It’s a simple truth: We are all, collectively, experiencing a challenging time right now. But instead of sitting in the negativity the news and social media feeds us, what can we do to convert concern into action? My guest on this episode, New York Times bestselling author and internal medicine physician Dr. Austin Perlmutter, explains how we all hold the keys to freeing our bodies and brains from damaging patterns. If you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed right now, Dr. Perlmutter offers some simple but profound ways to optimize your brain to better meet this moment. In these turbulent times, we have an opportunity. We have access to information from experts like Dr. Perlmutter and thousands of others who can help us change our lives, and in turn, change the world. Now is the time to translate your worry into action—and it all starts with a little compassion, for yourself and others, even when you don’t see eye to eye. In this episode you’ll discover: What an opportunistic infection is and what it has to do with COVID-19. Why chronic illnesses increase your chances of dying from COVID-19. What you can do to improve resilience against Coronavirus—and other infections. The connection between chronic disease and your immune function. How social connection has a protective effect on how our bodies deal with viruses. Why it’s hard to come up with great vaccinations for influenza. How rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness are going up. The connection between mental health and chronic inflammation, and chronic inflammation and contracting COVID-19. How many of the things we’re doing now to prevent coronavirus could predispose us to more problems down the line. How there’s no financial reward for the healthcare industry in preventing conditions. Why quick fixes are only making our health and mental health worse. The “epidemic of stuckness” and how we transfer it to our offspring. How the immune system acts like a language that communicates between your gut microbes and your brain. That your brain has its own immune system. How to convert worry into actionable change in yourself and the world. What compassionate empathy is and why it’s so important right now. Items mentioned in this episode include: Organifi.com/model — Use the coupon code model for 20% off! Foursigmatic.com/model — Get 15% off your daily health elixirs and coffee! Brain Wash by Dr. Austin Perlmutter “The Coronavirus Took Advantage of Our Weaknesses” — Dr. Perlmutter’s Medium article Dr. Austin Perlmutter Website / Instagram * Download Transcript Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation