Page 13 - Boca Exposure - October '20

Boca Exposure, Page 13
Reality Check √ - Healthy Answers On Living

And Loving Life: ‘That Was Then, Now Is Now!’

By Dale Brown, B.S., Alan is a walking Wikipedia on the subject matter of germs. We can make ourselves nervous wrecks worrying about
M.A., C.E.C. Dale is a I believe this goes back to his experience as a pharmaceutical what lies ahead, looking over our shoulders and waiting for
motivational speaker who representative for a company that launched the product Hibiclens, the next shoe to drop. This kind of thinking leads to negativity
has spent many years as a an antiseptic cleanser now being used throughout hospitals. and depression. No one has a crystal ball or knows what the
Certified Life Coach and has For as long as I’ve known him, he’s carried a pocket- future holds. Unfortunately, we are not in control of our destiny.
written numerous articles size bottle of Purell. He’s become fond of using this product Life is a series of accommodations as our needs change, and as
and e-books relating to self- whenever he feels he might be invaded by an overabundance humans we do what we have to do to keep going and doing.
improvement and ways to of bacteria. I don’t believe he’s gotten into a Howie Mandel The Lesson Learned… (epilogue)
build a high-performance mode of behavior, but his actions relate to a bigger picture of That was then and now is now. We’re living with a pandemic,
team. Her education and how many of us are now living in fear. a deadly disease. At the time I originally wrote this article, it was
years of experience in Alan’s knowledge of how infections spread prompted his too futuristic to imagine. We know so much more than we did
physical fitness and training actions of wiping down everything that had been touched by even a year ago about staying safe. Precautions have been drilled
of elite athletes has enabled her to sharpen her knowledge in others. When we flew, he kept his wet wipes handy, cleaning off into our heads over and over, to wash hands often, use sanitizer,
many health-related areas. The following is one in a series of tray tables, touch screens and arm rests. He’s not alone. It’s true wear a face covering, and stay away from large gatherings.
columns devoted to many topics that deal with the mind/body that more germs are transmitted by things that are frequently Although we were made aware of these safeguards back
connection and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. touched or used, such as salt and pepper shakers. Now look at then, they weren’t followed by many people. We know now
Dale, a Bocaire resident, can be reached at dalebrown@ how many people use knuckle or elbow bumping in place of a that if everyone would adhere to the same guidelines it would
lovingmondays.com. handshake or high-five. No touching allowed. be a much safer world. When we return to life after COVID-19,
“Now Is Now”… (prologue) While recently dining with friends, the guy admitted that let’s hope the generations that follow will benefit from our
I first wrote this article several years ago, and at that time he no longer wanted to travel ... anywhere! He claimed there experience. May they realize their lives could change in a blink,
it was a very different world. Life was normal back then. were many scary factors out there, such as global terrorism, and if or when it does, be willing to listen, and take direction
People gathered at concerts, weddings, parties, and other social or getting seriously ill while away. My father was very much from experts.
functions. We hugged, shook hands, ventured out to places we’d this way during his later years; you couldn’t even get him to Feeling safe is a comfort zone different for each of us. Do
never been before. Flights took us anywhere we wanted to go, travel very far from home. My mother on the other hand, was everything you can to be safe wherever you go, prepare wisely,
to distant places unknown. the complete opposite, and unable to relate to his reluctance to and get the help you need along the way. Although life may be
Then, without warning, COVID-19 swarmed the continent travel even short distances. different, it’s not over till the fat lady sings. There’s still a life
with a disease unlike any other. It paralyzed the world with fear It’s understandable that, as we age, we feel more vulnerable worth living, and plenty to do before you hear that tune.
of illness and death. Our life as we knew it came crashing down to the danger that surrounds us. We are also more aware of how
in a matter of months. Now, as I look back on this topic of fear, much time we have left on this planet and want to make every
it takes on new meaning. It was, for all practical purposes, a minute count. There is more hesitation for people to be around
precursor of things to come. crowds, or put themselves in situations that could cause them
Let me say, I take back any snide comments I might harm. What used to be safe havens are not anymore: movie
have made to my husband, Alan, at that time regarding his theaters, airports, simply walking alone on the street.
germophobic tendencies. Little did I know that taking precautions When you’re young you feel invincible; time is on your
to stop the spread of germs would one day become a “new side. Not to say that the same dangers don’t exist, they simply
normal.” don’t pose the same threat. Age plays tricks on your psyche.
That being said, allow me to share my writing as it first The loss of physical and mental awareness adds to the feeling
appeared. It was meaningful then, but even more so today as of helplessness. You can’t run as fast, see as well, and balance
we grapple to live within the confines of a pandemic: becomes more difficult, so your needs change. You don’t go it
That Was Then… alone; you feel safer in numbers.

January 21