How to Minimize the Risk of COVID-19 – Dr. Bedard

We are now more familiar with this virus. In addition to its ability to cause pneumonia, it also has the ability to inflame the blood vessels of any organ. It turns out that those of us with cardiovascular risk factors actually can fare worse than those with primary lung problems. This means that those of us suffering from hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are at increased risk.

The medical world is working on vaccines at a great pace. Treatment success with some medications such as Dexamethasone, blood thinners, Remdesevir (to some extent), and Interferon hold promise. (I’m not sold on Hydroxychloroquine – yet)

But there is much you can do as an individual as well. The basics of health remain the same. Proper sleep, good nutrition (go gardeners), Vitamin D and Zinc (I’m doing it), quit smoking, and start exercising. This boosts our own defenses that will work in concert with hygiene, face coverings indoors, and physical distancing. Bottom line, let’s get as healthy as we can. Lets train for this fight.

Some  links:

If you are like me, you find vegetables a chore, consider purchasing a Seed Sprouter. You can safely graze as you like, add them as toppings in sandwiches, etc. I will show you a pic of the crop. The Island Jar sells the seeds and you can stagger your trays.

Fit for Fifty, a pretty good plan of basic exercises that starts low and slow. I have been about to start this plan for only 3 months or so. Maybe August is the ticket. Or start walking at your own pace. Use good footwear. Check out Given Cortez’s awesome videos.

Good local food fresh from gardeners, farmers, and berry pickers. (Burt Farm, Island Jar, Pike Lake Farms – to name a few. The Island is rich. Look around)

If you have hypertension, please consider owning your own quality machine for home readings. These are more useful to us than office readings as they reflect your usual activity.

Marsha Moggy remains involved with the smoking cessation program. This is operational even during COVID.

Nola Thompson RD (Registered Dietician) is waiting to serve those who wish to experience her clinical expertise: if you want solid dietary advice, ask a Dietician and avoid the Physician. At least this one.

Bottom line:

We can train for this virus. We can boost our own natural immunity by treating these bodies with the care and attention that many of us have neglected. We do not have to sit back passively.

I will meet you halfway. Good luck. Take that first step. Time for a tune-up.

– M