Stay Home and Stay Safe

Pros and Cons

During these unique times, being indoors for a prolonged period of time can be an inconvenience. It can also cause all of us to be sluggish, bored, and even a bit miserable. This is the sacrifice we have to make to keep us and everyone around us healthy and safe. However, we need to be aware, and mindful, of the concerns that come with our restricted mobility:

• Prolonged homestay with a lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity. We tend to eat more due to boredom and this can cause, or worsen, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Inactivity and lack of mobility are risk factors that can lead to the formation of a blood clot. This occurs most commonly in the legs and pelvis and will present with unexplained pain, redness, and enlarged veins in the leg, calf, or thigh. The most life-threatening situation that can occur when the clot gets detached from the original source, travels through the heart and ends up in the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism and can it can be seriously debilitating, and even cause death.
• Lack of outdoor activity means a lack of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important to our immune system and our bones. Prolonged depletion of sunlight can cause softening on the bones. As for the brain, deficiency in Vitamin D, and lack of intellectual stimulation, can affect our hormones and cause anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies.

Here are some preventive measures that can help you stay healthy and safe:

• Keeping your home well lighted will regulate melatonin production. This will help keep us adjusted to wakefulness, help sleep, and will lessen eye strain.
• Exercise: do not sit around for long periods of time. Be mindful of moving every 2 hours with frequent walking around the house and hallways. Stationary biking at home and foot/leg exercises will also be helpful.
• Eating frequent but small meals low fat and high-fiber diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, is recommended.
• Getting good sleep is critical. Sleeping is essential for our bodies to repair cells and clear toxins.
• If you smoke, do not smoke in the house. Secondary smoke is not only harmful to yourself but also to others living with you.
• Be sure to take your regular prescription medications on schedule.

It is important to be mindful of these preventative measures and take extra measures if you are diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or are pregnant.