Integrative Psychiatry Updates

 Mental - Physical - Spiritual Health 

Question:

If I am in my early 50s, am I at risk for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) infection or worse?

*The above question is a composite of many inquiries and not that of any actual or specific person.

Response:

The vulnerability to either getting a COVID-19 infection or being at serious risk for hospitalization or death depends on your overall health and any vulnerability factors you may have. Someone with high exposure and especially if not using proper personal protective gear, is going to be at risk of getting an infection. As a respiratory disease, it is spread by close contact with another infected person. If a person coughs or sneezes and doesn't have a face mask on, you most likely be infected. So the 6 feet of social distancing in important.

If you are close to a non-symptomatic carrier of the virus and he or she breaths, coughs or sneezes on you, your clothing or a surface you touch, you also could be easily infected. So carefully follow all public health and CDC measures. This also includes the avoidance of touching a contaminated surface and touching your face, Frequently use hand washing, hand wipes, liquids, and sprays sanitizers.

Vulnerability factors can be many and even though you might consider your self healthy and invulnerable, check with you healthcare provider to see if anyway you might be at risk and require high-level precautions. If you are excessively overweight, are a smoker, especially if you have compromised lungs, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or any immune system compromise - these would put you at higher risk. Remember it is your job also to protect any possibly vulnerable or compromised person by keeping appropriate social distance and wearing a mask as you may be an asymptomatic carrier

See CDC information on Coronavirus
 

Question:

If I am currently living in NYC and following public health guidelines and staying home most of the time. I try to go out for walks a few times a day. What would be some exercise routines that I could do to help me through all my home time and to best maintain my health and well-being?

*The above question is a composite of many inquiries and not that of any actual or specific person.

Response:

With your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone find a daily program with an exercise program you can follow in the space of your house for 1/2 to 1 hour, 3-5 x week. Only pick a program that you can safely do for your level of comfort, safety, and level of conditioning. Start with a little and slowly and gradually progress as comfortable for you. There are a host of programs that exercise and train your body toward whatever fitness goal you choose (ask a healthcare provider or fitness trainer if your unsure of what or how much you should do). Programs should be challenging, engage most body areas (this includes heart and lungs), get your pulse rate and breathing up some, and have fun. Some, have dance-like movements and music. 

I am a big fan of Yoga, which I have done for years.  Yoga combines physical and mental exercises for the body and mind with a series of postures, stretching, breathing, and meditative exercises. It is very calming and health-promoting. There is a very good app for your cell phone or tablet now, that is free during the Coronavirus outbreak, call Downward Dog - check it out.  Stay active, be healthy, continue your outside walks and healthy eating. Avoid being sedentary and overeating.

read my two earlier articles related to COVID-19:
Coronavirus Natural Approaches 
Coronavirus Holistic Health Steps