4 Ways to Stay Healthy Amidst COVID-19

Nothing could be more menacing than the pervasive pandemic brought about by COVID-19. The virus has affected the lives and jobs of millions of people across the globe, and is putting thousands more in peril by the day.

Countless people have already lost their lives. While many were able to survive or avoid the virus, there is also a possibility that they lost their jobs due to the quarantine period. There are others who were able to maintain their health and livelihood, but remain troubled by the unforeseeable end of the pandemic.

Indeed, everyone’s been suffering because of COVID-19, moreso because we were not able to prepare for it. But the thing about unexpected turns in life is that while we may have been taken off guard, we can always find our footing once we regain our composure. COVID-19, as intimidating as it may seem, can also be addressed with the right amount of personal precaution and the enforcement of personal and community safety measures released by the government and other health organizations - it is now up to us to follow these guidelines as best as we can.

As there is no vaccine or cure for the virus just yet, we really have to go the extra mile just to prepare our bodies, and our immune system, to ward off or withstand any possible viral infection that we may encounter during the pandemic. While this may seem taxing at first, the good news is that these steps are actually very doable, and requires only self-discipline. Of course, consulting with a health professional would still be more advisable.

We’ve long heard about the need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but have you ever really thought about why? That’s because water facilitates internal circulation, and the proper distribution of nutrients in your body, perhaps the same way that your favorite food apps would deliver your order at your specified location.

When you eat fruits and vegetables, it is not enough to just chew and swallow them - you also have to drink a few glasses of water to digest them, and convert those greens to the appropriate nutrients that your body would need. These specific nutrients, when equally distributed towards your body, would help strengthen your immunity, and give you the ability to fight off both common and critical illnesses, such as COVID-19.

We’ve already said it and we will say it again - you need to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, as they contain the ideal amounts of vitamins and nutrients your body needs to boost your health and immune system. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges, lemons or calamansi, tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli can help fortify your immunity because of its high Vitamin C content. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections. Try to avoid food items that are high in fat and sugar, as these may lead to other serious diseases like diabetes and hypertension in the future.

Stretching and exercise can do immense wonders for your body. Stretching improves flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow, while regular exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels, build muscle, and help with overall weight management.

The thing about working out is it would only cost you little to no amount at all. You do not need expensive gym equipment to exercise - all you need, apart from items that you may already have at home, is your personal commitment to exercise regularly. The Internet is rich with home workout videos that you can follow, may it be Zumba, HIIT, or even yoga. Don’t forget to stretch before embarking on any workout to warm up your muscles, and reduce the possibility of sustaining injuries.

We, together with the World Health Organization, cannot stress the massive importance of social distancing enough. Wherever you go, and make sure to only go out when absolutely necessary, don’t forget to wear a mask and a face shield, and observe a distance of at least one (1) meter or three (3) feet from other people. As much as possible, avoid crowded areas and large gatherings, to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Your mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin snugly. In addition, avoid touching your face and mask to avoid contamination. If hand-washing is not possible, clean your hands often with alcohol or hand sanitizer. Have an extra mask in your bag so that in case it gets wet. Lastly, take a thorough bath as soon as you get home, especially if you have children or senior citizens in your home. Remember - YOU are in charge of the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. As an additional layer of protection, you may wish to consider securing a health insurance policy that can prepare you and your family from any further unexpected occurrences.

Introducing, Allianz PNB Life’s Allianz Well! insurance, which provides health and wellness benefits for achievers and go-getters like you. Not only does it feature an annual plan limit of Php 100 Million, it also supplements any existing HMOs that you may have. It also fully covers in-patient hospitalization for COVID-19 (a timely insurance coverage), as well as 24/7 telemedicine consultation with accredited doctors. Think of it as an all-in-one insurance product that provides adequate protection, even during uncertain times.


For more information about Allianz PNB Life’s Allianz Well!, click here.