ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Pandemic-Proofing Our Immunity and Our Community!

by Kristi Antley

Unless you live under a rock, you can’t avoid the obvious: The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the very problematic variants, continues to be a serious global issue. We now have several vaccine options; however, receiving a vaccine is not the most important step in protecting ourselves. Original Origins Health and Wellness believes in addressing health issues at the source. “Building our immune system is absolutely key to protecting ourselves and our families,” says Ms. Tracy, owner of Original Origins. “It is necessary to understand that combating any illness must start with our health.”

How can we improve our immune system? We need to embrace and adopt a healthier lifestyle first and foremost. Those that have underlying health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, are most likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 complications. If you or a loved one has any underlying illness, it is imperative to properly manage the condition to get it under control. Original Origins believes in addressing these issues from a holistic perspective. Here are some tips from Ms. Tracy on how to boost your immune system: 1. Manage stress and get enough rest. Sleep deprivation and stress overload suppress immune system function. 2. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially foods with vitamin C and beta-carotene. 3. Drink plenty of water, preferably spring, alkaline or distilled. Add fresh citrus for additional benefit. 4. Get at least 30 minutes of sunlight daily—between the hours of 9 to 11 a.m. is optimal. Sunlight helps to generate vitamin D naturally. 5. Exercise! You don’t have to kill yourself at a gym. Get out in nature and walk for at least 30 minutes daily. Try walking 10 minutes at a time if you are unable to walk a full 30 minutes. Every little bit adds up. 6. Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, arm or elbow. 7. If you are sick, STAY AT HOME! Also keep your children at home if they are sick and avoid contact with those that are sick. 8. Clean and disinfect objects or surfaces that may have encountered germs. We are quickly approaching flu season as well, so it is important to start and maintain a routine that will give us the best opportunity to stay healthy.

Original Origins is committed to developing health and wellness strategies that meet the unique needs of each client. Adds Ms. Tracy: “We need to realize that one size does not fit all and that our health is our true wealth. My comprehensive health evaluation allows me to partner with my client to strategize the best plan of action for success. I always advise my clients that if they focus on the changes I recommend, the results will follow—mind, body and spirit.”

Original Origins Health and Wellness is offering virtual classes. The cost of each class is $20, and space is limited. Those interested must have Zoom access. Call for class dates and times. This month, Original Origins will host its COVID-19: Self-Defense Beyond the Vaccine educational session.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 833-678-7229 or visit OriginalOriginshw.com. Also visit Original Origins’ Facebook page: Facebook.com/ OriginalOriginshw for upcoming events. See ad, page 8.

health briefs

Plant-Based Meals Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risks

Eating more plants than meat is not only good for the planet, it might also be protective against COVID-19 severity, reports a new study in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Researchers from Johns Hopkins and other universities analyzed web-based responses from almost 2,900 frontline doctors and nurses in the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK that had been significantly exposed to COVID-19, 95 percent of which were doctors and 70 percent males. Those that ate a plant-based diet, described as high in vegetables, legumes and nuts, and low in poultry and meats, were 73 percent less likely to contract moderate to severe COVID-19. Those with pescatarian diets allowing fish were 59 percent less likely. However, those following low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets had 48 percent greater odds of moderate to severe COVID-19. “Our results suggest that a healthy diet rich in vegan liftz/Pexels.com Certain Fruits Can Protect Against Diabetes nutrient-dense foods may be considered for protection Eating two against severe COVID-19,” researchers concluded. servings of Lower Pregnancy Risks with a fruit a day lowers the Healthy Diet risk of developing Type 2 Expectant mothers that fol- diabetes by low a healthy diet from con- 36 percent ception through the second in five years trimester lower their risk compared to of such pregnancy com- eating less plications as gestational than half a serving, suggests research from Australia’s diabetes, hypertension, Edith Cowan University Institute for Nutrition Research. preeclampsia and preterm The study followed 7,676 people and found that higher delivery, concludes a new total fruit intake of apples, bananas, oranges and other study in The American Journal of citrus fruits was linked to better measures of glucose Clinical Nutrition. Researchers tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The same pattern did from the National Institute of not hold for fruit juice. Previous U.S. cohort studies have Child Health and Human Develop- found that eating three servings per week of certain ment surveyed nearly 1,900 women at two points in their fruits lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes by the followpregnancies. Their responses were scored according to ing percentages: blueberries (26 percent), grapes and three measures of healthy eating: the Alternate Healthy raisins (12 percent), apples and pears (7 percent) and Eating Index, Alternate Mediterranean Diet and Dietary bananas and grapefruits (5 percent). Three servings of Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet. All three empha- cantaloupe, however, raises the risk by 10 percent. size consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, while limiting red and processed meat.

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