DON’T PUSH THE PANIC BUTTON

Every year or so it happens – a new type of virus or flu and lots of media coverage about it. The most recent, novel coronavirus, has taken more than 3000 lives worldwide with very few cases reported in the United States, at least so far. With the deaths and worldwide attention though it would be very easy to fall into panic over the whole matter.

The problem with this one is that it’s so new. It has become dangerous very quickly because it is a first-of-its-kind type of coronavirus and all humans do not have immunity built up to fight it.

Most deaths (in China where the virus originated) have occurred where there has been prolonged contact, such as with health care professionals or family members serving as a caregiver. Because of this use of masks is recommended for health care professionals, caregivers and those with disease symptoms, but are not needed for the general public. Indeed, US Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams tweeted on Saturday, “Seriously people – STOP BUYING MASKS!”

So what can the average person do?

*Wash your hands as much as you can, in particular before you eat anything, before you make food for other people and after you use the restroom.
*Use hand sanitizer when you just can’t wash. It’s not as good as washing but better than nothing. If you don’t like purchased hand sanitizers there are great dyi sanitizer recipes out there that use essential oils.
*Don’t touch your face. Every time you touch a door handle and then scratch your nose, you are susceptible to contracting viruses. If you need to scratch your nose or eyes, do it with a tissue then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again.
*Disinfect and clean your home. Use isopropyl alcohol or disinfecting wipes to clean countertops and common areas, especially the surfaces where you eat and spend the most time.
*Limit the amount of time spent in crowded public places.
*Avoid people who are sick, including those who are coughing or presenting symptoms.
*Be sure you have plenty of the medicines you routinely take so that you can avoid trips out of the house to get them.
*Eat a healthy diet to boost your immunity. Try to include leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens and mustard greens. Also, get plenty of rest, and avoid stress.
*Take large doses of Vitamin C
*Use some form of elderberry to boost the immune system

In short, think about what you’re doing and use the same common sense we need be using with the common cold.

MARKET CHITCHAT

MEAT – It was so great to have Casablanca back from a family trip and Ricter Farms relisting pork after a long absence this week. Your Market Manager was able to bless a women’s conference via this “come back for more” keto breakfast casserole featuring some of their smoked sausage and Hortons Farm eggs today.

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No GROWER NOTES this week. The changing of the seasons always means more work outdoors. Rest assured our farmers are busy working on future products to list.

_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spring Tent Market Schedule

Barring some unforeseen event we will continue our online ordering schedule till late June or early July for a small break. In both April and May we will have a one day pop up Market as follows:

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 with Get Green Alabama THURSDAY, MAY 7 at Dothan Nurseries Open House Please mark your calendar –both days will be a lot of fun!

FOOTNOTES

We would love to hear from you! If you have a favorite recipe, want to write a product review, have an idea or request for an article or information, let us know! You can reply to this newsletter or write marketatdothan@gmail.com.

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!