fall into a pattern of poor eating. Instead of loading up on high-calorie, low-nutrition snacks or takeout foods, make wise choices that taste good. 

Select foods with high levels of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, including citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, chicken, and fish. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water with fresh-squeezed lemon for taste and extra vitamin C, rather than sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages with high calories and low nutritional value. 

Insufficient sleep is linked to an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Generally, teens ages 13 to 18 years need eight to 10 hours in a 24-hour period, while adults 18 to 60 need at least seven hours per night. Adults aged 61 to 64 years need seven to nine hours, and from age 65 and older, seven to eight hours per night. 

For better sleep, avoid eating heavy foods and drinking beverages with caffeine before bedtime. If you have problems sleeping, discuss it with a medical professional.