Your Amazing Immune System
As I am writing this we are in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic that has turned the world upside down in many ways virtually overnight. There are deaths and suffering all over the planet and a large percentage of the world’s people shelters in place and tries to understand what is happening and what we should do.
It is clear that the vast majority of those who have been the most susceptible to the disease are those with weak or compromised immune systems often the elderly. High risk factors sited are among others obesity, heart conditions, COPD, diabetes, smoking. This is true of many disease related fatalities such as influenza, pneumonia as well unfortunately; a weaker immune system leads to a greater risk of sickness and death. The purpose of this blog is to look at ways we can take control of factors in our lives to strengthen our immune system and lessen our risks of sickness and illness, and maximise our chances of living a longer, healthier life.
My background is not as a medical expert but from a person who has been extremely interested in good health for a long time. I have a number of qualifications in training, and have completed lifestyle health related courses. This blog is not about medicine but about how lifestyle factors that we all have control over can lead to a stronger immune system and body that can greatly increase quality of life. Your "Healthspan" (years of healthy life). I recently did an online test that indicated my biological age based on factors such as heart rate, percent body fat, exercise frequency, diet and other lifestyle factors and my biological age was that of an average 34 year old. I am 52. It is not that I live extremely or optimally by any means but I am conscious of what good healthy lifestyle choices are so I can live a full and active life. The areas I will cover here include sleep, diet, stress reduction, optimal breathing, exercise and motion, meditation, toxic factors in our everyday environment . I will look into the science that exists around lifestyle and health because there are myths and incorrect assumptions out there. However in the end it is up to you to conduct an “experiment of one” to see if my suggestions and advice work for you. That is the whole point after all. The great things about healthier lifestyle choices is that there are never really any risks or bad side effects. You have nothing to lose basically, only potential gains.
Based on the science and what has worked for many people I will give advice, guidelines, programs and challenges that can make a difference in your life within a relatively short time.
Please note however that as with most things exercise caution and common sense with any new changes and adjustments in your life. Start a little carefully, evaluate and then build on that. If you have existing medical conditions it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before making any drastic changes especially if it involves a change in any medicines you may currently take.
Be safe, be well, be at peace.
David Hawtin
May 2020