The Coronavirus epidemic is closing in. We are all practising social distancing, hand washing, wearing masks and gloves. What else can we do to prepare ourselves?

We can improve our health before an anticipated massive stress to the body so that it can deal with it better.

This is not a new concept, it was used by the British Army during WWII in order to be able to enlist as many soldiers as possible.

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How do we prepare ourselves, just in case? 

Physical conditioning and exercise build muscle mass and improve heart and lung function.

Eating a protein rich diet, breathing exercises and psychological strengthening improve nutrition and mental health. We keep hearing about underlying health issues causing complications. These can be diabetes (so keeping a tight control on it becomes important)  and giving up or at least reducing smoking does too.

Exercise

Not becoming a couch potato is important. We can watch all the box sets and netflix series we like but we must keep moving. Jogging on the spot, dancing to music, short bursts of high intensity exercise are all good. Use cans of food instead of weights and do a few arm raises. Use a sock filled with gravel and tie it around your legs as a weight… there are lots of imaginative ways to make weights and of course, you can always use Amazon.

Breathing Exercises

These involve taking a deep breath and holding it for a few seconds before breathing out. In order to expand the upper lobes of your lungs, place your hands on either side of your chest, in the front just beneath your collar bones, for the middle lobes place them at the level of your arm pits and for the lower lobes place them at the level of your diaphragm.

Mental well-being

I’m not qualified to talk about psychological wellbeing but I’ve compiled a small list of free apps for mental well being like Elefriends, Silvercloud, Catch it, Stay Alive, SAM from MIND charity. Take a look at them and see what you like.

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Free Video Consultation from First4Therapy

With a view to helping people stay fit in my area, I am offering to do telephone and video consultations for free for those that are not insured. The major insurance companies are paying for video consultations. I will assess you and provide a plan of self- management including simple ways to relieve pain and exercises to deal with the problem.

Please ring 01277 841118 or e-mail admin@first4therapy.com for more details.