Volume 3 Issue 4
Winter 2008 - 2009 Winter Colds
During the winter season, a variety of practices can keep you from getting colds and flu. Lifestyle is critical and most important is to get enough rest. We often need more sleep this time of the year so don’t resist going to bed early if you get tired at 9 PM. Of course, eating healthy foods and avoiding sugar (which suppresses immune function) is vital. Exercise revs up the immune system. When you feel extra tired or not quite right, that is often the prelude to illness. If you notice this feeling, pay attention to the lifestyle factors and be sure to follow them.
It is a good idea to take immune support products to help resist infections. Vitamin C complex (Cataplex ACP is a very good product that also contains Vitamin A complex), zinc, Congaplex or Immuplex (Standard Process immune supports) and a colloidal silver spray, Advanced Cellular Silver, are all helpful. A variety of other products on the market, such as garlic, Echinacea or oregano oil may be helpful. Good hand washing practices when you are around ill people are definitely a good thing to do.
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a topic that receives little attention by the medical profession. Our current society is awash in untold numbers of devices that sent out electromagnetic radiation. Some people suffer from a variety of symptoms that they attribute to being sensitive to EMR. Typical symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, poor memory, irregular heart rate, dry eyes and skin problems. Research on this illness is limited and so far has not demonstrated a definite effect of EMR on health.
For those concerned about the potential negative effects of EMR, a healthy lifestyle is highly likely to promote resistance to harm from EMR. This includes eating a diet high in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables), avoiding non-organic meats, minimizing caffeine and alcohol, no chlorine exposure in tap water, eliminating exposure to plastic residues in food and water, avoiding fluorescent lights, and managing stress levels.
To reduce direct exposure to EMR, avoid or minimize wireless communication with cordless phones, cell phones, and WiFi devices. Turn off the cell phone when not in use and keep it at least 6 inches away from your body. Use air tube headsets or speaker phone when talking. With computers, avoid prolonged use and sit back from the screen. Use a wired connection, not wireless and keep laptops off the body when in use. At home, keep electronic devices such as radios and clocks 6 feet away from your bed. Do not use waterbed heaters or electric blankets. EMR filters are available and can be useful to decrease exposure. For more information about this issue, visit the Safe Wireless Initiative at www.safewireless.org.
There has been a steady increase in the number of people developing autoimmune diseases. The medical treatments for these illnesses are often ineffective and have their own toxicities. I recommend a book I read recently that explores recent research showing how these illnesses can be caused by various toxic exposures. “The Autoimmune Epidemic” by Donna Nakazawa is written for laypeople. With the knowledge in this book, it is often possible to begin to explore potential causes of these diseases. Once a cause is identified, a treatment directed at correcting the cause can lead to improvement or elimination of the condition. A skilled health practitioner familiar with how to address the causes is essential as a guide to regaining health and wholeness.
On a Personal Note: I am excited about the coming changes in 2009. Although no one knows how things are going to turn out, many profound changes are already underway in America. I invite each of you to take time to create a list of personal goals and how you might reach those goals this year. I believe that each of us will need to change in many big and little ways in order to ride the wave of change that is coming. Resistance to this wave of change will create a lot of suffering so I encourage you be flexible, courageous and curious.
Personal growth is no longer optional but essential. A very powerful technique that promotes change and growth is called mindfulness. There are ongoing classes in mindfulness being taught in Fresno. Visit www.mbsrfresno.com for information on classes or get books (such as “Everywhere You Go, There You Are”) by Jon Kabat-Zinn about this topic. Will 2009 be a wonderful year of vibrant health, abundance and joy or a year of dis-ease and suffering? You decide!
A brand new restaurant named Roots Organic Bistro is open in Fresno. I sampled the menu and the food was delicious. I encourage people to support efforts to bring wholesome seasonal organic food to the Fresno restaurant scene so give them a try. They are located on North Blackstone across from Riverpark and in front of Sam’s Club.
Daniel Blodgett MD