Want to stop the progression of symptoms and infectivity of COVID-19? 

You might be surprised how you can do so.

Nasal Irrigation Is the Key to Reducing COVID-19 Progression, Doctor Says: 

AMY BAXTER, MD, SAYS NASAL IRRIGATION MAY BE THE BEST WAY TO TREAT POSITIVE CORONAVIRUS PATIENTS. 

According to Amy Baxter, MD., an Atlanta-based doctor known for creative solutions to long-standing medical challenges is touting a lesser-discussed method to combat the progression of COVID-19 in patients who are positive: nasal irrigation. 

After considerable research and talking to colleagues who focus on both ear, nose, and throat and pulmonary treatment, Baxter, CEO and founder of Pain Care Labs, “believe[s] strongly that nasal irrigation is the key to reducing COVID-19 progression of symptoms and infectivity.” 

What is Nasal Irrigation?

At Wilmington Clinic, we often recommend the regular use of nasal irrigation or wash. In fact, the Wilmington Clinic has been promoting “NASAL RINSING” for over 80 years.  In addition, there are other anti-viral and anti-bacterial solutions that we use to enhance the saline solutions, as well as, nebulizing to combat bronchial and lung invasions.   

Nasal irrigation, or a nasal wash, has long been considered an effective way to remove viruses or bacteria from sinus cavities.  According to Baxter, recent clinical trials show that nasal irrigation reduces the duration and symptoms for other viral illnesses like flu and the common cold, though it hasn’t yet been studied for COVID-19.

Why is Nasal Irrigation Effective?

Still, she has multiple reasons for believing that this approach can be effective in preventing coronavirus from worsening in a sick patient. Firstly, she says, “SARS-CoV2’s viral load is heaviest in sinuses/nasal cavity.” Secondly, the sex and age discrimination of COVID-19 supports her conclusion. “Children don’t develop full sinuses until teens; males have larger cavities than women, and the cavities are largest [in those] over 70 years,” Baxter says. Of course, you’ve heard by now that children have been the least affected by COVID-19, and the elderly and men are dying at faster rates.  Baxter also adds that the total deaths in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam are particularly low. “Yes, they wear masks, and yes, they bow and don’t shake hands, but the biggest difference between them and places like South Korea or Japan is that nasal irrigation is practiced by 80 percent of people,” she says. 

Where can I get a Nasal Irrigation System?

At Wilmington Clinic of course!  She suggests a NeilMed sinus rinse bottle (over a neti pot) because the high pressure seems better than gravity. This “gives the immune system time to figure out what it needs while reducing the enemy.” 

In short, regular flushing of one’s sinuses in the manner described above could be an effective way to keep the COVID-19 contagion from building up and entering your lungs and causing potentially fatal respiratory problems. 

Encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits by making it fun. Provide healthy ingredients and let kids help with preparation, based on their age and skills. Kids may try foods they avoided in the past if they helped make them.

1. Smoothie creations
   Blend fat-free or low-fat yogurt or milk with fruit pieces and crushed ice. Use fresh, frozen, canned, and even overripe fruits. Try bananas, berries, peaches, and/or pineapple. If you freeze the fruit first, you can even skip the ice!
2. Delicious dippers
   Kids love to dip their foods. Whip up a quick dip for veggies with yogurt and seasonings such as herbs or garlic. Serve with raw vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. Fruit chunks go great with a yogurt and cinnamon or vanilla dip.
3. Caterpillar kabobs
   Assemble chunks of melon, apple, orange, and pear on skewers for a fruity kabob. For a raw veggie version, use vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, squash, sweet peppers, or tomatoes.
4. Personalized pizzas
   Set up a pizza-making station in the kitchen. Use whole-wheat English muffins, bagels, or pita bread as the crust. Have tomato sauce, low-fat cheese, and cut-up vegetables or fruits for toppings. Let kids choose their own favorites. Then pop the pizzas into the oven to warm.
5. Fruity peanut butterfly
   Start with carrot sticks or celery for the body. Attach wings made of thinly sliced apples with peanut butter and decorate with halved grapes or dried fruit.
6. Frosty fruits 
   Frozen treats are bound to be popular in the warm months. Just put fresh fruits such as melon chunks in the freezer (rinse first). Make “popsicles” by inserting sticks into peeled bananas and freezing.
7. Bugs on a log
   Use celery, cucumber, or carrot sticks as the log and add peanut butter. Top with dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries, depending on what bugs you want!
8. Homemade trail mix 
   Skip the pre-made trail mix and make your own. Use your favorite nuts and dried fruits, such as unsalted peanuts, cashews, walnuts, or sunflower seeds mixed with dried apples, pineapple, cherries, apricots, or raisins. Add whole-grain cereals to the mix, too.
9. Potato person
   Decorate half a baked potato. Use sliced cherry tomatoes, peas, and low-fat cheese on the potato to make a funny face.
10. Put kids in charge 
    Ask your child to name new veggie or fruit creations. Let them arrange raw veggies or fruits into a fun shape or design.

It’s easy to eat more vegetables! Eating vegetables is important because they provide vitamins and minerals and most are low in calories. To fit more vegetables in your day, try them as snacks and add them to your meals.
 

1. Discover fast ways to cook

Cook fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave for a quick-and-easy dish to add to any meal. Steam green beans, carrots, or bok choy in a bowl with a small amount of water in the microwave for a quick side dish.
 

2. Be ahead of the game

Cut up a batch of bell peppers, cauliflower, or broccoli. Pre-package them to use when time is limited. Enjoy them in a casserole, stir-fry, or as a snack with hummus.
 

3. Choose vegetables rich in color

Brighten your plate with vegetables that are red, orange, or dark green. They are full of vitamins and minerals. Try acorn squash, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, or collard greens. They not only taste great but are good for you, too.
 

4. Check the freezer aisle

Frozen vegetables are quick and easy to use and are just as nutritious as fresh veggies. Try adding frozen vegetables, such as corn, peas, edamame, or spinach, to your favorite dish. Look for frozen vegetables without added sauces, gravies, butter, or cream.
 

5. Stock up on veggies

Canned vegetables are a great addition to any meal, so keep on hand canned tomatoes, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, mushrooms, and beets. Select those labeled as “reduced sodium,” “low sodium,” or “no salt added.”
 

6. Make your garden salad glow with color

Brighten your salad by using colorful vegetables such as black beans or avocados, sliced red bell peppers or onions, shredded radishes or carrots, and chopped red cabbage or watercress. Your salad will not only look good but taste good, too.
 

7. Sip on some vegetable soup

Heat it and eat it. Try tomato, butternut squash, or garden vegetable soup. Look for reduced- or low-sodium soups. Make your own soups with a low-sodium broth and your favorite vegetables.
 

8. While you’re out

If dinner is away from home, no need to worry. When ordering, ask for an extra side of vegetables or a side salad instead of the typical fried side dish. Ask for toppings and dressings on the side.
 

9. Savor the flavor of seasonal vegetables

Buy vegetables that are in season for maximum flavor at a lower cost. Check your local supermarket specials for the best in-season buys. Or visit your local farmers market.
 

10. Vary your veggies

Choose a new vegetable that you’ve never tried before. 

Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Revised October 2016.

BAD NEWS– We are not out of this yet. This virus is still spreading, and to complicate things, we are in the “Flu and Para-Influenza (HPIVs) season. These viruses all cause respiratory illnesses. Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, and cough. There is no specific antiviral treatment for HPIV illness nor specific approach for Corona virus yet. Most people with HPIV  illness will recover on their own as well as the Corona virus (85%), but this new Corona COVID-19 as well as the more well-known “flu’s and para-flu’s” can lead to more severe situations , such as pneumonia, kidney failure, and death (cdc.gov/).

The Missouri Influenza Report for 2019-2020 (as of 3/21/20): season-to-date total of laboratory-positive influenza cases is 107,923 and season-to-date total deaths at 1,261. Corona virus (COVID-19): as of 4/05/20 there are 2,291 confirmed cases and 24 deaths (cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm)

GOOD NEWS– At this point, in Missouri, COVID-19 is not much more lethal (1%) than the above referenced Flu/Para Flu viruses. We are in better shape than the National statics -Confirmed Cases-311,536   Total Deaths 8,499 (2.7%). In state of New York the fatalities are almost half that of the national number at 3,568.  Realize this can change overnight as more cases are identified and invariably more persons will pass on. We must remain vigilant with common sense protocols (cleanliness, physical [social] distancing, staying home if we are symptomatic, covering our mouths when coughing/sneezing, etc.) we use for all germs, bacteria, and viruses. Our scientists and medical communities are working night and day on our behalf with many “Pharmaceutical” approaches.

There have been references to non-pharmaceutical approaches that nourish our immune system, they are called “Nutraceuticals” (www.vitaenaturals.com/).  Vit. C, Vit. D, Quercetin, Zinc, Selenium are just a few that you hear thrown about. As stated in my previous blog “AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE”!  A good Pre-Biotic & Pro-Biotic for our gut is helpful. The gut is part of our immune system. Garlic, Star anise (a flower-shaped spice containing shikimic acid, a chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of Tamiflu), Ginger, Resveratrol (a type of natural phenol found in Peanuts, Pistachios, Red Grapes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Strawberries), Vitamin-C rich foods (Gooseberry {Amla}, Red & Yellow Sweet Peppers, Oranges, Kiwi, Clementine’s, Ruby Red Grapefruit), Vitamin D3, minerals like Zinc and Selenium (found in Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Unsalted Cashew Nuts, Unsalted Pistachios, Shiitake Mushrooms, Chicken, Most Vegetables, Lentils, Avocados, Blackberries, Pomegranates, Raspberries, Guavas, Cantaloupes, Apricots, Peaches, Kiwifruit, & Blueberries)

The federal government’s 2015-2020 “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 8^th edition” notes that “Nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods. … Foods are nutrient-dense and contain essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber and other naturally occurring substances that have positive health effects.”

If you would like more information, the Wilmington Clinic is operating 6 days a week.

Please give us a call 314-353-1477

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.