I thought that when madness abounds and toilet paper flies like wild migrating geese to more hospitable pastures, a touch of corona virus realism might help the frightened soul.
Below are my favourite corona virus enlightenments so far.
If you want a quick summary: In general – the more male you are, the older you are, the more you smoke, the more carbohydrates you eat and drink, the more debilitating disease you’ve gathered through doing one or more of the previous things for a number of years, the worse it’s likely to be for you.
Now, as it always is and will be, is as good time as any to start cleaning up your act. If you need a stimulus to take that action, this one will perhaps serve that purpose. My dad saw a TV documentary on smoking in the 70’s. He stopped overnight and wondered why it had taken him so long. My mum saw the same documentary but she didn’t stop smoking till the late 90’s after a bout of pneumonia. Different strokes for different folks. So if you need some external force or motivation may this be it.
But how do you handle the existential fear of death and dying and running out of toilet paper? Remind yourself to allow your breath to move fully and easily in your being as you take a deep dive into the reality of the life beyond your mind and body. That forever presence that we can lay back and luxuriate in no matter what is going on in the external world.
The Statistics
To get a grip on the likelihood of death and dying…
The Nitty Gritty
Includes good information on reducing the rate of spread, by social distancing, so we don’t overwhelm our limited emergency services.
What you think of as the normal masks are essential if you are sick, to stop spreading the virus. Properly fitted N95 respirator masks can reduce your risk of getting it but if they are in short supply are probably best left for the health professionals.
If you do get sick, let a fever run its course so it can do its work and don’t try to dampen it with Ibuprofen or paracetamol (except under medical advice) as that ends up with worse outcomes.
Certain blood pressure medications, angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors and blockers, aka ACE inhibitors and blockers, and diabetic oral hypoglycaemic medications – glitazones, can be contraindicated with Covid-19. Talk to your doctor to see about alternatives.
Making sure you get enough sleep and exercise.
Do all you can to reduce any burden of disease you have – overweight, pre-diabetes, diabetes, blood pressure. As I said above – now is the time to start improving your health and immune system.
Diet is a major factor. Watch the comfort foods when under stress. Focus on real food to reduce both stress and disease. If you need help with that, run yourself through my $9 course or book in a consult with me.
Pills and Potions
While there are some herbs and supplements that can likely help, don’t forget the basics, as above. And don’t overload on the advice below;)!
Till the next apocalypse…Travel well.