To the editor:
Today, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives, and now is a crucial time to try and practice healthy lifestyle choices to help keep our bodies resilient against illness. Here are some tips that we have been sharing to help maintain overall physical and mental health during this time:
–Eat a healthy diet
–Drink lots of water
–Exercise, including going for walks
–Get plenty of rest
–Try to quit smoking and vaping
Initial research shows that people who smoke or vape may be at a higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19, as smoking and vaping have been shown to adversely affect the lungs and immune system and they are at heightened risk of developing chronic lung conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you’d like to seek some free help in quitting, the free Indiana Tobacco Quitline is available for all Hoosiers by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visiting their website at QuitNowIndiana.com. For our young people who are interested in quitting vaping, they can text “Indiana” to 88709 to enroll in the free “This is Quitting” text messaging program. For more information about tobacco use and COVID-19, visit QuitNowIndiana.com/covid-19. Wishing you the best of health!
Brandee Bastin
New Palestine
Brandee Bastin is coordinator of the Hancock County Tobacco Free Coalition.
