Be Well
“It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day…”
– Broadway musical, Roar of the Greasepaint, Smell of the Crowd, 1965
The song from which I have quoted this week has been recorded by many artists, including Nina Simone and Michael Bublé, two of my favorites. Just thinking about (however, not exactly reminiscing!) this past year as we recognize the one-year anniversary of the “official” start of the coronavirus pandemic.
One vivid recollection is an interview I watched last spring when a doctor was asked if he thought that our country could lose up to 100,000 individuals, and he said that he could not imagine that to be the case. Wow. Last count I have seen is over 530,000, and some experts believe the count is actually higher as many lost lives in the beginning of 2020 were not counted. Most of us know at least one person who has died of COVID-19 and others who have suffered from it and have lasting side effects. I feel very blessed that no one in my family has succumbed from the disease.
Masks – yes, I will be wearing mine in public for a while yet. Social distancing – again, yes for some time. Vaccinations – yay, I have mine as does my husband. So, we are feeling much more positive about the “new day” coming. A new day which may never be exactly like the “old days” as we are (hopefully) more tuned in to the science of viruses, how they work, how we can protect ourselves, and how we can move forward using the knowledge and experience we have gained from this terrible pandemic. Make no mistake: viruses and their variants are here to stay, and again, if you follow the science, the increased deforestation along with international travel and lack of personal responsibility tell a story.
So – is it a “new dawn, a new day” – yes, I believe it is in many ways. The past year has taught us that in addition to taking careful measures in crowded public areas and ramping up personal hygiene, making sure we have a strong immune system is paramount. Those with strong immune systems have more of a fighting chance against both viruses and the many germs pervasive in our world. Unfortunately, many of those people who lost their lives to the virus had underlying conditions and weak immune systems, which in many cases are due to heart conditions, diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses that affect our population.
However, most of us can institute some preventative measures to keep our bodies stronger and more resilient if we do contract a virus. We can make our bodies physically stronger by exercise and regular fitness activities. We can eat less sugar-laden snacks, fast foods, and processed foods, especially processed meats. All of these weaken our immune systems. We need to increase the amount and variety of fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates.
If we receive permission from our health care professionals, we can obtain increased immune support from specific supplements. Never begin taking supplements if you are on prescription medication unless you receive the go ahead from your healthcare professional!
This is a great time to start your seedlings indoors to prepare your vegetable garden as well to look forward to that delicious and abundant produce to come!
Additionally, if you have put off seeing your health care professionals due to concern about the pandemic, please consider that your mammograms, annual checkups, and other important medical exams should be a priority as we move forward into a more predictable and calm health environment.
A new dawn – yes, thanks to the vaccinations that are available now. A new day – yes, I believe so as we all want to see our family members and friends, feel comfortable dining out, and enjoy seeing smiling faces once again! Get active, stay active and be the best you possible in order to give ourselves the best opportunity to stay well, stay calm, and enjoy the renewal of spring and hopefully a more “normal” summer ahead!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.