Discovering YOU Magazine April 2022 Issue | Page 13

HEALTH MATTERS

Sick Day Slip-ups: 5 Ways

You Might be Self-sabotaging

Your Recovery When Sick

Article by Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree

process.

1. You take a hygiene hiatus.

According to the survey, more than half of respondents (52%) put their regular hygiene habits on hold, including showering, skin care and even brushing their teeth. However, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial when you're sick, not only to thwart the spread of illness to others and improve mental well-being but also to help prevent additional health problems for yourself. Bacteria thrive and grow when you're sick, and neglecting oral hygiene, for example, can accelerate bacterial and plaque growth, heightening the risk of dental issues.

2. You bail on a balanced diet.

Whether you avoid certain foods, overindulge with less-than-healthy foods, or simply don't eat altogether when sick, ignoring nutritional needs can delay your

(BPT) - When an unwelcome sickness or ailment creeps up, your home becomes both a sanctuary and a battlefield in the fight against sickness. Yet, recent research conducted by MDLIVE, an Evernorth company and leading virtual care provider, suggests many U.S. workers may be unknowingly engaging in activities that are hindering their recovery process.

"It's easy to overlook the subtle ways in which our sick day habits can impede our path to wellness, especially when we're distracted by our daily responsibilities or the physical symptoms of sickness," notes Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, Associate Chief Medical Officer at MDLIVE. "However, navigating the road to feeling better when sick at home requires more than just rest; it involves adopting a holistic approach to self-care."

Dr. Roundtree sheds light on the common missteps many people make during recovery efforts and offers expert advice on avoiding these pitfalls for a quicker and more effective healing