MARCH 31, 2020 PANDEMIC

There is so much to read . We all have to be more rigorous with our own rituals at this time. Be careful at this time. Each of us are guilty of talking too much, hate too often and love too little. This is a time of reflection of our own lives and of the community or population at large on Mother Earth. There are many theories as to why this happened. You can say it was a man made virus, you can say it is a contaminant in our own flu vaccine and much more. No matter what —people are dying. We will survive all of this together.

George Carlin wrote this…

1. Remember to spend some time with your loived ones, because they are not going to be around forever

2. Remember say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon wil grow up and leave your side

3. Remember to give a warm hug to one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and doesn’t cost a cent

4. Remember to say ‘ I Love You ‘ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you

5. Give time to love, give time to speak. And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind

6. And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away

7. For me, - Try not to text someone- Pick up the phone and send an old fashioned hand written note to someone you know ( even if someone from the past) It could make all of the difference

8. Always know YOU ARE NOT ALONE

   Until tomorrow…

MARCH 30, 2020 ANTI VIRAL HERB

You might have this herb growing in your garden. It is a member of the mint family and perennial . It produces long stems and tends to ramble on and on. The bushy leaves emit a pleasant lemon scent and adorable white flowers. Rub two leaves together in your fingers and smell the scent

This is Lemon Balm (Melissa officinales) I do not know what astrological planet corresponds to this herb according to Culpepper. I would hope Venus would control this herb. It is a favorite herbs among the honeybees.

Lemon Balm in addition to being an astringent and high in antioxidants , it is an antiviral herb. I feel it is essential to infuse two or three antiviral herbs and make a tea. Sip warm liquids throughout this time of COVID 19.

Drink Lemon Balm . It is also good to calm the nerves and stress that WE all have right now

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 28 - 29, 2020 HERBS TO SUPPORT IMMUNE SYSTEM

You can support your immune system through herbs and supplements. Some of these herbs are right in your kitchen. Some of the common kitchen herbs that can be used are Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary and Tumeric

Add these to your soups, broths and to your favorite tea ( even if Earl Grey)

Kitchen herbalism was practiced by your mother and more likely your grandmother. Look in the cabinet where you keep your spices. Start using them NOW.

For the respiratory ailments you can mix these three herbs for the cough. Use Wild Cherry Bark, Lobelia, Lungwort and Horehound. If you can’t find Horehound you can use a forgotten herb, Elecampane. Add some Slippery Elm to get up the mucous.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 27, 2020 CORONA AND HEART DISEASE

As a cardiologist I have an older patient population. These individuals are at risk for COVID- 19. Unfortunately it is with a heavy heart that I have lost some patients. I am urging patients to keep their immune system strong with food, exercise and supplements

Patients with cardiovascular disease diagnosed with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are urged to continue taking their (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor angiotensin and angiotension receptor blocking medications (ARB) as prescribed, according to a statement jointly published by the American Heart Association (AHA), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)

There were reports of benefits using these medications for COVID 19 Cardiovascular disease patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 should be fully evaluated before adding or removing any treatments, and any changes to their treatment should be based on the latest scientific evidence and shared-decision making with their physician and healthcare team,” the press announcement stated.  According to the joint statement, there have been no experimental or clinical data to support claims related to benefit or harm related to ACEi or ARB use in COVID-19 patients. The associations urged that modifications to ACEi or ARB treatment should only be made after a full evaluation of the individual patient is completed by a physician.

Please consult your health care practitioner before starting or stopping any medication during this pandemic

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 26, 2020 YOUR THOUGHTS

People with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) often have intrusive recurring thoughts that include fears of getting sick or of harm coming to a family member or loved one. With a global epidemic looming large, it can exacerbate feelings of STRESS and ANXIETY. And those compulsive behaviors that interfere with your everyday life can become even more time-consuming and more disruptive.

For those with OCD, take a deep breath. There are clear cut guidelines on the Center for Disease Control website- Do’s and Don’ts. Be smart

If you need to social distance follow the recommendations. I would suggest a good book to read and avoid reading the news or watching the news. Yes, it is real news and can get upsetting at times. Don’t overreact in times like this.

I know it easier said than actually doing or worrying. Follow your own routines that you have been doing except with more caution about contact with other individuals.

WE all will get through this— I promise.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 25, 2020 CORONA AND RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS

The first case of community-spread of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on February 26, 2020 and the virus has been confirmed in numerous states, with more cases expected to be identified. We in New York City will have a hard time.

You know the risk. Stay indoors , stay isolated. Quarantine yourself if need be. We have not seen the peak yet. It will get worse before it gets better

People with COPD and other lung conditions are at an increased risk for severe outcomes if they become infected, which is also true for seasonal influenza and pneumonia.

For those patients with respiratory ailments , — you should have a 30 days supply of your medications on hand

Strengthen your lungs. I use a Sickly tea with Lungwort and Nettles which is effective. Call Botanical Bounty at 646 741 3710 for your tea today Get it while supplies ( or herbs) last. I use MSM, immune boosting mushrooms and glutathione ( liposomal) for lung conditions

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 24, 2020 COVID 19

Covid-19: What symptoms can you expect? We’re starting to get a better understanding of COVID-19’s clinical course. * Incubation (time from exposure to first symptoms) is averaging five to six days. However, it can take as long as two weeks. * Initial symptoms typically include sore throat, aches, headache, fatigue, and abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and nausea. * Symptoms may progress into a dry cough, loss of appetite, and a fever of up to 103 degrees. Severe, drenching night sweats are also typical among my patients. The aforementioned symptoms are common. However, many Covid-19 sufferers may have no symptoms, other symptoms, or even worse symptoms. These include: * Wet cough
* Joint or muscle pain
* Nasal congestion
�ASSESSING YOUR SYMPTOMS
The time for concern is when feel short of breath. You may have seen well-meaning suggestions online that holding your breath for 10 seconds is a reliable test for shortness of breath; this is wrong. If you feel hungry for air with minimal or no exertion, call 911 for immediate attention. If you’re unsure, call your doctor to discuss your condition. If you can’t reach your doctor for any reason, seek immediate evaluation at an urgent care facility or an emergency room. Some patients with COVID-19 experience improvement for a day or two, then have a recurrence of their fever or sweats. This isn’t necessarily a turn for the worse. Continue to hydrate and rest until you’re well for 72 hours (meaning no fever without fever-reducing meds). COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms (fever, cough, sweats) should recover in about two weeks. But for those with more severe symptoms who are hospitalized, recovery may take four to six weeks

Stay healthy - look at previous blogs on supplements to boost your immune system

Keep well

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 27, 2020 CORONA AND HEART DISEASE

As a cardiologist I have an older patient population. These individuals are at risk for COVID- 19. Unfortunately it is with a heavy heart that I have lost some patients. I am urging patients to keep their immune system strong with food, exercise and supplements

Patients with cardiovascular disease diagnosed with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are urged to continue taking their (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor angiotensin and angiotension receptor blocking medications (ARB) as prescribed, according to a statement jointly published by the American Heart Association (AHA), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)

There were reports of benefits using these medications for COVID 19 Cardiovascular disease patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 should be fully evaluated before adding or removing any treatments, and any changes to their treatment should be based on the latest scientific evidence and shared-decision making with their physician and healthcare team,” the press announcement stated.  According to the joint statement, there have been no experimental or clinical data to support claims related to benefit or harm related to ACEi or ARB use in COVID-19 patients. The associations urged that modifications to ACEi or ARB treatment should only be made after a full evaluation of the individual patient is completed by a physician.

Please consult your health care practitioner before starting or stopping any medication during this pandemic

Until tomorrow…