Kenna Morton's Journal, 16 Mar 20

The thing for all to remember is that this is a new virus for humans. It has been in the animal world but this is the first crossover to humans. We have nothing to prevent or specifically treat this virus except to treat the symptoms and offer care in the form of mechanical respiratory support via ventilators. This virus hits the lungs causing hardening and stiffness of the lung tissue which makes breathing effectively and adequate oxygen exchange impossible.I have heard people critical of the medical world because there aren’t more ventilators. Look at it this way— let’s say that you and your spouse are the only drivers in your family. Occasionally one car breaks down and you make due for a few days or borrow one from a friend or family. That’s what hospitals do— in a pinch they help each other out, lending and borrowing equipment in a pinch for minor local disruptions. So how many extra cars are you going to keep in your yard just in case both of your cars go out at the same time as do the cars of everyone you know.

In a previous post I mentioned some of the risk factors and co-morbidities for the Corona virus causing extreme respiratory illness. Among those I listed was diabesity (diabetes and obesity) I received a scathing PM accusing me of “fat shaming”. That is not it at all. Many (most) obese people carry a good amount of their weight in their abdomen— especially women. These rotund abdomens and round chest cavities effectively prevent full expansion of the lungs resulting in compromised respiratory efforts.

Since we can’t stop the virus or cure the illness yet, the only sensible thing we can do is try to slow the contagion so our medical system does not collapse. When we remove access to interaction between the virus and a new host the virus can die a natural death and/or lose virility. That is what is being attempted by social isolation and voluntary quarantine. Hang in there, but this will not be over anytime soon. Check on your elderly neighbors, can you share some milk, bread eggs, TP.

This is not a drill, but it is an incredible test for us to determine how we might respond in even greater crisis, like war on our home front, or massive earthquakes. We have to learn from this experience and be even more prepared next time.

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1489 kcal

Fat: 52.87g | Prot: 69.07g | Carbs: 190.35g.   Breakfast: Kumquat, Sprouts Farmers Market Herb Seasoned Roasted Chicken, POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, Egg, Maxwell House International Cafe Orange, Dave's Killer Bread Thin-Sliced Good Seed Bread, Aqua de Jamaica (hibiscus ice tea), Sarabeth's Orange Apricot Marmalade, Breakfast beans. Lunch: Wheat Montana Milled Flax Seed, Sweet Heart Milled Chia Seeds, Chobani Nonfat Vanilla Blended Greek Yogurt (Container), Ranch Granola, Date Crystals (Shield’S Garden), Trader Joe's Frozen Blueberries, Tru-Nut Powdered Peanut Butter, R.W. Knudsen Family 4% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese, The Greek Gods Traditional Plain Greek Yogurt, Bacon (Cured, Pan-Fried, Cooked) , Bananas . Dinner: POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, Great Value Green Olives with Pimento, Trader Joe's Cranberry Sauce, Tuna Noodle Casserole with Vegetables and Mushroom Soup. more...