BY APPO JABARIAN
As an integral part of the American society, American Armenians are doing their part in helping the nation fight against Coronavirus — the ‘invisible enemy.’ As seen in a humorous photo (p.2), a graphic designer came up with an image where even the Lady Liberty or the Statue of Liberty is now wearing a protection mask.
Los Armenos: A good number of American Armenians make up an important segment of the healthcare force in Los Angeles County. Out of a population of about 10 million in the county, an estimated 700,000 are Armenians. (I would like to encourage our readers to write in the 2020 Census “Armenian.”)
The community has its share of patients who are infected with the virus. While one can give moral and material support to healthcare workers fighting on the front lines but can also actively pray for their, their patients’ and humanity’s wellbeing. Even if you’re not a believer in prayer, the following thought that I had heard in a televised conversation may inspire you: “”Prayer is the highest level of positive thinking.”
A Friday April 3 John Hopkins Hospital research report has revealed that Coronavirus “is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (RNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.”
A virus that is not a living organism? It sounds like science has turned against its practitioner, the man. Science without faith and spiritual values can become omnicidal.
During these trying times, devoted prayerful individuals can make a huge difference by way of spiritual light and positive energy.
A few days ago, a group of faithful formed ‘prayer warrior’ squads. Many are convinced that science by itself is not enough. They strongly believe that “prayer is a divine act of spiritual solidarity with those fighting for their lives and for healthcare specialists trying to save them.”
Anecdotal vs. clinically approved medical advice: Currently there are no clinically-proven vaccines against Coronavirus. In the absence of such a vaccine, a number of elected officials have been echoing certain medical doctors’ advice to “think outside of the box.”
“If you have a loved one who is being hospitalized because of this virus, remember and remind your doctor about the fact that a number of other medical doctors have successfully cured many of their patients by administering hydroxy-chloroquine. Even though some experts are qualifying these findings as ‘anecdotal’ but there have been many cases where this medication has helped critical patients overcome the virus,” said a medical doctor to USA Armenian Life.
Let’s also follow the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and observe the following tips to “Help stop the spread of COVID-19”:
- Clean your hands often
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Keep 6 feet away from others when possible.
- If you feel sick, stay home when you can
- Listen for orders from your local government to stay home
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow
On a lighter note, USA Armenian Life Magazine’s publisher shared on his Facebook page a light-hearted yet educational illustration made from various healthy food items decorating a corona (“Crown” in latin) with the following writing:
“A public service message courtesy of USA ARMENIAN LIFE Magazine graphic design team. Heed to the advice of expert nutritionists— AGGRESSIVELY CONSUME FRESH VEGETABLES, FRUITS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY RED AND GREEN JALAPEÑO PEPPER, GARLIC, ONION, FRESH MINTS AMONG OTHER HEALTHY FOODS.” The crown made up from healthy foods was named “CORONAMINUS.”
In many ways, American Armenians are not any different than the mainstream American society, yet in numerous ways they are navigating through this pandemic by sticking to their cultural and most importantly culinary traditions.
You can convince an Armenian to hand you his wallet but you cannot convince him to give up world-famous Armenian beef jerky “Bast—urma.” Not only he won’t give up Basturma, garlic, hot pepper and oghee, but he’ll convince his better half to do the same. Otherwise he’ll end up sleeping alone.
Basturma can be accompanied by garlic and sliced tomatoes served with either pita bread or Armenian thin ‘lavash.’ Some hot jalapeno pepper won’t hurt. A bit of “oghee” Armenian version of Greek “ouzo” or Russian vodka may add a bit of flavor.
But watch out. In a recent conversation with USA Armenian Life, Dr. Vagharshak Pilossyan, MD has just sounded the alarm that “drinking alcohol heavily in order to fight against coronavirus is not advisable at all,” and that “Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% (only helps) destroy the virus.” Social drinking is okay but he warned serious consumption of hard liquor is out of the question.
Soon after the coronavirus pandemic broke out, USA Armenian Life and its Armenian-language edition Hye Kiank Armenian Weekly became the very first American Armenian publications that have started sharing with their readers important information on the novel Coronavirus.
The twin publications USA Armenian Life Magazine and Hye Kiank Armenian Weekly wish their readers endurable health and high morale. An ounce of optimism can outweigh a ton of pessimism. Stay proactive. Stay safe. Stay strong. All of us are in this together and will emerge stronger.
Make America, Armenia and the world healthy again!