ON THE onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated the importance of strengthening the immune system to prevent upper respiratory diseases, including the Covid-19.
DOH-Cordillera Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle with exercise to boost the immune system as a preventive measure to thwart the common cold.
"Like I always say, sometimes the remedy here is to keep yourself warm by drinking lots of water to rehydrate aside from the traditional way. Mothers give hot chicken soup to their children, among others, as remedies in boosting one's immune system aside from the intake of natural fruits like guava and other vitamin-rich fruits found in our region including our vegetables," Pangilinan said.
The DOH said, like the Army, the immune system is an intricate network of units that act together to combat invaders, in this case bacteria, viruses and other "enemies," and since it is a system of many parts, not a single unit, it cannot technically be boosted but it can however be strengthened to run efficiently in order to fight off diseases.
"Boosting one's immunity can combat other diseases that one may get in their workplace to which it would really protect them and even the acquisition of the coronavirus," Pangilinan added.
While there are still no Covid-19 vaccine or immunity-boosting supplements that can cure or prevent coronavirus, the DOH encouraged the public to undertake steps they can make their defenses as strong as possible.
Healthy living strategies include exercising regularly, as recommended by experts to have at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week; eating a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables by determining portions and types of healthy foods that are best for nourishing ones army; and maintaining a healthy weight with the aim for a Body-Mass-Index (BMI) of 25 or lower.
This, aside from getting quality sleep by setting a schedule and routine for sleep and the practice of good sleep hygiene, reducing stress and developing good coping mechanisms that include activities in one's daily life that help them handle stress such as virtually connecting with loved ones, going outside, practicing meditation regularly, exercising, making art or other hobbies.
Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation, and taking steps to prevent infection, such as washing of hands, wearing face masks and social distancing.
