Swine Flu Bringing Fitness Back to the U.K.
For years, health experts warned us to wash our hands. But, up to a quarter of us didn't, even after leaving a public restroom. Then swine flu came along, and suddenly stores can't seem to keep hand sanitizer on the shelves.
Swine flu's no good for anyone, but the healthy respect we have for it may end up being good for our well-being. A recent survey by TNS Omnibus found that out of 1015 British adults between the ages of 16 and 65, over half are making positive lifestyle changes in response to swine flu.
Sue Homeyward, of TNS Omnibus said in a press release:
Swine flu is changing the way we live our lives, and although the epidemic is having devastating social and economic impacts, we may yet see some benefit in the long term. Brits are starting to consciously consider their health and are looking after themselves better by eating healthier food, stocking up on vitamins and exercising more.
Human behavior--it's a curiosity! After all, health experts have been telling us for years that our couch potato habits put us at risk of developing unpleasant diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. But for some reason, that future threat doesn't seem quite as compelling as the one that's right in front of us.
There have been studies which suggest moderate exercise--not intense--can boost immunity against respiratory viruses. And fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which are thought to help the immune system. So, all that effort may help Brits avoid serious illness in the end. But, will they keep those good habits up when the threat has passed?
What about you? Have you changed your lifestyle because of the swine flu?
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Of course they'll go right back to fish n chips and no exercise as soon as the threat is passed. Or has it? How will we ever know?
ReplyI exercise & eat healthy so, no, no change in my lifestyle.
ReplyIf the swine is going to be anything like the 1918 pandemic, having a great immunity system won't help - it would actually be a liability. A strong immune system would be sent into overdrive by the virus through a cytokine storm.
ReplyWe call these people "panick exercisers". Once the panic is over, back to couch potato time! Honey, git me the Lays and guac-dip!
ReplyIf you eat a very healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, you actually can prevent viruses from infecting you. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc. are great for building a healthy intestinal flora of beneficial bacteria. When you have a good population of healthy bacteria in your body, they prevent pathogenic bacteria and other organisms (viruses/yeasts/fungi) from infecting you. Seriously, I haven't had a bacterial infection or a serious viral infection since changing my diet to one that is very high in plant matter. Of course, in order to keep your immune system in tip top shape, you do have to keep up with the diet...if you go back to eating deep fried everything, you'll get sick again.
ReplyTalk is easy (which is all this is)... after they realise how much work it is, they will give up.. its gonna take more than h1n1 to get the masses exercising.
ReplySymptoms /Clinical Features:
Clinically a person infected with the virus comes over with
Fever which can be high on the level of 38 to 41 degrees centigrade that is 99 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This fever comes all of a sudden and usually persists for a few days and then subsides.-
Along with this the person gets cough with or without production of sputum.-
Severe body pain.
Sore throat.
Running nose
ReplyThese symptoms may be present together or may be present as a single symptom making diagnosis confusing
Personaly i think this swine flu buissness is a bunch on nonsence. People are panicking when there is no need to and the media isn't helping. A few people have died from this so called "deadly flu" and those who have died have either already had a illness, long term health problem or children who have a weak immune system anyway. Although, it beleive it is helping people to take more care of themselves. People are washing their hands more puting there hands over there nose when they sneeze. Maybe this swine flu thing has opened up people's eyes a bit more ans made be more concerned about their hygeine.
ReplyI try to keep healthy by exercising regularly and eating well, so far so good no flu for me.
However I also make sure that I regularly wash and dry my hands properly to try and avoid spreading bacteria as much as possible.
This interactive tutorial could be used along with this article to highlight the importance of trying to stay healthy and well - http://bit.ly/MMVMr
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