A strong immune system is
more vital than ever during these times. Taking the necessary steps to further strengthen
our immune system by maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help us fight COVID-19
and common illnesses such as the common cold or flu viruses.
AXA Philippines, one of the
country’s leading insurance providers, shares six self-care tips to strengthen
your immune system by maintaining a healthy body.
- Stay
hydrated. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when too much water is lost from the body, the
organs, cells, and tissue fail to function at optimal levels, leading to
dehydration, headaches, indigestion, and kidney and heart failure. For
your body to function properly, it’s important to replenish your water
supply by consuming enough water. The recommended water intake is 2.7
liters per day for women and 3.7 liters per day for men. You can also stay
hydrated by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon,
peaches, oranges, cucumber, celery, and lettuce.
- Get
moving. Exercise can help you feel
better, sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, and even reduce stress
and anxiety. While staying at home, why not organize a 30-minute Zumba or
yoga session with your family? The CDC recommends doing at least 150
minutes of exercise a week, which you can spread out in smaller chunks of
time throughout the day. You can also start a moderately intense exercise
routine such as bicycling, brisk walking, or jogging. Any of these
activities will allow you to spend quality time with your loved ones while
keeping your body strong and fit.
- Manage
your sleep schedule. Studies
show that sleep loss can affect the immune system, which can lead to a
wide variety of illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes and can
trigger depression and anxiety disorder. As recommended by the Centers for
Disease and Control and Prevention, you need at least 7 to 9 hours of
sleep per night to feel well-rested and for your body to function at its
best. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can try these suggestions:
avoid using your smartphone and gadgets before bedtime since the
light from the screens may affect your ability to fall asleep; do not eat,
consume caffeine, or exercise at least 2-3 hours before bed to avoid
overstimulating your body.
- Avoid
smoking and consuming alcohol.
Alcohol and tobacco use may lead to major health risks like cancer and
cardiovascular diseases. If possible, avoid alcohol consumption, and if
you can, seek safe options to help quit smoking. If you have a loved one
who consumes these substances, it’s also important to note that giving
them your support may help them avoid picking up the habit entirely.
- Manage
stress. Stress or anxiety can cause
the body to produce stress hormones that can suppress the immune system
and cause inflammation and imbalances in immune cell functions, all of
which can put your health at risk. While it’s normal to feel stressed out
sometimes, managing and handling your stress levels can help you start
making changes that are good for your mind and body. If you think that the
way you’re handling stress is taking a toll on your physical or mental
health, you can always talk to your loved ones, consult a therapist, or
practice breathing exercises or meditation.
6.
Start a health care plan. Having a
health care plan canbeyourfinancialsafety net just in case you or
yourlovedonesfall ill. To help Filipinosprepare for unexpectedhealth conditions
and complications, AXA Philippines offersHealth Care Access,
whichprovidescomprehensive and affordablehealth care coverage for
hospitalization and othermedicalneedsthrough a quarterly or annual premium.
This health care plancomes in two types: Health Care Access Prime and Lite.
Health Care Access Prime isideal for thosewho have no employeehealth planlike
entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consultants,whileHealthCare Access Lite isperfect
for thosewithcoveragefromtheir employer but needadditional protection. Bothpolicies
come with aLongevityHealthFund, whichyoucantapinto for healthsetbacksevenbeyond
the age of 75, life and accident coverage up to PHP500,000, emergency care
coverage, inpatient care coverage for hospital admission costsincludingdoctors’
fees, inpatientsurgical and special diagnostic procedures, and free access to
24/7 teleconsultationwith a medicalprofessional. Moreover, youcanenhance the
coverage of your plan withoutpatient care, optical care, or dental care
benefit.
Now more than ever, adopting
healthy habits for a healthy immune system and having a backup plan can help
safeguard your and your family’s well-being, especially during the pandemic. To
know more about AXA Health Care Access, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-care-access.