Lifestyle tips to stay healthy during the pandemic

The global spread of coronavirus has altered life as we know it. Almost three-quarters of women feel their lives have been disrupted significantly by the outbreak. Below, SWHR shares some important tips on maintaining good health in the midst of this crisis.

Practice Basic Hygiene

A significant concern in the current situation is how best to avoid catching and spreading illness. Following good hygiene practices and basic recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is important. Wash your hands often with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces daily, and cover coughs and sneezes. Local governments may have additional recommendations, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders.

Maintain Healthy Habits

Maintaining healthy exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits may feel especially challenging during this time, but these habits are critical for managing health. Engaging in moderate physical activity is one of the best things for supporting a healthy immune system and managing stress. Try for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily, whether dancing, lifting weights, practicing yoga or aerobics at home, or taking a walk or run outside. If you exercise outdoors, ensure you adhere to local stay-at-home orders and maintain a 6 foot or greater distance from others.

Finally, good sleep can boost the immune system and lower stress levels. Anxiety and disruption to daily routines can make falling asleep more difficult.

Manage Your Health Care Visits and Medications

Most of people are stuck indoors for the foreseeable future, but that does not mean plans for long-term health should fall to the wayside. People with health care appointments scheduled should consider their options carefully. Primary care providers may be overwhelmed with possible coronavirus cases, so rescheduling appointments for several months into the future may be the best option.

It is also important to take inventory of medications to ensure adequate supplies are on hand. Allow time to refill prescriptions early if possible. Many doctors are providing 60- or 90-day prescriptions in order for patients to avoid monthly trips to the pharmacy. If medication is needed quickly, some pharmacies may offer delivery services.

Don’t Neglect Pre-Existing Conditions

People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, should make sure to stay on top of their disease management. Adhering to medical recommendations is crucial at all times for those who are chronically ill, but especially now.

Women are more likely to experience certain conditions, such as migraine, chronic pain, and autoimmune disease, among others. Below are coronavirus-specific resources for individuals with these chronic conditions:

• Migraine: American Migraine Foundation

• Chronic Pain: Practical Pain Management

• Autoimmune Disease: Creaky Joints

Engage in Stress Management

Even if physical health is first and foremost on everyone’s mind right now, it is important not to neglect mental health.

It is important to pay attention to the news, but regular media breaks may be advisable for those who discover it is causing them undue distress. Also, although physical distancing should be maintained during the pandemic, this does not have to lead to total isolation. Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts are just a few of the video tools available to help people stay connected with loved ones from a safe distance.

For those individuals receiving mental health treatment, continuing with regular appointments is important, but requesting to switch to telehealth appointments may be advisable. With the federal government lifting telehealth restrictions, most providers should be able to switch in-person sessions to a virtual appointment. For those without a mental health provider but who feel like therapy would be useful, try a virtual provider or online service.

Caregiving Considerations

Women are more likely than men to be primary caregivers for sick or disabled loved ones. They also often take on a large portion of the child care at home. While children do not appear to be at higher risk of the virus than adults, older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are at much higher risk for coronavirus complications.

What to Do If You’re Pregnant

Pregnancy may be a particularly challenging time for women currently, as it is still unclear whether they have a greater risk of getting sick or having serious complications from coronavirus. We also do not currently have good information on whether and how COVID-19 may cause pregnancy complications, nor do we know if it can be passed from a pregnant woman to a fetus or newborn.

As we learn more about coronavirus, it is likely more information will come to light on how coronavirus affects pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as very young babies. For now, the best thing pregnant women can do is to engage in good general health practices and stay in close communication with their doctor.