PARKS IN THE PANDEMIC Getting outdoors has never been more important, be sure to check out these tips

WRITER: MAEGAN SAALWAECHTER

Visiting a favorite park while social distancing will be different. But there are many ways to stay safe and still enjoy the park for all it has to offer.

Jon and Mariah Melberg safely enjoy an evening along the River Trail with daughters Wyatt, 2, and Parker, 1.

Social distancing has changed the way people live. But as Indiana has began to reopen, returning to some semblance of normalcy became possible.

Cabin fever has affected men, women and children since stay-at-home guidelines were issued in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. So it’s no surprise that homebound adults and kids rejoiced when local parks and areas began reopening. (As of press time playgrounds were still closed.) Though parks may have reopened, the National Recreation and Park Association notes that it’s still imperative that park visitors adhere to social distancing guidelines in place at the park.

AVOID PARKS IF YOU’RE EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 is urged to stay home and avoid public places, including parks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that people with these symptoms or combinations of these symptoms may have COVID19: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and/or new loss of taste or smell.

FOLLOW THE CDC GUIDELINES

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving your home to visit a park. If you sneeze or blow your nose en route to the park, apply a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol before getting out of your car.

SHARE THE TRAIL

Share the trails and walking paths with others, letting them know when you plan to pass and giving them ample space to pass if they need to. This includes following CDC guidelines on social distancing, which recommend maintaining a minimum of six feet from other persons at all times. Avoid gathering with people you don’t live with.

KEEP THE PARK CLEAN

Bring a suitable trash bag and leave nothing behind. Doing so keeps workers, the environment and other park goers safe.

USE THE RESTROOM BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME

Many parks are limiting access to public restrooms to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. So it’s wise for park visitors to relieve themselves at home before going to the park.

BRING YOUR OWN WATER

Water fountains likely won’t be accessible. So visitors should bring their own water so they can stay hydrated during their hikes.

Keep up with the state of Indiana’s plan to get BACK ON TRACK >>> www.backontrack.in.gov

BOOST YOUR

The immune system is a powerful component of the human body. The immune system recognizes when viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders enter or compromise the body, and then takes action to prevent illnesses from taking over. The average person can help his or her immune system do its job more effectively by making the immune system as strong as it can be. Harvard Medical School says that diet, exercise, age, and psychological stress may affect immune system response. Certain lifestyle choices can promote a strong immune system.

EXERCISE REGULARLY

Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, advises the American Heart Association. Thirty minutes of exercise each day can go a long way toward keeping the body healthy. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. Exercise causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells. These antibodies and white blood cells circulate rapidly, so they may detect illnesses earlier than they would if you do not exercise. Body temperature also rises during exercise, which could naturally prevent bacteria from growing. Added bonus, get out and walk in the sunshine.

INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables supply the powerhouse antioxidants that are essential for protecting a body against free radicals. Free radicals may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Serve fruits and/ or vegetables with every meal to ensure you’re getting enough antioxidant-rich foods.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

CONSUME FIBER AND FERMENTED FOODS

Fiber can help feed the gut microbiome, which is linked to a robust immune system. The microbiome also may prevent harmful pathogens from entering the body through the digestive tract. Data also suggests that eating more fermented foods can further strengthen and populate healthy bacteria in the gut.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

The body is about 60 percent water, which performs a host of important functions. Water aids in digestion, absorption of nutrients and circulation, and also facilitates the transportation of nutrients through the body. Water also helps the body get rid of waste. WebMD notes that water also helps to energize muscles, which might suffer from fatigue if the body’s fluid balance is not maintained. Water also helps the body maintain a healthy temperature.

TRY TO MINIMIZE STRESS

According to Simply Psychology, when people are stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced, making people more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system. Limiting stress through meditation and breathing exercises, or trying to remove stressors from one’s life, may help.

GET ADEQUATE SLEEP

Doctors believe sleep and immunity are closely tied. A study of 164 healthy adults published by the National Institutes of Health found those who slept fewer than six hours each night were more likely to catch a cold than people who slept for more than six hours. Aim for adequate rest each night to keep your body in top form.