Prevention

“Reuters – Fri Jul 22,11:11 AM ET; GENEVA – Indonesia’s first human bird flu case, coupled with more birds dying elsewhere including Russia, are signs a long-dreaded global influenza pandemic may be approaching, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. Health officials fear the virus will mutate and mix with human influenza, creating a deadly pandemic strain that becomes easily transmissible and could kill millions of people. “

This concerns me, not just the part where it could kill millions, but what really gets me is the part that millions could contract the virus or any such infectious agent. I suspect that many of us will come into contact with the influenza (flu) virus during this upcoming winter. It is what we do prior to the contact, and during the contact that is most important. So, let’s talk about a little common prevention exercises to cut down on sickness and the spread of germs.

First things first, wash your hands. This is a must. Every time you touch a surface that is not your own skin, you’re picking up germs (bacteria/viruses/dirt/etc). This is especially common when walking up and down stairs and holding the handrail. You don’t know who touched it last, and what disease they may have been carrying. Next thing you know, you’re wiping your face with the very hand that held that rail, and helping the germs migrate into your eyes, nose, and mouth. So, wash your hands frequently and avoid unnecessary contact with things that aren’t part of you.

Next, everyone should have a solid immune system to fight off potential infection. Many of us eat fast food that gives us very few essential vitamins and minerals to keep the body healthy. And you know what they say about fast food – “It speeds you to the grave.”

To avoid depleting your body of necessary vitamins and minerals, find yourself a good multivitamin/mineral (not Centrum or any other generic brand. Good ones are found from Twin Labs, Kal, Green Earth, Whole Foods, Health Valley) and actually take it (as directed on the label). Don’t just buy it and leave it on the shelf.

In this, Vitamin A (antioxidant and immune booster), Vitamin C (1,000mg-3,000mg daily), Zinc (in combination form – immune system enhancer), Selenium (200mcg daily – immune system enhancer), and Garlic (antibiotic/antiviral) are the best supplements to take to prevent disease; they’re also the best things to take when you are sick, right along with mom’s chicken soup.

And of course, Chiropractic manipulation. It helps stimulate the body to release white blood cells that run around the body which kill off germs.

Furthermore, consider that overtaxing yourself, drinking, smoking, drug use, high sugar intake, coffee, soft drinks, lack of proper exercise, and poor eating/dietary habits diminish the immune system and make you vulnerable to disease.

So, finally, to avoid contracting a potentially fatal disease, take care of yourself. It’s the only “You”, that you have got.