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  • Nancy Iankowitz

Second Childhood (Before, During & After COVID-19)

We live on this planet with flora, fauna, and organisms of all kinds. When history speaks of ‘plagues’ it represents imbalance. Currently in the middle of a frightening pandemic (COVID-19) we are keenly aware of the devastation an invisible micro-organism can unleash – so how can we regain balance and maintain our best health in the face of world-wide imbalance?

We begin to heal when we ask ourselves important questions that inspire observation. For example, have you noticed that there are “carriers” who can spread the virus without actually becoming ill themselves? What do you think that’s about? I don’t know for certain, but my educated guess points me in the direction of the immune system.

If the human body is able to keep up the immune system – which is designed to keep our own balance in check, all other interventions fall into place. We all need to assume we are untested carriers. While wearing a face mask to protect others from exposure to us is important, and wearing protective eye-wear and social distancing (6-13 feet from others while in public places) to protect ourselves from over-exposure to the virus are important, there is more we can do to stay well.

Those so blessed to live into their fifth decade and beyond are given an opportunity to embrace a ‘second childhood’ which, frankly, can be much better than the first. In the second childhood we have confidence, excitement at everything we have the power to venture out to experience, and a sense of independence. We marvel and wonder at miracles overlooked during our first childhood.

In the fifth decade of life we feel gratitude for the simple things; for the richness of each new day. Opportunity is our new companion. And though the COVID-19 pandemic does put limitations on activities and socializing in the way in which we’ve become familiar, even while safely at home, some people can’t quite embrace their second childhood – with or without the frightening pandemic. Why is that? Answer: their mind, body and/or spirit are imbalanced. They feel pain.

When the human body lives long enough, it begins to show wear and tear (mind, body and spirit). As we focus on the ‘body’ for now, the organ systems become the topic. If not properly maintained for the first four decades, they begin to ask for more attention. We may become upset or frustrated with our eyes, ears, joints, and/or muscles. Our eyes might not see as far, or read as clearly as they once did; our ears might miss sounds we used to be able to hear – such as a soft bird song or early evening crickets; and we become keenly aware that we need to prepare for a long walk, vacation, or even shooting baskets or playing catch – requiring longer warm-ups, as these are no longer jumped into without preparation. This article will continue to address the physical; specifically, what we can do to recapture our youthful body. Future articles will address the invisible mind and spirit.

Reclaiming your body begins with the skeletal system (muscles and bones). We regain flexibility through simple stretches, appropriate posture while sitting, standing and walking, and can nourish the body through what we put into our mouth. Foods and supplements are a sophisticated conversation we have with our body. In our youth, it is a monologue. Once we reach 50 years of age, it becomes a dialogue. The body actually responds – and we pay greater attention when it voices a complaint: physical pain.

Inflammation of the joints and gastrointestinal system (the gut) interferes with comfort, as well as absorption of necessary healing nutrients. To calm inflammation of the joints and gut we need to eliminate processed foods and anything that has the following words on the package: modified, partially hydrogenated, white flour, sugar, corn syrup, and artificial. We need to add to our daily diet organically grown produce – can be fresh or frozen; humanely raised, fed and killed poultry (Google: ShopWithYourHeart for brands that offer this); eggs from humanely raised hens; grass-fed beef, and dairy products from humanely raised cows.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as wild caught Alaskan salmon and black cod provide important lubrication to joints and anti-inflammatory nutrition to the gut. Probiotics (to be discussed with your healthcare provider as there are categories of organisms that may be important to avoid, depending on your body), and responsible exposure to the sun’s rays (for Vitamin D3 that the body manufactures in response). Speak with your healthcare provider or dermatologist for recommendations here as your body might require sunblock on certain areas for optimal safety.

This is your life and sacred journey. While in your body, add positive energy to the conversation you have with it on a daily basis so that everything it has to say is something you want to hear. Here’s to your best health and balance. ~ Dr. Nancy Iankowitz



About the author: Dr. Nancy Iankowitz DNP, RN, FNP-BC is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, director of Holistic and Integrative Healing LLC (mission & vision: help you self-heal; no patient turned away based upon ability to pay), functional medicine provider, author of several books, and editor of medical and nursing articles in professional journals. www.driankowitz.com; driankowitz@yahoo.com.

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