Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update

Over the past several weeks there has been a huge emphasis placed on COVID-19 and its impact on the world.  After scouring resources and speaking with people ranging from researchers & epidemiologists to public health experts and health care professionals, our Bonita Springs FL and Fort Myers FL chiropractors felt it important to address the issue.

There are 3 COVID considerations as we see it:

1. Epidemiologic Concerns - deals with the incidence, distribution and control of diseases
2. Immunological Concerns - branch of biology that covers the study of immune systems
3. Preparatory Measures - Involves proactive pursuit of solutions while collaborating health professionals

Let me start by saying that all three are of equal importance and each consideration carries its own concerns.  As with most complex problems, we believe that COVID-19 requires a multifaceted approach in order to achieve true resolution.  Most Epidemiologic Concerns rest with slowing the transmission of the Coronavirus also known as "flattening the curve", in part, to prevent an unsustainable load to our health care infrastructure.  This is probably the single greatest threat to our community, as it would strain healthcare resources along with healthcare personnel, negatively impacting our ability to provide care for true life threatening conditions or complications that members of our community may face.  The primary reason testing and quarantine measures are being discussed is to address these epidemiologic concerns.

While COVID-19 has not proved to be a major problem in healthy populations, it is proving to be a challenge to those whose immune system is compromised.  This very fact warrants attention and action because no life is expendable. So as we receive updates and or instructions keep in mind that every recommendation is not just for us, it is to benefit ALL of us.  The Immunological Concerns rest with limiting exposure to those who are at greater risk for having complications and how to effectively support them, should they become ill.  Currently the CDC still says that there is "No specific treatment for COVID-19 is currently available. Clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures and supportive management of complications, including advanced organ support if indicated". Furthermore, "corticosteroids should be avoided, because of the potential for prolonging viral replication as observed in MERS-CoV patients, unless indicated for other reasons."  Yes, there has been a lot of communication regarding rushing a vaccine to market. Our concern is that steps, designed to test safety for humans, are being skipped in the interest of time for a virus that the CDC still believes that "Most will be able to recover from at home".  

This means that the best course of action still rests with strengthening our immune systems if we are not ill and supporting it if we are, to give us the best opportunity to recover.  Therefore the next logical question is what Preparatory Measures should be taken to stack the odds in our favor.

What Measures Can You Take to Protect Yourself?

1. Exercise Good Manners: Most of the recommendations coming from every health related agency in the world fall underneath this category.  All of which should be things that we exercise on a regular basis already.  

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
• If you cough or sneeze please do so into a tissue and then discard
• Avoid touching your face, in particular your eyes and nose
• Sanitize surfaces regularly

2. Consider Supplementing with Vitamin C & Vitamin D: Both Vitamin C and D have been shown to have a favorable impact on the immune system along with having antiviral properties.  It would be an excellent idea to have your Vitamin D levels tested by a healthcare professional and potentially supplement those levels.

3. Load your diet with Anti-Viral Foods & Eliminate Sugar Intake: Sugar suppresses immune function so leave the twinkies alone please.  Listed below are few different foods that have been shown through research to have antiviral properties.

• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Echinacea
• Peppermint
• And many more… Google is your friend and at the bottom of this page are links to resources to get you started.

4. Get Adequate Sleep: Getting continuous sleep, in particular REM sleep has also been shown to positively impact immune modulators.  So in times of high stress, it remains extremely important to carve out time to ensure adequate sleep is acquired.

5. See Your Local Chiropractor: As you can see, from the non-inclusive list above, there are several things that can be done proactively to ensure that your immune system is strong or to strengthen it in the event that it is compromised.  Chiropractic has been shown through research to positively impact key immune compounds that are key to fighting off and protecting against bacteria and viruses. Check out the links below highlighting their link to immune compounds, IgG and IgA. 

Our hope is that after we recover as a community there is a new found value on proactively keeping our defense(immune) system high.

What Measures Are We Taking?

Our stance and the decisions that we are making as a result of COVID-19 are not out of fear but in respect of our responsibility as a health professional in the State of Florida and empathy for the community that we serve.  

1. All disinfectants that are being used by our office are shown on List N which is a list of appropriate disinfectants compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
2. We had the entire office sanitized over the weekend and will continue doing each night in preparation for the next day.
3. All of our team have access to hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol, which is being used regularly.
4. Tables, chairs and equipment are being sanitized regularly.
5. If you are immunocompromised and would like to make special arrangements to be seen we will accommodate you.  Also if you are at-risk and are in need of anything from errands to supplies, please let us know as we are making provisions to help there as well!