I was once told that I wash my hands like I am preparing to go into surgery. I accept that. Hand washing is a basic skill that was taught to me as a child. I paid attention, and it has served me well. I never understood the kind of person who could stick their fingers in a bowling ball, then go eat french fries (it’s always french fries at a bowling alley), without washing their hands. Or the person who blows their nose at the dinner table and then continues to eat…not thinking twice about it! Or the one who pumps gas, hops back into their car, and continues to eat snacks without considering the germs. You know the kind, they are out there, but now, with luck, they are more diligent about hand washing.
Anyone who knows me also knows that I have never appreciated people who are too close to my personal space. The ones that stand behind you while you are eating or reading, and literally just breathe on you. Or the “close talkers”…those who, if they were any closer, would be in your front pocket. The more you back up, the more they walk forward. You know the type. I specifically remember being at a party one time. A guy was talking so close that I kept backing up and backing up until I was almost sitting on top of the stove! He, of course, was un-phased. There is one in every group.
So, you get it, I’m a little bit of a germaphobe. My friends could tell you stories. I have been known to have what some call “Cathyism’s”; hence, the name of my blog. Cathyism’s are trigger points where I rather quickly get annoyed or perplexed by others’ behavior. I’ve never been a huge hugger or hand shaker (I’ve always thought that was a recipe for disaster), or a “be in your space” kinda person. I enjoy my 4 squares, my own space: it’s kinda my thing. So, I wear a mask in public and I continue to wash my hands. This is good for me. I am on board. Maybe for different reasons than other people, but nevertheless, I comply.
Side note, to the lady who was wearing her mask outside while smoking a cigarette, you may want to rethink that.
I hear what people are telling us, about handwashing and masks. It’s about safety, protecting ourselves, protecting others, caring about each other, keeping us healthy. Hmmm, ok…
But, let’s put the virus aside for a moment and consider our everyday health. What about how we treat our body on a regular basis? What about the food that we consume everyday and how it affects our overall health and body composition? What about daily exercise and activity, or simply put, just moving the body? Are these things important to our health? Do these things boost our immune system, giving us the best possible chance at fighting virus and disease? Is it a perfect science, this working out and eating healthy thing? Of course not. But it is time for people to open their eyes to see the damage that poor nutrition and lack of exercise do to overall health as well as to the body’s ability to respond to disease. I am not a doctor, I do not “practice medicine.” Nor am I a scientist or one of the virus “experts.” I am an average person with reasonable common sense who says if you carry an unhealthy body composition, you put yourself at higher risk for health issues. If you are sedentary, omitting movement and exercise, you put yourself at higher risk for health issues.
I’m not the only one who feels that way. In a recent interview between Matthew McConaughey and Dr. Fauci, McConaughey asked Dr. Fauci if we should just let everyone get infected with the virus.
“What about letting everyone get infected, so we all become immune and the disease dies out?”
“No way,” Fauci said. “That would cause big problems, particularly in America, where obesity is prevalent and related conditions like diabetes and hypertension are considered risk factors in how sick a person gets.”
Does that mean that Cathy Beasley, who is in great shape and is a healthy eater is immune to viruses? Absolutely not. I would be absurd to suggest that. What I suggest is that people start to focus on their health, to give themselves a chance to at least present a strong front for whatever comes. I’d like to hear some yelling and screaming for that. I recently read an article that suggests that obesity can hinder the response to vaccines, possibly making them less effective…
“Now, obesity researchers are raising alarms about the possibility of a vaccine against the new coronavirus being less effective in adults who are considered obese.”
I went to the grocery store the other day to get my staples. Now, when I say staples, I mean my usual food, not something to put in a stapler…vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meats, eggs. No extras. It makes grocery shopping a breeze, and it’s cheaper. I stay on the perimeter of the store, avoiding the middle aisles where the bulk of the junk food is. But of course, I notice those aisles, who wouldn’t? What I notice is the excessively large amount of unhealthy food that is in the store. It’s mind boggling. No wonder people’s grocery bills are so high, and no wonder people are so unhealthy.
So how, now, can people continue to preach and yell and fuss about health, when the fundamental basic health issues are avoided ALL THE TIME? It’s time to make health education a real focus, so that people finally understand the disservice they are doing to their bodies with unhealthy daily choices. Reminds me of the young adults who run around screaming “go green, recycle” and then stick a vape in their mouth. There is a huge disconnect between health and our society.
Now, as far as the virus goes, I’m not touching that. I know it’s out there; I know I don’t want it, and I will do my part to protect myself and others. But make no mistake, I’m aligning myself with a defense that will last long after masks are put away, and that’s a healthy immune system. Is it a guarantee? There are no guarantees in life.
What I want is a chance. A chance to feel the best I can. So I can function without my body hurting, so I can walk upstairs and not lose my breath, so I can put on clothes and feel comfortable, so I can be a good role model for others, and so I can feel strong mentally to handle this little thing called life that continues to throw us one curve ball after another.
