Already feeling that scorching midday heat on your skin? Yes, the dry season—commonly referred to by many Filipinos as summer—has officially begun.
But just because we’re not out traveling, catching some much needed “vitamin sea”, and partying weekend after weekend due to the enhanced community quarantine in effect, it doesn’t mean we’re already immune to the summertime sniffles and the many other illnesses common during this season. It pays to take extra good care of our health during these times too, given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
So as we remain cooped up inside the safety of our homes, we might as well boost our immune systems and keep ourselves in tiptop shape. Here are a few tips on how you can beat the common cough and colds, and who knows, maybe even fend off a possible COVID-19 infection.
Choose fruits and vegetables that can give your immune system the boost that it needs.
Take as much natural vitamins and minerals as you can
Load up on vitamins and minerals the natural way by going for the healthier option. Choose the fruits, vegetables and meats that can give your immune system the boost that it needs.
For instance, most health websites would attest that citrus fruits such as orange, papaya, cantaloupe, strawberries kiwi, lemon, guava, grapefruit, as well as vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts are rich, natural sources of vitamin C. Berries are rich in antioxidants while dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, and arugula, among others) are good sources of Vitamins A, C, K and folate, minerals such as iron and calcium. Zinc—which you can find in whole grains, milk products, oysters and red meat—is said to aid in metabolism, digestion, and nerve function, among many others.
Even at home you can still do so many exercises that can help build your stamina.
Exercise, exercise, exercise
It might be a little tough, now that you don’t get to walk as much to your office, to your lunch place, or practically anywhere else as much as you usually do given the quarantine. Gyms and public spaces are closed off too, for the time being.
But this is not an excuse. Even if you’re at home, there are so many exercises you can do sans the equipment—from crunches to push ups, burpees and planking. Medicard Philippines Inc. has a blog called Medicard Lifestyle, which offers health tips and simple workouts that you can do while on quarantine. Exercise is said to be crucial not only in helping control weight but in building stamina, reducing risk of certain diseases, and in improving mental health as well.
A good night’s sleep remains crucial for your health.
Sleep on time
It’s easy to give in and binge watch until the wee hours of morning since you started working from home. But a good night’s sleep remains crucial for your health as it can help improve productivity, performance, metabolism and more notably, your immune function.
Consult a doctor
But if you’d rather err on the side of caution, it’s always best to consult a doctor. And yes, you can still do so even while we’re all under an enhanced community quarantine. You don’t need to go out of your home—just download the MyPocketDoctor app from App Store or Google Play, register, make an appointment, and consult with your doctor. Consultations are done via Viber, Facebook messenger and Facetime, among others. You can also visit www.mypocketdoctor.com.
MyPocketDoctor app allows one to conveniently make an appointment and consult with a doctor.
MyPocketDoctor is the first telemedicine app in the Philippines established in 2006 by businessmen and doctors from Europe and in the Philippines.
Sources: www.healthline,com, mayoclinic.org, medicardlifestyle.com, www.mypocketdoctor.com