Health Is Wealth

 

The Beauty of Self Care Amidst the Pandemic

A St Luke’s Ministry “Health is Wealth Series”

By: Sis Virgie Chang

While we are in the midst of this prolonged covid pandemic, we need to take care of our bodies all the more. We need to be fit and healthy to strengthen our immunity system and resist this infection. Furthermore, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19), and therefore, we need to keep our bodies in good health to continue our work for the Lord.

The St. Luke’s Ministry of the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community hosted its second “Health is Wealth” seminar on the topic “The Beauty of Self Care Amidst the Pandemic” last Sunday, April 24, 2021. Dr. Sweet Florentino enthusiastically and expertly shared her knowledge and practical tips to make good decisions that will make us all healthier. Dr. Mar Florentino and Sis Grace Pancho (Head Servant, Serve Ministry) ably facilitated the seminar, particularly the Q&A from the excited participants.

Self-care refers to activities that will promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. How will you achieve this? Boost your immune system so your body can fight infection caused by viruses and bacteria. Specifically, the following are the good practices to follow:

1. Eat nutritious food.
   A well-balanced diet, which means low calorie, low fat, and low salt, is advisable. Eat slowly to savor the food and have a happy, relaxed disposition while eating with your loved ones.
2. Maintain a normal weight.
   If you are underweight, you will be sick. Similarly, if you are overweight, you will have a triple risk of acquiring diseases. To obtain maximum health, your Body Mass Index (BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight) should be between 18.5 and 25 BMI.
3. Exercise regularly.
   The benefits of exercising cannot be underestimated. It improves your circulation, tones your muscle, improves your complexion, removes excess fats, makes your bones stronger, and also improves your mood. Keep on moving the entire day and avoid being sedentary.
4. Have adequate sleep.
   Adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This is the body’s way of recharging itself. Here are some tips to have good sleep:
   1. Set a nightly routine, i.e. have a regular sleeping time.
   2. Have a light and healthy supper.
   3. Wind down without electronics/gadgets.
   4. Keep your bedroom cool.
   5. Pray and relax.
5. Take nutritional supplements.
   Support your diet with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for better immunity and resistance.
6. Practice precautionary measures against covid19 infection.Be diligent in following the minimum health standards.
   1. Wear a face mask properly, covering the nose and mouth.
   2. Wear a facial shield as an additional layer of protection.
   3. Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation. If cannot be avoided, then ensure social distancing (at least 6 feet).
   4. Frequently wash your hands. Use disinfectants and alcohol. Bathe/shower frequently, especially upon arriving home.
   5. Have yourself be vaccinated so you will be protected from the virus. It can prevent you from acquiring severe/critical symptoms.
   6. If you become exposed to someone who is positive with covid, immediately isolate/quarantine yourself for 14 days to prevent others from being infected. Observe yourself for symptoms; check your temperature at least twice a day. If symptoms start, consult a doctor immediately.
   7. Stay away from the most susceptible people – young children, seniors, pregnant women, people with co-morbidities (such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension), and the immuno-compromised.
   8. Be calm and avoid stress. Some tips to manage your stress:
   9. Avoid useless anxieties. Accept trials as part of life. Do what you can and then cast your troubles to the Lord.
   10. Do deep breathing exercises.
   11. Be optimistic and listen to positive talks.
   12. Listen to spiritual teachings; listen to inspirational Christian music.
   13. Do something that you would like to do and try new things.
   14. Hydrate frequently.
   15. Invest in yourself and your health.

God has a purpose for everyone. It is important to keep healthy and to pray to Him unceasingly. There is a Great Someone we can rely on and lean into! Praise Him!

To God be the glory!!!