By Zoya Gervis // SWNS Staff
A nationally representative poll of 2,005 Americans found that 69% care more about their immune health now than they did pre-pandemic.
According to new research, 2020 has caused a shift in priorities for Americans, with their health, and the health of loved ones especially, now among the biggest concerns.
In fact, more Americans care about the health of their loved ones more than they do for their own health right now (86% vs. 74%).
The study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Emergen-C aimed to uncover Americans’ mindsets on immune health, the factors that contribute to their overall wellness and how their health habits have been affected amidst the pandemic.
More than half of Americans (52%) incorrectly believe their immune health is not something they can change and the pandemic has caused more than two-thirds of Americans to feel more anxious when experiencing any negative health symptom.
Despite the increase in concern and care surrounding their wellbeing, this year has caused a majority of Americans to note that their health has actually changed for the worse.
However, while nearly 44% of Americans are aware that lack of proper sleep can negatively affect their immune health, only 37% make getting eight or more hours of sleep a priority in their everyday life.
Moreover, as a result of the pandemic, 48% of Americans are stressed more often, 42% are eating less healthy and 30% are sleeping worse.
“With health and wellness top-of-mind more than ever before, there has never been a better time to seek and implement actions focused on supporting one’s immune health into daily wellness routines since a healthy immune system helps protect the body” notes integrative and family medicine physician Dr. Bindiya Gandhi, MD. “With that said, while wellness is often a priority during the winter months, immune health is crucial year-round, so I urge everyone to kick this year off with healthy habits that you can carry through the rest of the year, like exercise, stress management and incorporating the immune-supporting vitamins and minerals into their diet.”
Sixty-seven percent of Americans described their immune systems as strong prior to 2020; however, now more than 39 percent of Americans feel their immune health is weaker as a result of these measures taken due to the pandemic.
Nonetheless, 71% of Americans have an established daily wellness routine and two-thirds of Americans have made a more conscious effort to stock their home with health-related essentials.
In fact, due to the pandemic, more than half of Americans have purchased at-home workout gear, a treadmill, a standing bike or a fitness or diet app/membership and take vitamins and supplements daily, while nearly one quarter (23%) have participated in virtual therapy sessions.
The survey revealed that even though 64% of Americans think that incorporating healthy habits would be beneficial to their immune health almost just as many – 50% – do not know where to start when it comes to establishing a daily wellness routine.
“Our immune system is a crucial part of our overall health and wellbeing, as it’s our body’s natural defense system,” explains Dr. Bindiya. “In spite of how difficult our current circumstances have been this year, even small daily efforts made to improve one’s health can play a big role in supporting immune health. I applaud everyone who has committed to making such changes and it isn’t too late for everyone else!”
