We recognize the distress that the COVID-19 crisis is causing many people.\u00a0 We do hope that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy and following the advise from public health officials.\u00a0 Is there reason for concern – Yes.\u00a0 Is there reason for panic – No.\u00a0 Often the difference between the two is information and reason.\u00a0 I hope the information below provides you with both.<\/p>\n
There are five main aspects of healthcare to address which includes:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Health Promotion \/ Healthy Lifestyle<\/li>\n
- Prevention<\/li>\n
- Self Isolation \/ Quarantine Recommendations<\/li>\n
- Supportive Care<\/li>\n
- Recovery<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\nTo understand what is required for each of these steps we have to look at what we currently know.\u00a0 The World Health Organization (WHO) has over 325 clinical trials<\/a> going on with respect to COVID-19.\u00a0 The results of these studies will help guide every aspect of how this virus is managed. It is also important to keep in mind that our understanding of this virus is growing and changing daily.<\/div>\n
\nWhat Is The Risk<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n- The reason for concern is that the COVID-19 virus has a higher mortality rate than the seasonal flu.\u00a0 It is also spreading\u00a0 significantly faster than the seasonal flu.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- It is important to keep in mind that ONLY about 6% of people that get COVID-19 experience significant symptoms – which means that 94% of individuals that get the virus will have mild symptoms.<\/li>\n
- Of the 6% that have significant symptoms, 50% are recovering when they receive proper medical treatment.<\/li>\n
- We also know that when someone has severe symptoms it is important that they get oxygen and medical care quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
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<\/a><\/div>\n- According to the current research, the people at greatest risk are those over 70 years of age AND that have compromised immune function<\/a>, diabetes and\/or hypertension<\/a>\u00a0or cardiovascular disease<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Children and young people may be carriers, but they do not appear to be overly affected by this virus.<\/li>\n
- Studies have also showing that in pregnant women that are affected with COVID-19, their newborns are not being affected<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Research is suggesting that the warmer weather may actually decrease the spread of the virus.<\/li>\n
How COVID-19 is approached depends on addressing both factors – the virus and its impact to lung function, especially as it relates to oxygen carrying capacity.<\/p>\n
\nHealth Promotion \/ Healthy Lifestyle<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nFrom a naturopathic perspective the impact to health of any infection depends on two things – the first is susceptibility and the second is exposure.\u00a0 Health promotion is about adopting a healthy lifestyle which contributes to decreased susceptibility.\u00a0 The one thing that this current crisis has reminded us is the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle.\u00a0 The following\u00a0guidelines<\/a>\u00a0may be beneficial in
\nsupporting overall health. For specific recommendations it is important to work with your
\nnaturopathic practitioner or medically trained health care practitioner.<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Stay hydrated<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Ensure adequate hydration. It is important to drink healthy fluids throughout the day.<\/li>\n
- Clean balanced diet<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Limit known food intolerances; ensure balanced nutrition including
\nlean protein, vegetables and whole grains; and limit foods that contribute to mucous (such as
\nexcess bread, dairy, yeast and bananas).\u00a0 Limit processed food and foods high in salt and
\nsugar.<\/li>\n- Spices<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Many warming spices have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. Spices such as
\ngarlic, ginger, thyme, oregano and sage are easily added to teas and food dishes.\u00a0<\/li>\n- Sleep<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Ensure adequate sleep. When you have symptoms of a cold or flu it is common to
\nrequire more sleep.<\/li>\n- Stress Management<\/span><\/i><\/b>. Reduce and manage stress.\u00a0 Immune function and breathing are closely linked to stress. Focusing on stress reduction techniques are always beneficial.<\/li>\n
- Indoor pollutants<\/span><\/i><\/b>. Address indoor pollutants such as mold as they can worsen lung related
\nillnesses.<\/li>\n- Avoid smoking<\/span><\/i><\/b>. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke can increase your
\nsusceptibility of lung-related illnesses.<\/li>\n- Exercise<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Moderate exercise enhances immune function and lowers the risk of respiratory
\ninfections. Intensive exercise can suppress normal immune reactions and is best avoided if
\nunwell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nPrevention<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n- \n
- Greeting Someone: <\/span>When greeting someone (yes, even children!) is it important to keep distance.\u00a0 Instead of hugging, kissing or shaking hands, use an elbow bump or acknowledge with a nod or a slight bow.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Hygiene<\/b><\/span>: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Always wash your hands before
\npreparing food and before eating. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed
\nhands. Use your knuckle to touch light switches, elevator buttons, etc.\u00a0 Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door – or use a paper towel or wipe when touching public surfaces.<\/li>\n- Cough hygiene<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then
\nthrow the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don\u2019t have a tissue, it is better to
\ncough into your shirt sleeve; not your hands and always wash your hands after coughing or
\nsneezing.<\/li>\n- Food hygiene<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Avoid sharing water, food, or products (glasses, cutlery, hygiene
\nproducts) with someone who has a respiratory infection.<\/li>\n- Clean surfaces<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Whether grocery shopping, flying or exposed to something new, clean and
\ndisinfect all objects and surfaces that you touch.\u00a0<\/li>\n- Avoidance<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you have a cold or flu stay
\nhome to limit your risk of spreading the infection to other and to support the healing
\nprocess. Avoid large crowds when the risk is high. If you choose to wear a mask, choose a
\nmask that covers both your nose and mouth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n\nSelf-Isolation \/ Home Quarantine<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n
If you are at home I encourage you to take it as an opportunity for some self-care for you and your loved ones.\u00a0 I encourage you to review the health promotion guidelines listed above and the supportive treatment guidelines listed below.<\/p>\n
\nSupportive Care<\/span><\/h3>\n
There is no current treatment specifically for COVID-19.\u00a0 As stated above there are over 325 clinical trials that are in progress.\u00a0 They include the use of Intravenous Vitamin C, different herbal formulation and other natural therapies. We will let you know the outcome of those trials as they become available.<\/p>\n
Although the large majority of people will have mild symptoms, it is important that anyone with significant symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, strong cough) notify Public Health and follow their guidelines.<\/p>\n
If your symptoms are mild, to accompany the recommendations from Public Health, naturopathic supportive care may include addressing immune and respiratory function, especially as it relates to oxygen carrying capacity. As with any condition it is always best to talk with your naturopathic doctor or health practitioner to determine what is best for you specifically, but some general recommendations include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The importance of food when supporting health can not be overstated.\u00a0 It is always an important aspect to staying and achieving healthy.\u00a0 Increase foods high in oxygen and nutrients, which includes fruits and vegetables. Dark green leafy vegetables are a great source of oxygen.\u00a0 Fruits and vegetables also have the vitamins and minerals needed to support healthy blood formation.\u00a0 Specific foods that may be helpful include spinach, kale, broccoli, sprouts, berries and citrus fruits, watermelon, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, avocado, fresh fish, onions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric.<\/li>\n
- Reducing alcohol, sugar and refined foods would be advised.<\/li>\n
- As this virus affects lung capacity, avoiding foods such as dairy, wheat, yeast, bananas would be beneficial.\u00a0 If you are aware of any specific foods that cause you mucous or other symptoms, it would be beneficial to avoid them at this time.<\/li>\n
- Stay hydrated.\u00a0 Water carries oxygen to the cells. Increasing the intake of healthy fluids (water, green drinks, vegetable juices) may be beneficial.<\/li>\n
- Regular exercise.\u00a0 Take the time to exercise everyday.\u00a0 Walking is ideal. Focus on exercises that support cardiovascular system.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Spend time outside (if not in isolation). On a nice day, go for a gentle walk outside.\u00a0 Spending time in nature is beneficial to the immune system, the respiratory system and can help decrease stress.<\/li>\n
- Stay calm.\u00a0 This too will pass!!\u00a0 Practice deep breathing, relaxation, meditation and other exercises focused on stress reduction.<\/li>\n
- There is some indication that reducing your exposure to Wifi may also be beneficial in supporting overall health. For further information on wireless technology, check out my blog on Wireless Technology – 5 Safety Tips<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nOther supportive therapies for immune or respiratory health or to assist in managing the stress associated with this crises such as:<\/p>\n
- Hygiene<\/b><\/span>: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Always wash your hands before
- Clean balanced diet<\/span><\/i><\/b>: Limit known food intolerances; ensure balanced nutrition including
- According to the current research, the people at greatest risk are those over 70 years of age AND that have compromised immune function<\/a>, diabetes and\/or hypertension<\/a>\u00a0or cardiovascular disease<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
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