BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY NATURALLY

 

   “Winter Cold & flu Defense”

Leaving the flu vaccine aside for a moment, there are natural ways for you to defend against a winter cold, flu or upper respiratory infection this year. Influenza typically starts in November and peaks February and winds down in March. On average 36,000 people a year dies from influenza in our country. Remember typical influenza symptoms are fever, headache, and fatigue, cough sore throat, stuffy nose, and muscle pain. Children may also experience nausea, diarrhea and ear pain, ear infections. Influenza infection can last 3-7 days with cough and fatigue lasting up to two weeks. Here are some natural ways to protect you and your family this year.

3 HEALTHY HABITS

Wash your Hands: Research shows washing your hands frequently helps prevent infection of others and yourself.  Soap & water work best but when not available use alcohol based hand sanitizer.  Realize hand sanitizers only protect you for a few minutes, the idea is to rinse off contamination.

  Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and wash your hand immediately.  you can also sneeze or cough into your sleeve.  This prevents your germs form being inhaled by others around you.

Get proper rest of 7 hours nightly.  This keeps your immune system strong and alert. 

3 BOTANICAL BOOSTS

Vitamin D: In recent studies people with the lowest levels of vitamin D had more colds, flu, and respiratory infection.  Vitamin D is converted by the body into it’s active form called calcitriol  which is then synthesized by the immune system which helps regulate cytokine reactions; defending the body against microbial invaders.  Recommended doses are 1,800 –2.000 IU daily for improved immune function. 

Turmeric / Curcumin: Stimulates the immune cellular response and regulates cytokine response leading defense against microbial invaders.  Recommended doses are between 250-450 mg daily.

Resveratrol: Helps regulate T1 and T2 immune cells influencing cytokine expression; defending the body against microbial invaders. recommended doses are 200-400mg daily. 

NOTE: Taking Turmeric / Curcumin and Resveratrol together works synergistically and has better immune response.

Research has demonstrated the chiropractic cervical adjustment can stimulate the immune response and relieve stiff and tight neck and back muscles during a cold infection.

Boosting immunity naturally ensures less infection and quicker healing.  Trust in the power of your body and it’s ability to heal itself. 

 

Curtis Haake D.C.

*Before trying recommendations in the article talk to your doctor for more information and possible medication contraindications.

Stop My Headache

The dog won't stop barking, the kids need to be picked up, the bills are due, "Oh my splitting headache! Nearly everyone has had a headache, especially a tension headache or the most common of headaches.

Headaches should not be taken lightly because they may indicate a more serious health condition. The NIH (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) recommends you get medical help right away if you have a headache after a blow to your head, or if you have a headache along with a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness or pain in the eye or ear.

TENSION HEADACHES
Tension headaches can be caused by stress that tightens the muscles of the neck, shoulders, scalp and jaw. Anxiety, depression, lack of sleep can also trigger a tension headache.

OTHER COMMON HEADACHES
Other common headaches are migraine, cluster and sinus headaches. These headaches have more severe signs such as dizziness or nausea and often are treated with medication.

CHIROPRACTIC LINK
I have been treating people with all of the above headaches for the past 10 years through chiropractic medicine. After a thorough examination to rule out a more serious health condition I have found that cervical manipulation restores neurologic tone to the neck, shoulder, scalp and jaw allowing for improved function and circulation which means reduced pain. I have also created a FREE e-Book "5 secrets to Headache Relief" that addresses posture, home therapy techniques and exercise to minimize early headache symptoms.

If you suffer from repeated tension , migraine or sinus headaches and have had a professional diagnosis to rule out more serious health conditions; then I invite you to download our FREE e-Book and discover home relief remedies I recommend to my patients.

Remember NIH recommendations and get a professional diagnosis to rule out potential health problems.

Dr. Haake

Prevent Fitness Injuries

From professional athlete to weekend warrior, injury prevention can have different and sometimes opposite meanings. But looking at musculoskeletal injuries from running, weight training or recreational sports is on the rise. As people train more frequently at ages above 40 years old, the chance for a fitness injury is even greater. The question is: Can we reduce or prevent this?

The second reason for a doctors visit in the U.S. is back pain. Common sports injuries are sprained ankles and anterior cruciate injuries to the knees. These types of musculoskeletal injuries are preventable.

PREVENTION

Lesson 1: Be consistent in your training or exercise. Decreased fitness is the second most common reason for injury. Your muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and heart need stressing to maintain tone and function. With inconsistent training they just don't hold up well and the risk of injury goes up.

Lesson 2:Stretching vs Warm-ups

Stretching for people who are less flexible will serve them better in injury prevention but people who are normal in flexibility will do little to prevent injury. So stretching for the masses to prevent injury is out. Warm-ups before exercise helps improve performance, less muscle soreness and less injury. 8 minutes on an elliptical, bike, push-ups and crunches serve as a basic warm-up. To prevent leg injuries look at an 8 minute sample routine:

Sample Routines

Lesson 3:Focus on preventing what you are prone to.

If ankle sprains are a problem try balance training to strengthen the ankles, ankle brace for more aggressive training, or replace your running shoes every 6 months or 300 miles. If you feel you are injury prone then a musculoskeletal examination from your chiropractor is advised.

A Plan

A good 5-8 minute warm-up program, stretch if you are tight, ice an initial injury 20 minutes every 2-3 hours the first 24 hours and be consistent in your training will go a long way toward injury prevention, and keep you on your feet happy-healthy and pain-free.

3 Signs That Your Knee Pain Needs Medical Attention

Knee pain can be debilitating at its worst and an annoyance at its best. If you play sports or are over 45 then you have probably experienced some knee pain in your life. But when should you be concerned about knee pain? What are the warning signs for care?


There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis but the most common arthritis is Osteoarthritis involving the larger weight bearing joints of the body such as the knee. This is a destruction or wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee and appears gradually over time. Pain is the number one cause for a doctor’s visit involving the knee Certain supplements helped with this kind of pain and can also offer protective properties. Proper exercise and ideal body weight also keep the knees healthy.

PAIN THAT LASTS MORE THAN 48 HOURS

Pain that comes on suddenly from an event such as hiking or a fall could indicate a knee condition such as a sprain/strain or damage to the inside of the knee joint. Pain with weight bearing or pain that starts when walking up and down stairs could be a torn ligament a torn meniscus or related to swelling which is the next warning sign.

SWELLING THAT LASTS MORE THAN 48 HOURS

Swelling behind the knee is the most common site. Swelling can also appear on the sides of the knee (lateral collateral or medial collateral ligaments) or above and below the kneecap. Swelling can be a sign of a torn ligament or inflammation of the bursae which are small sacs of fluid outside the knee that cushion muscle and ligaments movements. Swelling can also be a sign of infection or Gout, especially if red, hot or accompanied by fever.

INSTABILITY OR A FEELING OF KNEE JOINT LOCKING

Knee joint locking or knee buckling can indicate a serious internal joint injury such as torn ligaments / meniscus / or a neurologic problem. Again possible injuries include tearing of the meniscus / anterior cruciate or posterior cruciate ligament.

WHEN TO SEE A SPECIALIST

If you have mild pain or swelling that is not limiting your movement or preventing you from weight bearing; then 3-5 days of rest and ice and elevation usually helps. But if you experience any of the 3 warning signs then you should seek treatment immediately. At Total Health chiropractic I offer a New Patient examination and treatment with therapy such as Cold Laser, Ultrasound, and exercises for complete recovery. Request our New Patient eBook (eBook includes basic knee exercises) for an appointment and discounted examination.

If you experience any of these 3 Warning signs then see your chiropractor or primary care doctor today.


Thank you for trusting me with your health,



Curtis Haake D.C.
Health Coach

Boost Your Immunity

In our previous post we discussed the unique circumstances surrounding Swine Flu (H1N1). The difference between Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu is what happens in the lungs. H1N1 causes a Cytokine storm or over production which leads to Sudden Respiratory distress, pneumonia and other lung problems. Seasonal Flu however does not produce the same response. So to boost immunity for this Flu season one should be aware of these differences.

Things to stay away from, because they contribute to increased Cytokine production:

Honey, Chocolate, Spirilina, Algae, Elderberry, Echinacea

Things to eat, have been known to decrease Cytokine production:

Apples, Lemons, Cranberries, Chicken Soup

Herbals

Research though limited, demonstrates certain herbals can reduce Cytokines and slow influenza production (Neuramidase Blocker).

Cytokine Reducers:

Tumeric/curcumin, Golden Seal, Green Tea-(also inhibits Influenza)

Influenza Inhibitor (Neuramidase Blocker)

Resveratrol, Vitamin D, Skull Cap

Remember H1N1 reacts differently in the body because it is brand new and most have no natural immunity.

Refer to Flu.Gov for updates to this Influenza Season.



I have put together a kit which contains the herbals mentioned in this post.

Pandemic Flu Kit

I know I will keep a kit for my family this flu season.

Swine Flu Health & You

In the U.S., seasonal flu virus(Influenza) kills about 36,000 people and hospitalizes more than 200,000. The flu season is between November to March google.org/flutrends. The seasonal flu will soon start and the swine flu(H1N1) isn't gone yet.

The fear is the Swine Flu will mutate and worsen as the regular flu season progresses. Flu.gov. Regular Influenza doesn't mutate much season to season. So virulence or deadliness is relatively low and complications arise from secondary health issues. The Swine Flu is different however. Genetically it is a recombinant virus, it has borrowed genes from different species. Human, swine, duck to be exact. To our immune system this virus doesn't exist. It therefore is stealthy and causes the immune system to react in undesirable ways.

The good news is that although contagious it has a low virility and currently with early diagnosis and treatment the outcome is healthy. The bad news is it is currently mutating and may become highly virulent. In the pig, swine flu attacks the respiratory system and pigs become lethargic, cough, etc…In humans the swine flu infects the entire lung tissue. On top of typical flu symptoms the lungs are inundated with a natural immune response that hurts us. The chemical immune response releases Chemokines and Cytokines which causes undue inflammation and other secondary symptoms responsible for the deaths so far. In fact the CDC advised physicians to consider swine flu in their differential diagnosis of patients presenting with seasonal flu and respiratory symptoms. These Chemokines and cytokines are chemical mediators from the immune system basically directing the immune response. The difference is the swine flu is brand new to our immunity and therefore causes a hyper reaction in the lungs and a "Cytokine Storm" with respiratory distress.

What this means to you? There are actions you can take to protect yourself and minimize risk and exposure. One to prevent infection and two, to better deal with the respiratory symptoms since this is the real threat to your health. Your current health state does play a role because the healthier you are the secondary respiratory effects are better handled. Because the swine flu is new even healthy individuals will contract it.

Prevention

Every day prevention includes:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. (Leave the soap on the hands for at least 10 seconds).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. (If you have allergies avoid rubbing the eyes).

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (If you are child-caring wear an N95 disposable respirator).

• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. (this is one of the most distinguishing indicators combined with early respiratory symptoms).

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. (Not dining out during a local outbreak is social distancing).

Businesses should refer to http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/index.html

Five Other Healthy Habits

• If you share toothbrush stands, consider separating toothbrushes this flu season
• Clean household items more frequently. Books, toys, door knobs, phones, keyboards and mouse, lines, etc…a study found the seasonal cold can live on keyboards
• Wash hands / wrists more frequently and longer than 10 seconds.
• Don't rub your eyes or touch your face, sneeze into a tissue and dispose of immediately
• Don't get run-down. Sleep, diet, exercise strengthen immunity
• Don't be complacent, H1N1 isn't gone yet

Who is at risk?

People less than 25, history of respiratory problems , asthma, diabetes, suppressed immunity, kidney disease, neurologic or neuromuscular disease, or if pregnant are statistically at increased risk for contracting H1N1 and having more secondary complications. Think of 15 to 50 and those with other risk factors.

The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year, the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is in development for the fall of 2009.

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.aspx?c=aqKGLXOAIlH&b=1015035

Pandemic flu Kit

So if H1N1 swine flu breaks out in your neighborhood you doctor will likely offer a neuramidase blocker such as Tamiflu and medical attention to reduce the cytokine storm in the lungs. If an epidemic breaks out it is probable that these pharmaceuticals' will be administered on a limited basis. I believe that certain herbals that have been researched but not tested offer afforded protection and is definitely better than doing nothing. I have put together a Swine flu kit that helps address the cytokine storm associated with the swine flu and the flu virus replication. Remember it is this undesirable immune response that causes secondary symptoms and respiratory distress. Research demonstrates certain supplements can one reduce systemic cytokines and two, slow down flu replication . Some of the ingredients are curcumin, tumeric, GARLIC, YIN CHIAO. Other mild anti-virals' are skullcap( scutellaria tea) and Resveratrol. Alternative Medicine Review u Volume 11, Number 2 u 2006, http://med- owl.com/health/H5N1-Virus-Therapy.html, I am keep a kit handy just in case.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220481721144

Remember to always refer to your primary physician if you suspect swine flu or other respiratory symptoms first. These supplements should not be taken if you are pregnant, or in pediatric patients.

We will include an update to the kits supplements and other health benefits in our next posting.


Curtis Haake D.C.

Killing Ourselves

Are we killing ourselves...one day at a time?

A 2004 study by the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found attributable behavior lead to more than half the deaths in 2000. Things like smoking, inactivity and bad eating habits and drinking were the top three bad living choices. These top three not only kill but cost the U.S. health care system millions of dollars each year in prolonged and ongoing health care.

With a National Health Care program on the horizon we should address our role in the health care picture. After all it is our health not an insurance company's or the federal Governments. As tax paying citizens being asked to shoulder a National Health care plan we should accept a little more responsibility to our care or self care.

Health Care

Health care is just that...How we care for our health day in and day out, year to year. Lets not confuse Health care and Health Insurance. Being healthy should be connected to our emotions. It should feel good to be healthy and feel good staying healthy. All to often social health studies find that the majority of people live short term or live in the now with little thought for the future when it comes to healthy daily choices.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance is to cover medical bills for unfortunate health crisis, accidents and "life's bumps and bruises." Health insurance offers some healthy benefits such as early detection, health screens, and track health trends. For instance, if you can reflect back on blood sugar readings from the past 7 years and see a rising trend towards pre-diabetes then you could do more to prevent early diabetes. Health insurance though does not automatically make you healthy. A health insurance plan should fit your current health needs. If you require more medications your plan should offer coverage for those pharmaceuticals but also raises the question..."Why is my health picture declining and what can I do to become healthier"

Baby Steps

It takes small changes over time to achieve amazing results. Start with the top three. Stop smoking, control alcohol consumption, and become more active. More importantly try to become emotional about your health decisions. Find services or groups for support and take action. One option becoming more popular is Health Coaching services where you're health coach evaluates your health picture, from health risks to life style choices then formulates a plan and provides resources and accountability to guide you.

The Chiro-Life program at: www.trainerforce.net/chiro-life offers a comprehensive program with health coaching services and resources. With all the health products available and current medical care, the U.S. system still costs the most but ranks in the middle of industrialized nations. We may be living longer but our quality of life in the latter years is in decline. Lets stop killing ourselves and make more conscious healthy decisions and Live Healthy - Be Healthy.

Curtis J Haake D.C.
Health Coach