Protect Your Health Now—for Whatever’s Coming

Protect Your Health Now—for Whatever’s Coming

Duke Johnson, M.D., Kootenai County Coroner, is a co-founder of Heart of Hope in Hayden, a membership family medical practice. He’s the former medical director of the world's largest supplement manufacturer and a former Level 1 and Level 2 trauma doctor in Southern California.

Full Disclosure: Dr. Duke and I serve on the board of Kootenai Stability & Resilience Group (KSRG): Investing in Community Resilience in Uncertain Times. Watch our full interview here.


MA: Given the many global threats on our shores, what specific risks should Kootenai County, and the nation as a whole, be vigilant about?

DJ: It's a critical time indeed. For years, we in the United States enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, often outsourcing our safety to first responders due to the rarity of significant issues. But that landscape is rapidly changing as global troubles begin to affect us directly. It's naive to think the future will mirror the past; such an assumption exposes us to vulnerabilities I aim to mitigate concerning health. Many prefer to turn a blind eye to these unpleasant realities, choosing ignorance over facing potential threats. Yet, maturity and responsibility dictate that we must confront these possibilities, extending our concern beyond personal and familial circles to include our neighbors and the most vulnerable.

MA: Can you be a bit more specific about your concerns?

DJ: Sure. A quick internet search reveals our infrastructure, especially the electrical grid, is outdated, vulnerable, and worse, unprotected. While we'd like to believe undocumented individuals crossing the border are all seeking a better life, the reality is it only takes a handful of malicious actors to attack our critical systems. Imagine the devastation from an attack on our power grid. The devastation would be severe, taking years to recover.

We can’t afford to live under the illusion that our first responders can manage such crises affecting the entire population, especially concerning health. We must understand that preparedness is not an option—but a necessity.

MA: Could you describe how a crisis might unfold in our area or elsewhere, particularly impacting the health of our most vulnerable?

DJ: Reflecting on my scouting days, the motto 'Be Prepared' was ingrained in me, a principle that holds true now more than ever, especially considering the potential for significant disruptions like grid failure. Such a scenario could severely impact our daily lives and health, particularly for those most at risk. This would not be a simple fix, either; we may not even have in stock the components needed for such a repair. Meanwhile, the repercussions are far-reaching. Imagine: Your home plunges into darkness, food spoils without refrigeration, stores can't operate, and fuel becomes inaccessible due to electric pump dependencies.

For our vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those reliant on medication like insulin, the stakes are even higher. A prolonged power outage means pharmacies may not be able to dispense necessary medications, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. This reality brings up the importance of preparedness, not just for oneself but for those around us who may be less able to withstand such crises.

My aim isn't to instill fear but to promote preparedness. By anticipating these challenges and planning accordingly, we can mitigate the impact on our most vulnerable and ensure that in times of crisis we're not overwhelmed by panic but are instead ready to face whatever comes our way with resilience.

MA: What proactive measures can individuals take to prepare health-wise for such potential emergencies?

DJ: The most impactful step individuals can take is to minimize their reliance on medications through lifestyle modifications. Many people postpone addressing their health until it's too late, thinking they'll deal with it "someday." However, the wisest approach is to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet and to eliminate harmful habits now. Among other things, this can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for certain medications. Healthier living also frees individuals from pharmaceutical dependencies and enhances one’s overall resilience in the face of crisis. I have dedicated a lot of my time to helping people reduce their medication dependence by adopting healthier lifestyles, which requires them to make tangible changes in their diet and daily habits.

MA: Why is it crucial for our community—and others—to unite, especially in these trying times?

DJ: In a time of crisis, the divisions that separate us—political beliefs, social affiliations—diminish in importance. What matters is our collective ability to face challenges together. The idea that anyone can solely rely on their own resources in times of widespread emergency is impractical. Our survival depends on mutual support, sharing resources, and looking out for one another, especially those among us who are most vulnerable. In a real crisis, your neighbor isn't your adversary based on their political stance, but instead, your ally in survival. We've faced tough situations as a country before, and the key to overcoming them has always been unity and cooperation, not panic and division. By pooling our unique gifts and talents, we can create a robust network of support. This approach reinforces our community and helps everybody.

MA: Given recent disasters in places like Maui and before that, New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, how can Kootenai County and really, the rest of our nation, better prepare to avoid such tragic outcomes?

DJ: Other communities' ordeals, like Maui and New Orleans, reveal that a lack of proactive preparedness can lead to unnecessary suffering, disease, and death. The key to avoiding such nightmares lies in not panicking but being well-prepared, educated, and resourceful. Every individual can contribute to a county's resilience by considering practical steps like stocking up on canned food and staples, perhaps utilizing extra storage spaces like that spare bedroom closet for such supplies. For those with even a bit of land, growing your own food, or raising chickens or rabbits could significantly help self-sufficiency. Also, exploring renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and ensuring a supply of extra batteries can make a big difference in crisis scenarios.

MA: What advice do you offer those with medication dependencies?

DJ: It's essential, especially for individuals dependent on critical medications such as insulin for diabetics, antiarrhythmics, or even EpiPens, to proactively secure their medication supplies now. The reality is, if everyone waits until a crisis hits, the rush to acquire needed medications may lead to shortages, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain what you need. My recommendation is to have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the possibility of obtaining a prescription in advance for these essential medications. This might mean paying out of pocket if insurance doesn't cover the extra supply, but it's a small price for peace of mind and ensuring continuity of care during uncertain times.

Again, the approach here isn't about succumbing to fear but preparation. If the medical supply chain is disrupted for any reason, having a stockpile could mean the difference between stability and crisis for those with chronic conditions.

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MA: What are your top tips for boosting one’s health in the face of so much uncertainty?

DJ: Having studied the science of chronic inflammation and its role as a fundamental cause of chronic diseases, I've come to emphasize the importance of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Although diet plays a significant role in this pursuit, it is not all. Many everyday foods and habits contribute to inflammation, and surprisingly, many items marketed as healthy can have the opposite effect. Yet by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle, which includes regular, moderate exercise like walking, and avoiding inflammatory habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, we can significantly lower our disease risk and reduce our dependency on medications. We must also address the impact of fear and anxiety on our health. These emotions are psychologically damaging and physically inflammatory. Instead of succumbing to panic, adopting a calm, prepared mindset can help mitigate these effects. We can also take better control of our health by making informed choices about our diet, activity levels, and even our engagement with technology and media.

MA: How can a strong spiritual practice help your health during a crisis?

DJ: During my work with a leading supplement manufacturer and my travels around the world I encountered compelling research showing that people with a committed religious faith tend to enjoy better health. This observation isn't restricted to a particular belief, either; the benefits appear universal across diverse faiths. The intriguing part is that this is underreported, likely because mainstream narratives seldom highlight the positive intersections between spirituality and health.

The scientific literature on this topic is rich, but it doesn't prescribe a specific belief system. Instead, it suggests that the intensity and sincerity of belief are what matter. In my presentations across thirty countries, I've emphasized this point: the act of believing fervently in something greater than oneself correlates with lower rates of heart disease, cancer, anxiety, hypertension, and other health issues. This reality challenges the notion that the health benefits of spiritual practice are the result of mere community involvement.

MA: Lastly, for those not familiar, could you explain what KSRG is and why it matters?

DJ: KSRG is a proactive, community-centered organization comprised of skilled individuals who share a common concern for the well-being of our neighbors, friends, and the wider community of North Idaho. Our organization stands apart as it is strictly non-political, focusing solely on the welfare and preparedness of our population against potential threats.

We've observed enough warning signs indicating that challenges could be on the horizon. KSRG is our united response, not borne out of fear, but out of a desire to be ready and to support each other in times of need. While I certainly hope for the best, I'm also not one to indulge in wishful thinking at the expense of practical preparedness. And neither should anyone else who is paying attention.

KSRG pools together experts from various fields to offer a comprehensive support system. We're organized into committees dedicated to aiding each other on a broader scale when needed. The more individuals who join, volunteer, and participate in our activities, the stronger our capacity to support the entire county in times of crisis will be. The success of KSRG and, by extension, the resilience of our community, depends on our willingness to get involved, share our skills, and resolve to face whatever comes our way, together.

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