Health and Well-being!

Over the last few days, I have been concentrating on my new blog category 'Photographs of Hope.' I was contacted by a reader and asked if I could write something about the positive side of life, offering hope at a time of crisis. I thought it would be better to let the readers of 'Roaming Brit' express in words and pictures, how they are getting through these dark days and inspiring others around them. A few words and a photograph or two can tell a story of survival in an otherwise hostile World.

I have been inundated with messages and photographs and am gradually working my way through emails and including your thoughts into my blog. Your words have been an indication of your steadfast resolve and is a reminder that we are all in this together; I am delighted to read your powerful words of wisdom. I would like to encourage you all to keep on sending in your writing and will continue to publish each of your contributions over the next few weeks.

I am back at work and have completely recovered from my bout of illness. Without a test, I still don't know if I have had COVID-19 for sure, but have been told repeatedly I have. Back outside I have to act as though I haven't had it (strange I know) and continue to practice social distancing and washing my hands, protecting friends, family and colleagues and anyone I may come into contact with on a daily basis. I want to say as a matter of urgency, that people in my position should be tested, so we are aware of our status and can act accordingly. Without suitable testing available it is unlikely the Government will get on top of the virus anytime soon and in order to get individuals and their families back to work, they need to up their game.

My Aunt will be out of quarantine tomorrow and will be able to go back to work in the NHS finally. This has been a difficult journey for her, since she isn't someone who enjoys sitting around, doing nothing for any length of time.

She has cleaned, sorted out, moved around and caught up on some much-needed sleep, but this hasn't been a particularly enjoyable time for her and I feel her pain. When I have a day off, like today, I also remain at home and do not leave the house, which can be frustrating, although I am fully aware of how important it is. How my Aunt has managed two weeks is beyond me, but thank God she is fit and well!

---

Despite being locked in a house on my days off, I am still active most of the time, walking to and from work and on my feet most of the day. I was watching television this morning whilst ironing my shirts for work and was interested in a discussion about staying healthy during this Coronavirus outbreak.

Apparently the immune system is key here and the Doctor on TV encouraged all of us to take a vitamin D supplement, especially vitamin D3. Vitamin D comes from the sun, so it is especially important that we take a supplement at this time of year. Luckily I have been taking such a pill over the last six months. I also take vitamin B complex and a large amount of vitamin C. Of course no one can say you won't get COVID-19 if you take these vitamins, but they will help to build up your immunity. Interestingly the Doctor also encouraged us all to take a probiotic, since the bodies immune response is mainly concentrated in the abdomen and stomach. I was unaware of this fact myself, but have been taking a high dose probiotic pill, since being diagnosed with IBS. I will of course continue to take these extra additions to my diet and hope I remain well as a result.

Certainly I seem to be eating far better now as well, eating three balanced meals a day. I suppose I have had more time to cook and prepare food and am able to sit down at a table with my Aunt and enjoy a proper lunch and supper. My problem has always been eating too much, and I am carrying extra weight around with me, but that has always been the case. I closely monitor my weight and blood pressure every day and so far it is more than good, I just hope it stays that way!

---

I am also lucky to have Duchess around, keeping me sane. I have always had cats in my life, they are a great heeler in every respect, but in times of crisis, they really do have the knack of helping to get us through. Apart from anything else they do help to focus our minds elsewhere, offering comfort at stressful times.

Whatever you do to help deal with lockdown, stay safe and look after yourselves and your families. In time this wretched virus will die a death, but until then, we just have to do what we can to help one another get over the bad times and finally come out the other side!

---

---