People in my community are FREAKING OUT... I think the fear of Coronavirus is probably just as contagious as the illness itself, so how do we all calm down and prepare our homes, families and bodies to prevent this and other viruses?
**NEW - make your own hand sanitizer! Recipe here.
Yesterday I reached out to one of our school psychologists to ask for resources and advice on talking to my kids about the Coronavirus and she sent me this: https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
It’s great advice that I felt compelled to share 😊 and I hope that you pass it along…
Also, my mom ran the flu program in NY for many years, and told me that over 500,000 people have died from the common flu in the last decade. While it’s almost impossible to predict how deadly the Coronavirus will get, the 1% death rate seems to apply to immune deficient people – i.e. - elderly people, babies/young children and people with pre-existing health conditions, especially cardiac and pulmonary.
The NY Times wrote a great article on the analysis of the common flu vs. coronavirus: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-flu.html
My source of calm is a combination of fact finding/reasonable thought, and a reflection on the Dalai Lama’s words of advice:
“If it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use.”
I've also implemented an immune-boosting and wellness regimen in my house. This regimen is not much different from my normal routine, it’s just beefed up for optimal defense…
Food –
Lean organic protein – chicken, fish, beans, turkey, lean organic beef, nuts, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, eggs
Dark leafy greens – collard, mustard, kale, spinach
Vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies – papaya, bell peppers, kiwi fruit, papaya, broccoli, tomatoes, snow peas, oranges, strawberries, lemons, brussel sprouts, and herbs like parsley, thyme and dill
Immune boosting - garlic, onion, chili peppers, turmeric
Whole grains, and organic starch like yams/sweet potatoes
Wellness shots: apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, raw honey, turmeric & cayenne pepper – not easy to get down but worth it!
NO: processed food, refined sugar, fried foods, heavy fats
Limiting booze – check out alternatives like: https://www.instagram.com/kineuphorics/
Supplements –
Me: Methylcobalamin, Zinc (50MG – take with food), Pregnenolone (for mood boost), Probiotics (winter immune), and Soluble Vitamin C, Calcium/Mag/D3 (at night – can buy @ Whole Foods)
Kids: Probiotics w/ Colostrum (chewable), Fish Oil, Calcium/Mag/D3 (at night – can buy @ Whole Foods), Elderberry
Other practices – (IN ADDITION TO WASHING HANDS!!!!)
Mindfulness & movement: yoga, meditation, cooking, exercise, fresh air, turn off news, read a novel, craft/coloring, journaling, relaxation baths and calming music, deep breathing, talk to a licensed therapist
Oils – Thieves Oil on the bottom of your feet (kids too) with sock over every night before bed. My friend Ali can get you some: https://www.withloveandstuff.com/essential-oils
SLEEP and drink lots of water – like with any virus your body can be flushed out, and can heal itself with proper rest and time to rehabilitate. Best to get into the habit of drinking more water (add lemon & cucumber) and sleeping more.
Have disinfectant wipes on hand for knobs, car door, surfaces, etc.
Stock up on water and prep lots of FRESH food that can be (cooked) frozen and reheated, or has a long shelf-life in case this all goes sideways (which experts are saying probably will not happen, but better to be prepared) – soups, veggies & orzo, sauces, veggies, berries, bananas, non-dairy milk, OJ, etc. Eggs can stay good for a month in the fridge. Get sweet potatoes which can stay on your counter for 2 weeks before going bad. Then get the dry goods – organic pasta, rice, flours, oatmeal, honey, salt, pepper, seasoning, apple cider vinegar, etc.
As as culinary medicine chef, and wellness coach, I have to practice what I preach... so if you have any questions, concerns, recipes, ideas, information, suggestions, etc. PLEASE reach out. PM me on INSTA @lindzoneill.
Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts!
XO,
Lindsay
P.S. - The state of NY has set up a hotline with information and to answer questions on the Coronavius. The hotline can be reached at 1-888-364-3065.