In recent news, an outbreak of norovirus at the University of Guelph has captured media attention. However, this coverage reveals a troubling trend: the perpetuation of the flawed germ theory, which oversimplifies complex health issues and shifts focus away from systemic solutions.
Media outlets have repeatedly emphasized measures such as isolation, handwashing, and social distancing to mitigate the spread of this alleged virus. While proper hygiene is always a good practice, this narrative overlooks a significant contributor to the spread of norovirus: unsustainable agricultural practices.
The Overlooked Role of Agriculture
Norovirus can spread through contaminated food and water. This contamination is often linked to the operations of factory farms, which use manure lagoons to manage animal waste. These lagoons, essentially large pools of manure, can harbor multiple pathogens, including norovirus. When the manure from these lagoons is used as fertilizer on crops, it is not always properly sterilized, allowing pathogens to contaminate the food and/or water supply.
Instead of addressing this root cause, the media narrative has shifted the blame to individuals, suggesting that human interaction is the primary driver of infection. This ignores the systemic failures in agricultural and environmental hygiene that are at the heart of the issue.
The Need for Sustainable Practices
If we truly want to tackle outbreaks like this, we need to return to hygienic and sustainable agricultural practices. Factory farming methods prioritize efficiency and cost over health and safety, creating conditions ripe for the proliferation of pathogens. By adopting more sustainable methods, we can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses at their source.
Reframing the Conversation
The media’s sleight of hand—diverting attention from systemic issues to individual behavior—undermines meaningful progress. It’s time for a shift in focus. Public health messaging should educate people not only about personal hygiene but also about the broader environmental and agricultural factors that contribute to disease outbreaks.
Handwashing is important, but it’s only part of the solution. Let’s broaden the conversation to include the systemic reforms necessary for a healthier future.
Pam Killeen is a health coach, author, podcaster and advocate for circadian health, with over three decades of experience in the wellness field. Her career has evolved from focusing on nutrition and natural health strategies to integrating the critical principles of circadian biology into her online practice.
She is the author of three books—The Great Bird Flu Hoax (co-authored with Dr. Joseph Mercola); Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic; and Survival of the Unfittest—which highlight her deep interest in nutrition. Reflecting on her work, she wishes she had included information about circadian practices in her writing and consultations but believes it’s never too late to start. Her website is www.pamkilleen.com.
Pam Killeen Resources
Websites -- www.pamkilleen.com and www.truthoverspin.com
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Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/circadianpam
Spotify — Circadian Reboot or Truth Over Spin
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LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-killeen-bab652218/
Substack -- pamkilleen.substack.com
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