Highways to Health

 

Swine Flu Scare

 

The beauty of spring brings with it the hope of new life. Out from under the snow the crocus bloom, then the tulips followed by the daffodils. And now the iris are blooming. Even the vegetable garden is erupting with new life.

 

And with this spring new life entered our family on April 21, 2009. A beautiful baby boy named Aiden Michael Nail weighing in at 10 lbs. 5 oz was born to our oldest daughter Becky at 12:55 AM. He's so popular that he gets worn out just from his big brother (10 years old) and big sisters (8 and 7 years old) enjoying holding him and loving on him. Sometimes the "night shift" time is the best to have a chance to have him all to myself.

 

The male/female ratio is finally even in our family. We have 3 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. Having grandsons teaches me a lot since I only had sisters and daughters. It's fun.

 

Also this spring brought the other side of life to the forefront - the scare about the swine flu. Only two years ago we had the scare about the bird flu. Sometimes I wonder if all the fear mongering is necessary. Never the less, it’s wise to always be prepared to fend off these nasty bugs.

 

So, always keep your immune system strong. Nasty bugs have a problem getting a foothold in a healthy body. Keeping your immune system strong means doing all of the things that keep your body healthy:

 

Eat living whole food

Exercise

Sleep adequately

Handle stress well.

 

 

Also, consider the following to specifically keep your body in tip top shape to defend itself:

 

Be sure you have optimal vitamin D levels. Sunshine on your skin activates your vitamin D making processes. But if you don’t get enough sunshine, then you probably need to take at least 2000 IU of vitamin D per day in the form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

 

Better yet have your doctor monitor your blood vitamin D levels. Be sure you get the 25(OH)D test. In plain English it's 25-hydroxy D. It may need to be sent to a specialty lab.

 

Experts on vitamin D recommend blood levels of 25(OH)D in the range of 35-65 ng/ml.

 

Avoid sugar and other concentrated sweets. They suppress your white blood cells' ability to destroy invaders. Review http://www.dr-jo-md.com/nutrition/sugar/keeping-the-immune-system-healthy.html

 

Wash your hands, especially before eating and touching your mouth or nose. Use a regular, chemical free soap. Antibacterial soaps can do more harm than good.

 

Please think about this: Those antibacterial gels only help kill bacteria but have little effect on a virus. Also, they are mostly chemicals that can absorb through your skin and add to your toxic chemical load. Personally I avoid them. I'll take my chances with the bugs rather than the chemicals.

Bottom line, you want your tissues so healthy that no germ can possibly find your body comfortable to grow in.

 

Keep taking personal responsibility for your health. You're the best. You love to learn and apply your knowledge to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Congratulations!

 

In the next issue we'll cover some controversial aspects on dealing with the swine flu. Should you consider taking a vaccine? Should you take Tamiflu?

 

Blessings,

Dr. Jo

 

Now you're breezing down that Highway to Health!
 

Spread the Word!