A new year presents us with many possibilities. And it’s a perfect time to turn over a new leaf, which is exactly what we’re doing at the Community Word. The esteemed Clare Howard has handed off her handle on the CW to new Managing Editor Brian Ludwig beginning with this issue.

So let’s advance Howard’s last story for all you resolutionists out there. Last month, she wrote an article focused on what has become a huge health crises in the United States: Diabetes.

This month, let’s turn the topic over to a terrific way we can fight that epidemic as well as the coronavirus pandemic — in addition to vaccination and mitigation — and that’s to take care of ourselves. Lost in the shuffle of to vax/mask or not to vax/mask (Get vaccinated!), is what we knew from the outset of the outbreak. Those people with comorbidities suffer the most if they contract the coronavirus.

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are not only three of the biggest pre-existing conditions that exacerbate COVID-19, they are easily three of the biggest killers that are bringing this nation’s population to its knees.

According to Dr. Michael Greger, who is a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, “The severity of COVID-19 varies widely based on pre-existing conditions. Those with high blood pressure have twice the odds of suffering a severe course, and those with cardiovascular disease three times the odds.

“What’s more is that those with either condition are four times more likely to wind up in the ICU. Those with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) like emphysema appear to be at the highest risk with six times the odds of a severe course for COVID-19 and nearly 18 times the odds of admission to an intensive care unit. …

“Reversing your type-2 Diabetes may help as those with Diabetes may suffer a more severe course (of COVID-19).”

That brings us back to last month’s warning about diabetes, which the Metabolism Journal identifies as a “key indicator of COVID-19, and in this regard, the virus has relentlessly highlighted our global Achilles heel of metabolic dysfunction, and points to a prime opportunity to fight back.”

And fight back we can because the good news is that all three of those diseases are reversible with healthier diets and better nutrition.

Indeed, Greger refers to the Metabolism Journal in one of his super-informative videos at nutritionfacts.org: “The fight will only be won through a serious commitment to improving everyone’s foundational metabolic health, starting with the lowest hanging evidence-based fruit: Dietary and lifestyle interventions.”

Now it’s true COVID-19 has a very, very high survival rate, but the odds of experiencing more pain and suffering seem to increase the more unhealthy your body is to start with, especially for the unvaccinated. And the long-term damage to the body after extreme cases (or after any cases, for that matter) is still — hauntingly — unknown.

This pandemic could be a watershed moment in public health, however. More and more doctors are issuing a prescription of better nutrition — something that has been sorely lacking in an American medicine system that is heavily influenced by the pharmaceutical industry.

Last month, we learned how the new mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, reversed his diabetes and lowered his cholesterol by changing to a plant-based diet. Studies have shown that patients who have had to take insulin for decades reversed their diabetes in days when they went plant based. It lowered their cholesterol, too. And, guess what? They lost weight to boot.

Traditionally, we all resolve to eat healthier and exercise. But try not to overpromise then under deliver. You don’t have to go total vegan — although that’s what Greger would advise (He’s written How Not To Die, How Not To Diet and How Not to Die From A Pandemic).

Rather, take baby steps in this new year’s infancy. Instead of cutting out meat or dairy or gluten or carbs or alcohol altogether, try bringing in more fruits and vegetables. Eat an apple and a banana or an orange every day. In fact, try to get four servings of fruit with at least one being berries. Eat beans, whole grains, and lots and lots of leafy greens.

Arm yourself with the good stuff to fight off the bad. A commitment to feeding yourself fresh, fiber-rich, whole foods is the best way to boost your immune system. Plus, diligently eating more good stuff not only fills you up so there’s not much room for the unhealthier stuff, it helps your body combat the toxins you consume from your cravings.

You don’t have to cut out your bad habits all at once. Have a cheat day. Enjoy that burger and fries, eat some pizza, have a piece of pie. It’s not a crime. But try not to consume that crap all the time.

Plant the foundation to build back a better you in 2022.