5 Sure-Fire Ways to Keep the Doctor Away

by Leila Hicarte

It wouldn’t be much of an understatement to say that we live in a very chaotic time. New viruses and diseases are being discovered and we can barely contain it. Just recently, a new strain of the corona virus, now penned as the 2019-nCoV (Novel Corona Virus), infected Wuhan, China and it has quite quickly inched itself to other parts of the world. With this said, it’s important to be well aware of our health and safety as we understand the repercussions of being unprepared against natural threats such as this. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

Health Workers Working Against COVID-19 in San Fernando City, Pampanga

Photo: Eric Sales/ Asian Development Bank

So, here are five health tips we should apply to our lifestyles as recommended by doctors:

One: Eat healthy and diverse. When they say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, they aren’t wrong. Our body needs nutrition to function and those can be found in fruits and veggies. Remember to add carbs and protein in your diet. Lastly, regulate your fat intake because as much as it sounds unreal, you need it.

Two: Consume safely and as prescribed. Taking some meds? Take the recommended amount for your age or under the doctor’s advice. Don’t eat past the expiry date and don’t eat anything that isn’t confirmed to be edible. Remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Three: Stay hydrated. An average teenager needs to drink 1.8-2.6 liters of water a day however that varies from the physical activity and temperature of a person. Likewise, take extra caution to avoid getting overhydrated.

Four: Move, move, move! Go stretch and involve yourself in physical activities. Something simple as choosing to walk the stairs rather than to take the elevators do great in maintaining a physically active body. This alone is not enough, however. Play outdoor games and have fun exercising.

And the fifth: Practice good hygiene. Take a bath every day and wash your hands. Apply sanitizers regularly especially after touching objects that are held by multiple people to avoid contamination or infections. Avoid sharing personal things like toothbrushes, combs, utensils and the like. If necessary, wear protective gear like face masks to avoid infecting others or inhaling dangerous particles. Remember, colored side is out!

All that have been mentioned above are just the basics. It’s better to consult a professional for a full list of guidelines but the list will help in maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle. Bear in mind that these should be done regularly and not just because there’s a virus on the loose. With everything mentioned, let us all pray that no more virus will come our way and that we find a cure to the diseases that chain our society. Stay safe, Divinians!