Many states are beginning to lift restrictions and ease mask mandates as they move toward business as usual. As more of the population gets vaccinated and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lessens, people may begin to let their guard down. However, doctors say it’s still important to be careful since infected individuals can be asymptomatic but still contagious.
“As the world begins to get back to its pre-pandemic state, health should stay at front of mind,” says Brenda Rea, MD, DrPH, PT, RD, lifestyle and preventive medicine physician at Loma Linda University Health. “There are things you can do to avoid infection by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses that could harm you.”
To stay healthy as you reintegrate into the world, Rea recommends six things you should make sure are integrated into your life.
Eat well.
Diet is a meaningful way to keep your mind and body running well. “Diet plays a crucial role in either increasing or reducing stress down to the cellular level,” Rea says. “The fuel you put in your body can work as a defense against illness and help your body work at its peak performance level.”