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Corona Virus – What we have learned so far.

The CoronaVirus-What we have learn so far.

By now, most people in the world have heard of the Corona Virus.  Information about the virus has been changing rapidly, making it difficult sometimes to decipher and take reasonable actions to stay healthy.  So far, here is what we know to be true about the Corona Virus.

These are the Corona viruses to recently infect humans are also the rarest and are the cause of the following illnesses in humans.  Mers-CoV  (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid 19 syndrome).   Bats do harbor Corona Viruses of which there are 4 subtypes.

There is a lab in Wuhan China, that has been studying the Corona Virus however, there is no concrete evidence that the lab was the source of the spread of SARS CoV-2.  The virus spreads through droplets expelled when talking, coughing and sneezing.  Droplets containing the virus are at their highest density when you are within 3 feet of an infected person.

An infected person may not show any symptoms of infection and typically will spread the infection to 2 other people if they are out and about and unaware they are infected.  Isolation, frequent hand washing with soap, using hand sanitizers and wearing a face covering (masks) are good ways to reduce the chances of spreading the virus.

Reducing stress by being mindful of your stress levels is important during this time as stress reduces your body’s ability to fight infections.  There is substantial evidence that stress causes immunosuppression.  Eating foods high in vitamin C, antioxidants and Zinc can strengthen your body and make you better equipped for fight viruses and other infections in general. 

The expected timeline for potential vaccination on a mass scale is about 18 months and there are many companies working towards making an effective vaccine sooner.  Different States are at different stages of quarantine, and phased reopening and access to testing is not universal across the United States.  For information on Corona Virus updates, testing and potential treatments, look to the Centers for Disease Control website, your local health department, hospital or contact your primary care doctor’s office.

Links for helpful resources for updates on Corona Virus, 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

WebMD

https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus-strains#1

Testing.com

https://www.testing.com/how-can-you-get-tested-for-coronavirus/

Virginia Health Department

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/

Maryland Department of Health

https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

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Diastasis Recti – Getting back in shape after baby.

Getting back in shape after pregnancy

If you’ve had a baby, you’ve probably heard of the term mummy tummy.  If you have noticed a persistent bulge especially in your upper belly, beneath the rib cage, there is a good chance you have Diastasis Recti.  This happens due to excessive and persistent increase in abdominal pressure during pregnancy.   The rectus abdominis muscles which are held together by the midline fascia (linea alba) stretches and splits open.  This creates a defect above and below the umbilicus.   While genetics may play a role in how quickly your body recoils back into place after pregnancy,  There are other factors such as hormonal changes, pre-pregnancy abdominal strength, posture and post-pregnancy fitness.  Interestingly, C-section and vaginal delivery can cause or exacerbate this separation in the midline.  

 

During C-section deliveries, the facia between the rectus muscles are deliberately split open to create room for the baby to be delivered.  There are two small muscles called pyramidalis at the base for the rectus muscles, stretching from the pubic bone towards the linea alba.  If these muscles are cut or removed during a C-section, it can further weaken core strength.  Likewise, during vaginal deliveries, the pelvic floor muscles are inevitably stretched and with lacerations during delivery, weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, affect core strength. 

 

Diastasis recti may contribute to other problems women face after having a baby such as urinary incontinence, pelvic and back pain, poor posture and sometimes a conscious self image from what is referred to as the mommy tommy.   Some women wear it as a badge of honor but for some the change in body shape can be a difficult adjustment as it affects general comfort, activity and what to wear.

 

Contrary to popular belief, diastasis recti does not have to be a permanent condition after having a baby.  The rectus abdominis muscles and core can be strengthened to reduce and sometimes eliminate the separation completely with physiotherapy, exercise, muscle stimulation and in severe cases especially when there is also a hernia present, surgery.

 

For a simple, well studied and validated exercise regimen that can help bring you back to shape contact or send us a message

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