No doubt you are doing everything to avoid picking up or innocently spreading the virus. Read about government advice on Social Distancing HERE.
Healthy Inspirations already serves members at a distance via weight loss phone coaching and our Exercise-at-Home portal.
But despite all our best efforts it is possible that 50% or more of the Australian and NZ population may get the virus. The question is:
How well prepared is your body to deal with the Corona virus should you get it?
In the short months since the virus went global, information on who is at most risk seems to boil down to two categories:
- older people (especially over 70) and,
- people who are unhealthy. Definitely people who have diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cardio-vascular and lung disease - and smokers (please stop now).
For many, a major underlining factor of most of these ailments is poor metabolic health: high blood sugar levels, high insulin levels and insulin resistance. These are typically undiagnosed. They are mainly a result of our past and current lifestyle choices. The GOOD NEWS, is that despite your metabolic health now, there are positive things you can do to optimise your health starting now.
Below is a very good interview with one of the UK's leading preventive cardiologists Dr Aseem Malhotra. He is a former clinical associate to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. It is just 7 minutes.
Source: https://youtu.be/CHAnzhRZFZ0
Excess weight may increase your Coronavirus risks says study. Link.
You can do nothing about your age, but there are things you can do about your metabolic health and your metabolic health directly affects your immune function.
How might you know your metabolic health is not optimal? Here's a couple of ways.
- Waist to Height Ratio: Whether you are carrying excess weight or not, if your waist is above 50% of your height, this is a reliable signal that your metabolic health in sub-optimal. Reference
- TG:HDL ratio: This is calculated on a fasting lipid profile. A calculator is here: Simply take the Triglyceride and divide by the HDL; the closer to 1, the better. For example: TG = 120 mg/dL and HDL=40 mg/dL. 120 / 40 = 3.0, and indicates an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Reference.
The video below is not a predictive test of metabolic health, but may be a half-decent predictive test for possible Coronavirus. (We don't have enough test kits.)
The graphic below is not based upon any solid peer-reviewed data on Corona virus risk, as it may be many months or years until clear global data is available. We can't wait. It may be 6 months or years before we have tested vaccines and treatments. (There is no treatment yet for the common cold.)
Defence Steps (in addition to social distancing) you can take NOW.
- If you smoke - stop
- Optimise your blood sugar and insulin levels. This is the primary goal and outcome of the Healthy Inspirations Reset coaching program, which is based mainly on fresh foods. Unfortunately, the TV news shows empty supermarket shelves in the processed and packaged food areas. One of the first side effects of the Reset program is waistline shrinking. All our coaching has been rescheduled to happen by phone, Skype, Messenger, Facetime etc. Whatever is easiest for you.
- Stay physically active. Even better, stay physically strong. This requires resistance exercise which you can do at home, if guided correctly.
- Get some sunshine every day. This has a range of health and metabolic benefits. It helps your circadium rhythms for better sleep outcomes.
- Stay connected, but keep your distance. Message for grandparents - try to avoid your grandkids as they may be carriers. Talk to them every day by phone, Skype etc.
- Protect the elderly by isolating them physically, especially from their grandchildren. Teach them how to use Facetime or Skype.
- Monitor yourself and family for any symptoms, even digestive symptoms.
- Assume you have the virus. Build immunity. Avoid transmission.
Do not change your behaviour to avoid being infected. Assume you are infected and change your behaviour to avoid transmitting.