Should you get a flu vaccination?

Vaccination clinics abound in the community. Should you visit one?

With the weather turning unseasonably colder in northern California the flu season is in full swing.  The annual influenza is taking its annual toll on the population and with the addition of the Swine flu that has accounted for a few deaths locally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local county health agencies have begun an advertising campaign geared toward motivating the masses to get the flu vaccine.

 This year, that campaign has been even more urgent due to outbreaks of the H1N1″swine flu” virus, which have spread from one country to the next in the past six months or so. Local H1N1 vaccine centers have been set up around the Sacramento County making the new Swine Flu vaccine available to most anyone that wants it.

 Should you get yourself and your children vaccinated against the flu? Just like all vaccines and medications, there are potential side effects associated with the flu shot. Minor side effects can include but are not limited to soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and other aches and pains. More severe, life-threatening complications have proven to be rare, but the danger still exists that someone can suffer severe effects from this alleged beneficial vaccine.

 The most common dangerous side effect is an allergic reaction. Since the vaccine is grown in eggs, it is more dangerous for those who have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines in the past. These reactions can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, and a fast heartbeat or dizziness.

 The most serious side effect is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This is a disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. While most people eventually recover, some have permanent nerve damage and 5 percent to 6 percent of those who develop GBS will die. The CDC would remind you that only six of every 1 million people injected with the flu shot will develop GBS. That’s small comfort if you’re one of the six, of course.

 The CDC talks about the benefits of being vaccinated, but are those benefits backed up with the facts? The flu vaccine is always changing because the flu strains change from one year to the next. (The swine flu is one such variation.) The manufacturers of the vaccine take a shot in the dark and hope they’ll hit the right strain each year, but the fact is the flu shot is only 70 percent to 90 percent effective.

 The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate simple health habits to prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu. Taking these steps can help people avoid the flu without having to get a flu shot in the first place:

 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough/sneeze; throw the used tissue away.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water as soon as possible after coughing or sneezing.
• Keep yourself and any babies and children in your care away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth if you in close contact with people who are sick or have been sick.

 Consider these suggestions, along with the above information regarding risks vs. benefits, before getting a flu shot this year after all, it’s your health and the health of your children at stake.

Natural Solutions to Sinusitis

Clear drainage is better than yellow sticky snot

How do you know if a runny nose should be of concern depends on the type of drainage.  If you have a clear and watery discharge it is likely the result of an allergic reaction to something in the environment causing a histamine reaction.  If the discharge turns yellow or green in color and becomes thick and sticky that indicates a potentially more serious condition and a probable viral or bacterial infection underway in the sinuses.

 Regardless of the cause, sinusitis is a common problem with frustrating symptoms: congestion, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever, pain and pressure around the eyes, cheeks nose or forehead. What can you do to prevent sinusitis? Harvard Women’s Health Watch offers a few simple suggestions for reducing your risk or relieving early symptoms of the condition.

 First, keeping your nasal membranes moist is a great way to avoid/reduce sinus symptoms. Stir 1 teaspoon salt into 2 cups of lukewarm water; use a squeeze bottle to stream the solution through your nose. Do this 1-2 times daily to keep your nasal passages from drying out and clear excess mucus before it has a chance to cause congestion and/or infection.

 Drinking lots of water every day is another great way to keep mucus from building up; water keeps mucus thin, loose and easy to dissipate with the saltwater solution or simply by blowing your nose.

 If you have sinus symptoms, inhaling steam also can help to reduce congestion and other symptoms. You can do this several ways: by spending a little extra time in a hot shower or steam room; or by boiling water in a pan and then inhaling the steam. (Place a towel over your head to maximize the effect.)

 Finally, sleeping with your head elevated helps prevent mucus from pooling. When mucus builds up in your nasal passages, it’s a veritable breeding ground for infection. It might mean you spend a few days and nights with a runny nose, but it’s better in the long run than the alternative – congestion and infection.

 Remember; always consult with your health care provider to make sure your symptoms aren’t indicative of something more serious. There are other natural methods of treating your sinus problems without having to rely on decongestants or other over-the-counter medications

Caution! Cough medicine not the best choice for Children

Children and over the counter cough medicine have shown they don't go well together accoring to leading Pediatritions

Children’s cough and cold medicines have taken a justifiable beating in the past few years, and the news isn’t getting any better (at least not for the drug manufacturers). A recent study published in the medical journal Pediatrics suggests use of these medicines in children under age 6 may cause as many as 500 child deaths per year – strike three in the eyes of many concerned parents and health care providers who feel the potential dangers aren’t worth the risk.

The first strike against cough and cold medicines came in 2006, when guidelines published by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) stated that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are ineffective in treating the “underlying causes” of cough. The guidelines strongly recommended against the use of such medicines by children ages 14 and younger. At the same time, a review in Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology attributed the perceived benefit of cold medicines to “the placebo effect,” essentially suggesting parents (and their children) feel the medicine is working because they have an underlying assumption it will work.

Strike two came in 2008 – that’s when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory recommending that over-the-counter cough and cold products not be given to infants and children under 2 years of age because of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. The agency had received reports of deaths associated with decongestants and antihistamines in children, younger than age 2. Pharmaceutical manufactures complied, pulling products from the shelves. Approximately six months later, manufacturers announced they would voluntarily change their product labels, this time to warn against giving cough and cold medicines to children ages 4 and younger.

The FDA is in the process of deliberating whether to extend the ban on cough/cold medicines to children older than age 4; perhaps all the way up to age 11. A decision is expected within months. With up to 500 children dying each year, isn’t it about time? After all, three strikes and you’re out. Ask your doctor about the dangers of common child medications and potential none drug alternatives.

Ingredients you should avoid in skin care products

Recent studies suggest there are a few key ingredients that should be avoided when shopping for cosmetics and personal care products as they are proving to be hazardous to your health.

* Preservatives: They are added to kill bacteria and other organisms from contaminating the product and to give it a longer shelf life. However, many preservatives are irritants to the cells of the skin and cause contact dermatitis. Some even release formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing chemical.

* Endocrine disruptors: Parabens, in addition to being preservatives, are xenoestrogens or endocrine disrupters. They disturb the hormone balance in your body. They are also skin sensitizers and have the potential to cause allergic reactions. They have been found in breast cancer tumors, but it is not known if they cause breast cancer.

* Fragrances: A single fragrance can be made of as many as 600 different ingredients. None of these ingredients is required to be listed on the label. Some of the chemicals used in fragrances are hazardous. A number of them may even cause cancer. Even products listed as “fragrance-free” actually may have fragrance added to mask offensive odors.

* Artificial colors: Most artificial colors are derived from coal tar, which is known to cause cancer. Generally, artificial colors are designated either as FD&C, D&C or as a color with a number after it, such as FD&C Red No. 40, D&C Green No. 5 or Yellow No. 6.

* Talc: Talc may contain cancer-causing contaminants. It’s a common ingredient in makeup and baby powder. Products containing talc should never be used on the genital area or on infants and children.

* Antibacterial agents: Antibacterial soaps are not only unnecessary, but also harmful. Triclosan, the most commonly used antibacterial agent, is classified as a drug by the FDA and as a pesticide by the EPA.

* MSG: Most people are aware that MSG in food causes a reaction in some people. MSG can be hidden in your personal care products too. MSG is toxic to your nervous system and excites your brain cells to death.

Scientists suggest that becoming familiar with these ingredients and reading labels will prevent individuals from using products that may be harmful.

Swine flu returning after 91 years. The best ways to protect yourself are the easiest.

wearing a mask during flu season may be inconventient but is essential to prevent the spread of the virus.

Most people living today were not around when the Swine Flu made its first deadly appearance in April 1918 and reappeared in the fall killing over 50 million people.  It was the H1N1 virus that was responsible for the worst single source of casualties in US history according to Tommy Thompson former US Secretary of Health & Human Services.  The flu season of 1918 killed more Americans than all modern wars we’ve been in combined.

Hospitals around the country have been monitoring cases since last April and have seen the same pattern developing that occurred in 1918.  The World Health Organization declared this a pandemic during the winter flu season in the southern hemisphere while the rest of us in the northern parts of the globe have not been left alone.  Local stories of healthy adults getting sick and dying from the H1N1 virus have alarmed many.

Doctors have been troubled by reports from Australia, deep in their flu season that at least 20 percent of ICU beds are being taken by H1N1 patients.  In Sacramento a similar surge would prompt some hospitals to delay elective procedures and have to shift more stable patients out of intensive care to make way for flu victims.  According to Dr. Christian Sandrock, an infectious disease specialist with the UC Davis Medical Center said, “it is moderately likely that UC Davis could fill up with intensive care flu patients so when an outlying hospital wants to transfer a patient we won’t have the room.”

Those being asked to care for the highly infectious patients have concerns as well.  In a recent article in the Sacramento Bee, reporter Anna Tong reported on the concern area nurses have of a reported shortage of protective masks or respirators at the hospitals that will care for the flu patients.  She states that according to the federal CDC half the health care workers infected with the H1N1 virus were exposed at work.  In Sacramento one nurse has already died from the H1N1 virus.

With the correct mask, you can prevent getting the flu from others in public places as well as preventing the spread from you to someone else.

According to Tongs article nurses say their concern is not limited to their own ranks.  “This is about patient and healthcare worker protection,” said Karen Brown, an adult intensive care unit nurse at UC Davis Medical Center.  Masks or respirators have been proven to be an effective protection against the spread of the airborne virus by those trying to avoid getting it and preventing those that have it from spreading every time they cough, sneeze or even breathe.

VantageRx, a Rocklin based company specializes in the distribution of medications and some specialty supplies says they have an answer to the shortage.  According to Richard Orchard the companies President, “we have exclusive rights to one of only two FDA approved respirator masks available.”  According to Orchard most dust mask or even surgical masks that the general public can get do not stop the tiny virus or airborne particles we expel when we cough or breathe.  Masks have to pass several rigid tests to be FDA approved on is a fit test, there can’t be any openings around the mask on your face otherwise anything can get in or out.

VantageRx through its representatives have been working since late this spring to get the word out through their doctor offices they service and by producing an online video explaining the truth about the flu and how their supply of respirator masks should be part of the protective package people in public places should use.  “Everyone is listing the usual have hand sanitizer available, get a flu shot, take Tamiflu, or some of the natural herbal formula’s that seem to work effectively too, but little is being said about the public wearing protective masks.”

 According to Orchard one of the main problems with the general purpose N95 respirator mask that health care workers are asked to wear is that they are only rated for 2 hours and should be discarded according to FDA guidelines.  To solve that problem Orchard has struck a deal with a manufacturer of an anti-viral mask that is effective for 24 hours use.  “This mask is made of seven layers using nanotechnology to create a bidirectional mask that neutralizes a virus or bacteria.  The standard N95 respirator used by nurses is only 3 layers and has no true anti-viral neutralizing capabilities,” said Orchard. 

“We just encourage people to go to our web site, www.truthaboutflu.com and get the facts about the real dangers we all face with this specific flu.  If they decide a respirator is a smart thing to get they can be ordered off the web site, but we encourage people to contact their primary care physician and get them through their office,” Orchard said.  The company has a reduced price to people who order with a discount code they can obtain from their doctor.

Allergy Elimination Discovered

The history of allergy elimination begins with Dr. Devi Nambudripad’s discovery while trying to relieve her own allergies. Although trained in chiropractic, she suffered from severe allergies. For a period of three and a half years, the only foods her body could tolerate without reacting with symptoms of bronchitis, headaches and arthritis were white rice and broccoli. When she ate other foods her symptoms returned. She was allergic to all grains, sugars, fish, eggs, spices, fruits and vegetables. She was also allergic to many things in her environment. While attending a lecture from an acupuncturist, she was chosen for a demonstration. She received an acupuncture treatment in front of the audience and experienced significant relief from her allergy symptoms. She was so inspired by this, that both she and her husband studied and learned oriental health procedures including acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments did not get rid of her allergies, but gave her a relief when ever she had a reaction.

One day while preparing dinner for her family, she was slicing some carrots and began to have a reaction to them. In a few minutes she felt tired, as if she were about to pass out. Recognizing that she was experiencing an allergic reaction to the carrots, she called her husband, and asked him for an acupuncture treatment. After the treatment she slept for forty-five minutes. When she woke up she felt strangely different. She was not feeling sick or tired; in fact, her energy level was high. As she got up from the bed she noticed a few slivers of carrot still stuck to her hand. In a panic, she brushed them off immediately. She wondered if there was a connection between accidentally holding the carrots and waking up feeling so good.

She discovered she no longer was allergic to carrots. She ate them the next day and had no reaction. When she treated herself for other foods in the same manner those allergies disappeared as well. She began using the technique on herself and her patients and over time developed the system now called Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique or NAET. The key to eliminating allergies is to simply treat certain acupuncture points, while holding in your hand the thing you are allergic to.

Dr. Ellen Cutler, D.C, M.D., further developed and advanced this newly formulated healing art, calling her procedures BioSET. Clinical studies with BioSET have demonstrated that it is by far the easiest, quickest and most successful treatment for the elimination of allergies.

How the Body Creates Allergies

Few of us are born with allergies. Most allergies are developed as a result of a weakened immune system. While we may not have allergies at birth, we certainly inherit the tendency to develop them from our parents. Many allergic children have allergic parents. Allergies are created because the body becomes overloaded with stress. Stress in the form of chemically toxicity, due to the foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the chemicals we are exposed to. Allergies are nothing more than an over-reaction of the immune system. When we get exposed to a food, chemical, pollen or any substance, if our immune system is overtaxed and weakened, the immune system may identify the substance as a threat. Once labeled as threat (or allergen), the body remembers and when exposed to the allergen again, the immune system runs this faulty allergy-over-reaction program and produces all of the symptoms. If the body is able to create a faulty response to a normal substance it makes sense that the body can re-create that abnormal response. Many people who have suffered from allergies “out-grow” them. This is because their body changes as they mature or their immune system gets healthier and reprograms itself. Our treatments simply help the body change this faulty programming much quicker.