2020 has been a very difficult year for most of us. And I can definitely say with complete confidence that 2021 will end up the same way considering the situation in the world right now. Home isolation has had its plus points . Mom managed to successfully improve her cooking skills and all of us blew up like balloons!!!! Not that its a bad thing but I’ve noticed that our concern towards our Health has significantly deteriorated.

Now what do I mean by health? According to Google search health Is a state of physical , mental and social well being. But when I sat down and really thought about it I realised that I can only call myself a healthy human being if I can manage to survive a global Pandemic like the one we are currently facing. Why do I say this? Working in the medical field I see patients everyday. And most of them have horrible health. Diabetes, high pressure, alcoholic liver are the main problems seen in most Goans. And guess what? The simplest and most inexpensive cure to most of these medical conditions is, EXERCISE !!!!

Yes exercise is very very important for maintaining good health. A study has shown that 98% of the population who have survived this pandemic are the ones who exercise their body regularly. As a person working in the medical field I have noticed that the people who succumbed to COVID-19, are the ones suffering from obesity, diabetes, high pressure and are immune-compromised ( have very low immunity). These diseases are life long and can be easily prevented by just exercising everyday. So why not spare a little time for your health ? Why not strengthen your body a little everyday so that you can take on whatever the environment throws at you? You are investing a lot by doing a little for your future. When I say physical activity I mean anything and everything. You don’t have to buy a gym membership or purchase expensive equipment for your home. Just get your body moving. Increase your heartbeat, sweat a little . Even dancing, gardening, walking up stairs are various forms of physical activity that caters to people of all ages. Especially during lockdown you can work out in the comforts of your home.
So please start exercising a little everyday and I assure you COVID can do nothing to you.

A few suggestions to stay shielded during this pandemic. Buy a steam vaporiser or boil water and take steam inhalation at least three times a day. You’ll be preventing the virus from spreading in your lungs. Do have a healthy balanced diet rich in proteins and take your vitamin C, vitamin D and Zinc supplements everyday without fail. Get both your vaccine shots at the earliest. Stay hydrated ,drink a lot of water and get at least 7 hours of sleep. These good habits should actually be maintained throughout your life and not just during a pandemic.

Fear is another major problem that we all face. Fear of getting tested positive, fear of death. There is absolutely nothing to worry about as long as you maintain your health. I’ve got parents who run or cycle every morning and I have never seen them fear what’s coming. Because other than increasing your immunity, exercise releases happy hormones like dopamine that give you a calming and a feel good feeling. Faith is another important aspect that we should never let go of. Everyday take time to thank the Lord for your life and for every breath that you are able to take . If you stay strong in faith nothing can touch you.

My advice to you is, just try to, as much as possible continue living the way you always were with a few lifestyle changes that I have already spoken about. Don’t think too much about COVID-19. This pandemic doesn’t seem to be leaving us soon so might as well make the most of every single day no matter what. Your mental health is the most valuable thing and you need to take care of yourself because at the end of the day nobody can help you but yourself. This is to all the elderly people reading this article. Do not be afraid. God is with you. Just take the necessary precautions which is already told to you by doctors and social media. Try to stay at home as much as possible. Spend time with your families. Trust me, with the way things are going your family will be the only blessing you will have in your life.

Stay safe and stay happy.

—Dr. Anushka Lobo