CORONAVIRUS CARE KIT
If you are or someone you live with is sick and either of you needs to stay home, there are three important steps to take: Hydrate, rest, and take Tylenol (if you really need it). Dehydration takes a toll on your kidneys, raises blood sugar levels, triggers headaches, elevates your blood pressure, and more. I’ve commonly recommended folks drink the amount of water that makes you pee several times a day. You want your urine to be a pale yellow color. If your urine is a dark yellow or you feel thirsty, you’re dehydrated. When we’re sick, most of us don’t feel like eating or drinking. So do what I do and keep a large quart bottle of water nearby at all times and take a swig every few minutes. REST . This one seems like commonsense, but I know plenty of folks who just can’t seem to relax... even when they’re sick. If you’re fighting an illness, you need to let your body do what it does best: keep you healthy. HYDRATION . Whether you’re sick or not, hydration is a key to good health. But it’s essential when you’re sick. Think about some of your symptoms when you’re sick... coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, and even sweating if you have a fever. All of those things dehydrate you, and can dehydrate you quickly. Even over-the-counter pain meds can dehydrate you. take care of yourself. But if you want to feel better, you must follow these steps. Let’s go through them one by one.
We know with 100% certainty that not getting enough sleep wrecks your immune system. Your chance of getting sick increases when you’re not sleeping enough. Getting plenty of rest helps to boost and fine tune your immune system which allows your body to better fight illness. Of course, when you’re sick, sleeping isn’t always easy. If you can’t get enough sleep, try meditation. Meditation gives similar benefits... It boosts your immune system and reduces inflammation. It’s also a natural pain reliever. Meditation can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, and especially hard to learn if you feel like crap... but I promise you it’s not difficult. Do what I do and sit quietly in a chair or bed for 15 to 20 minutes. Concentrate on a word, noise, or sound... and your breathing. Let your mind go where it wants, but slowly try to bring it back to your original focus – the word, noise, or sound. You’ll notice the benefits immediately. You’ll feel relaxed and peaceful... Often while I meditate, solutions to life’s problems come into my “mind’s eye.” Go try it right now if you’ve never done it! And if you want a little guidance, there are free apps to help you. These include Headspace, Insight Timer, and Stop, Breathe & Think. If you have a bad fever, take some TYLENOL ... but only if you really need it (and with tons of water). Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen. It’s a pain reliever and fever reducer that people often take when
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March 2020
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