Herb Doc

The Doc Is In Dr. Gerard Muraida

Dr. Muraida is a Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist.

The 16th century English poet John Donne is famous for many poems, but the one that may resonate with us at this time is No Man is an Island. That phrase expresses the idea that human beings do poorly when isolated from others and need to be part of a community to thrive.

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The novel virus COVID-19, now a global pandemic, reminds us how true Donne’s words are. While we are supposed to “shelter at home,” practice social distancing, and in some cases, self-quarantine, we remain dependent on others.

The most vulnerable of our society may reside in nursing homes, have pre-existing medical or mental conditions, be homeless, immunocompromised, or be aged. No matter what your situation, each of us can be a bridge that someone else needs to feel connected.

Distancing at least six feet from one another, waving and smiling from afar, and even just nodding in passing, all recognize another’s existence and may help to remind someone that they are significant.

Writing a letter to a friend or relative, calling those estranged from you, virtually volunteering by reading to someone over the phone or on the internet are other ways of connecting without risking contagion. The COVID-19 infection is spread via droplets from the respiratory system of infected people, often during coughing or sneezing. The World Health Organization says studies document that COVID -19 droplets may survive from a few hours to several days on surfaces. It all depends on temperature, the kind of surface and humidity.

Typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection are similar to the common cold - dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

According to data available in late March, time from exposure to onset of symptoms is usually between two and 14 days, with an average of five days. No vaccine or specific treatment existed at deadline for this story.

You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus by washing your hands regularly

for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze. Avoid close contact (within six feet) of anyone outside of those residing in your home. Stay home and selfisolate if you feel ill. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean.

We are not islands of people but countries and continents of people with similar strengths and weaknesses. We will thrive as long as we sacrifice a little now and create a new normal. We truly are one race, the human race. As Sgt. Phil Esterhaus of Hill Street Blues fame quipped, “Let’s be careful out there.”

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Herb Doc Shellie Rosen is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She can be reached via her website at Bodyvolve.com Shellie Rosen, DOM

Older folks are wiser, and wise individuals heed warnings, watch the news, and do deep dives to vet information. Younger people often have excellent health and are more likely to take careless risks. So, this is the time for those of you with a few more years to shine and to use your superpowers to serve your family with wise behaviors and emotional wisdom.

For people over age 60, immune system changes make the defense against viruses complicated. There are two types of immunity at work, innate and adaptive. Innate immunity works within hours from the detection of a pathogen (also called an antigen) in the body. Innate defenders include April 2020 The Superpower Of Being Older During An Outbreak

barriers like the skin, chemicals in the blood, and white blood cells. (An increase of these indicates the presence of a pathogen). Adaptive immunity targets a pathogen (or antigen) more accurately. When the adaptive immunity unlocks the code of a pathogen, it goes directly after the invader to create a specific immunity “on-file” for possible future exposure to the same pathogen.

These two systems work together for rapid and targeted protection of the body from harm. Over time, the ability for these systems to work harmoniously can weaken, perhaps in part due to chronic illnesses that tax the immune system. Keeping the body healthy requires the resources of the immune system to be ‘ready,’ with all hands-on deck. People with other health issues have fewer immune function resources available.

It’s not always bad to be in a riskier population if you use your superpower to your advantage. Wise individuals are better at self-care, diet, and the reduction of dangerous behaviors. Now is the time to be serious about rules. Invoke your behavioral immunity superpower. Tell your family emphatically, “No shoes in the house! Wash your hands when returning from an outside activity, and before any meal prep or consumption! During Covid-19, don’t lounge on the couch in clothes worn to the grocery store.” There is no better time to establish rules that are always important than during this time when ‘buy-in’ from your family is at its most critical.

Older people have a learned ability to self-soothe without as much external stimulus. Younger people need to hear from you right now. They need your wisdom and your reassurance. You’ve seen crises come and go. You know just how to address the deepest fears of those who aren’t nearing retirement. You have a superpower to be a leader to your team right now. Remind them that life goes on. Do your part by writing letters, making calls, and keeping others mentally healthy.

The dangerous side effects from Covid-19 to the younger generations could be more significant than we can predict. Mental and emotional strength is essential during a strained economy. We need you now more than ever. Dig in and find ways to serve by drawing upon your lived experiences. Help bring normalcy to the chaos with all your superpower.

Abundant blessings to you, my friends, as we come together to serve one another. Dr. Shellie L. Rosen, DOM, L.Ac.

Dr. Shellie’s Must’s Stay hydrated (tea and lotion) Get outside (move and get sunshine) Eat nutritiously (food is a cure or a poison)

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