“So, if you want to be part of the solution, get vaccinated and say ‘I’m not going to be one of the people that is going to be a stepping stone for the virus to go to somebody else, I’m going to be a dead end to the virus,'”—Dr. Anthony Fauci1
I recently shared on social media my thoughts on Dr. Fauci’s comments that were reported by cbsnews.com. Specifically, I said:
“Be ‘part of the solution’? How about allowing us the freedom to develop our own acquired immunity while protecting the most vulnerable? When has government ever done anything better than nature? Where would we be right now is we had concentrated our efforts on protecting the elderly and people with vulnerable immune systems from the beginning while encouraging the rest to improve their personal health and allowing the virus to run a natural course? We would all be healthier and the overall well-being of our neighbors would be better. Be part of the solution? Do all that you are capable of to be as healthy as you can be. Personally, I will be the last in line to get ‘the vaccine’.”
I was met with a variety of responses. First, let me be clear. I am not an anti-vaxxer. I encourage everyone who should to get the vaccine when it is available. I am not anti-science. I consider myself a scientist, after all. I am, however, skeptical—as one should be—when it comes to science. There is good science, and there is bad science. There is good science poorly applied. I am not insensitive to the threat of COVID-19. I am, however, a strong proponent for personal responsibility. And, let me also be clear that I do not intend my call for personal responsibility to be interpreted as an excuse to put others down. I intend that personal responsibility be coupled with being other-centered. We need to change for the sake of others. We need to change so as to be able to help others.
I cannot sit on my arse and wait for a vaccine. I will not. I will wear a mask where it is appropriate—not for my sake, but for the sake of others. I will physically distance where it is appropriate. Moreover, I am focused now, more than ever, on my personal health—diet, exercise, physical activity, body composition, and my Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social well-centeredness. Frankly, I think the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our governments have been slow and inadequate in addressing the role of these in our current pandemic and for the general health of the population. But what do I know? Afterall, I am “not a real doctor.”
Though we are more than nine months behind, there is much we can do until a safe vaccine is available.
Exercise.2 It doesn’t help when gyms are closed, but there is much we can do at home with little or no equipment. Anything is better than nothing. Don’t assume, however, that because you exercise you are safe against the novel coronavirus—or any virus. While exercise benefits the immune system, too much strenuous exercise can actually increase the risk of infection beyond that of a sedentary lifestyle (I have suggested to readers before to Google “Neiman’s ‘J’”). I have often heard of “healthy” individuals who have had severe symptoms of COVID-19. For one, there are far too many genetic issues with health that we don’t understand or are unaware. Also, it should be stressed that, while exercise boosts the immune system overall, it can also suppress it for a period post-exercise (refer to the “open window” theory of susceptibility to infection). Student athletes are particularly vulnerable to infection because of the compound effects of the stress of intense training, school, and relationships, as well as poor sleeping and eating habits, and close proximity to teammates for prolonged periods. Nevertheless, moderate, regular exercise must be encouraged.
Lose body fat. Obesity is a sensitive issue and, therefore, often avoided. It is, nonetheless, a critical factor in the underlying conditions that substantially increases one risk of COVID-19 (and other viral infections). It can also decrease the effectiveness of vaccines. This is not an issue of body image. There should be no “fat shaming”. It is, after all, possible to be moderately fat and be fit. “Healthy” is what we should be seeking. Statistically (more than 2/3rds of Americans are “overweight”), we can all stand to lose some body fat—and should. This should be accomplished by moderate changes in lifestyle—diet and exercise habits—and seek to be permanent. Even small changes can have a dramatic effect on one’s health.
Be smart. Much of the spread of COVID-19 is simply people taking unnecessary chances. Wearing a mask incorrectly diminishes any potential protection. (Mandates haven’t seemed to work.) Social distancing is good, and we should be washing frequently. Ventilation is, perhaps, one of the most overlooked and under-considered factor in the spread of COVID-19. Extended periods indoors dramatically increases potential exposure. Open windows. Spend more social time outdoors. (Few government mandates adequately consider space and use issues when determining how many should—or should not—gather.) Don’t travel unnecessarily, and, when you travel, assume that you have been exposed, so self-quarantine. Know with whom you are interacting. Keep your contact circles small and close. Assume everyone is infected unless you know better. This is “personal responsibility”.
My point is simple: don’t trust in your government or your neighbor to protect you. Take care of your health and, with a sense of community, help others do the same. Be other-centered. “Be part of the solution.”
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
1cbsnews.com/news/fauci-vaccine-covid-19-facebook/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab6a&linkId=106029030&fbclid=IwAR0IH-Y3h4I4h-TuOc58FAcygPueBPcapTOK8jPfXtXIhu81GAKwXwW7PhI
2https://news.virginia.edu/content/exercise-may-protect-against-deadly-covid-19-complication-research-suggests?fbclid=IwAR1MnD5EmjXKI8lUgZJ8XW71KqClbDEfL2XART7e51Cntnv1CuDXc5KWYYo