I’m sure most of us are already aware of the global pandemic that we are currently facing. Coronavirus (COVID-19) surpassed 100,000 cases as of March 6th. Although this outbreak started in mainland China, it has spread to 103 countries and territories over the course of just a few months. This pandemic has caused cities to lockdown, a surge of flight cancellations and a decline in financial markets. There is currently no vaccine for coronavirus, but there are steps you can take to avoid being exposed to the virus and prevent its spread.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS

It is important to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially when you have been out in public. If you don’t have soap and water readily available, the next best measure is to use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose as much as you possibly can. Here is a useful video that shows how to properly wash your hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGJNspLRdrc&feature=emb_title

2. AVOID CLOSE CONTACT

Avoid being in crowded places at this time. Crowded places put you at a higher risk of being around people who may be sick, especially if coronavirus is spreading in your community. If you are out in public, be sure to avoid close contact with those who are sick.

3. DISINFECT "HIGH -TOUCH" SURFACES EVERYDAY

This includes door handles, phones, computers, tabletops, toilets, keyboards, tables, toilets, faucets, sinks, light switches etc. Be sure to disinfect with solutions that are at least 70% alcohol or EPA-approved products. To see a list of EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens, please click on this link: https://templatelab.com/epa-registered-disinfectant-products/

4. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Some ways to boost your immune system include:

• Exercise regularly - Aim to exercise around 3-5 days a week. Exercise helps reduce stress, which also helps boost your immune system. Stress hormones such as cortisol can compromise the immune function.
• Stop smoking - Smoking harms the immune system and makes the body less successful at fighting disease.
• Cut down on alcohol - Heavy drinking can actually deplete our immune cells.
• Eating the right nutrients - It is important to eat a varied diet with lot of high fiber foods to feed your gut flora, which helps regulate our body’s immune responses.
• Get enough sleep - It is important to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night. Numerous studies have shown that getting enough sleep boosts your immune system and improves immune cells known as T cells.
• Take the right supplements - LifePharm has 3 supplements that can help boost your immune system: LAMININE, IMMUNE⁺⁺⁺ and DIGESTIVE⁺⁺⁺.  Studies have shown that LAMININE can reduce your stress hormone called cortisol. Having high levels of cortisol can weaken your immune system. IMMUNE⁺⁺⁺ has been scientifically proven to boost white blood cells and T cells in your body to help fight viruses, bacteria and mutated cells. DIGESTIVE⁺⁺⁺ supports the balance of microbial floral for healthy intestines, and also a stronger immune health.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/08/how-to-boost-your-immune-system-to-avoid-colds-and-coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/pdfs/fs_smoking_overall_health_508.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-sleep-bolsters-your-immune-system#Why-people-dont-get-enough-sleep