Managing Your Risk Factors For Coronavirus Infection and Issues with Prolonged Social Isolation
Clinical evidence points to those with Risk factors having more Severe Outcomes from Coronavirus Infection, compared to those with no risk factors. Additionally Social Isolation issues are increasing with Prolonged Quarantine around the World.
What Risk Factors Cause Worse Outcomes with Covid Infection
Risk Factors for Severe Outcomes include .........
Age, particularly over 70,
Obesity,
Immunocompromised state,
Cancer,
Diabetes,
Cardiovascular disease,
Chronic Renal disease and
COPD. [3,4]
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are Two key Changeable Risk factors we can address by changing our Diet, Exercising and Sleeping better. This has been proven in many clinical studies. Diet, Sleep and Exercise are all linked and synergistically effect one another, so it is important to address each of these, when trying to reduce your weight.
Other easily changeable Risk factors include, Smoking Cessation , Vitamin D levels and Blood pressure control. Improving these medical and lifestyle issues will improve your outcome, if you do get Coronavirus.[1]
For those with Pre-existing medical conditions, listed as Risk Factors, it is important to have these controlled as best as possible and remain monitored by your Doctor. At risk groups should be particularly mindful of reducing exposure due to the High Transmissibility of Covid-19 Virus.
These Lifestyle Improvements we suggest, is of course in addition, to measures including Social Distancing, wearing Face Masks, Hand Washing etc.
Issues with Prolonged Social Isolation
Social isolation from Social distancing and Quarantine is an important factor to consider during the Coronavirus Epidemic. Melbourne, where I live, has been under some form of Quarantine Lockdown / Heavy Restriction for the majority of 2020. Europe is now heading into its Second wave of Infection with Lockdowns increasing in Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
The impact on Businesses, Business Owners, Unemployed workers , Isolated people and Community is huge and yet seldom discussed. As a result, this issue is not being managed or addressed. Spanish Doctors launched strike action, as they felt underappreciated amidst difficult work conditions and a prolonged fight against this Pandemic in that country. This represents some of the strain people face as the long fight against the pandemic continues.
It is possible that Restrictions around the World will be in place for approximately 2 years, as per previous Global Pandemics such as the Spanish Flu, which is similar in scale, but not lethality.
Issues with Prolonged Social distancing can affect those with who have little in the way of support structures, are not working, and who live alone. For many it is a time to stay connected via different means. Its also time to support those that are struggling, to keep the Community intact.
Strategies for Avoiding Issues with Prolonged Social Restrictions
With prolonged restrictions, those that do well will be the ones who can adjust better to the new conditions in place. We are good at adapting, so it is time to put this into practice.
Strategies include.........
Being mindful of Consumption of Alcohol. There is a tendency to increase, but it is a great time to reduce your consumption.
Exercising at Home or Outdoor Gyms to Alleviate Boredom, Mental issues, Obesity, Deconditioning.
Socialising over Zoom, Facetime , Skype, Facebook or Insta to Maintain Social contacts and Support your Friends and Community
Considering new Hobbies and Making Adjustments. There is still so many things to do, lockdown does not have to mean you shut down everything.
Making the most of your local areas. Lockdown generally means you can still exercise or explore local areas.
Consider getting a Bike, Gymnastic Rings, Yoga Mat, Foam Roller...fantastic ways to look after your body, by yourself.
Try to find Support Groups, especially locally. Key to preventing loneliness and improve Community Spirit.
Stay in Touch with Friends and Family, maybe its time you were the one to support others.
Practise Meditation regularly. This will help center yourself and keep things in perspective
Make sure you are getting good amounts of sleep. Honestly neglected in times of stress to an alarming degree
Eat a balanced diet, cook healthy food.
Dont hoard toilet paper like a noob. Survival is not linked to how much toilet paper you own.
Stay active, look after yourself, and we should get through this together quite easily.
We have a few exercise programs on youtube : https://www.youtube.com/c/drlifepro/videos
to keep you moving and entertained and offer lots of suggestions to staying fit, without a gym. Additionally we have lots of free information available at https://www.drlifepro.com/blog regarding looking after your diet, weight, sleep and mind.
So take a look at what we offer here at Dr.Lifepro.com , and start your health journey today. WE will Get through This Coronavirus Pandemic and emerge for the better.
References
[1] Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 among patients in the Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre primary care network: a cross-sectional study
de Lusignan, Simon et al. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 20, Issue 9, 1034 - 1042
[2] Zammit C , Obesity and Respiratory diseases. Int J Gen Med.2010; 3: 335-343
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
[4]Bajgain KT, etal, Prevalence of comorbidities among individuals with COVID-19: A rapid review of current literature. Am J Infect Control. 2020 Jul 10:S0196-6553(20)30637-4.