To be Proactive is to be Prepared.

Here is my Nurse's view of the Coronavirus.

​I have received a few messages asking what my thoughts on the coronavirus are. How worried should we be? So, here are my thoughts - for a healthy level of concern. 

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). I share this so you don't get it confused with other reports of coronavirus. 

Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 also has been seen among close contacts of returned travelers from Wuhan, but at this time, this virus is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States. This could change, it could change quickly - which is why health care leaders and government officials are moving into action. We have been through similar things before. The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully understood. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe - it seems to be hitting adults harder than children. 

For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the media creates fear around these threats that bring an unhealthy amount of panic over things that we have little to no control over. This causes an unnecessary stress, and that is not good for anyone. I would go as far as saying that these scare tactics may help ratings and the upcoming vaccination promo -  but do more harm than good when it comes to health. 

So, let me bring some reassurance - not that you won't ever get sick. But that you only can do what you can do to take the best care of yourself and your loved ones. 

The coronavirus is a respiratory infection that spreads by droplets - exactly like the flu. So do all the things to be proactive every day - you are probably already doing them!. Here is what we can do, that will actually help - but not just right now, all year - whether we are aware of the name of a threat or not
Get the facts, but when the media begins to build up hype around anything. When you being to feel the fear - turn off the TV, get off google - celebrate how smart you are for not having to be full of fear because you are already doing the things, you are proactive! right? If you are not fist pumping right now and declaring "THAT"S RIGHT" - then we need to talk!

Here are the things you should already be doing: 

1. Wash hands with soap and water! Touch a door handle...shopping cart...counter top... wash your hands. Keep your hands away from your face until you have a chance to wash. When you don't have access to toxin free soap, use a toxin free  hand sanitizer. (You can spray surfaces with that too - additional measure!). 
2. Cover your cough - cough into your elbow, not your hands. This will be much appreciated by those around you. 
3. Stay home if you are sick. Please. No one wants to be around someone who might be sick, especially right now. Now, I know that is not realistic in every situation - so, if you have to go to work - be diligent in hand washing, clean the surfaces you know you are touching - phones! disclose your illness, and this would be a great time to WEAR A MASK! 
4. Here is one you may not be thinking about - gut health- Did you know that 2/3's of your immune system is in your gut? This is another reason it makes me CRAZY when I hear that someone is taking antibiotics - for a virus! First, antibiotics will not help a virus - but what they will do is destroy your gut health - and disable much of the mechanism that your body was going to use to fight the virus. Do not underestimate the power of a healthy gut. Take your probiotics and digestive enzymes, eat fermented food, cut down on the processed food and sugar. So, if you are worried about the Coronavirus, and needed another reason to choose a healthy diet - you have it! 
5. Take high quality whole food supplements. We all need the the micronutrients, omegas, and antioxidants your body needs to function optimally. 
6. Drink water! Do not underestimate the benefit of being well hydrated. Our bodies are mostly water so it just makes sense, right? 
7. Vitamin D is very important for a healthy immune system. Get outside everyday to soak in some sunshine and Vitamin D. Fresh air will also help your emotional health! The light will help you get better sleep at night... So good!
8. Get your sleep and decrease stress. Lack of sleep and ongoing, lingering stress will also make you sick. Your immune system is powerful - don't sabotage it by thinking you can sleep less than 6 hours a night and stay healthy. 
9. Essential oils! We are taking essential oils as part of our daily routine, being proactive. We also have oils that we reach for at first sign of trouble - or suspected exposure. Essential oils are safe, effective, and minimal, if any reason not to use them. 

SO, bottom line - don't panic, there are simple things that you can do - all day, all year - to prevent illness, We can't do anything about the more global situation, so leave that to the Health Organizations - that is their job. You already know where you can find them if you feel you need to check in and see how it's going. You don't need a fancy emergency preparedness plan. You can still move about, enjoy time with friends and family... with really, the same level of concern you should have every day.

Eat right. 
Move more.
Rest and Manage Stress
Reduce toxins.
Be proactive, 

If you get sick, stay home. 

Let me know your take aways! Drop a comment - questions? comments? I would love to hear from you!