Current Situation: For the first time, the World Health Organization called the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, a PANDEMIC.

“The world is now in the grip of a corona virus pandemic. We are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction in the fight against the spread of the disease,” WHO Director General. WHO defines a pandemic as the worldwide spread of a new disease for which most people do not have IMMUNITY.

TODAY, March 11, 2020, COVID’s Worldwide cases 126,008 * Deaths 4,614. In the Philippines, 49 cases / 2 deaths. It's not so much a question of if the spread can be controlled sooner, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe cases. While the threat of this pandemic should be taken seriously there is no need to fear, but proper precautions and readiness are prudent and entirely necessary. The statistics for the general population suggest that 15% of those who contract the disease will become seriously ill, 5% critically ill, and 1-5% of the infected people die. However, it is important to understand that reliable statistics are not yet available. Therefore, since this disease can be potentially deadly for anyone, protection and avoidance are important for every person and all age groups.

If, for example, in Manila with 1.8 million people e, 10% will get infected, 0.5% will have severe cases that will require hospitalization, that will be 9,000 people. Our hospital and medical system would not be able to handle it, and most of them would be sent home for self-quarantine. The possibility of more contamination and progression of the disease then becomes greater, especially among the marginalized population of the country. The current capacity of existing hospitals could not contain that many infected patients, and would accept only severe cases where the lungs and respiratory system need emergency treatment. Mild cases are referred to self-quarantine. 

Mild and self-quarantine patients:

1) have inadequate information and know-how to treat their own condition

2) are prone to contaminate other members of the family due to proximity and lack of mechanisms for self-quarantine, especially among the poorer sectors of our society, as well as possible lack of the required discipline for self-quarantine

3) will not have sufficient mechanism to heal themselves (medicines, nutrition/food, medical supplies, etc.). In other words, many would be doomed to become victims of Covid-19.

EACH OF US MUST BE PROACTIVE, AND EACH HOUSEHOLD MUST BE READY TO BE SELF-CONTAINED, INDEPENDENT, AND SELF-RELIANT. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COVID-19

1. PERSONAL HYGIENE IS CRITICAL: FREQUENT HAND WASHING

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that COVID 19 and flu are viruses, not bacteria. Therefore, Antibacterial soap will not neutralize the virus. Best to use simple anti-viral soap. What else can we do:

o Prepare a home-made hand sanitizer using infused herbs and anti-viral essential oils

o Practice touchless greetings: bowing or namaste

o Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches, elevator buttons, etc.

o Open doors with your closed fist or hip - do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and/or office/commercial doors.

o I use a drop of Immuno-Therapy EO Blend after washing my hands or outside the clinic/home.

2. AVOID FACE TOUCHING

o Break the habit of touching your face. Don’t touch your nose, rub your mouth, or wipe your eyes with your hand.

3. WEARING A FACEMASK

o The prime value of a disposable face mask is when they are worn by the sick person. By wearing it, their coughs and sneezes are somewhat contained. COVID-19 is too small to be stopped by an N95 medical mask, but a mask may be useful for intercepting microscopic droplets from a cough or sneeze that carries the virus. Those who are ill should wear masks. o It is good to wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or public transport) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office (clinic or hospital). If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

o N95 respirators are designed to prevent 95 per cent of small particles from entering the nose and mouth area. But they only work if they fit properly, and aren’t suitable for children or people with facial hair.

o N95 respirators can also feel like it is more difficult for a person to breathe. It may be challenging at first to breathe through the mask, but after a while it should feel more natural.

Left to Right: Size comparison between particles filtered by masks, COVID-19 virus, bacteria, germ, red blood cell, and a microscopic aerosol droplet created by a cough.

LET US PRACTICE THE FOLLOWING TO BOOST OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. AFTER ALL, IT IS OUR FIRST AND LAST LINE OF DEFENSE.

Within us is an amazing network of protector and defender cells, tissues, and organs to help us fight all forms of diseases. They are programmed to protect and defend us against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins, and parasites that would love to invade our body. These are the superheroes of our IMMUNE SYSTEM. Pathways to a strong Immune System include:

4. HEALTHY DIET / NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

Food functions to rebuild living tissues, supply energy, and preserve a proper medium in which the biochemical processes of the body can take place. If the food we eat fails to adequately perform these functions, then our immune system becomes compromised, the body cannot utilize the bioactive components of each food, and toxicity develops. The foods that fight viral infections and deter disease growth are generally the same: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, spices and micro-algae. All have important nutrients and other infection-fighting substances (phytochemicals) that strengthen immune function.

Choose different colors of produce to obtain the full spectrum of complementary nutrients your body needs. Consider planting, eating, and buying organic foods to avoid antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes made from tar and petrochemicals, artificial sweeteners derived from chemicals, chemical pesticide and fertilizers, genetically engineered proteins and ingredients, sewage sludge and irradiation. All of these weaken our immune system.

o Feed the body with nutritious meals and avoid junk, processed, and fast foods and drinks.

o Snack on boiled or uncooked banana, steamed sweet potato, or steamed/boiled cassava.

o Stay with healthy, complex carbohydrates: black/brown rice, adlai, quinoa, root crops

o Hydrate well with coconut water and purified water with lemon or calamansi, cucumber, lemon grass, tarragon, or peppermint teas.

o Keep sweets down to fruits like mangoes, local orange, jackfruit, and soursop.

o Spice it up with TURMERIC + GINGER + GARLIC + CALAMANSI (local lemon) TEA. Boil 3 cups of distilled water. Meanwhile, thoroughly wash 25pcs organic fresh turmeric root / 3inches ginger root / 1 bulb native garlic / 25pcs calamansi or two organic lemon. Slice thinly or grate the turmeric and ginger after washing thoroughly. Peel & crush the garlic / juice the calamansi or lemon. Add to boiling water the turmeric, ginger & garlic. Turn off the stove, add the calamansi or lemon juice, cover the pan and infuse or steep for 15 minutes. Cool and sip throughout the day. Take 1 cup three times a day if possible. Powerful drink to rebuild immunity and the best anti-inflammatory remedy.

o Go Green: steam or juice leaves of sweet potato, Moringa, Malavar spinach (alugbati) and other local greens.

o If meat cannot be avoided, limit intake and ensure high quality meat.

o Drink Power Teas: Green, Matcha, Sencha, Chamomile, and Ginger.

o Go for an Oil Change: Use VCO for Oil pulling / 1 tbsp added to organic berry smoothie.

5. GET PHYSICAL with EXERCISE & MOVEMENT every day or at least three times a week. Start with 10-15 minutes if you don’t exercise regularly, then increase in increments of 15 minutes every 3-5 days until you reach 45 minutes of exercise a day. Best to walk outdoors with the first morning sun. If using trampoline, exercise 10 minutes every day or treadmill for 15 to 20 minutes every day.

6. AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS AND CONGESTED PLACES. Health authorities are cautioning against travelling to the affected region unless absolutely necessary.

7. LET THE SUNSHINE IN: 20-30 minutes a day. Vitamin D is the Natural Immunotherapy, and is not an optional supplement. Vitamin D is a non-negotiable cellular necessity, our life health support system.

8. MAKE TIME FOR SILENCE, PRAYER, AND MEDITATION

Psalm 91: 1-6

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

9. BE NOT AFRAID!

“Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.” -St. Francis de Sales “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” ― Marie Curie

10. WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE.

o Yes, the world needs each other. We are brothers and sisters. Let us reach out and help someone.

o “China deserves the International Community’s gratitude and respect for efforts to fight virus outbreak.” - Director General of WHO o “Don't give in to your fears. If you do, you won't be able to talk to your heart.” - Paulo Coelho

o While everyone should take precautions, the current virus outbreak already shows several points that allow us to calibrate our responses. -The Manila Times

11. BE CALM, VERIFY NEWS, AND GET PERSPECTIVE 

We need a response and management system for all types of outbreaks, calamities, economic, and other crises, which should arise from facts and logic, discipline, good execution, and not the emotions, hysteria, unverified news, and advice of people who have more opinions than a record of success or experience. Globalization’s challenges will no longer be solved by a “you-against-me attitude,” but “ a we-against-real threats to humanity”! - George Siy, Director of the Integrated Development Studies Institute (IDSI)

12. HARNESS THE POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are one of the most untapped resources of the world. My practice of integrative medicine started with clinical aromatherapy. It is indispensable in my daily life and in the clinic. Essential oils are very effective, not just on the cellular and physical level, but also in the emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic areas of our lives. They provide a system of medicine which is in total biochemical harmony with the human body, and also non-invasive. My children grew up with essential oils, from small insect bites to upper respiratory infections. They also used it for overall well being, such as peppermint for clarity of mind for daily activities.

o STEAM INHALATION at least once a day for healthy lungs, immune system, and/or any upper respiratory conditions, throat and/or sinus problems. Daily steam inhalation (using a big towel over your head as a tent): Add one drop each of eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree essential oils (one after the other, not all together) in newly boiled water. Alternate: inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose, then inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

o TEA TREE MOUTHWASH  twice a day, morning and before bedtime with half a glass of warm water + 1-2 drops of pure tea tree essential oil.

o LAVENDER - relaxes the body and reduces stress, promotes restful sleep, promotes healthy skin and supports hormone balance, supports healthy blood sugar and blood sugar levels.

o EUCALYPTUS – improves respiratory conditions, relieves cough, improves seasonal allergies, fights infections, reduces pain and inflammation, alleviates headaches, aids wound care, improves earaches, boosts mental clarity.

o TEA TREE - soothes skin irritations, fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, helps prevent antibiotic resistance, relieves congestion and respiratory tract infection, helps treat scabies, prevents and improves bad breath.

o FRANKINCENSE - reduces inflammation, contains cancer-fighting properties, increases spiritual awareness, boosts immunity, fights infections, improves anxiety, and heals skin.

o ORANGE - immunity enhancer, antibacterial, lowers blood pressure (improves blood flow and fights hypertension), reduces pain from headaches, anti-inflammatory, pain reducer, anxiety calmer and mood booster, promotes better sleep, skin saver (promotes production of collagen), natural mouthwash and gum protector.

13. HERBAL THERAPY

Herbs were once the primary means of treating illnesses and ensuring ongoing good health. The seemingly mystical healing properties of various herbs and botanicals have helped cure all manner of afflictions. There are herbal preparations for detoxification and various blends for common health conditions. Mounting evidence indicates that herbal preparations have disease/infection-fighting properties, and many herbs and botanicals help build a strong immune system. Let us utilize nature’s greatest gift to mankind: herbs! The delightful secret of “nature’s gift” is that it can be part of our diet. It is amazing how each herbal preparation comes with a list of medicinal benefits that keep us healthy and strong, and how medicine can be enjoyable.

o UNICELLULAR THERAPY - Going green, after all, is in. Maintain a healthy immune system all year long with Unicellular Therapy, an incredible nutritional powerhouse and immunity-boosting therapy. A powerful and nutrient-dense complete food with a full-spectrum cocktail of nutrients: 60% protein / vitamins A, C, E and D, as well as folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin and other B vitamins / loaded with essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium, as well as manganese, zinc, sodium, iodine and copper – all of which are known to support a healthy immune system / amino acids, as well as healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants and enzymes, including Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a nucleotide-peptide complex not found in any other superfood.

o IMMUNE BOOSTER - A nourishing supplement for the entire human body: nervous, musculoskeletal, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, urinary, and immune systems. A strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti- aging, prevents cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune diseases, and other chronic conditions.

o LUNG AIDE – Proven effective for coughs, chest colds, sinus congestion, flu, hay fever, allergies, environmental irritants, bronchitis, sore throat, and asthma symptoms. Filled with potent antioxidants that protect the lung cells from damage caused by tobacco smoke and air pollution. Absolutely safe for adults, children, and even infants.

o IMMUNE AID - Homeopathic remedy for viruses, flu, colds, cough, and sore throat.

14. GET YOUR ZZZZZ

Medical researchers are discovering that sleep is our body’s way of recharging your immune system, explaining why poor sleepers are prone to infections and heart disease. Research shows that the immune system needs 9 hours of sleep in total darkness to recharge completely. One day without sleep reduces cognitive performance by 30%, and two days by 60%. Poor sleep patterns are linked to poor health, and those who sleep less than six hours a night have a shorter life expectancy than those who sleep for longer.

o Interactions between sleep and the immune system have been well documented. Sleep deprivation increases the levels of many inflammatory mediators, and infections in turn affect the amount and patterns of sleep. While scientists are just beginning to understand these interactions, early work suggests that sleep deprivation may decrease the ability to resist infection like common cold. In a recent study, people who averaged less than seven hours of sleep a night were about three times more likely to develop cold symptoms than study volunteers who got eight or more hours of sleep when exposed to the cold-causing rhinovirus. In addition, those individuals who got better quality sleep were the least likely to come down with a cold. -Harvard Medical School

o During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you're under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don't get enough sleep. – Mayo Clinic o During normal physiological sleep, blood levels of cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine drop while growth factors such as growth hormone, prolactin, and melatonin increase. Cortisol, our stress and immune-regulating hormone has a circadian rhythm independent of sleep, and nocturnal shifts result in increased immune cell activity at night. Sleep, particularly slow wave sleep, supports adaptive immunity, the memory defense that works in concert with the front line innate immune system. – GreenMedInfo

15. IF YOU SMOKE, QUIT SMOKING NOW 

Smokers have to quit NOW to avoid dying of coronavirus - with the illness 40 TIMES deadlier than the seasonal flu, according to Dr. Norman Swan. ABC health expert said lungs of nicotine addicts were vulnerable to COVID-19. 'If you are a smoker, the lining of your lungs is more vulnerable and you're producing more of the receptors which the COVID-19 virus latches on to, So quit now - there are plenty of resources around to help you. Diabetics and those with lung and heart problems are also at risk.

PLEASE, LET US TAKE COVID-19 SERIOUSLY … DR. TEDROS ADHANOM GREBREYESUS - WHO Director General 

We're concerned that in some countries the level of political commitment & the actions that demonstrate that commitment don't match the level of the threat we all face. THIS IS NOT a drill  NOT the time to give up NOT a time for excuses This is a time for pulling out all the stops

TOGETHER, we can prevent, control and defeat COVID-19. Each of us must be proactive, and each household must be ready to be self-contained, independent, and self-reliant. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences through my FB/IG/TW.

Much love, Dr. Christine Gonzalez