YourChoice Blog

No one wants to get COVID-19. And if we do get it, we don’t want to end up on a ventilator or at risk of death. But what can we do? Masks, hand washing, social distancing... of course. Avoid crowds, sure, but what if we get it anyway? Is there any way we can protect our immune system so we’re more likely to recover?

Yes, there is. Improving your general health can greatly improve your chances.

As a certified Health Coach and Exercise Physiologist, I felt like I had to share some recent COVID-19 research with you. It’s both alarming and encouraging.

 

The majority of people recover from COVID-19 in a few weeks, but a recent report from the Mayo Clinic outlines the long-term health effects of COVID-19. The most common include headaches, lingering fatigue, problems breathing and joint pain. COVID-19 is a nasty virus and can cause long term damage to the heart, lungs, and brain, putting you more at risk for heart failure, stroke, respiratory problems, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Some experience blood clots, blood vessel problems, or liver and kidney issues. Your mood can be affected in a similar way to PTSD. Even young fit people have had some of these after-effects. However, people with underlying conditions are most likely to experience the more severe complications. According to the CDC, people with underlying health conditions are 6 times more likely to be hospitalized and 12 times more likely to die from COVID-19.

According to University of North Carolina research, only 1 in 8 Americans has optimal metabolic health. High Blood Pressure, Excess Belly Fat, High Blood Sugar, High Triglycerides, and Low HDL are the main risk factors. If you have 3 or more of these, you have Metabolic Syndrome.

The top 3 that effect COVID-19 outcomes are obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and high blood pressure. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who had a combination of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes were 5 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU and over 3 times more likely to die, according to a new study at Tulane Medical Center. There are a number of reasons for this. One big one is that Metabolic Syndrome messes up your immune system big time.

 

60% of Americans are overweight or obese according to research from Columbia University. Having a waist more than 40 inches in men and 35 in women encourages inflammation and blood clotting, two of the problems associated with severe COVID-19 cases. Also, doctors have found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients do better lying face down. Excess belly fat prevents the diaphragm from working properly, making it harder for the patient to breath in that position. Losing that belly fat and maintaining a healthy weight can virtually eliminate this problem, according to a British Public Health Report. A healthy diet you can actually live with, and getting on an exercise program, will help you meet this goal.

  

Over 100 million people in the US are living with high blood sugar. People with Diabetes generally experience more severe COVID-19 symptoms, complications and are more likely to be admitted to the ICU. However, the American Diabetes Association says that well controlled diabetes reduces risk of severe outcomes. Blood sugar can be regulated with a low carb diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and meds as needed.

 

If your blood pressure is 130/85 or higher, you have high blood pressure and a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure and only 25% of us have it under control. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can put more strain on your heart, weaken the immune system, and make it harder to recover from the virus. Research at the Sharp Medical Center in Chula Vista, California suggests that COVID-19 infects the cells that help regulate blood pressure and that there may be link between hypertension and severe COVID-19 infection. So, it’s important to keep your blood pressure under control with a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, reducing stress and meds if necessary.

 

 

I’m sure you see a pattern here. Metabolic Syndrome, and thus risk factors for severe COVID-19 complications, can often be managed with lifestyle changes. Easier said than done? Yep. But it IS doable, and it does not have to feel like you’re in jail either. With a little help from your friendly Health Coach you can make your changes your way. We’ll work together to find a formula you can live with. Together we’ll find the way and your body will thank you for it.

 

To help you get started, Manatee YourChoice offers 5 Free Health Coaching Sessions to members. Click Here For More Information.

For more health and fitness information and at home exercise programs please visit www.mirabaiholland.com. It can be especially hard if you are a beginner, 50 plus or have special health conditions. But at Manatee YourChoice we have several virtual workout options for you.