Page 14 • The ENUMCLAW Courier-Herald • Wednesday, October 31, 2012
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Sick & Tired of Being
Fall is here, and as seasons change, so does your body. Old cells are sloughing off and new cells are being created. During this process sometimes our immune system is compromised and we may become sick. If your immune system is high, you have a greater chance of not becoming sick. A “shot” of Health There are a number of supplements and measures you can take to support your immune system and fight off flu. Recent studies are showing the crucial role Vitamin D plays in immunity. If you are not receiving 25-30 minutes of direct sunlight
Sick & Tired?
exposure to your skin, you may be Vitamin D deficient.(www.vitamindcouncil.org.) A balanced diet will provide much of other necessary vitamins. Vitamin C is just as easy to obtain in red peppers or broccoli as it is in a pill. Zinc, found in every cell of our body, is crucial for immune system function and healing. It can be found in many animal proteins, whole grains and nuts. The hardest thing to do may be avoiding sugar. It increases insulin which reduces some hormone production. This depresses your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.
Finally, prevent the flu from spreading. The virus enters your body through your mouth and nose. Cover your coughs and wash your hands frequently. Consider salt water rinses to prevent proliferation of the virus in your body. Drinking plenty of fluids will keep you hydrated and can help wash the virus into your stomach, where it can’t survive.
The truth about the Flu Shot
Massage
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1. What's in the regular flu shot?
6 Days
• Egg protein and avian contaminant viruses • Formaldelhyde: carcinogen
a Week
• Resin: known allergen
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rs o t c a r p o r i 3 Ch ge & 5 Massa on s t s i p a r e h T ou!
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• Thimerosal (mercury): in multi-dose vials • Triton X100: detergent • Gentamycin: antibiotic • Polysorbate 80: allergen; infertility in mice • Sucrose; table sugar • Gelatin: known allergen
2. Do flu shots work? • Not in healthy babies: A review of 51 studies involving more than 294,000 children it was found there was “no evidence” that injecting children 6-24 months of age with a flu shot was any more effective than placebo. In children over 2 yrs. it was only effective 33% of the time in preventing the flu. Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy children.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2 (2008). • Not in children with asthma: A study 800 children with asthma, half were vaccinated and the other half did not receive the influenza vaccine. The two groups were compared with respect to clinic visits, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations for asthma. CONCLUSION: This study failed to provide evidence that the influenza vaccine prevents pediatric asthma exacerbations. Reference: “Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for the prevention of asthma exacerbations.” Christy, C. et al. Arch. Dis. Child. 2004 Aug;89(8):734-5. • Not in children with asthma (2): "The inactivated flu vaccine does not prevent influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially the ones with asthma… In fact, children who get the flu vaccine are three times more at risk for hospitalization than children who do not get the vaccine.” Reference: The American Thoracic Society's 105th International conference, May 15-20, 2009, San Diego. • Not in adults: In a review of 48 reports (more than 66,000 adults), “Vaccination of healthy adults only reduced risk of influenza by 6% and reduced the number of missed work days by less than one day (0.16) days. It did not change the number of people needing to go to the hospital or take time off work.” Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 1(2006). • Not in the Elderly: In a review of 64 studies over 98 flu seasons of elderly living in nursing homes, flu shots were non-significant for preventing the flu. For elderly living in the community, vaccines were not (significantly) effective against influenza, ILI or pneumonia. Reference: “Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 3(2006). So if the idea of getting a flu shot is reassuring to you, don’t let me stop you. But there’s a good chance that all the flu protection you need can be achieved by getting your immune system in check. Receive regular Chiropractic adjustments, get the right amount of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a light to moderate exercise regimen. Supplementing with a few proven helpers will help us fight the flu bug as well. By getting adjusted, your spine is aligned properly so there is no interference. With no interference your immune system is now operating at a higher percentage. In our office we focus on Lifestyle, which we believe to be a Balance. It is not just doing one thing. In order to establish a well balanced lifestyle, you need to have equal levels of Exercise, Diet, Chiropractic, and a Positive Mental Attitude! Martin R. Henschell D.C.
You’re going to love the way you feel!
Henschell Chiropractic
693876
253-862-1555 • www.HenschellChiro.com 20119 South Prairie Rd. • Bonney Lake, WA 98391