212: Protecting Lives - Especially Your Own

In this episode Brian Johnston explores the unique worldwide phenomenon from the spring of 2020  - the Coronavirus epidemic. Brian brings personal experience as an elder advocate, a California Commissioner on Aging, his experience on the board of the National Legal Center for the Medically Dependent and Disabled, and on the California Board of Examiners of Nursing Homes.  In addition, he brings his personal experience in studying and applying lifestyle tools to address and offset the impact of aging. In addressing the coronavirus, or any epidemic of this nature, Commissioner Johnston suggests it is critical to follow the directions of the federal, state and local authorities to prevent the spread of the illness. Perhaps, most importantly, one must make sure that personal habits prevent further spread. But in addressing these external issues one must not forget our own responsibility to ourselves. We should not only prevent spreading the illness but as much as possible ensure that our health and immune system is equipped to fight such viruses.  Brian outlines numerous common sense approaches to personal health that apply not only to fighting viruses but also to maintaining one's health into life. Such common sense answers include regular and efficient exercise, knowing how to hydrate your own body (70% of your body is literally made of water and failure to hydrate can result in desiccated and failed organs).  Use of supplements is recommended and Brian explains some of the reasons why, given the fact that the modern Western diet does not adequately supply the nutritious vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Johnston concludes with his personal observations regarding methods for fighting other viruses in building up your personal immune system including the use of zinc which has been widely documented in fighting the common cold – which is actually a form of coronavirus! Our obligation to the lives of others, particularly in ensuring that the laws protect those who are most vulnerable to lethal predation requires us to protect our own lives first - because every life matters.