The Dirt
In the last two weeks, we’ve told you what foods you should eat to protect yourself from COVID-19 and how to manage your physical self during COVID-19. This week, we’re taking a bit of a different approach. Introducing: 5 things you can do right now if you want COVID.
Whether you’re looking for quick information, or want something to impress your friends at dinner, here’s our Featured 5 of the Week!
5. Don’t Wash Your Hands
Washing hands? Please.
Every day, we come in contact with millions of germs through our hands. Healthcare workers carry about 5 million bacteria on each hand. Pathogens on hands can be very easily spread from person to person, either through direct or indirect contact. For example, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hands, then shakes your hand, you now have those germs. If someone coughs or sneezes into their hands then touches an elevator button, which then you touch, you, plus probably a dozen or so other people, now have those pathogens on your hands.
Now, imagine that person has COVID-19, and you don’t wash or sanitize your hands then touch your face. Congrats – your chances of contracting COVID-19 just skyrocketed!
4. Don’t Exercise
Exercise is incredibly important for a healthy immune system.
Exercise improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, controls weight, and fights off diseases. It is especially important to fight off diet-related illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise allows for better blood circulation, which in turn helps our immune system. More oxygen can get to cells and our bodies are overall healthier.
If a healthy and working immune system is not what you’re going for, we highly recommend staying clear of exercise. Sit on the couch, watch some TV. You’ll get COVID in no time.
3. No Mask, No Problem
Wearing a mask has become a very controversial topic, and we’re here to tell you that if you want COVID, take a pass on the mask.
The CDC has made it very clear that masks and face coverings can protect oneself from COVID-19. In fact, in Missouri, wearing a mask protected 2 hairstylists in a salon from contracting the virus. Because of this, it is now mandatory in most places to wear a mask. I know that I can’t enter any grocery store, restaurant, or any other building where I live without a mask.
It seems pretty easy to us – wear a mask, don’t get COVID. Don’t wear a mask, get COVID.
2. No Vitamins
When in doubt, take your vitamins.
Vitamins are a great way to supplement your diet with nutrients that you’re not getting enough of in whole foods alone. New studies are showing that vitamin D is helping patients suffering from COVID-19. Vitamin D has been seen to reduce both complications and even the risk of death from the illness. Some COVID risk quizzes online even ask if you are taking vitamin D in one of their questions.
So, no vitamins, especially vitamin D, if you are looking to contract the virus.
1. Stick To An Unhealthy Diet
We posted a couple of weeks ago how important a healthy diet is to protect yourself from COVID-19.
A healthy diet is just as or more effective at fighting off illnesses than washing your hands, wearing a mask, etc. Eating healthy keeps our entire body running at tip-top shape. Fruits, vegetables, fish, water…these are all incredibly important to get essential nutrients that keep us healthy. Fast food, added sugars, and saturated fats are things you want to stay away from at all costs if you want to stay healthy.
However, if you are looking to indulge in those fats and sweets, just know you are putting your body more at risk of getting sick.
Want to step up your COVID game and protect yourself further? Check out our other articles on how to protect yourself!
The Bottom Line
We are obviously joking. COVID-19 is a serious illness, but we could all use a laugh right now. Please make sure to take all precautions recommended by the CDC and health clinics to protect yourself from COVID. Wearing a mask, washing your hands, exercise, and a healthy diet are all key components in staying healthy.