In the Midst of a New Normal

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 115 1: Image by Bob Dmyt from Pixabay)

It's been more than a couple of months since COVID-19 shrouded the world with shock and fear. Its sting has paralyzed not only the economic face of many countries but also the normal life that people are used to.

A virus that most of us have previously thought to be a simple-flu-like sickness that can be swept away by the traditional medications has now created a page in history for being one of the most fearsome pandemics that has ever hit humanity. Traffic has been cut down, mass gatherings came into a halt, works were suspended, transport stopped, everyone stayed home - things that maybe no one wouldn't even imagine.

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 115 2: Image by Alexas Fotos from Pixabay)

The shift in the way we live our everyday lives seems to come as if a show stopper has turned the lights of the stage of a wonderful melodrama. Then there will be us seeing the spotlight that points to the importance of a strong healthcare system and healthcare workers themselves. 

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 115 3: Image by Darko Stojanovic from Pixabay)

Many of us for sure have also made a lot of realizations in life. Some of which include the fact that money can't truly buy everything on earth, wealth cannot secure one's health - in fact, the hardest hit social class is home to those who are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. 

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 115 4: Image by Alexandra Koch from Pixabay)

However, despite the struggles and terror that this virus has inflicted on people, some events were seen as beneficial. Due to many lockdowns that were implemented all over the world, carbon emissions dramatically decreased and this is definitely good for our mother Earth - a saying reads, "People are locked home and the world heals". Aside from this, people learned to pray hard. They also had a lot of time with their families enjoying togetherness chained in the strong flame of faith in God and a strong hope that in the next morning, everything is back to normal.

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 115 5: Image by Alexandra Koch from Pixabay)

Awareness on Bone Health

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 114: Image by kalhh from Pixabay)

Health is Wealth and Awareness is next to Wellness. In today's topic, we'll talk about Bone Health. 

The Skeletal System which comprises our bones is the main structure of our body. It does not just serve as support and protection for our organs but also produces blood cells through the bone marrow and as cited in wikipedia, "it acts as the main reservoir for many minerals and compounds essential for maintaining a healthy pH balance (pH balance means that the body is able to lessen the impact of harmful acids)". 

Think about a house, the main components of it to stand are foundations and without which, it would lay flat and can be easily blown by a strong wind. This is the same with our body, without bones, we may not be able to stand for long.

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 114: Image by Pezibear from Pixabay)

And just like our skin and other organs like the kidney, we also need to have a close watch to our bone health which also includes the teeth. When it comes to the nutrients needed by our bones to stay healthy, I know that the first thing that comes to your mind is milk which is definitely one of the answers. Calcium is the main nutrient that our bone needs. It is mainly found on milk and other dairy products like cheese, and yogurt. According to webmd, "The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 mg of calcium a day for most adults and 1,200 mg/day for women after menopause and men after 70".

(Health, Wellness and Awareness 114: Image by Diese lizenzfreien Fotos darfst du zwar verwenden from Pixabay)

But did you know that there is another important nutrient that our body needs to have to maintain a healthy bone? This is Vitamin D which helps the body absorb more calcium. Vitamin D can be mainly obtained from sunlight - just be careful on the proper time to have your body expose to the sun as there are definitely hours within the day when the scorching sunlight may be harmful to the skin. According to healthline, "Regular sun exposure is the most natural way to get enough vitamin D. To maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week. People with darker skin may need a little more than this. Your exposure time should depend on how sensitive your skin is to sunlight. Several Foods also offer quite a dose of vitamin D and these include egg, mackerel, mushrooms, tuna and cereals.