The Post-Pandemic Comeback

DONALD CROCHET, RPT

hen life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Sound familiar? It’s a fitting ‘call to arms’ of sorts during stressful times. We grow personally and gain strength from overcoming adversity. It takes a deep understanding of life and its unique challenges to fully appreciate that ofttimes unforeseen circumstances can create opportunity whereby there are hidden benefits - a ‘silver lining’ so to speak.

For the past two years, we have experienced a worldwide threat from a pandemic of unprecedented proportions. We have been forced to substantially change our familiar American way of life. There have been profound changes in our routines, our basic institutions, our comfortable lifestyles. Even if you have not been affected personally by illness or hospitalization, most likely you have known persons who were seriously ill with COVID-19, or even have died from it. Media sources are constantly bombarding us with concerning messages. There seems an ever-present discussion about this virus and what should be done about it. Not just the virus itself but its constant demands on our attention are distracting and negatively impacting our culture and even our national security.

While faithfully we have relied on our public health leaders for guidance, there have been no simple solutions to this pandemic. Thankfully, with the advent of Omicron, the more serious threat appears to be subsiding. Perhaps the worst impact of the pandemic is over with milder strains remaining.

One positive outcome of the COVID pandemic has been an increased focus on promoting and maintaining healthy habits. Health is largely a product of what we eat, what we do and mentally what we choose to focus on. Especially now, we need to adjust our lifestyle for positive health benefits.

Shore up your immune system. Stay simple. Start with things you can control, such as diet, exercise and rest. Diet. Eat a daily breakfast of balanced nutrition (or take a multivitamin supplement) to boost immunity: B complex, a source of vitamin D3 (including direct sunlight), Vitamin C and zinc, all which will fortify a healthy immune system. Eat plenty of fruit, especially fresh oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, and strawberries. This will also help reduce body weight, another factor in promoting a healthy immune system. Exercise. Engage in a regular, age-appropriate level of exercise, three to four times a week, each session twenty to thirty minutes at a moderate level of intensity. Try a brisk walk, hike, cycle or even a light jog if able, or thirty minutes of yard work. Home exercise activities can include yoga, incline push-ups or light overhead lifts. Rest. Make sure that you do some post-exercise stretching and recovery. Make sure you get the proper amount of rest and sleep, eight to ten hours a night. Reduce screen time. Most experts agree that adults should limit screen time to less than two hours per day outside of work-related activities, Spend some time

“W outdoors, or in nature. Catch up with a friend. Do some “expressive writing,” as in a journal or diary, to relieve stress.

Setback as set-up for a comeback

Now is the time to recover socially, psychologically and physically from two years of “setbacks.” Control the quality of life by your choices.

Through strong faith, we can overcome this worldwide disease that has undermined and staggered our American way of life. Initially, we can move forward setting goals and committing to a specific plan to become the best version of ourselves possible.

We need to believe that it is within our control to succeed. Through sincere hope, faith and free will, we can and will emerge from this setback stronger than we have ever been.

DON CROCHET, RPT is the founder and director of Crochet Physical Therapy (1382 Scott Boulevard in Decatur), an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy facility. The clinic has offered quality patient-centered service since 1984, providing thorough care for soft tissue injuries, post-operative recovery and postural related disorders. Contact Don at 404.377.1223 or info@crochetpt.com.

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