FACT-Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses found in a variety of mammals and birds. In humans, these viruses can cause several conditions, ranging from mild respiratory infections to more serious illnesses like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that was recently identified in humans.

The symptoms of coronavirus are like other respiratory infections, including the common cold. Some of the most common symptoms include: Fever, Shortness of breath/Difficulty breathing/Chest pain (because it affects the deeper portion of your lungs as compared to the “bronchitis” type of lung issues we get as secondary conditions from the “colds, sinusitis, flu, etc.”), Runny nose, Headache (secondary to possible fever), Sore throat ( due to the tonsil/adenoid/lymph node  involvement which is the immune response as our body is “fighting” the virus/bacteria).

In severe cases, coronavirus may also lead to more serious issues, including pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and death. But before “FEAR” takes over we must accept that these potential risks are accepted with all the FLU’s we as Americans deal with each year. This year it was Influenzas A & B, in years past we all recall the Swine Flu, Asian Flu, H1N1 Flu, etc. Both viruses—influenza and coronavirus—are highly infectious diseases with similar symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods. This new virus is NOTHING LIKE the Ebola virus. That virus had an extremely high percentage of death associated with it. 

“A pandemic is an epidemic occurring on a scale that crosses international boundaries, usually affecting many people.”

On March 12, the World Health Organization (WHO) began describing the outbreak as a pandemic. A pandemic is an epidemic occurring on a scale that crosses international boundaries, usually affecting many people…. A disease or condition is not a pandemic merely because it is widespread or kills; it must also be infectious. For instance, cancer is responsible for more deaths but is not considered a pandemic because the disease is not infectious or contagious.

As for the data we do have, that information shows a low fatality rate and high survival rate for COVID-19. In a new article published February 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), authors looked at the worldwide case records of 72,314 patients, 44,672 of which were confirmed as having COVID-19. Of those confirmed cases, 36,160 cases, or 81%, showed only mild symptoms, while 14% were severe and 5% critical. The overall case-fatality rate, corona-virus cases that ended in death, was only 2.3%, or 1,023 deaths out of 44, 672 confirmed cases. In America we have greater access to:  clean water, high hygiene and health habits, better quality and control of our food sources, sanitation and removal of our personal and lifestyle wastes, a better medical care system for those who do get more severe complications, and a highly sophisticated communication ability than most of the other poorer nations that this new coronavirus has impacted. So while hearing the news daily keep in mind that the “media” are driving this hysteria to a whole new level. This is NOT the Bubonic plague, Malaria, Anthrax or any of the other pandemics/epidemics we have heard in the past. Its just the newest one and believe me there will be more in the future. Viruses as well as bacteria, parasites, molds, and fungi are constantly mutating. Our bodies live everyday with these critters on and in us.

This is what leads me to my point today referencing the old cliché:

“AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE”!

STEPS TO TAKE TO HELP PROTECT YOURSELF

Wash Hands Frequently– as simple and basic as that sounds it is the hallmark of most if not all transmissions of virus and bacteria spread!!

Maintain Distance-Ideally, try to maintain at least three feet of distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. This can help prevent you from breathing in any liquid droplets containing the virus, which can be sprayed through the nose or mouth through coughing and sneezing.

Clean and Disinfect Surfaces-Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours (some experts are stating that the human coronaviruses can remain infectious from 2 hours to 9 days). Washing and disinfecting surfaces that you regularly use can help block the spread of germs to prevent infection.

Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose and Mouth-Your hands can pick up viruses from the surfaces that you touch. Touching your face with unwashed hands can transfer these germs, which can then enter the body and cause infection.

Practice Cough Etiquette and Respiratory Hygiene-Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or using a tissue to cover your mouth can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Be sure to also dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands thoroughly after exposure to any respiratory secretions.

What About Natural Approaches?  

First and foremost, clean hands and do not touch face, eyes, nose and mouth.

Hydration This virus as many others enters through our breathing. The mucus (snot) we make each day (4-5 pints/day) is our first line of defense against these attackers. If we do not drink an ample amount of H2O, the mucus becomes thicken and less protective allowing the virus to have a greater access point. In addition, mucus contains a variety of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal proteins.  Inorganic salts, antimicrobial enzymes (such as lysozymes), immunoglobulins, and glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and mucins, just to mention a few. Mayo Clinic published a recommendation- “a minimum of 16 oz. of water within the first 10 minutes after waking up”! For many decades our clinic has stressed the importance of rinsing these same nasal passages especially in the morning with saline solutions. This practice is as important as bathing and brushing our teeth. It immediately cleans the overnight mucus thickening that occurs as we sleep. When our patient’s do get sick, we add other agents to this saline rinse to enhance the effect .

Nourish our Immune System It is a fact that certain nutrients in food do have a profound effect on our bodies by maximizing healthy functions. For example, we all know that the lack of Calcium in our diet increases the risk of weak bones later in life. Science has demonstrated that Vitamin C complex & Vitamin D support a healthy immune system [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2010 May;91(5):1255-60)]. The authors further state that our needs are best served by foods high in these nutrients as well as other lesser known nutrients (Phyto/anti-oxidative food chemicals) such as found in fruits and veggies, for example, citrus fruits, tomatoes, red/yellow sweet peppers, berries, green leafy vegetables, squashes, carrots, etc..

Herbs and Spices There is research about “Adaptogenic” Herbs and Spices- substances that improve the body’s ability to adapt to stress (emotional, chemical, physical).  In other countries, Ginseng for example, is a widely accepted herb used for supporting health is one example of an “Adaptogen” [Journal of Alternative/Complement Med. 2012 Nov;18(11):1061-9)]. Others are-Echinacea, Aloe Vera (Researchers have taken renewed interest in aloe vera as a powerful herb and superfood. Two of its compounds, Acemannan and Aloctin A, support immune and adrenal health [Pharmacodynamic Basis of Herbal Medicine], Oregano, Andrographis and Moringa Oleifera (Seeds, leaves, roots, and oils of the Moringa Oleifera plant are used throughout Southeast Asia) an ingredient in many common dishes. As part of traditional medicine, it supports the immune response, eases swelling, and promotes energy and adrenal health [Nutritional Characterization and Phenolic Profiling of Moringa Oleifera Leaves. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Aug 12;16]).

In conclusion, there are many other helpful “Natural Approaches” to support our immune systems which include Essential oils, Probiotics, Colloidal Silver, etc.  Once you become ill, your lifestyle, age and past medical history may necessitate medical advice as your situation dictates.  For additional info, please contact the Wilmington Clinic.

WHERE: FAITH CHURCH SUNSET HILLS: 13001 GRAVOIS ROAD, 63127

WHEN: THIS MONDAY 01/20/2020 7PM-8PM
SUBJECT: STAYING HEALTHY DURING THIS FLU SEASON

R.S.V.P.- 314-353-1477 FOR CORRESPONDING NOTES

New Year’s resolutions are many, but New Decade goals are a whole new ball game. Our bodies change in 1-day, 1-week, 1-month cycles as well as 1-year, 3-year, 5-year cycles. For example, some fevers can be a 24-48-hour cycle depending what is causing the fever; many of us will “pull something” in our neck or back (again depending on many factors) can be resolved or at least greatly improved within a 1-week to 1-month cycle. More serious conditions such as coronary disease, cancers, degenerative joint conditions (arthritis of spine, hip, knee, shoulder, etc.), auto-immune conditions and many more take the longer cycle: 1-year, 3-year, 5-year cycle before we become aware of them. Most of us make promises (resolutions) such as start a new diet, exercise more, be nice and forgive others, which is all well and good, but one thing that some of us lose sight of is a very simple one- “Good Posture”. Many of you have come to the clinic over the years with neck, headache, low back and leg pain that your posture at work and/or home is a causative and/or contributing factor to how you feel. Posture also affects heart, lung, digestive and eliminative functions too. The big secret to “Good Posture” is not just exercise (which is good for overall health) but your constant awareness of your posture. Your “Mind-Body Connection” must become a habit like bathing and dental hygiene. So, pull those shoulders back, tuck that chin and “engage” that six pack as you sit, stand, and walk to make the next decade be the best that you can be!

P.S. Google Bruegger’s and YTWL postural exercises.

For those of us watching the Olympic athletes compete to be their best, we get a chance to see how far one will push themselves to accomplish this.  Many competitors train excessively and make great sacrifices to achieve their quest for greatness.  It is not surprising that many of the participants look to a variety of approaches to treat and manage their strains, sprains, and injuries.  We have seen them wearing supportive “taping” techniques (kinesio taping) popularized in the previous Summer Olympics by the USA Beach Volley Ball team.  Now the “newest” example of specialized procedures to help has been observed with Michael Phelps, the USA swimming champion, exhibiting those “mysterious perfectly round” bruises!  He is using a method called “cupping” to treat Acupoints more commonly called Myofascial Trigger Points in Western Medicine terminology.  Many folks have heard of “Acupuncture” but are not aware that there are multiple ways to address “Acupoints/Trigger points” without “puncturing” them.  Pressure has been and still is the most popular, beneficial and least risky approach to treat them.  Needling (Acupuncture), Scraping (Gua sha is the Asian term; IASTM and/or Graston are the Western terms) and Cupping techniques were developed as additional ways to stimulate the “points”.  Today we have a better understanding of these areas of the body that include muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, skin, and periosteum (tissue that covers the bone) and how they have a huge influence on how we feel and function.  Most of us are not “gifted athletes” competing on the world stage but we are all working and playing hard in our daily lives…. either pushing ourselves hard, doing the same thing over and over again at our jobs, or just not taking care of ourselves the way we should.  Myofascial (Acupoints) treatment should be part of your health care for maximum health and function.

One of my patients (who is an official member of the “seasoned citizens” club) posed a common question- “I am 75+ years old but I feel (and everyday tell myself) that I am 45+ years old.  I am always active with my family, my Church and my favorite hobby-Golf.  But I have noticed that my skin is thinning, bruising easier, and just looking older than I feel…Why and is there anything I can do??”

Well, first off this individual is starting their day off the “right” way with positive and prayerful affirmations for their Mind. Secondly, each one of us has a specific gene makeup that is passed down from our parents that directly influences our health in all aspects. It is what we do during our lifetime that we can control that either minimizes or maximizes these genetic predispositions. The skin is called the integumentary system and is an organ system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The skin is only a few millimeters thick yet is by far the largest organ in the body. Under what we see in the mirror is a fiber mesh work of collagen and elastin–type’s proteins that keep skin firm. As we age, this fiber network weakens and skin sags. In addition, it thins because it loses fat. Some of this “aging” is related to our genetic code. But no matter what kind of skin one has inherited, you can keep the skin you have looking young by taking action!

The outside elements-sun, wind, cold, etc. greatly stress this incredible “organ” so protecting it would be the first line of defense to slow the process. And as with every other part of our body, what we nourish it with also has a tremendous influence.  At this time, medical science has affirmed that adding flax seed and fish oil to the diet has improved the overall health of skin by enriching from the inside out (‘British Journal of Nutrition’ Sept. 2008; Ray Sahelian, M.D.). Hydration was also noted for skin health-eight 8oz. glasses of water each day (just like we all have heard a ‘thousand’ times before!). Japanese researchers have shown the antioxidants (a sub category of 40,000+ phytonutrients in food) found in edible seaweed, algae, chlorella, spirulina, etc. protect the skin from damage done by ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Tomatoes provide an important chemical-Lycopene- that also is an antioxidant that has been linked to protecting the skin. In addition, it was discovered that more of this antioxidant becomes available with cooking. The list continues with a variety of vegetables and fruits (carrot, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, green leafy veggies, apricot, watermelon, all berries, etc.). Olive oil, Coconut oil, Almonds, Walnuts, and Brazil nuts all contain essential types of fats, “EFA’s”, that keep the skin supple. Topical applications of some these oils, in particular coconut and almond oil, are very popular. Many companies now add “antioxidants” (vitamin C, A, and others) to their skin formulas with all types of ‘celebrity’ endorsements and ‘clinical’ testing to promote these products. It is my opinion, we should put as much emphasis on “what we put in our body” as well as “what we put on our body”.  And lastly, there are more than 40 muscles that contribute to our facial expressions, so remember to “exercise” your face not just your body muscles.

Everything with getting one’s health back and staying healthy boils down to Risk vs. Benefits.  For example, patients will ask…”if I add more veggies/fruits to my diet won’t I be getting more chemicals into me …and that’s bad. Right?”  Well the ‘knee jerk’ response would be- Yes, but there was an interesting finding in “Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal (2012 Dec; 50(12):4421-7) as well as the Journal of Nutrition, (2005; 135 (11):2639-2643). The authors observed by adding 1 extra serving of vegetables and fruits to our diets that 20,000 cancer cases per year could be prevented as opposed to just 10 cases of cancer per year being caused by increased pesticide intake.  Now don’t get me wrong… chemical ingestion is a problem in the American diet.  This is evident by the fact (also verified by one of my patients who works in the chemical food business) that other countries do not allow many of these “chemicals” into their food supplies. This is a “home grown” problem for the U.S… So, look at labels of “processed” foods but have peace of mind that just adding 1 extra serving of plant based foods has a greater Benefit when compared to its Risk!