Watching a diet and a pandemic

What am I doing? Sitting in my comfy chair, feet propped up, watching TV. This requires no real investment on my part. I can consciously pay attention or doze off, which ever is most appealing.

“Watching” seems to be a common thing. I’m always hearing a person say they are watching their diet. Again, watching doesn’t require much investment. Open mouth, insert fork, chew, and swallow. Most often I find “watching” simply reflects an intent to eat less. Not that they necessarily do, you understand, they just mean to eat less.

I should note that the amount a person eats is rarely as important the content of their diet. But more about that another time.

Pandemic watching

This COVID-19 pandemic appears to be worthy of “watching.” As I observe the Arkansas governor’s daily update, I read all the comments made by other watchers. Based on those comments it seems that we “watchers” are clearly better qualified than the governor and the health department to make decisions for the state. But, in reality, we watchers rarely agree on what should be done.

Open the schools, never open the schools, close the churches, open the churches, never open restaurants, close them down. Recounting at length businesses/locations where people have not distanced or worn masks. Complaining at length about being asked to distance or wear a mask.

And there are always a few critical of the look on the governor’s face or the sound of his voice. Sometimes it gets nasty.

Watching and second guessing

I am not here to agree or disagree with the steps being taken in Arkansas. Although, if you know me, you know that I have opinions. I am here to suggest that watching and second guessing is no better than watching the food leave your plate.

My view, for what its worth. I have never been a fan of laws that require seat belts and motorcycle helmets. If you want to take a chance on killing yourself, I think it is your right. That doesn’t affect me unless you want me to contribute to treating you at the hospital. I don’t think my taxes should contribute to your poor choices.

On the other hand, I see this differently when your choices affect me personally. This is where people’s views on social distancing, masks, and general cleanliness come in.

Who cares?

Among us are people really worried about being infected. Some of those worriers are people with significant underlying health conditions. They should be worried and ought to be staying at home. The vast majority of those hospitalized and dying fall into this category.

Others are worried because that is just what they do. Some aren’t worried at all but believe that a few simple steps to protect others are worthwhile. And there are those who think the whole thing is malarkey and firmly believe that protection directives infringe on their rights.

If you want to watch something, watch what happens in the businesses/locations you visit.

Make your choices based on what you think is important.

Concerned about being infected or infecting others?

Understand the basic protection principles:

• The further away you are from other people who might be infected the better off you are. Consider six feet or more to be ideal. The distance is what protects you.
• When that amount of distancing is not possible, wear a mask so you don’t infect someone else.You never know when you might come in contact with someone’s mom, dad, grandma, even a child with an underlying condition.
• A small entrance entering a store with a lot of space and no crowd suggests that the mask worn at the entrance is the most important.
• Primary protection is distance. Don’t expect to be forced by law to stay at a distance. Pay attention to the amount of distance.

Look for the restaurants/beauty shops/spas where wait staff/operators wear masks, there is six feet distance between tables/stations, and customers are required to wear a mask. They are doing their best to protect you and themselves.

If the other businesses you visit are always too crowded to maintain distancing and most people don’t wear masks, just don’t go there.

Not concerned about being infected or infecting other?

Out of respect for the rights of others, keep your distance from people wearing masks. They are concerned. Out of respect for the right of the state to have specific directives, follow the rules specified by the businesses/locations such as restaurants. Otherwise you are on your own.

Pat Smith is the author of “It’s All about the Food,” a book that guides nutritious food choices as the way to avoid illness and maintain a healthy weight. Proceeds from her book benefit the Montgomery County Food Pantry. Her website is http://www.allaboutthefood.org/ She can be contacted at patsmith2@live.com, 870-490-1836. Her Facebook page is www.facebook.com/patsmithbooks.