AIBU to be cross the message about what we CAN control is not out there!

[HealingCalmingSoothing]

The government and country are so focused on not getting this.

The NHS are focused on treating this.

But WHY aren't people having enough conversations as to what we as individuals can do to protect ourselves? We don't have to simple surrender.

We are a pretty unhealthy nation with many suffering chronic diseases and low immune systems.

Those of us that can should be focusing on building as strong an immunity system as possible!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. However I watched a fascinating webinar the other day from two in Cambridge and they have some really simple easy steps to helping ourselves. And they have the science behind it.

Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the webinar but from memory, people should be:-

Ensuring they get plenty of sleep - scientifically proven to improve immune systems and resistance to this thing!

Eating the rainbow - as many different coloured fruit and veg. Especially mushrooms and if possible organic. Especially the dirty dozen, not so much the clean 15.

Up the anti oxidants - so blueberries, nuts etc

Vitamins - Vit C and zinc especially but they listed a few others that are really helpful. Vit C is water soluble. (We don't store but wee out any excess) so take twice a day.

Exercise (but not going mad), fresh air and sunshine (again all proven to increase immunity). When out in the sun expose as much skin as you can to it (obviously without burning, so just short periods).

Sugar - awful for our immune systems. Lower added sugar, sweets etc or cut out of you can, even if just for this period.

Trans fats - same as above

Obviously dont smoke! Anything that damages respiratory system is a no brainer - this thing brings on pneumonia so we need to increase lung health. Stay away from as much pollution as you can.

Where possible lower stress. Stress can undo all the good we do. It brings our immune system down dramatically. This is a tricky one as it's a really stressful time. But look online for yoga, meditation, breathing exercises etc. lots of organisations offering this free at the moment.

There were more but those are the basics from recall.

Many things we can do for free and while it may take a while to make changes, they can easily become habitual.

Stay safe and strong xxx

Agree. We are doing this.
Vitamin D from sunlight (altho weak this time of year). I have supplements.
Being in contact with soil is meant to boost immunity. Fortunately DD fed me mud yesterday 👍🏻
Probiotic?
Cod liver oil?
Stress lowers immunity so hopefully a lot of people can use this time to slow down the pace of life

The messages for good health have been out there for decades.

Eating a rainbow is not the easiest change when supermarket shelves are stripped. Loss of income will be changing many people's priorites to quantity over quality.

The country is polarised on people gaining time due to loss of work, and those working flat out in frontline services or juggling home/ work life simultaneously. Although we still have an opportunity to get out and exercise, I'm finding that I'm struggling with general movement because I'm not leaving the house umpteen times per day on foot for school runs/ activities/ going to catch a pokemon. I'm really needing that daily run because without it, my movement has dropped from 80-100% of what I need to 20%.

Alcohol consumption will increase from boredom, and not needing to get up and out in the morning.

I don't disagree with you OP, good underlying health is important at improving your odds at fending off the virus, particularly if you reach medical intervention levels. I remember a conversation with a trainee doctor doing a stint in ITU and she was surprised at the gulf in outcomes for people for people of healthy weights and good lifestyle and those who were obese with poor lifestyles (comparing similar admissions e.g. car accident). Good health reduces the background strain on your body. (Hopefully if/ when I get it, having the lung capacity to have run a hilly trail half marathon a month ago will help my body fend it off with less complications, compared to a 20 a day smoker who groans when the lift is out of order).

However the government seems to be having enough difficulty convincing sections of society to stay close to home and not go visiting, without throwing in general health messages that may not be practical to all or have never sunk in over the years anyway. There have been people finding an opportunity to get active while they can, so there is that cultural knowledge out there anyway.

The thing is this information is easy to find with a few taps of a keyboard.
However most people are too lazy/ weak willed to follow it. It’s much easier to blame the government or other people for not doing enough rather than take responsibility for their own life.

@BogRollBOGOF yes I agree with a lot of what you say. I guess it is just those that are motivated to live a healthy life that have been practicing all of this.

But now, we could die or be left with severe respiratory difficulties from this virus. Yes some will sail through smoothly but what if????

Surely we should all be motivated by the number of deaths we are seeing on a daily basis.

I can understand people who are very passive about life and health, but what about all those people who are terrified.

What about those who are terrified, motivated and do not know this simple basic stuff. I reckon that is a HUGE section of the population (just going by the sample of people I know).

I don't think many people realise the sugar link or the link between high blood sugar and lowered immunity (T2 diabetics are at increased risk of infection. A relative of mine with T2 not infrequently gets all sorts of infections but I’m not convinced he understands it)

Probably because the government would say 'taking these supplements and changing your diet could help you fight off the disease more quickly and successfully' and the public would hear 'vitamin d will vaccinate you and then you can go out and about as normal.'