Health and Wellness

picture of blood vessels signifying the immune system

Strengthen Our Immune Systems

Thanks & praise to our God who strengthens and protects us! The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged us to reflect on how we can help to strengthen our immune systems response to viruses and bacterial infection. As we age, our immune response is reduced, which in turn contributes to more infections. No one knows for sure why this happens, but some scientists observe that this increased risk correlates with a decrease in T cells (part of our immune response system).

graphic of a round vitamin D hitting a virus on the head with a hammer.

Vitamin Supplementation

Many medical media sources highlight increased research on the benefits of vitamin supplementation to boost the body’s immune response – particularly Vitamin D & Vitamin C: The unique nature and lack of immunity against this coronavirus has prompted a worldwide pursuit of effective treatments for COVID-19. That includes repurposing drugs with known safety profiles, including Vitamin C, an established immune system booster and antioxidant.  Medical experts theorize that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may help lower risk or aid recovery from severe COVID-19 for some people. Older adults may experience deficiency, because their skin may not make vitamin D as well as it did years earlier plus at this time of year our outdoor sun source is less. The Endocrine Society recommends, children 600–1,000 IUs daily, and adults 600–2,000 IUs daily. Adults with obesity may need 2-3 times more. Talk with your doctor to receive advice for you.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 2)

Jill Koubal, Parish Nurse