Radio Naturopath Episode 310: Protect Yourself: The COVID-19 Pandemic Isn't Over, Micellar Water Etc.

I started with a serious reminder that the pandemic is not over. People of the United States are only 47% fully vaccinated, and there are hot spots in areas where people are largely unvaccinated. It's still a good idea to avoid congregate setting when you can, mask when you can't, and if you go to the gym, place of worship, or a place to sing, consider whether people are vaccinated, the extent of ventilation, and whether it's best to wear a mask. COVID-19 spreads by aerosols, and the more aerosol you breath the more virus you can inhale. It's not time to completely let down our guard.

On to a lighter note: health and beauty aids! I talked about micellar water which is all the rage right now! That, and why you might want to use toner. I also talked about sunscreens and some ingredients and nutrition to protect against skin cancer.

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 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 256: Stop Calling It Lockdown; A View of the Bakersfield Doctors; Why Sourdough Bread is Good For You

This week, I first addressed the term "lockdown". I strongly discourage the use of the word because it magnifies the panic, fear, and drama present during the pandemic. At  no point in the US has anyone been manditorily "locked down" in their homes on pain of legal repercussion. We have all been able to leave our homes to exercise and access essential services. I recommend using calmer terms like "stay at home", "stay safe stay home", physical (not social) distance, and Wash Your Hands and Wear A Mask. Let's use word that bring us together supportively. Also, let's use words that accurately describe what we're doing!

I also addressed the two doctors from Bakersfield, California, and discussed their premises, the public reaction to them, and my own thoughts. I don't agree that there is no need for masks and modifying how we do business!

Also, sourdough is all the rage. Why is it good for you? Ron and I are going to try to make it gluten free!

Radio Naturopath Episode 252: Happy 4/20! Cannabis, Coronavirus, Inflammation; Obesity in the USA

Well, TODAY is 4/20/20, so we thought we'd talk about CHOCOLATE. No, I'm kidding, of course it's Cannabis Day in the USA! So we talked about the benefits of CBD for pain and inflammation, and that it possibly calm the inflammation of the coronavirus. It also can help with anxiety during the pandemic. We also discussed weight during the pandemic, some suggestions to ease it, and the fact that we're up to 42% obesity in the USA.