From Dr Mercola....Holidays with Covid...this is such an important reminder..
 

COVID-19 has a survival rate of 99.99% for those under the age of 40. Even people over the age of 60 who aren’t residents of nursing homes have a survival rate of 98.29%, yet residents in many areas are now told, in great detail, how they can and cannot celebrate their holidays
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness had reached epidemic levels. In 2018, 54% of American adults over the age of 18 reported feeling lonely. By January 2020, it was 61% and now, nine months into the pandemic, we’ve reached 66%
Loneliness isn’t relegated to the elderly. In the 18 to 34 age group, 75% report feeling socially isolated, compared to 61% of those over 50. Among those aged 18 to 34, 19% say they’ve gone as long as two to three months without interacting with another person
10% of 35- to 49-year-olds, 9% of 18- to 34-year-olds and 7% of those over 50 say they’ve not interacted with anyone outside their household or workplace since the pandemic began
If safety requires us to indefinitely forfeit the most valuable parts of our lives, what exactly are we trying to save?


PLEASE THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT!! FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN WRAPPED IN FEAR, THERE IS REALISTIC STATISTICS....LIFE WITHOUT HUMAN INTERACTION IS VERY DEPRESSING! SHUT THE TV OFF, LIVE YOR LIFE!

It will be some time before the special interest groups in America back off the continual flow of fear.
That leaves most of us making decisions that are best for our household given what we are "allowed" to know.

Dad is so depressed. This controlled fear is slowly killing him.

I’m so sorry...I have personally dealt with some of this..with my elderly family terrified to go out no human interaction for months it’s just terrible what propaganda has done to some...I am thankful I have a dear 86-year-old friend who is more than happy to get out go to lunch, enjoy life and is doing wonderful!

"Propaganda"...."controlled fear"....."special interest groups".....

Wow.....

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local...96e_story.html

Tony Evers urges Wisconsin to stay home on day of record cases, deaths

Not sure what world you people live in, but your lack of compassion and understanding is more than alarming.

My wish is that none of you are personally touched by this, but perhaps that would increase your empathy.

It is as if we have just thrown up our hands and given up.....what you call "names", I call warnings from responsible people (our national message has disappeared)

May this virus never touch you or your family.

'Our hospitals are almost full' as virus spreads across St. Louis region | Coronavirus | stltoday.com

Some hospitals in crisis as US nears high for COVID-19 cases

Thank you for one of the most succinct responses I have seen on this thing. People claiming mainstream media and "fake news" really don't get it. You have to go looking for the "facts" on Fox or AON then your desperate for something. Pay attention, follow the guide lines and you don't have to shut yourself in. Help people who are terrified to understand that life is possible, just a little different right now. The end of this pandemic is in sight. Stay Safe and wear a mask to protect your neighbors when in confined spaces and indoors! :bigbow:

Some researchers and doctors say that Mercola steers patients away from proven treatments and peddles pseudoscientific misinformation on topics such as flu shots and fluoridation. In their view, he is resurrecting old myths, such as the threat posed by mercury in dental fillings, and promoting new ones, such as the notion that microwave ovens emit harmful radiation. “The information he’s putting out to the public is extremely misleading and potentially very dangerous,” opines Dr. Stephen Barrett, who runs the medical watchdog site Quackwatch.org. “He exaggerates the risks and potential dangers of legitimate science-based medical care, and he promotes a lot of unsubstantiated ideas and sells [certain] products with claims that are misleading.”

Some of the articles on Mercola’s site, Barrett and others say, seem to be as much about selling the wide array of products offered there—from Melatonin Sleep Support Spray ($21.94 for three 0.85-ounce bottles) to Organic Sea Buckthorn Anti-Aging Serum ($22 for one ounce)—as about trying to inform. (Your tampon “may be a ticking time bomb,” he tells site visitors—but you can buy his “worry-free” organic cotton tampons for the discounted price of $7.99 for 16.) Steven Salzberg, a prominent biologist, professor, and researcher at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, calls Mercola “the 21st-century equivalent of a snake-oil salesman.”

Live Covid-19 Updates: Global Cases and Deaths News Tracker - The New York Times

The head of the National team for this virus announced his vacation and since has cancelled, not because of the virus, but other pressing matters in our nations capital.

"The United States set a record for new coronavirus cases and blew past the record for hospitalizations on Wednesday as the pandemic continued to balloon unabated, and a long list of cities and states imposed new restrictions on public life."

"If the United States continues to relax social distancing restrictions and mask-wearing requirements, as many as 500,000 more Americans could die of COVID-19 between now and the end of February, according to scientists at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. That's on top of the roughly 240,000 COVID-19 deaths the country has absorbed alread"

A winter surge in COVID-19 cases seems inevitable. Can we stop it?

But is just more "propaganda" from "special interest groups" unless........

Don't know who the doctor who wrote this is, but fear is certainly ruling the lives of many here. Some are afraid to go to the grocery store, or even go enjoy the music on the squares. Some even make really vial remarks on this forum about anyone who take reasonable precautions to protect their health, but enjoys their life going out for dinner, coffee and doughnuts, or drinks, they are trashed on here all the time. There are those who say "we haven't SEEN OUR OWN GRANDCHILD for nearly a year" ! Why ? The planes are flying again, cars are not stopped at the Florida line and made to turn back, and gasoline prices are relatively low right now. Now as of yesterday we get yet another 180 degree turn..... all of this fear that fueled the sale of Lysol and other brand wraps, people wiping down their door knobs, counters, etc. several times a day, constant hand washing (always a good idea but really pushed to the max by the CDC), and the myth that masks are to PROTECT OTHERS, all reversed yesterday. It's now wonder that people are angry, frightened into NOT seeing their own grand children when in all reality, they may not live to see tomorrow and not connected to the virus in any way. How very sad what has been done to the PSYCHE of this entire country, and especially what it has done to us in our "golden years". Not seeing family and enjoying a meal or event out, could effect us for all the years we have left. One poor woman was hoping for a vaccine because she had not even had the pleasure of the simple act of shopping in a grocery store for close to a year ! Not sure about that one, the stores (thankfully) are open. But, perhaps, there is some special circumstance like going through cancer treatments which would make it wise to stay in until immune system recovers.

But with few clubs meeting, doing my shopping at Publix is one of my simple pleasures these days (imagine that ladies, I who dreaded taking time out from golf and craft classes, now look forward to going to Publix, Walmart, and Winn Dixie....LOL ! In summary, God bless the doctor, M.D. or Ph.D. who gave the advice to seniors to LIVE.... while you are still ALIVE.

Have the IHME models been correct about anything?

With 108 days left until the end of February there would need to be over 4,900 deaths each and every day to achieve 500,000 additional deaths. We're currently at 1,500 deaths per day and every day that we are under 4,900 means that many more need to be added to the numbers in Jan and Feb.

If we maintain a CFR of about 2% this also means we'll need to see over 231,000 new cases per day, every day, from now through February. Currently the CFR is less than 2% and we have hit a high of only 145,000 cases.

Using the same numbers, in order to see 500,000 additional deaths we would need to see something like 25,000,000 cases in the next 3 1/2 months which is nearly seven times the average over the last 8 1/2 months.

Sure, all of this could happen and we will be in a world of hurt. But again, have the IHME models been correct about anything?

As a person that came from a region of Europe under war as a child I can tell you that loneliness is a luxury we allow ourselves. Many, many people in the world pray that their biggest problem would be loneliness.

I understand that here in North America this can be a real problem. But so much of it is actually culturally induced and in ones’ head. Socialize, socialize etc as if we were pack animals. No, we are not, that is why some people become monks. I am not talking about the clinically depressed but the “bored” people who are looking for someone else to entertain them all the time. I feel strongly for them particularly when they are helpless and need people to do things for them. But not for the run of the mill healthy “bored” individual.

Very good points. Hard to be bored in this time with all the resources for knowledge we have. I do think, however, it is much harder for those who live alone to be cut off from face-to-face contact and not feel lonely.

In Japan and China, face-masks out in public are more common than bare faces. It is the cultural norm. Not because it's mandated (it isn't mandated) but because that is how they show perfect strangers who they've never met and never will meet again know they care about each others' place in humanity and civilization.

In the USA and in many other countries, no one gives a flying fart about people they've never met and will never meet again.

Also, "Dr." Mercola LOLOLOLOLOL

I am not a fan of Dr. Mercola.

I am a fan of Dr. Joseph Rizzi at The Villages Health.

They wear masks because of the horrible pollution in their countries.

I've seen plenty of practicing physicians - doctors who actually care for patients every day in Primary Care, Urgent Care, ER say that this virus has been overblown. Big time.

Hospitals are not and never have been overwhelmed by this thing. Bodies are not piling up in the street. There is evidence to suggest that cloth masks and all of the hyper sanitizing and distancing that people are doing could very well be doing more harm than good. It could actually have some very serious consequences for our immune systems.

I have heard sad tales about children, teenagers and young adults who have been isolated inside their homes away from people their age since the beginning of this. They go to school virtually. They play video games and talk on social media but that's about the extent of their lives. They are missing out on so much fun and they will never get that time back. It's sad but their parents have bought into the fear hook, line and sinker and they think that they are keeping their kids "safe". That isn't safe.

That is one reason. First and foremost is health. Here's a fun article written in 2014, explaning the history of mask-wearing in Japan. It dates back to the the early 20th century, as a result of the 1918 Influenza pandemic.

A quick history of why Asians wear surgical masks in public — Quartz

If it really filtered out pollution, then the front of those masks would be black from the soot after a few hours. It isn't - therefore it doesn't.

Well, that's just odd. Over the past several years, at least in my observation, children are seen less and less outdoors playing with friends on the street. My daughter even asked, when she revisited her hometown, "Where are all the children?" Answered her own question, "Well, I guess they're all inside." They're playing video games, texting and, as you point out, talking on social media.. Do they even ever talk on the phone? In fact, I wonder how often they ever see "friends" in person.

Two responses to the above.

First, the most valuable part of many of our lives is our health, so that is what we are trying to save.

Second, don't give me this crap about Covid causing loneliness and depression. Be mentally tough and deal with it like a responsible adult. If you can't, just try to imagine how you would deal with being mandatory quarantined, or worse yet, being on a ventilator. Talk about something that would depress you! The only thing about Covid that has depressed me is seeing several friends and a family suffer through it's very real and nasty consequences.

Well said. The lack of empathy and concern for the common good that is continually revealed in this forum is appalling.

"live your life" is so subjective. If you have no fear of getting very sick, left with long term painful damage (many Covid survivors are dealing with this) or even die, then of course go ahead and "live your life". Some of us who have strong concerns will be more careful. As long as we don't compromise each other's health than we just need to do what makes sense for our mental, emotional and physical condition and those of our family.

Thanks for good article the Covid fear mongering is out of control with some wanting mask mandates and other loss of freedoms to appease those with their hair on fire about Covid. Follow the facts period. Plus the vaccine is coming very soon.

and please wear a mask to protect others ... and yourself.

That's correct. Been to China. The air is just toxic. They are not doing it for their neighbors. That is all BS being spread via the fake news. Wear a mask if it makes you comfortable. Don't tell others that they have to wear one to protect others. That's nonsense and designed to control people.

What if I decided that others driving their car or stinky gas golf cart was polluting the air and affecting my asthma. Do I now have the right to demand that you keep those things parked and start walking to Winn Dixie? After all, you're being inconsiderate of my breathing needs. I could die of an asthma attack because you were too lazy to walk. No, I would never get away with that. And, that is why no one is going to demand that I wear a mask in public.

This comment is not directed at the poster I am replying to.

Paranoid Mania
 

Eating poorly causes high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and potentially cancer which everyone should live in total fear from. Perhaps we need the almighty government to save all of us all by mandating all of our diets every meal and putting laws in place against snacking. I can only hope they include a decent bottle of cab once in awhile with my weekly allotment of toothpaste.

The “ cure” should not be worst then the disease ! Treatments have improved since the dark ages of March and April 2020, a vaccine is on the way and getting the virus doesn’t mean you will die. Thank you for the great stats

Let families and people under 65 live their lives, go to work and school. If you are older than 65 sick and fearful. Stay away from those under 65. Why should a family be destroyed, business closed, suicide occur, because someone 80 years old with one foot in the grave is fearful. You lived a long life. Let others live.

Look at the DAILY DEATHs in Florida for meaningful facts. Then analyze by Comparing to something else, like ABORTION in Florida.

There are 862,320 abortions performed a year in the US. 8.2% are done in Florida. That means there are 70,710 abortions performed in Florida Every Year. That is 193 A DAY!

Yesterday, in ALL OF FLORIDA, there were 4 DEATHS. The day before there were only TWO DEATHS in ALL of Florida. The day before that there were only 7 DEATHS from Covid-19 in the Entire State.

Why the concern and FEAR of Covid-19 when we apparently Support the killing of 193 Babies A DAY?

It's time to redirect concerns and cease the continued verbal baloney about the dangers of Covid-19.

Experience

State Facts About Abortion: Florida | Guttmacher Institute

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Finally someone with a brain. Best advise is to turn off the TV

The US set the record because everyone gets tested on a whim. If your afraid, stay home

Sad and true...BUT, we’re trying to save our lives and our future good health. ( Longterm effects of the virus aren’t known yet. That, to me, is the scary part)

Sorry I don't agree, yes the kids may be missing out by going to virtual school, but when your grandchild is diagnosed with diabetes at age 3, you can bet your damm bippy this is the best route to take. So people should think before they assume their post is a one size fits all!

Good to be skeptical of anything. Healthy, but even a broken clock is right two times a day.

Apples to apples ....pulleezzz!

yet, not able to supply one reference for all this.

Hospitals facing shortages of beds and staff
 

So.... ALL OF YOU WHO DENY THE VIRUS IS A DANGER: Do you want to be one of those who are having to be treated in their CAR - as was seen on television yesterday? Or would you rather be one of those who had to be ignored because there were many ahead of you who were worse off when they arrived at the ER? If not YOU, what if it were someone you love dearly. It's different when it hits closer to home, isn't it? Let's all try and stay safe and listen to the expert medical advisors. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and find something interesting to do at home so that you don't crave risking everyone's health by going out unnecessarily - because you're depressed or lonely.

Lots to dislike in this one! 1st....is Dr.Mercola Scott O 's last name? Is he Scott O when he is some lighthearted, ordinary TV Land Bozzo? Does he then put on his cape and become a serious, professional DOCTOR? Why is this ambiguous? In the end summary anyway, whoever(?) it is ....they become Dr. Herd Immunity - the Doctor of DISS......DISinformation!

......Granted that COVID 19 has caused much mental anguish and stress in the UNITED STATES. It is needed to be pointed out that ALL countries are not as bad as the US. Some have been relatively unaffected - those that did not think of it as a HOAX and reacted quickly in an ADULT manner - Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, and others. Canada is doing much better than the US. So, the 1st thing to remember is that CV did NOT have to be THIS bad!

Now, as to the mental stress discussed in the thread starter......."61% of adults REPORTED loneliness in Jan 2020 before CV started to hit the US." Then after CV, "66% loneliness was REPORTED". That would be a WHOOPING big difference of 5%, again REPORTED. Everyone knows that loneliness is SUBJECTIVE! So a REPORTED survey on loneliness is NOT mathematical - so a 5% difference is ludicrous to even talk about. The ONLY truth here is that people in the US SEEM to feel lonely. There are many reasons for this - CV would be ONE very possible reason. Or the reason could be that they feel alienated because their government let them down about CV and they know that other counties did NOT conceal the truth from their population and protected their citizens. It could be about US citizens being unprotected and telling surveyors that they felt lonelier after the CV quarantine - that seems reasonable.

....The apparent DISinformation of this thread seems to be to encourage older TV Landers to practice Herd Immunity during Thanksgiving, which amounts to advertizing for a "Super Spreader" Holiday......a Holiday from reason and a total disregard for Federal and Medical Advice to only celebrate the Holidays with your "regular in house relatives". And to use Zoom instead of physically traveling to a Turkey and DROPLETS....of CV.... family event. To summarize - is it better to be lonely or dead? At least, the turkey did not suffer in the hospital for a long time before dying.

I don’t usually get involved in this type of discussion because I know there is no convincing some people so what is the use? But for those people who quote 99% survival rates, think about those who have to fight for you to have them, how sick and for his long you may be when you get it with a possible lifetime of after effects. Think drain on the healthcare system both financially and physically. Think about the loneliness of the people isolated and fighting for their lives. What logic do you use when you selfishly say if I am afraid I can stay home so you can go out and enjoy your life without doing your part to protect me? Wear your mask so I don’t HAVE to stay home. Peace out, no replies needed.