Post COVID: Health Is The New Wealth
Someday soon, when life returns to a somewhat more familiar state, we will all breathe a sigh of relief. But, could we come out of the coronavirus crisis with new, more healthful habits? Read on for some COVID-19-inspired lifestyle changes that are definitely worth keeping. After all, if we have learned one thing through COVID, it’s that “health is the new wealth.”
Home Cooking
If you discovered or rekindled the joy of cooking during the past few months, there’s no reason to give it up once our busier lives resume. Cooking at home can save money, allows you to style meals to your taste and dietary preferences, and is often healthier than many restaurant or pre-packaged options. According to a recent survey reported in the Food Navigator, 51 percent of Americans surveyed said they will continue to cook at home when the coronavirus crisis has ended with 61 percent searching for simple, practical meal solutions. Can’t make it to the grocery store – here are a few “Tips From Chefs on Cooking From Your Pantry If You’re at Home.”
Grow Your Own Food
Keep tending to that garden you started over the last few months – the health rewards are numerous. According to the CDC, whole foods like dark, leafy greens, tomatoes and even fresh herbs are loaded with vitamins, fiber and minerals. Across America, people are planting vegetable gardens in their backyards and on their terraces and balconies. The U.S. seed company W. Atlee Burpee & Co reports that in March, it sold more seed than any time in its 144-year history. Here in Las Vegas, with its alkaline desert dirt, gardening can be challenging, but KTNV-TV and horticulturist Paul Noe recommends beginning with a raised bed filled with a mixture of potting soil and organic matter. Check out the original Victory Garden pamphlet for more useful tips
Reschedule Missed Doctor Appointments
If you’ve been putting off seeing your doctor, dentist or other healthcare professional, is it safe to return? Recently Las Vegas healthcare professionals came together to answer that question. The short answer is that your providers been thoughtful about setting up their offices in a way to reduce the probability of exposure by wearing protective health equipment such as masks and gloves, reducing the number of patients in the waiting room at any single time and converting those visits that can be done remotely to telehealth. Prioritizing your health is more important now than ever.
More Time Outdoors
People have flocked outside during the new COVID-19 social-distancing normal. Hikers, bikers, casual walkers are using streets, sidewalks, trails and parks like never before. They’re strolling to pick up take-out, to get exercise, or just be outside. There’s no reason to stop this healthy habit once the pandemic winds down. Something as simple as walking at a steady pace for 30 minutes every day has a multitude of physical and emotional benefits. To spice it up a bit, Downtown Las Vegas offers a 1.5 mile walking tour. For the hiker who enjoys spectacular scenic views and desert wildlife Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are a must. Plus, biking devotees will appreciate the 34-mile River Mountains Loop Trail that connects the Lake Mead Recreational Area, Hoover Dam and the rest of the Las Vegas valley.
Keep Learning Those New Hobbies
Don’t put away that watercolor set or musical instrument once life opens up again. Hobbies are healthy for both body and mind. They promote relaxation, stretch your imagination and can potentially expand your social circle.
Video Call Your Friends and Family
Don’t let all those new found “tech” skills go by the wayside. Keep up with that weekly FaceTime session with grandpa and grandma; keep in touch with distant friends on Zoom; and continue posting in that new social-media group, sharing tips on your new-found hobbies. Staying connected virtually can help ease stress and promote overall wellness.
Washing Your Hands
Thanks to the COVID-19, we all now know how to properly wash our hands. Remember the CDC says 20 seconds or singing Happy Birthday twice. If you prefer to fill your head with other tunes check out this list of hand-washing songs on CNN including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Ms. Jackson.” Frequent hand washing, while one of the measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, is also a great way to mitigate the spread of the flu and other illnesses. So why not keep it up?
