A letter to help you stay healthy

I did not set out to make this blog about reposting other people's thoughts, however, when I got this email from my own health care providers at Resolve Medical in St George Utah, I was excited and wanted to share it. It is information that we all need and, let's face it, it would take me months to do the research that would allow me to write such a helpful post. Let me put a plug in for the providers at Resolve Medical. I work with Brandon Lewis FNP-C and have been very happy. He goes above and beyond to support me in my efforts to be more healthy. I have also had some interactions with Dr Scott Noorda and have been impressed with him as well. I love the model and am glad that I found them as decided to work with them. It is changing my life for the better.

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Begin quoted text: We know that everyone has a lot of questions and concerns right now, so we want to answer some of your most common questions and share some helpful information that can help you stay healthy during this trying time. 1. Is it better to stay indoors or go outside? Sun exposure can be very beneficial for preventing any viral illness because it increases your vitamin D and is a natural stress-reliever and mood booster. Studies show that stress weakens our immune system, so spending a little extra time outdoors (within area guidelines) is a great idea. 2. What medications and behaviors should be avoided right now if possible? Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, Motrin and Aleve can have a suppressive effect on the immune system. It would be best to avoid those at this time, and especially if you are experiencing a fever or other symptoms. Smokers are especially at high risk, so now would be a great time to utilize the many resources designed to help smokers quit. 3. How can I protect my baby if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? From research gleaned from limited studies, none of the infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for SARS-COV-2. Additionally, the virus was not detected in samples of amniotic fluid. Although it is still recommended for pregnant women to take all precautions necessary, normal deliveries are being performed and breastfeeding is still recommended whenever possible. 4. What are some ways to boost my immune system? Our top 5 ways are:

1. Move More: Get some exercise, preferably outside.
2. Sleep Better: If you can, start going to bed an hour earlier.
3. Stress Less: limit news consumption, incorporate daily meditation, prayer, and journaling.
4. Connect: Find fun new ways to connect with friends and loved ones from a distance.
5. Boost your Nutrition: focus on foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants such as citrus, berries, leafy greens, fresh herbs, beets, avocados, pecans and pumpkin seeds. Avoid refined sugars and artificial sweeteners.

5. In addition to current guidelines for treating COVID-19, are there any holistic remedies that are showing promise? The answer is YES. There are studies to suggest that hyperbaric oxygen, heat therapy via an infrared sauna, and over the counter supplements such as zinc, quercetin, vitamins A, C & D, and melatonin may all be helpful in restricting viral illness and boosting the body’s immune response to viruses. Some local (in St George) resources for these are InsideOut Hyberbaric & Wellness and Fusion Pharmacy (they deliver!). 6. Should I wear a mask? Yes, the CDC is recommending that individuals wear a cloth mask in public because you can pass COVID-19 on to others even if you don’t have any symptoms. Wash your hands before putting your mask on and right after removing it. Ensure the mask covers your mouth and nose completely and avoid touching the mask while in use. Replace your mask with a new one when it is damp. When removing your mask, remove from behind and deposit directly into the washing machine or a dedicated laundry-safe bag that can be thrown into the wash when ready. Use the hot water cycle to wash masks. 7. When should I wear a mask? The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain, like grocery stores or pharmacies, because you can pass COVID-19 on to others even if you don’t have any symptoms. Some studies are showing that the virus can stay in the air for several hours so a good rule of thumb is to wear a mask whenever you go inside a public place with limited airflow or will be around people that are not immediate family members. 8. Can taking vitamins protect me? There are hundreds of studies showing how specific vitamins and minerals affect the immune system, virus replication, and viral illness duration. Some of the most well-researched supplements with anti-viral and immune-boosting properties are vitamins A, C & D, and zinc. Some vitamins and minerals need to be stored in your body beforehand to have a protective effect, so it’s a good idea to take a daily multivitamin and eat vitamin-rich foods. As always, consult with your doctor for personalized recommendations, because too much of some vitamins can suppress your immune function. We know that it's hard to be socially isolated and feel cut off from the services and activities that you are used to. We hope that you are also finding some silver lining in all of this and enjoying a little less stress from outside obligations, a little more time outdoors in this beautiful spring weather, and a lot more time with your immediate family! Our prayers are with the many who are suffering at this time. If you are suffering, please reach out to us. We are here for you! Stay well, Your health team at Resolve Medical