Be Healthy, Naturally

 

The global spread of coronavirus/COVID-19 has sent researchers and scientists into overdrive to find both treatments and cures.

In the absence of proven treatments, doctors and other practitioners, including those who practice in the complementary alternative medicine field, are improvising.

But some health practitioners are also reminding people what they can do, in general, to reduce their risk of getting sick.

Specific vitamins, herbs, essential oils, foods . . . there are lots of natural remedies that can strengthen your immune system.

We asked Pat Thomas, editor at Natural Health News in the UK and author of “Complete Wellness and What Works, What Doesn’t – The Guide to Alternative Healthcare,” to update us on the latest COVID-19 conventional treatment news and alternative health options.

Read ‘Coronavirus—What Are the Best Alternatives for Self-Care?’

Do Something!

 

Today, as Congress works on a 4th COVID-19 stimulus bill, we ask you to once again contatct your Senators and members of Congress.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we know exactly why we so urgently need policies that can advance a regenerative and resilient food system.

We’ve always pushed for a food system that can regenerate the resources needed to keep everyone nourished and healthy—one that can be resilient in the face of a crisis.

Right now, Congress must act to protect our food system.

But there’s also plenty you can do as a consumer to promote food sovereignty and food access in your own community. Read more here, then please take action.

Read our blog post about steps you can take in your own community

TAKE ACTION TODAY: Demand a #GreenStimulus for the Right to Healthy Food During the COVID-19 Epidemic and Beyond!

What If?

 

“What if I get sick? What if our farm crew gets sick? We're essential so we're putting ourselves at risk still, but I can't afford a hospital bill if I get very ill.” - Iowa farmer

We’ve been checking in with farmers these days, including those who are part of our national coalition of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers for a Green New Deal.

What have we learned? They’re working harder than ever. Not just to feed their local communities, but to provide the kind of nutrient-dense, pesticide-free food that will help keep people healthy.

But for many, it isn’t easy.

We forget that many farmers can’t afford today’s outrageously expensive health insurance premiums—much less a trip to the hospital should they get sick.

Yet they’re out there, trying to get food to empty grocery shelves. As one Iowa farmer told us:

“I am hopeful that our customers know we're there for them and are bending over backwards to get our food to them. If they didn't know already, they'll know small farmers care about them deeply and will provide for them when things get rough.”

OCA staff members aren’t out on the frontlines. But we’re working, from our homes. And if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the farmers who are good stewards of the land, and who work tirelessly to provide wholesome, healthy food, need our—and your—help now, more than ever.

We’re thankful that we were able to help launch the Farmers & Ranchers for a Green New Deal in September, before the pandemic hit. We’re in touch with the farmers in this coalition, and with our Congressional Advisory Committee, on how to help farmers survive this crisis.

There are a lot of "what ifs" out there right now. Farmers need our help now.

But we can't just settle for short-term solutions. That's why we're in this for the long haul, to force Congress to support organic regenerative farmers.

Because when they thrive, we all thrive.

Please make a generous donation at this time, if you are able. And please stay safe.

Make a tax-deductible donation to Organic Consumers Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Support Citizens Regeneration Lobby, OCA’s 501(c)(4) lobbying arm (not tax-deductible)

Donate $100 or more and we’ll send you a copy of Ronnie’s new book

Click here for more ways to support our work

Unintended Consequences

 

For those who find themselves with more free time than usual (and even for those who don't), here’s a longer-than-usual video of the week. It’s worth watching.

Robb Wolf interviews farmer/rancher Will Harris on his “Healthy Rebellion” show. Harris, a fifth-generation farmer in Bluffton, Georgia, recounts how his great-grandfather farmed, how his father transitioned to an industrial farming model after World War II, and how—and why—he (Harris) transitioned back to a regenerative model.

Harris explains how initially, it was his concern for animals that led him away from industrial agriculture and back to a model that allows animals to express their instinctive behaviors.

One change led to another, until his farm, White Oak Pastures, ultimately became a model for regenerative agriculture.

Harris covers a lot of ground in this video, from the unintended (bad) consequences of industrial agriculture to the unintended (good) consequences of regenerative agriculture.

You want to watch this. Really.

Watch Robb Wolf’s interview with Will Harris of White Oak Pastures

More on the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers for a Green New Deal

Not Really

 

Warning: If you’ve ever bought Happy Eggs because you believe (because the company said so) the eggs come from farms that actually meet a true pasture raised standard, you’ve been duped.

Last week, we sued Happy Egg Co. for making false claims about Happy Eggs. In our lawsuit, we allege that Happy Egg falsely advertises and promotes its eggs as coming from hens “living on over 8 acres of pasture.”

Happy Egg cartons also imply some higher standards by suggesting that its eggs are even better than “free range,” because they are “Free-est of the Free Range.”

Turns out, these, and other claims, aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Who gets hurt when companies make false labeling and marketing claims? You, the consumer, who believes you’re supporting a certain standard when in fact you aren’t. And the brands that do adhere to those standards, but lose business to the imposters.

Happy Eggs are sold widely throughout the U.S., including in Aldi Stores (mostly in the Midwest and East Coast), and in some Costco stores—in all, about 6,500 stores nationwide sell them. Happy Eggs are also sold online by Target, Instacart, Walmart and Amazon Fresh.

Read our press release

Read the full complaint

More on our Myth of Natural campaign

Have any tips about false product claims? Email [email protected]

Essential Reading

 

The FDA/USDA/EPA Launch a GMO Website, But the Bigger Plan Is Much More Worrisome

Coronavirus 'Cures' and Fake Dietary Supplements: Beware These 'Products' on Amazon

Revealed: Monsanto Predicted Crop System Would Damage U.S. Farms

EPA Suspends Enforcement of Environmental Laws Amid Coronavirus

Antimalarial Medications: A COVID-19 Treatment Option?

Is Factory Farming to Blame for Coronavirus?