The Sky is Not Falling

Contrary to what has been popularized and pushed in the media, the sky is not falling. Like most of you, I have been monitoring the rapidly growing “concerns” and progression of the Coronavirus story (specifically COVID-19). That said, I honestly had no intention of chiming in on this topic or conversation, as this is not something I would typically would speak on. However, I have been asked by hundreds of people to please speak into this topic. So, in line with the vision of our office being centered around speaking truth into, and providing answers for families, and given the amount of unclear or incomplete information being published on this topic, I hope to provide some clarity and comfort to you in this brief post.

That said, we do have a very real responsibility to ourselves, loved ones, community, and I believe God, to walk in wisdom rather than respond in fear. We’ve been given this gift of life and should cherish and steward it well. And, while we ourselves might currently be at low risk, we should “serve” those at higher risk by diligently trying to prevent the spread of this Coronavirus.

To start, let me first say that COVID-19 is a real thing, and it is a Medical matter. As such, this virus really is beyond our scope in the realm of “treatment”. This is not just a disclaimer. Our focus has and always will be targeted on what creates, promotes, and fosters health OVER what causes disease. This is the drum we have always beat, and we are intentional about being defined by what we are for, rather than what we are against.

As the pendulum swings, there seems to be extremes (always, right?) on both sides of this discussion, sadly birthed from incomplete or inaccurate information on both ends. The sky is not falling, but this is also not just "fake news.” So what is it? What’s a more informed, complete, or comprehensive perspective look like? And, what can you do about it? All great questions… I’m glad you asked (ha)!

COVID-19 is a virus, specifically a strand of Coronavirus, that spreads through respiratory droplets and affects the Respiratory Tract primarily. Symptoms are most often mild and include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. This is very similar to other viruses, and can often be confused with upper respiratory conditions like a common cold, flu, or even allergies, which makes is nearly impossible to gather accurate statistics on (more below).

An alarming and completely counterproductive phenomenon that is happening with this “pandemic” is the amount of fear, stress, and downright panic it (or it’s caricature as presented by the media) is invoking. It’s well know that stress weakens our immune system. Some reports even go as far as to say 80-90% of all illness or disease, including cancer, is related to or caused by stress. Regarding Chronic Stress, one article says: “Long-term stress suppresses or dysregulates innate and adaptive immune responses by altering the Type 1-Type 2 cytokine balance, inducing low-grade chronic inflammation, and suppressing numbers, trafficking, and function of immunoprotective cells. Chronic stress may also increase susceptibility to some types of cancer by suppressing Type 1 cytokines and protective T cells and increasing regulatory/suppressor T cell function.” Stress crashes our defenses and lays us susceptible to illness… a message we’ve “preached” for years now. This is paramount in health; that the body has within it an innate ability to fight off illness and disease, and if healthy and taken care of, it does a really good job at it! The Primary Premise of Chiropractic is that “the body is a self healing & self regulating.” This is not alternative medicine. This is Science! This quote above says this very thing, from a medical research perspective.

No wonder it is spreading so fast. People are freaked out, and the media is driving that bus which they hope arrives at crazy-town. Sadly, many of them (media) are likely doing more harm than good, as the result is a large population of people with lowered resistance, and a higher susceptibility to infection because of the fear they are being pushed toward. That’s as high as my “soap-box” gets here.

So, with all the hype, what is not gaining much popularity regarding this “pandemic” is who is getting it? It is not shocking that unhealthy people tend to get sick (and sicker) more often. Such is that truth with COVID-19. As reports of the affected, or infected, people surface, and specifically those who have sadly passed away as a result, many of them already suffered from chronic disease processes like diabetes, COPD (smokers), and Cardiovascular disease, etc. In fact over 60% of the deaths in the US were in Washington, and have been linked to a single nursing home. One news article on this says: “Since February 19, 26 residents have died, 13 of whom were confirmed to have COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. In total, 19 deaths in the state have been tied to the center.” Wait, did you catch that though? 26 residents of that facility died in the past 3 weeks, which is sad for sure… but only 50% of those deaths were linked to Coronavirus. Also, 51 residents of this faculty have been confirmed to have contracted the virus, with only 3 being transferred to the hospital, the others being monitored in the home. I do not want to be presumptuous or seem inconsiderate with this delicate matter, but if it wasn’t Coronavirus, the common flu or any other infection might have had the same effect, right?

Okay, so what do you need to know? Actually this link here, from the CDC, does a great job of updating and informing you on precautions and steps to take in prevention. Please read it because my intention with this post is not to tell you to wash your hands and sneeze into a crooked elbow. However, being that the CDC and WHO have always been focus on disease prevention (or control), I believe they are lacking or missing, a KEY element. Health! The best defense is a strong offense! The best prevention you can gain is found in being healthy. Our choices have consequences, and if those choices over the years have lead to a less that ideal current health status, then the consequence is a greater susceptibility to COVID-19, or any illness in general. Sorry, did that sound “naggy?” I hope not! It is the conversation that should be had, but will not boost ratings or create a buzz. People, stuck in a stress response, do not think logically or act rationally (video coming on this soon). This is why Costco is sold out of TP and Water. When the panic button is smashed for any of us, we become emotionally driven and do things we otherwise would not. I kind-of understand the risk of being quarantined, but I doubt our water source will get polluted (more than it already is, ha) or that our ability to light a fire and boil water if need be will be gone. And it’s just 14 days, how much crap are we talking about here in two weeks time?

So, build your health. Follow orders, but don’t lock yourself inside unless you are an infections threat. MOVE! The best defense to a stress response is movement. So forget that New Years resolution that’s long gone; Exercise as if your life depends on it (too harsh? probably!). Also, eat right! Instead of driving to Costco for last minute “prepper supplies” (which, come on people, you should already have all that stuff… it’s not if, but when… ha, again probably too much info.) maybe run or walk to the local grocery store, or even better yet, a produce stand if you have one in your area, and load up on fruits and veggies.

And, the final thing I will leave you with, for now at least, is that maybe now, or when the dust settles, might be the best time to move forward with a conversation with a Chiropractor? You knew that was coming, and that I would say it! But seriously, the results we’re blessed to see at Straightahead are undeniable and awesome. Tension on your spine and neuromuscular system can rob you of some much needed energy required for you to stay at the top of your health game. Reduction of this tension can help our bodies better regulate and respond to stress (ever tried to rationalize with someone in pain?). This is by no means saying Chiropractic treats Coronavirus… not even close! What I am saying is that there are a lot of options to naturally boost our immune system, raises our defenses, & optimizes our health and healing potential…all things that promote our well-being and give us more “fight” against illness. So, perhaps the greatest thing you can do for your family during this time is go on the offense… Get checked. Reach out to us to learn how we might be able to help you with some of the challenges you are facing. Let’s chat and take a look at how well (or unwell) your body is functioning and responding to stress. We don’t guess we test, and we have the technology to do it!

Okay, one more final thing… While kids are among the lowest population at risk, we, as always, are working diligently to make sure our office is as clean and safe as possible for your family.