By Dr. John R. Mishock
The number of cases of COVID-19 is increasing throughout our community and Nationally. COVID-19 has negatively impacted all of our lives in many ways, from severe illness, death of loved ones, social separation, anxiety, depression, suicide, job loss, business bankruptcies, and schools’ closure.
However, over the last seven months, we have learned a lot about this menacing virus. The virus is mainly transmitted from person to person through human water droplets via the nose, mouth, and eyes during close contact (> 15 min). (CDC, 2020) There is very little chance of transmission through inanimate objects through touch (doorknobs, pens, computers, etc.). (CDC, 2020) Certain medications help in reducing the course of the disease. Mechanical respirators are less effective, and “proning” (lying on the stomach) is a better choice in the hospitals. Testing is readily available and used in complement with contact tracing. Face coverings and masks can significantly prevent the spread and transmission of the disease. Physical distancing minimizes the risk of contracting the disease. Children are less impacted than the elderly and those immune-compromised. Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are comorbidities that increase the risk of severe symptoms. (CDC, 2020) Many have returned to work and school while managing the disease. From youth to pro, sports can be played without significant outbreaks when using precautions. Schools can be opened with minimal spread of COVID-19 when following CDC guidelines.
With the resurgence of COVID cases in the winter and fall, we can positively approach it with optimism and hope. We have learned a lot, and if we take proactive steps, we can successfully manage the disease while maintaining some semblance of our lives. Some countries are successfully managing COVID-19 that we can use as a model. Australia, which has just completed winter and is heading to summer, has successfully managed COVID-19 and the seasonal flu simultaneously. At the time of this writing, Australia, with a population of 28 million, had a total of 27 thousand cases of COVID-19. Melbourne, Australia, with 5 million people, had no COVID case reports as of the first week of November. (Reuters.com, 2020)
There is also concern about the seasonal flu and COVID-19 cases coinciding. However, in Australia, the seasonal flu was almost non-existent, with 21 thousand flu cases this year. Compare that to a typical Australian flu season of 3-5 million patients nationwide. Health officials credit COVID-19 prevention techniques in limiting season flu spread. We can do this too. We can minimize COVID-19 and seasonal flu by using the best scientifically-based prevention techniques.
There are many practical steps and preventative measures you can take to protect yourself and your family. Exercise and proper nutrition can significantly reduce or prevent COVID-19 and seasonal flu. Individuals should strive to exercise minimally 150 minutes per week, including two days of resistance training. Exercise will increase numerous types of white blood cells (cellular immunity), critical for enhanced immunity. The body’s cellular immunity will also be enhanced with good nutrition. Avoid ultra-processed foods. Eat whole foods that contain;
- Garlic, turmeric root
- Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and tuna),
- Zinc (crab, lean meats, brazil nuts, barley),
- Vitamin C (guavas, kiwis, bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, mango, tomato, kale)
- Vitamin E (seeds, almonds, avocados, hazelnuts, spinach, broccoli, trout).
Quality sleep is an essential component in COVID-19 and season flu prevention. During sleep (deep sleep), the body heals and repairs and creates immunity for the next day’s activities. Shoot for 7-9 hours per day. Prayer and mediation have been shown to enhance the body’s immunity.
Over the next few months, many of you will need physical therapy. At Mishock Physical Therapy, we have been open during the pandemic duration and are committed to protecting you during your course of physical therapy. Here are the techniques we do daily to protect you while in physical therapy at our six offices.
- Employees are self-monitoring daily before work shifts for; Covid symptoms and exposure. If there is a risk, they do not come in. Employees are tested and only return if there are two negative tests over time, following CDC guidelines.
- We screen all patients before treatment every visit regarding symptoms and exposure; if there is a risk, we do not have them come in and recommend a test site.
- All of the staff wear face coverings/masks and eye protection at all times. When we are doing procedures within 6 feet, we also wear shields.
- We maintain physical separation of 6 feet with patients and staff when possible.
- We use proper hand and respiratory hygiene (washing hands and sanitizers.
- We meticulously clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment frequently and after use.
- High-risk patients may be treated in private treatment rooms.
- We have telemedicine visit opportunities for those who are unable to make their visit in person.
We can help!
If pain or limited function that is limiting you from doing the activities you enjoy, call Mishock Physical Therapy for a Free Phone Consultation (610)327-2600. Email your questions to mishockpt@comcast.net. Visit our website to learn more about our treatment philosophy, our physical therapy staff, and our 7 convenient locations in Gilbertsville, Skippack, Phoenixville, Boyertown, Limerick, Pottstown, and Steiner Medical at www.mishockpt.com.
Dr. Mishock is one of only a few clinicians with doctorate-level degrees in both physical therapy and chiropractic in the state of Pennsylvania. He has also authored two books; “Fundamental Training Principles: Essential Knowledge for Building the Elite Athlete”, “ The Rubber Arm; Using Science to Increase Pitch Control, Improve Velocity, and Prevent Elbow and Shoulder Injury” both can be bought on Amazon.
