During the Great Depression, FDR would have fireside chats with the nation using the all-new, fabulous, high-tech radio. The talks would focus on what people could do for themselves and what things were being done by others so that we could all move forward together.

FDR’s first Inaugural address famously included the line “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” This quote has resonated with me since I first heard it. It has been foundational in developing the paradigm of what part my role is in the experience I have in this world.

I interpret that line as meaning thoughts have power. We see that upon which we focus. If we live our lives in fear, we will have a life that is fearful and fearsome.

To put it more bluntly, if you want to be afraid you will find plenty of which to be afraid.

Apply this to today’s world, all over the news/social media/water cooler conversations one topic reigns supreme, COVID-19 a.k.a. the coronavirus.

So far the entire hysteria surrounding COVID-19 is based upon a considerable amount of opinion and conjecture, not what has actually happened. Almost all of the very real loss and suffering is rooted completely in fear of the unknown.

To help keep our heads on straight, and to help make the situation better for everyone, we should keep the following things in mind:

1.) So far this virus has been very dangerous for a limited number of people: the elderly and those with other medical conditions. This does not mean that it is harmless to everyone else, but it shows that although it is highly virulent, it is not going to rip through healthy communities like other pandemics (including influenza) have in the past.

2.) The biggest threat this virus poses is overwhelming the medical system. Every case that occurs, whether mild or critical, requires a tremendous amount of attention and resources from our medical providers. As the number of cases increase, tremendous strain is placed on a system that is already dealing with a yearly flu spike. Add the additional strain on the nurses and doctors with their own sickness or being forced to deal with daycare for kids who suddenly can’t attend school, and the situation quickly becomes unsustainable. For this reason alone, we need to take the threat seriously.

3.) However, you can do a lot to slow the spread of this virus. Because this virus has been minimized effectively in China use these approaches, they have been covered ad nauseam in other parts of the media, but they bear repeating:

• Wash your hands – often and thoroughly!
• Keep your hands off of your face – your eyes are a virus’ favorite entry point into your body because their is little immune defense.
• Cover your cough or sneeze (then wash your hands)
• Stay home if you are feeling sick
• Practice social distancing – introverts and Millennials have been preparing for this for a while (LOL), but you can significantly limit your exposure to the virus by avoiding people.
• Keep your environment clean with CDC recommended cleaners – there is still some disagreement about how long the virus lives on surfaces, but getting into the habit of sanitizing will limit exposure.

4.) Also you can do a lot to boost your own immune system. Exposure to a pathogen is only part of getting a disease. The strength of the host has been shown to have a big effect on the prognosis of this virus. My top 5 flu busters apply here as well:

1. Keep your nervous system in top condition with chiropractic spinal adjustments (what did you think I would have #1?)
2. Eliminate sweets from your diet
3. Take a high quality vitamin D3 supplement
4. Wash your hands often
5. Use a humidifier to keep the humidity in your home or office between 40-60%.
6. Bonus tip) Laugh often – this is a secret super immune booster

As the founder of chiropractic (D.D. Palmer) said “I desired to know why one person was ailing and his associate, eating at the same table, working in the same shop, at the same bench was not.  Why?  What difference was there in these two persons that caused one to have various diseases, while his partner escaped?”

Our lifestyle choices have a huge effect on our immune system.

5.) We are all in this together. People can and should be prepared, but the time to stock up on things was before the crisis. Right now panic purchases are straining an already stressed system. If we react reasonably, there will be plenty for all (even toilet paper!).

COVID-19 is a reality, it is here along with its effects. As we get a clearer picture of the situation with further testing it is certainly going to appear to worsen. So let’s understand that controlling this is going to be a process and not let fear be the driving force in our lives. Let’s take back our power, let’s take action, let’s take back our health.