Change Social Distancing to Physical Distancing… A Lifestyle Medicine Approach to COVID-19

The following is from the American Academy of Lifestyle Medicine (ALCM) Director Ted Barnett and the team at Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute, who developed this “Lifestyle Medicine Approach to COVID-19”: Note the intentional change in language from “social distancing” to “physical distancing.” People should stay socially engaged by phone, FaceTime, etc. Being alone is a risk factor on its own.

We at Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute share your concern about the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. While physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and not touching your face are important for slowing the spread of the disease, we can further reduce risk by employing the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.

Please feel free to share this message with anyone who might benefit.

Recommendations:

  Nutrition – Move as far toward a whole-food, plant-based diet as you can. In particular, eat lots of leafy greens, vegetables and fruits across a rainbow of colors, and eliminate animal products. This will help develop a healthy microbiome, reduce inflammation, and give you a spectrum of micronutrients to maximize health.

  Activity – Exercise daily, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity per
day. Make sure that you work up a sweat. This virus has the highest impact on people’s hearts and lungs, so you want to make sure that they are in as good shape as possible if you get the virus.

  Substances – Avoid smoking, vaping, or inhaling any substance, which can be toxic to the lungs.

  Sleep – Sleep is critical for your immune system. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, and to wake up rested. Go to bed at a regular time. Make sure your room is cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable. Avoid screens at least 90 minutes before
bedtime. Develop a “wind down” ritual, like listening to soft music, writing in a journal, or reading a book.

  Stress – This is a stressful time. Managing stress is important to reduce cortisol levels and optimize your immune system. Some things to consider in reducing stress: talk with friends and family; practice mindfulness and meditation; do deep breathing exercises. If you find that your stress is becoming unmanageable, seek help sooner rather than later.

  Relationships – This is an important time to support and be supported by the people you love. Be kind; listen to each other; express your feelings and listen to the feelings of others. Call friends. Try to help neighbors or others who may need a hand.

  Time outdoors – being outside is calming. And you can walk with a friend and still maintain physical distancing! (Just stay 6 feet away.) Try to get outside every day, especially during the middle of the day.

  Meaning and purpose – This is a time for reflection, as well as a time for action. Reach out to others, to see if there is a way you can help. If you are religious, use the power of prayer.

 Positive emotions / finding joy – There is a saying that “It’s better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the dark.” Be that candle. Find the moments of joy and light, even if they are few and far between. Think about all the things you are grateful for. Smile and laugh when you can. Your immune system will thank you!

We look forward to seeing this through together! Thank you.

Best Regards,
Ted Barnett and Susan Friedman

Ted Barnett, MD, FACLM
Partner, Borg & Ide Imaging
Board Member, American College of Lifestyle Medicine Founder and CEO, Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Group Founding President, Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute

Susan Friedman, MD, MPH
Staff Physician, Highland Hospital
Professor of Geriatric Medicine, UR School of Medicine and Dentistry Medical Director, Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Group
Director of Clinical Research, Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute