DR. BRAADT’S WELLNESS COLUMN Healthy Lifestyle Habits Are More Vital Than Ever!
The Problem The pandemic has exposed the failure of too many Americans to follow healthy lifestyle habits . America, as one of the most prosperous countries in the world, suffered more from the pandemic than some poor, less developed countries. Age is the No. 1 risk factor for serious illness and death in the pandemic. Direct from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the average age of death from COVID-19 was 79.8 years. This is older than the average American life expectancy of 78.5 years. The CDC also states that not only was the average age of death 79.8, but these unfortunate Americans also had 2.6 additional health care problems called comorbidities , which contributed to serious illness and death. Surprisingly, the CDC also states that only 6% of overall deaths in the U.S. were attributed to COVID-19 only; 94% of overall U.S. deaths were with comorbidities and COVID-19. While we cannot stop the No. 1 risk factor, aging, we can and must take action to minimize the No. 2 leading risk factor of obesity .
hypertension (high blood pressure), and heart disease. These three diseases are associated with the phrase metabolic syndrome , the most common reaction to being overweight. A Harris Poll reports that 42% of respondents gained an average of 29 pounds over the past year, increasing their risks of contracting COVID-19.
hormone-, and nitrate-free meats and poultry (organic if possible) versus sugar, breads, cereals, pastas, and processed foods with trans fats found in most baked products that form the SAD/Standard American Diet. • Moving your body throughout the day is vital. Daily movement, including exercise, is being directly linked to your immune response . This means that the better shape your body is in, the better your defense response is to all disease processes. It’s not just about looking good! • Getting a good night’s sleep , 7–8 hours, preferably starting around 10:30 p.m., with a large portion before midnight is beneficial. Proper rest is directly linked to improved health and better resistance to disease. • Minimizing both physical and emotional stress can boost your immune system. The prior actions above help to reduce the physical stress associated with lower immunity to disease. This past year, with its many public health restrictions, has been extremely stressful to all of us. Emotional stress raises cortisol and adrenal levels associated with a prolonged fight-or-flight response. This is now being directly linked to an increase in disease and lack of immunity. Turn off the news, take a walk, move your body, talk with or visit with family and friends, work on a hobby, help another, read a good book, watch a movie, laugh at least once a day, listen to music, and find meaningful work. Striving to follow healthy lifestyle habits is more important than ever and remember to create pleasure moments along the way. If you need help, just ask! –Dr. Paul Braadt
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Unfortunately, these stats are a reflection of many Americans’ unhealthy lifestyle habits . As your doctor, I don’t want you to be among these avoidable statistics.
The Consequences of Inaction After a year of COVID-19, 70% of
Americans are now overweight (BMI over 30) and 40% of this overweight group are now obese (BMI over 35) . Many Americans have developed a misguided dependence on drugs and surgery to replace their unhealthy lifestyle habits . Many just take a pill or opt for having organs removed. Drugs and surgery can be lifesaving; however, most drug dependence and surgical emergencies can be minimized or even avoided. The Solution Between the end of February 2020 and until recently, toilet paper and baking flour were rapidly depleted, not fruits and vegetables. The solution to handling the comorbidities to COVID-19 is not rocket science. It’s time to do something different like following step-by-step, healthy lifestyle habits — by controlling the controllables . And since we’re halfway through the year, I suggest we start with how you are doing. Be honest with yourself. What’s the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to your lifestyle habits? I’m a fan of the basics : • Eating nutrient dense foods like veggies, deep greens, berries, and healthy fats. Choosing antibiotic-,
More CDC Stats:
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Most hospitalized COVID-19 patients had the No. 1 comorbidity: They were older. 80% of hospitalized patients during COVID-19 were overweight with a body mass index (BMI), the ratio between height and weight, of over 30. A majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations were morbidly obese , which means they already had an active disease process related to their weight like Type 2 diabetes,
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