When planning for the holidays, we often think of spending time with family and friends and hosting events or gatherings. For many of us, we will celebrate the holidays much differently this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has encouraged all people to limit the number of dinner guests with only the people who live in the same household. If you do choose to partake in other activities, they recommend having gatherings outside, while practicing social distancing and proper handwashing. Or, you can try something new such as having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes.
Families and friends can still have fun or participate in beloved activities by celebrating good health! Your health is a gift and you are the recipient of the best gift that money cannot buy! By prioritizing nutrition and physical activity, you can boost your immune system to help prevent COVID-19, as well as many other illnesses and diseases.
Immune System Food Boosters!
- Choose fruits and vegetables that are colorful! Oranges, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and bell peppers are just a few of the many fruits and veggies that may help equip your body with the ability to fight off infections. They are loaded with lots of vitamins such as A and C, known for their protective properties. In addition these foods have fiber, which helps your digestive system function properly.
- Increase the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, salmon, herring or mackerel to 2-3 times per week. These foods can help your body fight off viruses and bacteria even more efficiently. Walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil are also good choices.
- Add a handful of sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts or pecans that add Vitamin E, another protective vitamin. Try it in a yogurt parfait, salad or as a snack!
- Drink enough water to keep hydrated. If you want to liven it up with natural flavors, add lemon, orange or blueberries to give it extra zest! Cucumber water is also refreshing. You really can’t go wrong with any favorite fruit or veggie that you enjoy!
And let’s not forget about physical activity! It not only improves immune function, but helps decrease anxiety, improve mood and increase energy levels!
Physical activity can aid in weight management and the ability to do daily activities. Here are a few tips to get you moving safely:
- Catch up on household chores such as cleaning out the closet or the “storage room” in your house. Vacuuming and dusting can also get you moving and bending! Put some music on and dance while you clean!
- Get outside and enjoy the weather and sunshine. If you have never planted a garden or flowers, now may be the perfect time to start! Yard work can also be a great workout.
- If you enjoy television, make commercial breaks a time to do fun physical activities with the family! Jumping jacks, stomach crunches, and arm curls are just a few to try! You can even use cans from your pantry for the arm curls if you want to add more resistance.
- If you want to adhere to social distancing, but still get the family outside to have some fun, check out www.kidsinparks.com for some ideas. They have several e-adventures that can be done on an iPad or cell phone right in your own back yard. You can even venture out to one of our TRACK trails. We have four of them in Pitt county—two in Greenville (Alice Keene park and River Park North), one in Fountain (Trevathan pond), and one in Grifton (John Lawson trail)! There you can find brochures with adventures specific to each trail. And the best part? After every adventure, each kid can register on the website for FREE prizes! So grab your family and set out on an adventure!
Here’s To Your Health! Have a wonderful holiday season and remember this time of year (and really every day) is a time to be thankful for the “gifts” in your life such as family, friends and your health!
To learn more tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control COVID Guidelines at https://home3/mylouise/public_html/pph.cdc.gov.
Pitt Partners for Health (PPH) is a community health improvement partnership with representatives from local churches, businesses, communities, the hospital, health department and other human service agencies. The partnership mission is to improve the population health of Pitt County through coalition building and partnership. PPH meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in community locations throughout the county. If you have questions or for more information, please contact Mary Hall (mphall@vidanthealth.com), find us on Facebook https://home3/mylouise/public_html/pph.facebook.com/PittPartnersForHealth/.