Staying healthy is on our minds today. Due to the latest news reports we cannot help but be concerned for not only ourselves but our friends and family.
We have received lots of questions about what steps Island Fitness is taking to keep our community safe, as well as questions about what are we doing personally to stay healthy.
These are the strategies and steps we are taking at Island Fitness, not just based on the current concern of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) but all year round. Staying healthy is a lifestyle.
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Wash your hands. This is not a new recommendation but a crucial one for sure. We have asked our staff to take extra measures to wash their hands throughout the day. Washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds is adequate.
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Wipe down surfaces and equipment before and after use. Our spray-based cleaner at Island Fitness is hydrogen peroxide based. This acts as a viricide. Use paper towels and not sweat towels. The unfortunate overuse of paper towels during this time is a small price to pay for staying healthy. We are continually wiping down equipment and surfaces at Island Fitness.
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Consult your doctor and/or stay home if you are sick. We ask this of our staff and expect this of our members. We will ask noticeably sick individuals to leave the club.
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If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into your arm or a paper towel which should be immediately discarded.
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Educate yourselves. There are many reputable sites out there to help you understand the facts, risks and myths about COVID-19.
How do we personally keep ourselves as healthy as possible?
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First, it is important to remind ourselves and each other not to panic and let anxiety and worry take over our daily lives. Admittedly, it is difficult not to worry – especially as we listen to the fast-paced news and information we receive on the status of the virus. This will continue to evolve, and worry, which equals stress, puts our bodies in a sympathetic state. Over time this contributes to compromising our immune systems and diminishing health. Keeping our immune systems strong is of key importance now and always for optimal health. Whether being faced with coronavirus or not, this is flu season and we need to be diligent. The novel coronavirus is a form of influenza, therefore the steps we take to prevent this virus are steps we take during any flu season. However, an increase of our efforts at this time is certainly appropriate.
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We are a loving and supportive community at Island Fitness (one of our hallmarks that we are known for and proud of). However, spreading the love with handshakes and hugs needs to be put on hold for a bit. We can share big smiles of encouragement and sharing a connection through direct eye contact is powerful in making a positive impact with each other.
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To optimize your immune system, we cannot emphasize enough: sleep, rest, and restore! We both meditate every day and are committed to being asleep before 10:30pm. Make this an opportunity to slow down and evaluate your relationship with stress and rest. We have come to learn in every challenge we are faced with there is an opportunity awaiting us.
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Hydrate with purified water and consider adding some electrolytes (without added sugar), add a pinch of Celtic sea salt.
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Eating foods that are nutrient dense is essential. We are not going to tell you how to eat because there is so much fantastic information in supporting a diet rich in whole foods (“I would say your diet should be made up of a 100% whole food plan,” says Alexa) Focus on vegetables, good sources of fat, high quality protein, and fruits lower in sugar. Eating seasonally is good rule of thumb. If you have wanted to cut down on your sugar and caffeine, here is your opportunity. If you need extra support, Kat and Darcy our Health Coaches are here to answer your questions and help develop a plan. Personally, we are focusing on foods high in antioxidants (dark green leafy vegetables), polyphenols (berries) and of course vitamin C. There are lots of options as there are many fruits and vegetables that are great sources of vitamin C, including some you may not be aware of like broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, or kiwi to name a few! We add camu camu to our smoothies or take as a supplement. (Camu camu is estimated to contain up to 3 grams of vitamin C per 3.5 ounces of fruit. However, due to its strong sour taste, it’s rarely eaten fresh and typically sold in powder form. Since the powder has had all water removed, it contains more Vitamin C per gram compared to the fresh berries.) Adding spices to your dishes is also a lovely way to add medicinal support to your daily routine. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic are known to support the immune system.
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What about supplements? This, of course, is best discussed with your doctor or naturopath. We are very fortunate to have access to amazing doctors and naturopaths right here on Bainbridge Island. For us, essential supplementing includes vitamin D/K2, zinc, magnesium, adaptogens (turkey tail, chaga, ashwagandha and reishi to name a few), B complex and B12, curcumin, and boswellia. Just keep in mind that all supplements are not equal. Make sure you do your research for the quality of each of your supplement. This is why working with a professional versed in this area is definitely worth the time and money.
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Keep exercising! Move your body. This is still a number one prescription to maintaining your health and overall well-being. If you can’t get into the gym, go outside and walk!
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Do not isolate yourself in fear of getting sick. Fear is a huge contributor to stress. Find safe ways to stay connected with your community and the things that bring you joy.
With that said, if you do feel under the weather in any way, please stay home. If your symptoms persist, call your doctor. Island Fitness will not penalize anyone for making last-minute cancellations. Please use common sense for the sake of yourself and everyone around you.
We are here to support and encourage you – especially during this time. We are taking every precaution to keep our staff, members, and the entire facility safe for everyone to still enjoy. Please do not hesitate to send us an email with questions or concerns. We have spent the last 18 years caring deeply for our community, and today is no different.
Sincerely,
Alexa and MIchael