Browsing October, 2009
How Do We Protect Ourselves Against Swine Flu?
We have been hearing a lot lately about this swine flu, and the mainstream media and governments are really pushing hard for everyone to go out and get the vaccine. I am not here to debate the question of whether or not vaccinations are a good idea or a bad idea today. That is for another post, it’s another topic.
Right now the issue on my mind is one of a real and lasting nature. The media is making the swine flu out to be one of the worst epidemics we have ever seen. Yes, some have died from the swine flu, which in itself is terrible. But those in the media do not regularly run stories about the tens of thousands of people every single year who die from the “regular” flu. Furthermore, I was listening to NPR a couple of weeks ago and a doctor came on and stated that if a child came in to the office with the flu, it AUTOMATICALLY sent down on record as the swine flu. So we don’t really know how many actual cases we have.
Ok, so enough of my ranting. What practically no one in the media is talking about right now (other than the vaccine), is how we can easily prevent ourselves from this flu stuff becoming anything other than a passing news story. And it’s interesting, because it’s the same thing that I believe is what our entire “health care” industry should be talking about: PREVENTION.
Preventative and proactive steps. This is NOT anything new, and it’s not anything that we don’t already know. The fact remains that if we keep our immune systems healthy by eating the right foods – high quality protein sources, vegetables and fruits, AND we exercise regularly, guess what? We will be immune from the flu, whether it be swine or other. Some of you may not even believe that this is possible, but it is. Our bodies are capable of successfully fighting infections and viruses as long as we allow it to do its job. And even if we do actually come down with the flu, or a cold, or something else, our immune system will fight it off, and with a little rest we will be just fine.
This is the exact problem with our health care system. The focus right now, unfortunately is on treating the problem, the specific symptom that one has, rather than treat the entire body, the entire system. If we don’t teach people that they have the ability to prevent 90% of today’s chronic diseases with preventative measures, then we will continue to spiral downward.
In fact, we don’t really have a health care system at all, we have a “sick care” system. We don’t teach people how to be truly healthy. We teach how to temporarily deal with a symptom, how to mask this pain or that problem. And it doesn’t work.
I believe it is up to each of us individually to do our part. We shouldn’t leave it up to the government to take care of us, why don’t we take care of ourselves. Boy, it would be really easy if all we needed was one little shot in the arm and, “poof”, perfect health! Well, it doesn’t happen that way, folks, but it also is NOT rocket science and it is not difficult to achieve a state of health and balance. Proper diet and exercise. Yup. Hmmm, what a concept.
To your Health and Happiness,
Jamie
What is Neti?
The practice of Neti has been used for thousands of years in the holistic medical science Ayurveda. Neti is a simple practice that effectively aids in preventing sinus infections, allergies, and is a great immune system booster in general. According to the Chopra Center, the worldwide leaders in Ayurvedic living,
“Using a Neti pot and Nasya is a traditional method to purify and revitalize the breathing passages. In the same way that massage nourishes and rejuvenates the skin, Neti and Nasya nourish and rejuvenate the breathing passages. This process can reduce allergies and decrease your chances of contracting upper respiratory infections. It is also useful before taking a plane flight to keep your breathing passages moist.”
I will admit that at first using a neti pot is a little strange. It is also a bit awkward and takes a little practice to get it right. But I can say with firsthand experience that once you begin doing this on a daily basis, you will LOVE it. Check out the video below of how to use a neti pot, then go out and try it yourself!
To Your Health and Wellness,
Jamie