Let’s talk about the virus and your immune system, virtual health consultations, growing your business, your posture, stretching your neck and my stretching class.
ARE YOU A GOOD OR BAD HOST (TO A VIRUS?)
There is an abundance of research coming out attempting to discover why some people are asymptomatic to the COVID-19 virus and others get deathly sick and/or die. One revealing thing is that a strong immune system is critical for avoiding infection or fending it off effectively should you contract it. The problem here is that most Americans already have weakened immune systems, and coupled with poor infection prevention measures has led to too many unnecessary illnesses and deaths.
There is an epidemic within this pandemic and it is that 72% of the population is overweight or obese, which leads to a greater vulnerability to infection and disease. Simply put, the primary way the virus enters our body is through ACE2 receptors on the surface of your lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, GI tract, brain, epithelial cells and fat cells. The role of ACE2 is to fight a protein that causes inflammation, but the SARS-COV-2 virus binds to ACE2 receptors like a key into a lock, which hinders the effectiveness of the enzyme to fight tissue injury and inflammation. Because fat cells have more ACE2 receptors than lung cells, those with high levels of adipose tissue are more likely to be infected.
The significance of this is that overweight and obese people, not matter their age, already have a compromised respiratory system, along with a compressed diaphragm, lungs and chest capacity, which reduces your lung’s ability to function. Preexisting inflammation plays a significant role in the worst COVID-19 outcomes. Also, about 6 in 10 Americans have an underlying chronic illness, like type 2 diabetes or a metabolic syndrome, which cause low grade inflammation. With the COVID-19 virus, a recent study found 82% of the patients suffered neurological complications like muscle pain, headaches, dizziness and brain fog. These people become a “good” host for the virus, any virus.
What to do? See your chiropractor. Chiropractic is incredibly valuable in helping to boost your nervous system and the immune system, and coupled with weight reduction and reducing your sugar intake, is an immediate action you can take to protect yourself. Additionally, immune-boosting supplements will help, too. Vitamin D3, curcumin, the polyphenols in green tea, Vitamin C, Zinc and DHEA are all immune boosters. You will also improve your health with a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids; regular mild to moderate exercise, sufficient sleep, stress reduction, and the inclusion of pre- and probiotics for improved gut health.
Like most everything else in your life, you cannot control the virus, but you can control the host. Lifestyle improvements and a reduction of chronic inflammation are going to improve your odds of not getting it or having a very mild reaction. If you want help, we can have a virtual health consultation where we review what you are doing to maintain good health. Give me a call. Dr. Ben (Your Biomechanic on the Road to Good Health)
Much of this information was gleaned from research by Dr. Robert Silverman, D.C., M.S., DACBN
VIRTUAL HEALTH CONSULTATIONS
I know, it’s hard to beat hands-on chiropractic care, but if you really need help and aren’t leaving the house, then let’s have a talk. I have helped some of my patients by showing them what exercises to do to get rid of a chronic ache, and with others we have discussed sleeping patterns and improving their diet. There are ways to figure out a problem via Zoom, so don’t despair (take to the air).
FROM MONDAY MORNING MOTIVATION BY BILL ESTEB (REFORMATTED FOR ALL BUSINESSES)
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EXERCISE FOR THE MONTH
There is too much sitting around and mousing on the computer, so here is one of the easiest and most effective exercises you can do to reduce tension in your neck, Neck Glides. This both stretches and strengthens your neck.
https://studio.youtube.com/video/HuLZwQYKnY8/edit
My Flex Appeal stretching class is happening via Zoom every Monday at 12:30 to 1:30 pm. You stretch all your muscles in the comfort of your own home or office, and you’ll be challenged through your full range of motion. A yoga mat and wearing loose clothing is suggested. Please sign up by sending your payment via one of the three options below and I will send you the link for the weekly classes. Feel free to pass this on to your friends and family.
You may pay the monthly $24 for the class via VenMo – @Benjamin-Griffes-1; via PayPal – stretching4life@aol.com or Benjamin Griffes; by check, sent to Dr. Ben Griffes, 18399 Ventura Blvd, Suite 241, Tarzana, CA 91356.
THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH (and honor St. Valentine’s Day)
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. –Aristotle
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. –Lao Tzu
My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite. —William Shakespeare
If I had a flower for every time I thought of you … I could walk through my garden forever. –Alfred Tennyson
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for his love is better than wine. Solomon 1:2
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14
HUMOR
Due to my isolation, I finished 3 books yesterday, and let me tell you, that’s a lot of coloring.
What did our parents do to kill boredom before the internet? I asked my 26 brothers and sisters, and they didn’t know either.