The news and social media hype around COVID-19 and its cause, the new Coronavirus, makes it sound like we all need to be in full-blown fear and panic mode.  Not true.

We do not need to panic.  We do, however, need to prepare.

The Coronavirus is going to spread – without question – but that doesn’t mean we should be stressed out.  That won’t help at all.  Being prepared will.

This virus is similar to the flu in that well over 80% of people who contract it have only mild symptoms.  The sickest folks seem to be the elderly and those with underlying chronic illnesses.  Help make sure your elderly family members and neighbors are OK and prepared.

The problem with this particular virus is that people are very contagious before they know they are ill, making the virus easy to spread and easy to catch.

Use common sense.  Avoid any unnecessary travel and crowds, and stock up on supplies at home like you would for a long winter storm.  And, of course, take care of your body by strengthening your immune system.

Wash your hands OFTEN and WELL, for at least 20 seconds, taking care to include your thumbs and fingertips and under your nails.  Hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol levels are fine if soap and water are not available.

I welcome you to check out my Cold & Flu Handout for more in-depth tips on how to keep your immune system strong (and on what to do if you get sick anyway).

MY TOP 10 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM:

  • Get 8+ hours of sleep per night.
  • Eat no – or very little – sugar.
  • Hydrate really well.
  • Eat mostly plants, avoid processed food.
  • Laugh.  A lot.  Watch funny movies and comedy shows.
  • Lighten up (deliberately, if needed).
  • Meditate.  Be mindful.  Keep calm and manage your stress response.
  • Call friends and family (or video chat) to talk in real time to those you love.
  • Share good news, love and laughter, or cute pet videos.
  • Limit your time watching the news of COVID-19.  Once in the am and once in the pm is plenty to keep up to date.  The media makes it sound worse than it is and raises anxiety.

MY 6 MOST IMPORTANT SUPPLEMENTS:

View the above-mentioned supplements all together in the Cold & Flu section of my website (you can purchase Juice Plus+ by clicking here.  Call our office if you have children ages 4 to 26 to ask about a program to get free products for kids with an adult order).

Bridge the gap between the ideal diet and reality with Juice Plus+, the only supplement to have clinical research, with several studies showing significantly improved immune function in subjects taking Juice Plus+ capsules versus placebo (1) (2) (3).  There was also a study done at the largest hospital in Europe during cold and flu season which showed that eating  Juice Plus+ was associated with a 20% reduction of moderate or severe common cold symptom days.

Consider purchasing these now so you have them on hand if or when you need them.

You can take preventive low doses daily or you can take the full dose of each at the first sign of illness or if you have been in close contact with a sick person.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT with a known COVID-19 patient, PLEASE self-quarantine immediately and call your doctor or the State Health Department.  Check out the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)’s website for more information.