WE ARE NUMB TO THE NEWS

We have become numb to the news. Numb to the tragedy. 

Unfortunately, Coronavirus-related deaths have passed 205,000 in the US and approaching 1 million worldwide, and the daily ticker tape scrolling of new cases, hospitalizations and daily death counts have become background noise for most of us. 

Not of course to those immediately affected. If it affects you, the odds are 100%!

Even though we ARE all affected by this pandemic (work,schools, LIFE…), not to mention the social/racial upheaval and political insanity we are in the middle of, we still cling to and complain about what only immediately impacts on us.

Thinking about what is necessary to do now to make tomorrow better is lost on us. That’s not how we think. If it affects someone else, or if our personal diseases or behaviors have some side effects which will occur in the distant future, we tend to ignore them or play them down. It takes too much effort to change. It’s easier to do what is…easier.

It irks me every time I see someone out not wearing a mask, wearing one below their nose or wearing something which is useless, or potentially even or even potentially harmful, like a gator. The information is out there but it is ignored. It’s easier to do what is easier. It feels better to hear and cling to notions which support what you believe and which make life “easier”. Our leaders continue to downplay the role masks and other basic behaviors have on the progression of the disease.

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard of someone quitting smoking once diagnosed with cancer or having had their first heart attack or bypass procedure. “I’m an ex-smoker” meanwhile, they quit only 2 weeks ago after decades of puffing. It’s better than nothing I suppose.

On the flip side, I have had many patients who have had so much improvement in how they look and feel with only some moderate changes in lifestyle, although those are the minority. Those few are the impetus to keep moving forward. But it takes WORK. The more work you put in, the better off you are. 

“Moderation” only results in moderate improvements.

I know this is a little rambly, but I’m frustrated. With everything going on, with people’s lack of caring, with the inability for people of opposing views to come together and find common ground… The daily inondation is too much. Just as an aside, I’m not immune to apathy and I’m frustrated and disappointed with myself as well.

The bottom line is that we need to do what is right for everyone.

I can’t speak to politics. Everyone needs to put emotions aside and make what they think is the best decision. That is what democracy is all about. As far as race is concerned, we are all equal human beings. Treat everyone with respect and compassion. Even a simple smile is infectious. A simple act of compassion has massive trickle down effects.

I CAN speak to what I think we need to do medically. The operative word there being “I” and I am not always correct but I at least am able to admit when I am wrong and am willing to research for the best answer based on what we know.

What we know works is the following.

DISTANCE. Remember that it’s physical distancing, not social distancing. We need each other.

WEAR A MASK. Wear an effective one and wear it correctly.

WASH YOUR HANDS. Use warm water and soap. Rely less on sanitizers. They are loaded with chemicals. Remember that if it’s on you, it’s in you.

DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE. The average person touches their face 2000x a day!

VENTILATE. More airflow = more particle dispersal.

VACCINATE. It works. It helps and it saves lives.

GET HEALTHY. Even a tiny loss in weight translates into major health benefits. 10 lbs of loss lowers risks of diabetes and vascular disease by 30%.

Stay safe and be well. 

AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻‍♂️🌎😷