EEH: COVID-19 one year later -- 7 steps to make health a priority

It’s been over a year since the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic. Since then, people have focused on handwashing, mask wearing and social distancing. They have sacrificed important life events and time with family and friends for the health and safety of others.

The struggles and challenges of this year are a reminder about the importance of personal health. Follow these steps to make it a priority:

1. Schedule a routine doctor visit. Don’t put off appointments. Routine physical exams are recommended yearly. A doctor can determine risk factors for diseases and recommend preventive screenings to find health issues before they become a problem.
2. Talk to a doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. are highly effective at preventing COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated can start doing some of the things they stopped because of the pandemic.
3. Get moving. Some may still feel uncomfortable being around other people at the local gym. But there are plenty of ways people can get fit outdoors. Grab a bike or hit a walking path near home. Challenge a family member or friend to a step competition and see who can move the most.
4. Plan healthy meals in advance. It’s easy to order takeout by pressing a button on a phone or rolling through the drive-thru of a fast-food restaurant. But eating on the go can be unhealthy. Take time once a week to plan meals and ways to drink more water during the day.
5. Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep can affect health in multiple ways. Mood changes, lack of focus and even reduced immune function are all consequences of not catching enough shut-eye. Put electronic devices away and turn off the television before going to bed. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
6. Practice self-love by meditating regularly. Studies have shown meditation can increase self-awareness, manage stress and reduce negative emotions.
7. Guard mental health. There is no guidebook for how to handle a pandemic. Now more than ever, people are struggling with depression and anxiety. Untreated, these conditions can have serious consequences and increase the risk for numerous health conditions. Seek behavioral health help when needed.

For more information, visit www.eehealth.org/coronavirus.