How the new coronavirus found a chink in our armor

In the age of globalization, you can board a plane and be halfway across the world in a matter of hours. Our economy is flush with goods from all around the world at our fingertips. We heard about the Coronavirus outbreak in China, but it seemed a world away until about a month ago in rural Colorado, two months for some. But in this globalized economy, the spread didn’t take long. Now the viral outbreak has infiltrated the United States. It has disrupted our daily life, and will likely have far-reaching economic consequences.

This virus has found a chink in the armor of the entire world: the health of the population. Humor me, and take a step back from the fear and the day to day events and drama of ‘stay at home’ restrictions and business closures. Ask yourself what steps we could be taking to minimize the impact of this virus of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. It becomes hard to deny that as a culture we have not made our health a priority. 

As individual citizens and communities, we have the ability to vote with our daily choices and our wallets to foster local and nutrient-dense foods that create a healthy microbiome for us and the planet. Instead, our diets are full of foods that overfeed but undernourish us. We expose ourselves to toxic chemicals in our food, water, personal care products, and from mental and emotional stress we allow to build up in our bodies day after day.

Along with the globalized economy have come some environmental factors that are stacking the decks against our health. To name just a few, most of our food supply is treated with pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics. We are exposed to ever-increasing radiation from increasing bandwidth of wifi and cellular devices. Plus, we now have ‘forever chemicals’ in our food, water, and environment; these are tiny compounds from Teflon and countless other fabrics, carpets, and nonstick products which are toxic chemicals that apparently do not break down in our body or the environment.

In fact, this generation is the first that was predicted to have a shorter lifespan, on average, than their parents. People are developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions at unprecedented rates. Even simple but foundational health principles such as daily movement and proper posture have been neglected by most.

Don’t worry, you are coming close to the end of the doom and gloom rant, but it’s important to acknowledge this global immunity crisis on our hands. However, periods of significant disruption can be an amazing catalyst, and this global crisis can be an inspiration for change!

I cannot say that I am surprised that the ‘health care’ system is at grave risk of being overwhelmed. Our hospitals and specialists primarily deal with people who become critically ill. Unfortunately, many people are walking around as ticking time bombs of inflammation, getting by day to day while suffering from low-grade symptoms. As a population, we do not seem to have the tools or the time to invest in our own health resilience. As a result, we are ripe to be ravaged by illness, whether from this virus, a future superbug or simply from the inflammation that builds in our body and creates chronic disease. I’m of the belief that a chronic health care crisis had already arrived in the U.S. leaving us more susceptible to the new coronavirus.

With the added complications of the modern environment and lifestyle, it is even more important to do our best to nourish ourselves with whole nutrient-dense foods and create a lifestyle that supports our bodies and our microbiomes.  We must take responsibility for our own health and the health of our friends and family. Health is not the absence of a diagnosis, it is a foundation that is created by your day to day actions, habits, and decisions.

So, what is health, and how do we create it?

Health is a daily practice that might look slightly different for each of us. Health is eating a nourishing and anti-inflammatory nutrient-dense diet. Health is cultivating a healthy microbiome. Health is moving daily and staying hydrated. Health is managing your stress through positive outlets. Health is being aware of your thought patterns. Health is using herbs appropriately through cooking, teas, and tinctures.  Health is finding connection to others and to the earth.

Ultimately, a healthy human is a resilient human with an immune system that can adapt to new threats without excess inflammation. Someone who has the energy that to engage through the day and a mind that navigates stressful decisions without holding onto them. Someone who makes time for connection and play!

The more you practice healthy choices, the better you feel! However, you can’t just turn these habits on and expect immediate results. It requires consistent cultivation and dedication, but you will find the rewards are worth the effort and more!

What does a healthy human look like to you? Let us know in the comments. Of course, it will be different for everyone 🙂 

Please join my partner Kelly Sheridan and me, Lauren Price, on our Meta Reset Facebook Page and Facebook Group. We want to help you transition into a healthier, more resilient version of yourself.  To keep you inspired, we will be posting regularly to keep you informed and inspired on your health journey!