The Leader • Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 • Page 1B
Pandemic ushers in whole health emphasis By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Among all the other changes that COVID-19 has wrought, the way we think about our health – or rather, our concern for being healthy – is changing. The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) publicized some recent findings in late August, which among other things, found that 77 percent of consumers say they will make more attempts to stay healthy in the future. Other findings from ADM “OutsideVoice” outlined some key behavioral shifts. Among those were an increased focus on the gut health and immune function connection, with 57 percent of consumers reporting more concern about their immunity; the mainstream of a plant-based diet with 18 percent of alternative protein buyers purchasing their first plantbased protein during COVID-19; a new perspective on weight management and metabolic health; and finding balance with regard to self-care, emotional wellbeing and nutrition. The research is backed up with anecdotal evidence from Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest area. Tracy Southwick, who founded Heights for Health, a naturopathic clinic on East 4th Street, said a significant number of clients have recently come their way as a result of mind-
Stock photo A focus on a healthy lifestyle, including the importance of good nutrition, is becoming more common among area residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
body-spirit research online as opposed to finding them through word of mouth, which was the norm. “People are interested in the natural perspective, with regard to lifestyle (and) eating habits,” Southwick said. “They are looking for solutions.” In addition to helping clients with tools to alleviate anxiety and stress, Southwick said Heights for Health also counsels them about supplements that can support the nervous
system, like Vitamin B and magnesium, as well as other specific blends. Southwick also has been advising clients about what to avoid. No. 1 on the list is sugar, which has inflammatory properties and suppresses the immune system. Multiple area residents said they have recently started taking vitamins or other supplements to boost health. Aside from the standbys like zinc, Echinacea and Vitamin C, there are
some more uncommon supplements on people’s lists. Rob Harlow is taking a mushroom supplement that contains Chaga. “They gave it to us troops overseas as an antioxidant,” Harlow said. “(It) seemed to cut down on the spread of diseases and boosts immunity.” One way to get needed nutrients is of course through food, and local residents say they are rethinking how they eat, too. “Since I’m staying at home 95 percent of the time I’m trying new healthy recipes,” Jeannette Black said. “Cooking more beans and soups, things that take longer to cook.” Mark Zoch owns The Dinner Dude, which offers grab-and-go gourmet, health-conscious meals and also delivers them to 300 zip codes in Houston and surrounding areas. Zoch said that while normally July and August are slow months for the business, not so this year. “We definitely have seen increased business,” Zoch said. He said some of it is attributable to the “COVID 15,” as in pounds gained during the pandemic, but part of it is a new awareness that eating well and taking care of your health can help you beat COVID-19 as well as other illnesses. Barbie Atkinson with Catalyst
For The Leader
By now, you’ve likely learned that some underlying health conditions can make a person more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 — with high blood pressure sometimes making the list, but sometimes not. So, if you have high blood pressure, how worried do you need to be? “The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still very new to us, and we’re constantly learning more and more about how this virus affects the body and who is most at risk for severe illness,” says Dr. Bindu Chebrolu, cardiologist at Houston Methodist. “One group of people who may be at higher risk are those with high blood pressure, particularly those who don’t have their high blood pressure under control.” High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is incredibly common. It affects millions of adults in the U.S., many of whom don’t even know they have it. Long-term, high blood pressure can lead to a range of chronic health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. Right now, having high blood pressure, especially if it’s uncontrolled, may actually increase your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19. Here are four things Dr. Chebrolu wants you to know about high blood pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk Managing high blood pressure is always important, but, right now, it’s probably more important for your immediate health than ever before. “We don’t yet fully understand why untreated high blood pressure puts a person at higher risk for more severe COVID-19 symptoms or complications,” says Dr. Chebrolu. “However, since it may be the difference between being hospitalized and being able to self-treat your symptoms at home, it’s important to be sure your high blood pressure is being effectively managed.” Managing high blood pressure may look different from person to person, but it generally includes: • Regularly measuring and tracking your blood pressure • Taking any blood pressure medications your doctor has prescribed • Staying committed to healthy lifestyle choices “If your blood pressure numbers are consistently high, schedule a
visit with your doctor,” recommends Dr. Chebrolu. “Your doctor can help you understand the lifestyle changes needed to help manage your blood pressure, as well as whether or not you need to take medications to lower your blood pressure.” Your blood pressure medications are safe At the start of the pandemic, there were concerns that two common classes of blood pressure medications, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor II blockers), may increase a person’s risk of developing a more severe case of COVID-19. “The initial concern was that these drugs cause a person to produce higher amounts of ACE2, the molecule the virus uses to gain entry into and survive in the body,” Dr. Chebrolu explains. “This, in turn, could result in a person becoming more seriously ill.” However, the validity of these initial concerns hasn’t quite panned out. “Data from peer-reviewed research studies are actually showing us that ACE inhibitors and ARBs don’t increase a person’s risk of a more severe illness. In fact, these medications may actually be associated with lower risk, likely since these medications help lower high blood pressure,” Dr. Chebrolu says. This means that people with high blood pressure should continue to take their medications as prescribed by their doctor. Make sure you are taking steps to manage your blood pressure “Even if you’re taking medication to help lower your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a critical piece of managing your blood pressure,” says Dr. Chebrolu. It can be hard to keep up with healthy habits during a stressful event like a pandemic, but it’s important to remain committed to the lifestyle behaviors that help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, including: • Eating healthy. Make sure your meals are full of fruits and vegetables, and remember to limit your salt intake. If you need some help staying on track, consider the DASH eating plan, which is proven to help people lower their blood pressure. • Watching your weight. Being overweight can impact your health, so it’s important to make sure you know your BMI and whether it’s in
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