How to Prepare for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The novel coronavirus, which causes the illness COVID-19, is at the forefront of the media and everyone’s minds. Some people aren’t worried at all and some countries have shut down travel, business, and social engagements to try to contain the outbreak. Learn how to prepare for the coronavirus!
Lighthearted memes and out-of-stock toilet paper have been prominent topics of conversation concerning the coronavirus in the US. There have been wildly varying opinions about the severity of the illness, but what we know is that it’s spreading all over the world and it’s highly contagious.
We’re getting rapid-fire updates from the media about who’s tested positive, how many people have been affected, and where travel is banned. We’re seeing an unprecedented response to a unique situation, so what can we do?
First and foremost, take a breath. Yes, the coronavirus will spread, but we CAN take preventive measures that will go a long way in keeping our families healthy!
Here’s what we know about the coronavirus:
The virus originated in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally
The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic, meaning worldwide spread of a new disease
Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath and may appear 2–14 days after exposure
Transmission is from person-to-person contact with someone who is affected (they may be asymptomatic)
Travel is being discouraged, especially cruises, and is banned in some areas
Many school districts and universities across the US are transitioning to remote learning, as social distancing (staying away from groups of people) is the best preventive measure
Many businesses are transitioning to remote work-from-home situations, as much as possible
Social events, sporting events, church meetings, etc. are being canceled OR continuing without audience/congregation attendance
The news is filled with updates as celebrities and sports stars test positive, countries shut down, travel is suspended, and supplies (like toilet paper and facemasks) dwindle. All this can easily lead to fear and even panic, but we believe a calm approach is best!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the best source for up-to-date information, recommendations, and tips to stay healthy. There are countless articles circulating the internet, but the CDC will be the most reliable source to stay in the know. Learn more at cdc.gov
CDC’s Tips to Prevent Illness:
Avoid exposure
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
If you’re sick (with any illness) please protect others! Many individuals have chronic health conditions or compromised immunity (and you usually can’t tell who they are!), which makes a virus like this more dangerous for them. Here are the CDC’s recommendations for what to do:
Stay home if you’re sick
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wear a facemask around other people (please don’t wear a facemask if you aren’t sick or caring for a sick person, they are in short supply—save them for our caregivers!)
Please visit the CDC’s website for more information about what to do if you’re sick.
We agree that these are all important things we should all be doing, but there are a few more things we recommend that can make a difference!
Eat a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet (get plenty of fruits and veggies!)
Limit gluten, dairy, and refined sugar (these are all inflammatory foods!)
Exercise regularly (working out at home is a great option! Otherwise, clean equipment before AND after use.)
Practice intermittent fasting (so important for healing the body!)
Consider immune-boosting supplements like elderberry syrup (ask your functional medicine doctor for additional recommendations)
Stay positive and focus on building your immune system!
Be strategic about being in public places (if you go to the gym try to go when it’s not busy!)
You may have noticed that many of these recommendations are part of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss strategies! That’s because our purpose has always been to help you get well, prevent disease, and fulfill your purpose with energy.
If you’d like guidance in putting these health-promoting strategies into place in your lifestyle, then join us for the next round of the FASTer Way!
Additional helpful coronavirus resources:
Amanda also shared her own personal tips for keeping her family safe and healthy, which you can watch here.
FASTer Way founder Amanda Tress interviewed Dr. Matt Ferenc on the FASTer Way Podcast and he shared his insight and recommendations for staying healthy during cold and flu (and coronavirus) season. Listen to the podcast episode below!