In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must learn as much as we can from our experience to improve both our own health and our health care system. One lesson learned is how critical it is that we all understand and address our chronic underlying health issues.
We have heard repeatedly that the most serious illness from COVID-19 is seen in people with one or more underlying health conditions. Chronic disease and other underlying health issues disrupt our ability to fight off infection and quickly restore health. Some patients will have symptoms of COVID-19 for months after the original infection. Often referred to as “Long COVID”, these symptoms, which can include fatigue, shortness of breath, “brain fog”, sleep disorders, fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, and depression can range from mild to incapacitating. There is a very strong similarity between this and fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. The COVID pandemic has shined a light on the role that other viruses may have played in triggering these types of conditions in the past and the role that a healthy immune system has in preventing them from happening in the future.
Chiropractors and other holistic healthcare providers have been talking about this for years. We can help you to start to turn the corner on many issues including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions that have been dragging your health in the wrong direction for too long.
Fortunately, for the majority of us, there are concrete things we can do to help. For example, removing sugar and highly processed foods, reducing stress, engaging in exercise, and understanding WHY your body is not functioning properly are absolutely the best ways to be sure you are healthy and better able to handle all future health challenges.