The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much in our daily lives, from the way we work, shop and travel, right down to the small, sometimes invisible challenges felt on a personal level.
It can certainly be daunting thinking about your personal health right now, which is exactly why you shouldn’t avoid it. Keep reading for simple ways to make sure healthy habits stay intact so you can manage hemorrhoid flare-ups, while keeping a safe distance.
1. Schedule breaks for the three Ws: water, walks, washroom
When it comes to managing hemorrhoid disease symptoms, practicing social isolation doesn’t make the three Ws any less important. Staying hydrated, not sitting for too long and going when you need to go are all crucial in management of hemorrhoids and prevention of flare-ups. They’re also the easiest to forget when we are focusing on something alone without interruption. Create a schedule for yourself and set regular reminders to drink water, walk around and take washroom breaks.
New routines can also be handy reminders to help get the three Ws in: give your dog a bit more exercise than normal with a walk in the morning and after lunch. No dog? Schedule calls with friends and chat while you walk safely around your neighbourhood, and bring water with you.
2. Observe your food and drink intake
Guess what? Your hemorrhoids don’t know you’re self-isolating! And they won’t react well to unexpected changes in diet. Plan meals with ingredients rich in high-fibre fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose recipes where some components are flexible and can be swapped out based on what’s available at the store.
Prepare some of your meals for the week in advance (or even partially prep!), so they’re ready to heat up when you’re hungry. Lastly, alcohol consumption will affect hemorrhoid flare-ups during self-isolation as much as at any other time, so be sure to keep an eye on your weekly intake.
Learn more about hemorrhoid prevention
3. Take more baths!
Take advantage of the changes in your schedule by taking more frequent soothing baths to provide pain relief. Frequent sitz baths are always recommended for treatment of hemorrhoid flare-up symptoms, and involve sitting in a few inches of warm bath water. Whether you go for a sitz or a full bath, it’s a great time to incorporate the practice into a new daily routine.
4. Light exercise can be fun for the whole family
With many families isolating together, restlessness and the need for entertainment are at an all-time high. Regular exercise promotes healthy bowel movements which helps alleviate symptoms of hemorrhoids and assist in flare-up management.
Encourage the whole family to keep active as a means of entertainment. This could be bike rides or walks, or finding routine on YouTube that suits your household’s fitness levels. Non-traditional activities can count as exercise as well. Try a game of Twister or charades in the family room; tag or yard work if you have a backyard. There are many online resources that can provide helpful ideas for family fitness activities.
5. Less lingering on the loo
With daily routines disrupted, it’s easier to catch yourself spending a bit of extra time on the toilet. Reading a book or your phone once you’re done your business can lead to straining, which further irritates the symptoms of hemorrhoid flare-ups. If you’re finding this an issue, skip the long read and leave your phone outside the bathroom.
Long-term management
While there are many things on our minds during this pandemic, staying healthy should remain a priority. It’s important to continue treatment for conditions like hemorrhoid disease to avoid things getting worse.
There are options for long-term management and treatment beyond lifestyle changes. Venixxa is an over-the-counter natural health product that is taken orally and proven to reduce the duration, intensity and recurrence of hemorrhoid flare-ups., Venixxa is available at your local pharmacy and online, click here to find out more information and where to buy.