There is a lot of information coming at us on the Coronavirus (CoVID-19), and this information seems to change by the hour. We have heard from a lot of politician’s and social media experts about the virus, but we haven’t heard much from out medical minds as to how to best manage. The best resources are from the Australian Medical Association and the Department of Health – so please check these sources first. This has information on spread, prevention, diagnosis and management. It is also the information that we are using in clinic in addition to our normal procedures. But the overwhelming advice from the medical profession is to stay calm.
Whilst, we aren’t doctors, and we don’t profess to be, there are some simple things that we can advise you on to make sure that you are in best condition to manage. The main things are:
Sleep: Sleep is super important! Less than 7 hours sleep per night is associated with a higher risk of falling sick (not specific to the Coronavirus, but illness in general). Sleep is the time that we recover – our body can rest and systems can restore. Getting to 10 hours sleep per night is fantastic – with improved performance and energy in the day! If your body has lots of energy, then you will be able to use some of that extra energy to fight off unwanted illness – if you are deprived of energy – you don’t have much reserve. There is a wealth of evidence for sleep – from elite sports teams to school children.
Exercise: Exercise helps to boost your immune system! This can be any type of exercise, but the point is to be moving, fit, healthy and well – and your immune system will be in a better position to fight off bugs. Joseph Pilates (after who Pilates is named after) started his exercise regime in POW camps, and his students were the only ones not to get sick!
There is an increase in blood flow, the muscles perform better, endorphins float around the brain and there is an increase in your capacity to withstand the day – and whatever you need to encounter! It is also important to get outside – get some fresh air and Vitamin D. If you are worried about catching the Coronavirus, just stay more than 1 meter away from others and don’t touch things like handrails and door knobs that have been found to be a source of infection.
The World Health Organisation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days in the week – or 30 minutes 5 days a week. There is also a recommendation for some strength sessions (2 x per week) for everyone – from children to adults to the elderly.
Eat well and stay hydrated: Everyone knows that you need to eat well, and drink plenty of water. This all keeps the body systems in balance and once again, gives you the capacity to deal with additional challenges. Without this reserve, we succumb quicker to illness.
These are 3 simple and actionable things that you and your family can do to stave off illness. As mentioned above, please check out the appropriate resources to learn more on how to protect yourself. If we do these 3 things well – and practice great hand hygiene, we are better placed to get through any illness.
If you have any questions about these steps, please feel free to contact us on 95801985 and we would be more than happy to help and develop exercise programming or Pilates for you. If you are ill or have returned from recent travel, please consult with your GP or the relevant hotlines.