Having looked at the ongoing madness from several different angles in the last few blog posts, we had planned to write about something completely different this week. However, with the hysteria in the mainstream media ratchetting up yet again, it seems we’ve been overtaken by circumstances! 

 

For some reason, whenever there’s any kind of “problem” – big or small – many people seem to expect someone to rush in and sort it out for them. Someone in “authority” of some sort. The Government – a popular one (!) – the Police, Scientists, Doctors, etc, etc. If we ignore the religious overtones, someone – anyone other than themselves – to dive in and save them. 

 

However, giving away our power to others to make decisions on our behalf, is fraught with danger. Not least because it’s based on a number of assumptions which may not necessarily be true... 

We all seem to have our own particular habits and traditions, whether we’re aware of them or not (!). For us, September brings a post – or two (!) – looking ahead to the Winter bugs season. What you can do to help avoid any Lurgies doing the rounds AND what to do if the worst happens. If you want a quick reminder, here are the links to the two posts we did last year. Click here for what you can do proactively, ie, now (!) and here for what you can do if you succumb. 

 

However, with the mainstream media already gearing up for what some are calling “the Second Spike” or “Pandemic, the sequel”; we thought a slightly different approach was needed this year. So, as mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we’re going to focus on one set of conditions which have been found to SUBSTANTIALLY increase the risk of ANY of the winter bugs. So called “Lifestyle Diseases.” Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease and the like. All of which are linked to poor lifestyle choices. Diet, dehydration, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, to name but a few… 

There’s been much talk in recent months about the “new normal” and exactly what that may be. We’ve even mentioned it in our blog posts. However, having given the matter some thought, we’ve decided this is one phrase we won’t be using in future. 

 

Why? 

 

Well, for the simple reason there’s nothing remotely “normal” about what’s been happening in recent months. Or people’s reactions to it. Let alone what’s now being forecast for the months ahead… 

 

In our view, a much more accurate description would be the “new abnormal.” Now we appreciate this may sound a little harsh – or, possibly, cynical – to some people, so please bear with us while we explain why. 

If you’ve ever been stung by an insect – a Wasp, Bee or, if you’re really unlucky, Hornet – or wrenched a muscle, you’ll know just how painful inflammation can be. Or, put more accurately, the Inflammatory Response. With its telltale redness, swelling, heat and pain. And how quickly it occurs. 

 

It’s part of our basic Immune System response to ANY tissue damage, which can occur in a multitude of different ways. The most common, as we’ve already mentioned, are from trauma or injury. However, there are many others including infections, toxins and heat; to name a few. There’s also a “catch all” category which always makes us smile. Irritants. Which, if you stop and think about it for a moment, includes a great many other things… 

There’s something about this time of year. Perhaps it’s the last bank holiday of the Summer. Or the impending start of the new academic year. Maybe it’s the feeling that the seasons are turning, with the nights noticeably drawing in. Not helped by the ongoing uncertainty fuelled, in large, part by the near hysterical reporting in the media. Sorry to mention the last two but, sadly, it’s true! 

 

Whatever the reason, this time to year seems to trigger one of our more basic instincts. The need to prepare for the new season ahead. 

And, in the process, it’s easy to get caught up in it all. Rushing around more like a headless chicken than a productive – and happy (!) – little bee. Very busy but achieving little… If you need a reminder on why being “busy, busy, busy” is never the easiest way to get things done (!) click here.