Finish Strong

It’s hard to believe we are on the cusp of the end of 2021. December is here and most of the people I encounter feel exhausted, used, or abused by the events of the last twelve if not twenty-four months. In a word, they are spent. Ready for the virus to be over. Ready for the fighting about the virus to be over. Ready for something new.

Well, it looks like we have something new. A new variant. (Or aptly put by a patient of mine: a new deviant).

I was listening to Medcram, my favorite medical podcast, to learn about B1.1.529 as it is named by scientists. Only sequenced a few days ago on November 11 th, I learned about what we know (which isn’t much) and what we don’t know (which is a lot). The lecturing physician used a phrase that really struck me, however. He spoke about treatments that are dependent on virus or variant vs treatments that are independent of virus or variant.

You may have guessed he mentioned vaccines, current medications, etc as the dependent treatments.

What do you suppose he mentioned as independent treatments?

Sleep, exercise, diet, healthy lifestyle, and supplements; all of which are aspects of our program here at Oregon Weight and Wellness.

These are the strategies which support healthy immune function regardless of the variant or number of mutations or strains. These are the strategies that should be shouted from the rooftops. Yet much to my dismay, these are the strategies which have not been emphasized by our health organizations. I guess they are not very sexy. They don’t make a lot of money. And they are often difficult to implement for many people.

Eat real food. Avoid highly palatable processed foods. Move your body. Drink water. Go to bed. Take vitamin D.

Boring? Maybe.

But is boring ok? With all the drama of 2021, maybe we could use a little boring.

And just maybe choosing a healthy lifestyle does not have to be boring. It’s your life. Make it exciting!

One suggestion our Health Coach, Rachelle challenged us with several days ago is “Finish 40.” Technically, tomorrow it would be Finish 31. She encouraged us to run the race with endurance. To get to the finish line of 2021 stronger, not stumble across it. Stronger in whatever area you choose: nutrition, exercise, sleep, relationships.

It’s not too late to join the challenge. Choose one habit today that you want to work on: getting back in the kitchen, preparing whole/real food, drinking water, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, meditating, praying, adding exercise, etc. Choose one habit to do daily for the month of December.

And this year, finish Weigh Different! Finish stronger!