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This Virus Became Very Personal for Me

/ Pandemic, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Healthy Living, Immune Health, Mindfulness, Pain, Recipes, Stress / By /

The pandemic has impacted everyone in some way – lost jobs, homeschooling, social isolation, economic worries and health concerns. For me it’s been the health aspect. Several of my close friends work in hospitals here in Colorado and back home in Boston. Sadly, several of mine and my friends’ family members have been sick or hospitalized. I even lost my grandfather to this virus. It’s been weeks of constant worry. Fortunately my uncle is now home recovering after 12 days in the hospital. COVID quickly became very personal for me.

As a nutritionist I’ve been diving into the science of the virus and keeping up with the quickly changing medical information and the continued uncertainties. It’s been fascinating and terrifying. I’ve been slowly accepting that the virus is not going away quickly. Without a cure or vaccine one of our best defenses against the virus is to strengthen our own health.

As you know, severity of symptoms and risk of death are occurring in those who have underlying health conditions such as diabetes and pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, asthma and weight imbalances. These conditions weaken a person’s immune system making them more vulnerable to the side effects of the virus, such as blood clots in the lungs which deplete oxygen levels. Fortunately people with these conditions are not left to the fate of the virus; all of these conditions respond incredibly well to nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Because the novel coronavirus does not usually severely impact a person with a balanced immune system and they recover well, our health is of the upmost importance right now. If there was ever a time to get serious and take steps to make changes, now is that time. It’s not too late. Our bodies can respond quickly.

I write this because I care. Worrying about my family members motivates me to help. I’d really like to make everyone a nutritious meal, but I can’t deliver food to everyone (or to my family and friends in Boston). So, my next instinct is to educate because
I don’t want other families to go through what we did.

If you’ve been putting off making changes to your meals, sleep routines, or exercise schedule, then this is the time to start taking steps forward. They don’t need to be huge sweeping steps; little steps add up and lead to big changes. If you’ve already made changes and are working on your health goals, awesome keep it up!

A strong balanced immune system results from good sleep, regular exercise, a diet full of vegetables and unprocessed foods, a smooth running digestive system, and calm, peaceful mind. This New York Times article speaks to this point. I know this seems daunting so we’re here with support for physical health and mental health by offering knowledge and sharing resources.

The stress we’re all feeling easily brings up emotional eating from fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation. I’ve felt it too.

Here are some resources to help you prioritize your well-being:

  • Start with Just One Step: If change seems overwhelming, just do one thing. Just One Step Health Coaching from Stacy is exactly that. These are short 20 minute appointments to target one action step at a time. Visit our website to learn more.
  • Emotional support and therapy from our friends at Strength In Motion, see below for more information.
  • My favorite local restaurant Fresh Thymes is reopening their Marketplace and restaurant for takeout. Chef Christine only uses fresh ingredients and anti-inflammatory cooking oils; the whole place is gluten-free and their bone broth is out of this world. If you’re sick of cooking, support this local establishment and get a super healthy meal.
  • We have immune strengthening supplements in stock at the office including zinc and liposomal vitamin C. Contact us to place an order.
  • Get tips for immune strength, stress & isolation support and caring for your kids during the pandemic on our blog.
  • Each day aim to do one self-care activity, such as take your vitamins, go for a walk, eat some vegetables, meditate, or take a soothing bath. Small steps do add up.
  • Download our free ant-inflammatory meal plan.
  • Schedule an appointment with Jen or Stacy to tackle your health goals.

We’re not out of woods yet and, as distancing measures loosen up, exposure to the virus is more possible. That makes now the best time for prioritizing your health.

We’re here to help in whatever way you need it.

Take care, stay safe and tell your family you love them.

Jen

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Strength in Motion acknowledges the challenges many face at this time and the importance to stay connected and supported. They have a variety of telehealth offerings including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy and holistic coaching services. They are taking new clients currently and also offer sliding scale rates to those experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic.
Additionally, their monthly Authentic Parenting Workshop Series and monthly Moon Circles continue to meet online. Their Acupuncturist and Reiki practitioners are also offering services remotely. As soon as the stay at home order has officially lifted they will post their reopening plans on their website.
Strength In Motion offers complimentary consultations to anyone interested in exploring services. Consultation calls can be scheduled by calling (720) 389-8750 or online. To learn more about services and practitioners visit their website at www.Simcounseling.com.

 

Disclaimer: Nutrition therapy is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or cure for any disease, or as a substitute for medical care. Jen Marshall and Stacy St Germain are not licensed medical providers. Nutrition plans are not intended as a substitution for traditional medical care, nor should be interpreted as medical advice, but instead is an adjunctive and supportive therapy.