We are only as strong as our immune system
I have been closely following this pandemic as it is slowly unfolding and putting a halt on our world and without trying to fear monger and induce more panic among everyone, I think that I can safely say that the world, as we know it, is going to change in the upcoming months. I don’t believe that this change is going to be for the worse. But as Heraclitus once said: “ The only constant in life is change.”
This is a once in a 100-year global pandemic. We are living in an unprecedented time. We must be calm, patient and kind to each other. We must focus on what we can do in order to protect ourselves, our families and our community.
COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It’s a novel virus, which means humanity does not have immunity to it, we are all susceptible. It is spreading fast, and it is highly contagious and it can be more deadly than the common flu. The ones who are more at risk are the elderly, the chronically ill and the ones with a compromised immune system. But unfortunately, even younger people can have life-threatening complications.
At this point, we have two ways to go about this, one is by developing herd immunity, which means getting sick and building our own immunity to it or getting vaccinated. Experts say that within the next 12-18 months there might be a vaccine available, which might or might not be mandatory to take. Accordingly to UK scientists, the percentage of the population that needs to be immune to enable herd immunity depends on how transmissible disease is. In the UK it means that 70% of the population will have to develop immunity to COVID-19, which is a scary number, as especially for those of us, who are elderly, have compromised immune systems and/or fragile health.
According to our experts, the plan to put the population on lockdown is needed in order to “flatten the curve”, so not everyone gets sick at the same time overburdening the health system and compromising everyone’s chance to survive the complications, should they arise. This means, that we will be in this crisis for an extended period of time, and we might have more waves coming in the future. So basically it will get worse before it gets better.
After knowing all the above, what can we each do to minimize the impact of this pandemic on ourselves, our family, community and country?
Most importantly, panicking and purchasing all the toilet paper is not the answer. Yes, I agree, that we have to prepare for the possible food and supply shortage, but it can be done without acting like a bunch of 4 graders flooding the candy store.
I have compiled a quick list of the steps we should each take in order to prepare for what may come to pass:
Follow the recommendations of Canada’s and Alberta’s Chief Medical Officers on social distancing, proper hygiene and on steps to take in case someone in your family gets sick;
Stay informed about the stage of the pandemic on an ongoing basis.
Have a family meeting and make an emergency plan. Assign tasks and responsibility to family members;
Get hold of other family members and check with them if they need help or guidance. Remember, not everyone has the means and the ability to prepare.
Look into your pantry and freezer to take note of what you have at home and make a list of essential food items that you will need for a minimum of two weeks;
Make a list of health supplies, which you think your family will need. This includes first aid items, over the counter medications, prescription medications, and vitamins/supplements;
Make a list of personal care items, which you will need. This includes all personal grooming items, personal hygiene products, diapers, and baby wipes;
Check your cleaning supplies, including kleenex, toilet paper, and paper towels;
Don’t forget about pets and their food and health supplies;
Make a schedule for the family in case the lockdown happens. It sounds awesome to just through on the PJs and lounge on the couch. However, most of us are used to a schedule, which will make it hard to cope without.
Here is a list of activities for the lockdown period:
Talk, spend time with your family;
Read that book, you have been putting off for a while;
Study. It’s time to finish the online course you have started. or start a new one. A few schools and colleges are offering free online training now;
Work out, do yoga, many companies offer online classes to their members;
Pick up your old hobby, knit, cross-stitch, build model cars or paint your house;
Pray, meditate and focus on your own personal and spiritual development;
Play board games, cards or other family games;
Clean your house. Go through your cupboards, desks, and cabinets, organize your storage, basement area;
Watch movies.
Humanity is coming to face the fact that our greatest wealth is our health. What does this mean? It means that we are personally responsible for our own health and wellness more now than ever. We are only as strong as our immune systems.
In the last 100 years or so we gave away both the responsibility and the caring of our health to our doctors. I truly believe that there is a need for both western and holistic/natural medicine. Western medicine is needed when there is injury, infection or a life-threatening health crisis, while holistic practitioners are required to guide us through the prevention and restoration of our health. These two modalities should work together.
Given the pandemic and uncertainty we are in right now, it is time for us to closely look at the steps we can take to strengthen our immune system in order to ensure we can fight this infection if we get sick. You can download my recommendations on how to strengthen your immune system here.
I know that it is hard for all of us. Nobody likes change and uncertainty. I would like to remind you though, that you are not alone. We are all in this together. I am thinking of you and praying that in the end, everything will be fine. Please know that I am here for you if you have any questions or concerns or if you just want to chat. Reach out to me if you need my support.