Forge Ahead!

History is replete with mistakes which have been frequently repeated. It appears that every generation has to go through the same set of circumstances packaged in different formats and different chronological order to learn the same lessons. Emotion is a powerful dynamic which is not to be underestimated. Especially when amplified in crowds. We are at a new juncture in world history where emotions from one incident or person on one side of the planet can affect and amplify the emotions of a person on the other side of the planet within seconds via social media on the internet. For the most part this is a wonderful thing that we can have instant empathy and impact others who as recently as 15 years ago we would have never known existed in our entire lifetime. The downside is cumulative emotions can be amplified in ways that can destroy societies. Sometimes it is necessary for change, most of the time it can lead to irreparable harm and disaster for a society. The voices of reason and science often can keep the atmosphere calm for awhile, but eventually emotion always wins out. Quite often it is the science community itself which can perpetuate an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. What starts out as a simple message can then be misconstrued or utilized for profit, much to the detriment of society. Thus, a well educated society is crucial to creating appropriate obstacles to keep the fear and anxiety at bay by sharing and perpetuating understanding of fundamental principles of health for the individual as well as collectively for society. As you have surmised by now, I am highlighting the last 6 months of fear and anxiety that has run rampant in the world because of a virus. This virus, like so many others, is an opportunist. It takes advantage of the weak, the sick, and the unhealthy within the populace. The science, when looked at carefully with a discerning eye and an unbiased view, shows clearly why this virus, like so many others in history, has plagued the Earth this year. We are at a juncture in human history where we can communicate with virtually anyone on the planet almost instantly. This means we can communicate knowledge or we can communicate fear. We live in a world of viruses and bacteria. They do not live in ours. We evolved based on what existed, and these microbes have existed far longer than we have. Science in every facet has shown that when we are immuno-compromised, when we eat unhealthy foods, when we lack exercise, when we are stressed from pollution in the environment, when we lack sleep, our immune systems suffer and as a consequence, the viruses, which are already near us and within us, seize the opportunity to infect and multiply. Most who apply the knowledge of hygiene, organic food, and daily exercise, along with rest and meditation, stimulate optimal immune function, thus warding off any substantial threat from these microbes. However, it is also common scientific knowledge that those who are overweight and obese are internally inflamed. The world has never been so collectively unhealthy as it is currently. Millions are walking around with a low grade fever and they are substantially at risk to be infected by a virus or bacteria. The immune system is one of eleven systems in the human body. If any of the other systems are stressed, the immune system will also be stressed making us much more vulnerable. Walking around with masks on our faces is like putting a band aid on bullet wound. It does nothing to protect us from the threat of the virus. The greatest thing for the immune system is daily exposure to the environment to generate a stronger, healthier response to the threat. Avoiding the outdoors, exercise and other humans runs contrary to everything science has ever taught us about how stress can strengthen the body too. The body needs the good stress of daily exposure to sun, salt, sand and sea. It needs daily exposure to organic fruits and vegetables. It needs daily exposure to stretching and strengthening and heart challenging aerobics. It needs the pounding of the feet on the ground to create bone remodeling. All of the above create a vibrant, healthy, and dynamic mind and body and immune system. Have we learned anything from the past? Hand washing and hygiene was proven to be effective over 175 years ago! Do we really need to make the same mistakes of the past? Do not live in fear and anxiety. The threat of being struck by lightning, hurt in an auto accident, tripping and falling and hitting your head, or acquiring an infection simply from a short stay in your local hospital is far greater than the threat from this virus. However, for those who have not changed their lifestyle habits these last 6 months, the threat is very real. You are and will continue to be a target of these microbes. It is the way the human body works. Do not replace the science of the past with the fear and anxiety of the present. You are in control of your health as long as you pay attention to the fundamentals of science that we have know for many decades now. Take care of yourself and you have very little to worry about. You should be concerned for others who do not heed the call. Forge ahead but do not leave those behind who do not take care of themselves. Do your best to allay their fears and teach them how to take better care of themselves rather than amplifying their anxiety. It is time for this masquerade to end. Viruses can find their way in and through anything including masks. It is time to remove the masks and face the world, and each other, so we can help each other become healthier and stronger once and for all. The virus' main mode of attack is feeding off of fear and anxiety, which weaken the immune system. Have faith in the science behind a strong body and mind. You will never know the virus exists within you because your body will take care of it appropriately, as it always has, as long as you take care of yourself first!