Now more than ever, living with FCS might present additional challenges. We’ve put together some tips and resources to help you live a healthy FCS lifestyle while also staying safe during this tough time.

    1. Follow the guidance of public health authorities. As the situation changes, their recommendations may also change, so keep yourself up to date. 
    2. Contact your health care provider and review a plan of action. When you make an appointment, ask if your doctor offers telemedicine – the ability to communicate with them online. This can save a trip to their office. When you speak with your doctor, review your appointment schedule and what you should do in case of a medical event. Make sure you discuss any special precautions you should take if you need to go to the emergency room. The thought of having a medical event and going to the ER can be especially stressful right now. Having a plan in place can reduce stress. Consider ordering the free FCS Focus Emergency Carebook to store your most important medical history documents. This lets healthcare providers access them quickly during an emergency.

       
    3. Consider grocery shopping online. Proper nutrition is a critical part of living an FCS-friendly lifestyle, but long lines and social distancing can make shopping at your local market a little overwhelming. You can shop online in the safety of your home to reduce trips to the store and have groceries delivered right to your door. 
    4. Create a well-stocked, FCS-friendly pantry. Whether shopping online or at the store, include foods that have a long shelf-life in case you need to shelter at home. Long-lasting foods include frozen, canned, and dried goods. Stock your freezer with frozen vegetables and low-fat proteins such as shrimp and skinless chicken breasts. If these are not available, look for canned chicken breast packed in water, dried legumes, lentils, and chickpeas. Visit FCSFocus.com to learn about other food options. Just remember to thoroughly wash all produce and food containers. 
    5. Make movement a priority. It’s easy to get a little stir-crazy if stuck at home, so it’s important to make movement a part of your daily routine. If you have an exercise mat at home, you can practice yoga using an online course. Or, if you are able, make daily walks a priority. Remember, always maintain a social distance of greater than 6 feet from others when out and about, and minimize contact with frequently touched surfaces. 
    6. Stay hydrated. Not only is proper hydration healthy, but it can also help you feel full, while also reducing the risk of overeating if you must shelter at home. 
    7. Treat yourself. When shopping or planning meals for the week, include a fat-free treat as a reward for staying safe. For instance, make an FCS-friendly ‘milkshake’ using non-fat Greek yogurt, a vanilla bean, and some ice. Mix the ingredients in a blender for a refreshing treat. 
    8. Stay in contact with others. Talk with family and friends to stay informed and relieve stress. You can even schedule a virtual mock-tail hour with them. Before the call, make one of our FCS-friendly snacks and a non-alcoholic beverage. Use this time to reconnect with friends also stuck at home. Let them know how you feel and share any of your concerns. 
    9. Take care of your mental health. Plan weekly activities that make you happy. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you really love. Watch a television show. Listen to your favorite music. Read that book you’ve put off starting. You could even plan a movie night at home, filling brown paper lunch sacks with air-popped popcorn to make the evening complete. Or visit a cultural landmark online. Many national parks and museums offer free online virtual tours. The CDC also has information about managing anxiety and stress.