What are some things people can do in response to the coronavirus?

If you’re worried about this, here are some ideas.

These are easy, doable, health-enhancing ideas. Easy, inexpensive, and few -if any- side effects.

1. Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid got a bad rap a while back when it was being touted as a cure for everything. But there does seem to be evidence that C does enhance the immune system. And there’s almost no way to do damage yourself with it. 1 gram daily by mouth is a safe bet.

2 Zinc: for cold and flu symptoms.

3. Sunshine. I find it interesting that flu tends to hit in winter when we’re at low sun exposure. Which is why I use a tanning bed around 7 months a year. What I look for is a light reddening skin color. If someone has darker skin color, they need to figure out how they’re getting enough sun exposure. But you need sun. Especially in response to an epidemic.

4. Sleep. An absolute minimum of five hours of quality sleep. That’s an absolute minimum, but almost guaranteed bad for your health long term. Far better six hours, but if you want to be optimal, go for seven or eight. The less sleep you get, the more it messes with your immune system and overall health.

5. Sodium bicarbonate. Yes, the lowly baking soda that sells for less than $1 for a box. I use a teaspoon daily, mixed in a glass of water an hour before food. Google: sodium bicarbonate and flu.

6. Exercise. So your gym is closed. Here’s your chance to hack your workout. Go for a walk. Nowhere does stay at home mean you can’t walk around the neighborhood. So go walk. Preferably around noon, especially if you can get some sun in the meantime. If you want to do an honest workout at home do a YouTube search for home workouts. I also mentioned a few days ago about getting a workout while mowing your yard.

7. Last but probably the most important. Don’t be afraid. Do what you can do and stop worrying about the rest. For most people, this means turning off the news as a starter. Got spare time? Find some funny segments on YouTube. Look up a funny movie, and lose yourself in some comedy.