Radio Naturopath Episode 267: COVID-19: Healthy Diet and Exercise to Help Outcomes, No Large Gatherings, Reopening School, Connecticut Travel Advisories

This was all about COVID-19, because leading up to the new school year, there's a lot going on. I talked briefly about Stella Immanuel, M.D., the physician whom President Trump tweeted about, and her support of the use of hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and azithromycin. I didn't talk about discrediting her, although she has some interesting ideas about spirituality and possession. In terms of her concern about the drugs, the answer is somewhere in the middle. On the one hand, hydroxychloroquine is not supposed to be used to prevent COVID-19 infection, but may be part of a cocktail for a hospitalized patient. It's not a miracle drug and doctors will be using a variety of therapies based on the patient's case, which may include this drug. 

On Friday, July 31, 2020 Real Time with Bill Maher aired, and he called out the obese of our nation, and criticized the press and Drs. Fauci and Birx for not promoting the value of exercise and diet for improving the outcome of this pandemic. He thinks that one reason we are not doing well is because as a country, we eat poorly and don't exercise. This is a very complex issue and didn't offer thoughtful solutions, so I suggested some. It's true, we've got to eat better and get exercise!

I'm not a fan of large gatherings, like graduation celebrations, weddings, big parties at this time. When people gather to celebrate, even if the intention is to distance and mask, they don't. Alcohol makes this phenomenon worse. It's my opinion that large gatherings should be postponed until after the pandemic is over. 

I talked about reopening school. Only 16% of Connnecticut teachers want to return to the classroom. My patients who are teachers and school staff are terrified of returning to school. It's been my observation over the years that as soon as school starts, people start coming in with colds and coughs. COVID-19 is going to be worse, since it spreads so readily. I'm even nervous for my practice that asymptomatic patients will come in. 

I finished off with the COVID-19 Travel Advisory for Connecticut. As of July 28, 2020, travelers from only 15 states are allowed to enter Connecticut without quarantining for 14 days. Fortunately, many of them are contiguous, all of New England, and then New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The rest are further west: Michigan, Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, and Oregon. But before traveling to any of those state, you need to check THEIR travel advisories!

Radio Naturopath Episode 266: COVID-19: Nasal Spread, Masking and Nasal Cleansing; More Natural Help for Menopause

Today I talked about an actual study that shows that COVID-19 replicates very well in the nose and it's an important vector of spread. It also spreads to the lungs not by migration, but by nasal secretions actually being aspirated into the lungs. I make the case that nasal cleansing is a very good idea, because even if you have the virus, you may kill some of it and clear some of it out. It's very important to GARGLE immediately after nasal cleansing to catch secretions that wind up in the back of the thoat. 

I also continued with the discussion on menopause from last week, and talked about the issues with using natural hormone therapy. I also talked about diet, exercise, rest, supplements for anxiety, and homeopathy.

Radio Naturopath Episode 265: Richard Redfield and Masking, Stay Hydrated in the Heat, Menopause 2020, Part 1

It's like Ground Hog Week! This week, I quoted Richard Redfield, the director of the CDC, who said that if we all wore masks, we could get a handle on this virus in about 2 months. I keep repeating it, but it's important. I went on to remind people that it's hot and they need to hydrate. Then, as requested by a listener, I started on my latest information about helping with menopause symptoms. There's so much to discuss that I'm going to continue next week!

Radio Naturopath Episode 264: Wear Your Mask Correctly; All About FIBER, Your Health and Digestion!

This week, I played a broken record: affirmed that people REALLY NEED to wear their masks CORRECTLY when they're in difficult-to-distance situations, such as grocery stores. This was inspired by several trips to local stores where I observed numerous people wearing their masks over their noses but not their mouths, at least 3 stores. I explained why this is useless. On a happy note, the topic of the day was all about fiber! How to promote it in your body, what foods to eat, various fiber supplements, why it's good for you.

Radio Naturopath Episode 263: Wear Your Mask Properly, A History of Hygiene and Health, Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

Today, I discussed my concern that people are going into shops or in places where masks should be worn and wearing them incorrectly. I saw at least three people in one store with their mouths covered and their noses uncovered. I explained why this is a worthless act and why you need BOTH your nose and mouth covered. I also explained if you have a health or emotional reason why you can't or won't cover both your nose and mouth, the healthful, safe, considerate thing is not to enter the store, nor go to places with crowds where it's difficult to maintain distance. The solution to shopping is either to get curbside or delivery service, or have someone else shop for you!

I gave a history of the advent of hygiene, and how that has helped with our health and longevity. I also talked about diverticular disease!

Radio Naturopath Episode 262: COVID-19: Relative Risk of Activities, Tri-State Travel Advisories, Eat Your Berries, Flowers are Good For You, and IS Breakfast Good For You?

This week, I talked about relative risk of various activities during the pandemic, indoor dining with guests vs. outdoor barbecues, various shopping experiences, and the like. I discussed the travel advisory for states with high rates of infection when traveling to Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Four of my most beloved people are in three of the states: AZ, FL, and NC!

Then I went back to touting the benefits of more different fruits. Eat your berries and cherries! I talked about why it's good to have flowers in your home. Plus, should you eat breakfast?

Radio Naturopath Episode 261: Avoid Large Gatherings; Hydrate in the Heat; Why Fruit is Good For You, Especially Strawberries and Watermelon

I talked about the folly of the Trump organization having a large gathering where they didn't push mask-wearing, and that this could potentially become a super-spreader event. I continue to encourage people to wear masks in public; more and more studies are showing they really do stop the spread, and that if 90+% of people wore them the virus would die out.

Since we're in our first heat wave of 2020 I encouraged everyone to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! A short bit on the benefits of water vs. sugar and electrolytes. Then I talked about the health benefits of fruit in general, and specifically strawberries and watermelon. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 260: Asymptomatic Spread of COVID-19, Sunburn: Foods, Supplements, and Sunscreen, Bugs: Food and Repellant, Eat Your Flowers

This week, I discussed the World Health Organization's initial finding that asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 is nearly unknown, and their subsequent backpedaling. Of course, if someone is asymptomatic, you don't know if they'll STAY that way, or if they're PRE-symptomatic! So, sheesh, still wear your mask and follow health guidelines. 

I reviewed natural sunscreen ingredients, and discussed foods and supplements that can help to prevent sunburn. There's a bunch of them! I also discussed more insect repellant and foods to ward them off. I finished with edible flowers! Next week I'm starting with Why Flowers Make You Happy. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 259: Wear Your Mask, Screen Time and Health, Insect Repellant, Repairing Your Joints

This week, once again I cautioned people about running out too soon and continuing to take coronavirus seriously. I cautioned about wearing masks and wearing them correctly, respecting others' comfort level, and using caution about gathering in large groups.

We also discussed ways that screen time can be bad for you! Did you know that many adults spend as much as 11 hours/day looking at screens? This would be especially true if your job requires it. It can affect the emotional development in kids, and the ability to pay attention in anyone. So limit screen time and find ways to enjoy the IRL world!

We reminded folks once again that when you're outside you need to be mindful of ticks, and the good things that can act as natural insect repellants. Also, a nice review of current supplements that can help to repair joints. 

Radio Naturopath Episode 258: Black Lives Matter, Reopen with Caution, Glutathione, Glycine and Selenium

This week, I felt I had to address the recent killing of George Floyd and the riots that are going on. Racism is a public health crisis and puts the lives of black and brown people in danger every day. The pain and anger is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is also disproportionately affecting people of color. I talked about feeling like I want to stand in solidarity as a white person to help with societal change, and also admonish that people of color should be controlling the narrative. 

I also talked about how since the state of Connecticut is in the first stage of reopening, many people are not taking distancing seriously. This could result in a second wave of illness. There are also those who are not comfortable with the level of relaxing guidelines and have to deal with defending their position. My position is to err on the side of caution.

I also talked about glutathione as it's helpful for coronavirus and general detox, along with glycine and N-acetyl-cysteine. You can mix them into applesauce or make a shake!

Preview for next week: sunscreen and bug repellant!