This past week, I was watching the news (which is a rare activity for me), and I could not help but realize how all the news sources discuss the same few topics, yet all contradict each other. I am sure I am not alone in the feeling of being bombarded with fake news and so much information for us to sift through. Even with statistics, they are stretched and manipulated to create a scenario not grounded in truth, but all about what the writer wants us to believe or feel about the world.

In 2020, we have seen stress levels raise to a height of unprecedented amounts. People are scared for their kids to go back to school and to go back to work, but also scared to lose their homes and for a future of uneducated children. And then there are the leaders in our country, having to make challenging decisions each day on the fate of companies, economy and even having to decide the fate of the school children and education. In addition, most of us are feeling more disconnected than ever before (an ongoing problem in our health community that has been heightened by Covid-19.)

Loneliness increases a person’s risk of stroke and it is shown to be as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. As people, we are naturally social and crave to have a place of belonging. Plus, with 2020 throwing curve balls like it's the apocalypse, the fear of the unknown is very real.

Luckily, knowledge can be empowering. So let’s get down to what we do know in the age of the unknown.

FAKE NEWS: There is nothing you can do to improve your immune system. Sickness is just something that happens.

TRUTH: You have more control over your health then you are led to believe. Why do some people get sick and others rarely even get the sniffles? It comes down to a healthy immune system. Let’s take a look at how you can choose to increase your immune system.

1.Decrease and manage chronic stress.  Chronic stress is linked to a decrease in a person’s immune system, which leads to chronic physical illnesses and depression. But it is COVID 2020 TIMES! How can this be your first suggestions?! No worries. We understand that right now may be the most stressful time of your life (literally), but there are still steps to take to ensure you can handle that stress. 

Stop that worrying, NOW. Worrying about what might happen next is not helpful. Firstly, because most things we worry about never happen. Secondly, because 2020 is proving to be very unpredictable. Instead, focus on grounding exercises such as meditation, mindfulness (join our challenge here), journalling and practicing gratitude. 

Take the down time to connect with your tribe. Being a part of a group and socializing with your friends and family can often decrease stress. And if you feel that you have not found your tribe yet, join ours! We love our community at DHCC, and have some really cool patients.

Seeing a chiropractor is highly beneficial for managing the physical aspects of stress. Chiropractic adjustments help balance the nervous system. Being Sympathetic Nervous System dominant (often seen in people with high stress) produces all the stress hormones that have negative long term effects. Getting adjusted can help balance the sympathetics and parasympathetics to create ease in the function of your body. Physical manifestations of stress include tight muscles, headaches, back pain, neck pain, and an overall feeling of unwell. Getting adjusted can break up the physical patterns of stress and keep your body balanced and healthy

2. What you eat is correlated to your mood. Hey, you are what you eat, right? A diet high in saturated fat, chemicals, and fake food increases feeling bad and leads to a life of diseases. Proper nutrients can increase your mood. Get munching on those REAL vegetables, fruit, lean meats, and healthy fats (here's to the avocado trend), which can literally make you happier. If you are not getting the right nutrients but don’t know where to start, check out our services on them here.

3. Connection is a major factor to healing. Research continues to show that having a strong social connection helps us heal from trauma faster and more fully.

Seek chiropractic offices where connection is key. Chiropractic is not just about that back pain. Finding a community in your health offices is an important key to fully healing. Pain and trauma and mental health are all connected, and finding a place to heal is important. (Learn more about our office here.) 

Reach out to your community. Rekindling old friendships, or developing new ones to create a support system in your life is important. Find people who share similar life values as you and accept you for who you are.

4. Diet and exercise can heal a whole lot more than people give them credit for, but they take time. Many major diseases are due to lifestyle, not genetics. So choosing a healthier life is so important to long term health and having a good quality of life. Find a health team that is centered around wellness care not sick care.

When it comes to movement doesn’t have to be in a gym. Walking, gardening, cleaning your house, are all activities that keep you having an active life. The importance of movement is that you do it! And do it in a way you enjoy. Being sedentary is the danger, so find activities to keep you moving and you enjoy.

5. Boosting the immune system can help fight all kinds of viruses, including Covid-19. Following the above guidelines is a great start to boosting the immune system. Making sure you get your micronutrients is also very important.

Supplements such as Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Zinc are all helpful in fighting off viruses and increasing your body's immune system. Make sure you are seeking high quality supplements which are easily absorbed by your body (check out our favorite brand, Standard Process.)

During these times, let’s focus on our known truths instead of the unknown. There is more hope and kindness in the world than the news cycles reveal. Take a break from the stress, go for a walk, and connect with your tribe. Your health and our communities’ health matter during a time like this. So let’s all commit to healing together in the second half of 2020.

Cheers to your health,

Dr. Epps