By Betty Dean
When Coronavirus reached pandemic proportions, COVID-19 and its viral relatives, generated fear, sickness, and death, affecting the lives of millions worldwide. In this virus we have experienced the fear of the unknown — its course; and fear of the known — its consequences. Coronaviruses have been around for centuries. They can affect man, animals, and birds. COVID-19 is an old virus with a new footprint — a big one, and good hygiene and strong immune defenses are key to resisting and beating this new viral bully.
Viruses: Deadbeat Hitchhikers. Viruses are not living things. They are complex molecular packages of DNA or RNA encased in protective protein armor called capsids. They are harmless until they enter a living cell. That is why cleaning surfaces and skin, and social distancing are effective in reducing the risk of infection. But when you are infected, viruses hijack your cell’s resources, wreaking havoc with your health — often causing sickness and sometimes death.
Enter: Your Immune Army. Your immune system is your foundation for good health. Its protective network wards off harmful bacteria and viruses and dismantles harmful toxins. It also acts as a surveillance system against abnormal cells. Its defenses include physical barriers such as the skin; inflammatory responses to injured areas; and specific immune responses to germs or infection.
Winning the Battle Within. Your immune system is in a constant two-way conversation with your stress system. Repeated “insults” to the immune or stress system work overtime to increase inflammation, weaken defenses, impair physical and mental health, increase the risk for certain diseases, and even shorten life. Constant mental stress, poor diet, lack of exercise or sleep, alcohol, and smoking are just a few ways your immune “army” can be crippled in its cause to keep you strong. Healthy lifestyle choices along with positive social connections and trust in God work together like well-trained troops to boost, build, and balance immune and stress system health.
Mobilize Your Defenses. No paratrooper would try to weave his parachute when the plane’s door is open and it’s time to jump. Building strong immune health cannot be purchased by products that promise a quick fix in a crisis. The only way to be prepared for times of stress is by forming good physical, mental, and spiritual habits and practicing them every day. It’s not too late to start: You can boost, build, and balance — for better habits, a stronger immune “army”, and a better chance at beating viral bullies — and please, always work with your healthcare provider.
(https://timetogetready.org/be-well/coronavirus-care-crisis. Used with permission.
Courtesy of LifeSpring – Resources for Hope and Healing, Stuart, Virginia.)
