** Flu Myths

** “How To Avoid Getting The Flu” Without flu vaccine  by Frank Barnhill, M.D.

** Smiles - Diet Buddies

** Trivia

** "An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure"  by Paul Blustein

** Blueberries Will Bind And Loosen You Up by Victoria

** Factors That Affect Nutrient Absorption by Dr. Marc Grossman

** Stress Tips by Dr. Rae Baum

The best gift you can give someone is the gift of health.To help you along your way, visit our Web Site at -http://bestbodyever.com/ .   We have also reworked our "FitnessProgram" and the electronic version which is sent directly toyour email address is now available for just $49.95.

 WARNING!! Always seek the advice of a Medical Doctor beforestarting, or making changes in your diet or exercise program. All previous newsletter are archived at our web site at:http://www.adv-marketing.com/business/bbnewslt.htmIf you haven't already, be sure to stop by our web site at:http://www.bestbodyever.com/

Since flu season is upon us and there is a serious shortage of vaccine, I felt it was appropriate to devote some space this month to this issue.

 Being cold or chilled does not make us more susceptible to the flu. Severe chills are one of the symptoms of the flu, which makes people believe that they somehow "caught a chill" that led to the illness.

Using medicine to keep the fever down does not help us get over the illness. In fact, studies show that more of the virus is excreted over a longer period of time when the body temperature is lowered with medication. You may feel better with such medication, but it does not necessarily help you get over the virus.

The "24 hour flu" ( characterized by the sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea, and a feeling of malaise) is not a form of the flu and it is not caused by the influenza virus. It is caused by an infection of the gastro-intestinal tract and is called gastroenteritis.

There is no evidence to show that physical activity prolongs the duration or severity of the flu; or that inactivity will cure you faster either. In fact, moderate exercise can boost the immune system and help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. However, it makes sense to not overdo exercise when you are feeling less than par, or when you are running a fever. If you are contemplating exercising while fighting off the flu, it is important, above all, to listen to your body, and to do only as much as it seems to tolerate well.

For most of us, getting a flu shot is not a life-or-death matter. If you're leading a healthy life and you get sick with the flu, you're probably going to get through it. Last year, 4 million doses of vaccine went unused, even though an alarming early strain of influenza emerged and gained attention because several children died from it.

Millions of people, who never got vaccinated before are hounding their doctors, and complaining bitterly about the shortage. What is behind this feverish behavior? Researchers say it is not so much the flu itself as a sense of feeling unprotected.

The vaccine shortage came to light on Oct. 5th when regulators shut Chiron Corp.'s labs in Liverpool, England, cutting the expected U.S. supply by nearly half. However, the existing supply is roughly equal to the nation's entire supply in 2000. In 1918 influenza killed 40 million people worldwide. But, unlike 1918, now there are at least four anti-viral medications that can relieve the flu's worst effects if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Many providers are rationing the vaccine for their neediest patients. For the rest of us, their advice is simple: Wash your hands frequently, stay away from someone who does have the flu, and if you do get sick, stay home so you don't infect others.

If you do come down with the flu, don't be blase' - the sooner you seek medical advice and/or treatment the better, and you can avoid the worst of the flu's symptoms.

What can you do to avoid getting the flu and even the common cold if you don’t want to take flu vaccine or if it’s not available?

Many of us are searching for ways to answer this question as we experience a severe shortage of flu vaccine. I’ve been asked dozens of times in the last week why we can’t just manufacture more flu vaccine over the next two or three weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not possible, as the flu virus must be incubated in egg cultures for many weeks before virus proteins can be extracted, treated and processed to make vaccine.

Since making more vaccine isn’t as simple as putting “cake mix in the microwave”, let’s take a look at a few ways to prevent or lessen your exposure to the flu as well as common cold germs and just possibly keep you from spreading virus particles you rself.

In an earlier article we discussed use of a nasal inhaled flu vaccine, “FluMist”, to immunize those between ages 5 and 49
years. Some doctors are reportedly charging as much as $50 a dose for “FluMist” as the supply gets tighter and tighter. Also, there isn’t enough to really adequately immunize everyone. Another drawback is the apparent age restriction that keeps it from being used in the age groups that need it the most, those under age 4 and over age 50.

If nasal vaccine is not an option and you don’t want to take flu vaccine or it’s not available, then we must look to other methods to stay well during the upcoming flu season:

1. Wash your hands at least 7-8 times per day and after shaking  hands or touching the face of another person. Person to person contact is the second most common way disease is spread.

2. Wash your hands in warm soapy water before and after touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Do this consistently every single time to lessen spread of germs!

3. Ask persons with a cough or sneeze to cover their nose and mouth with tissue or a handkerchief since fine mist and water
droplets full of virus are coughed into the air for a distance of 2 to 10 feet. These droplets stay suspended in the air for   up to 5 minutes after a cough or sneeze. Using their hand to catch it” will not stop spread of most droplets, and of
course, you really shouldn’t shake their hand afterwards.

4. Aerosol (sneezing and coughing) and body fluid dispersal is the most common way the flu is spread. So, avoid kissing,
eating or drinking after others and don’t touch another person’s sputum or vomit unless you thoroughly wash your hands
afterwards . Do not share glasses, eating utensils, straws, plates, toothbrushes or washcloths. Others may have the virus,
but not show symptoms of infection. Certainly, you should not copy cat the television candy commercial and share false
teeth.

5. Be sure that all used handkerchiefs and washcloths go in the washing machine and tissues go into the trashcan. Once tissues are disposed, do not touch them again as viruses can live a very long time in tissue paper.

6. Ask your daycare, school, and work place to provide spray or wipe disinfectant to use on telephones, hard toys, counter
tops, doorknobs, commode flush handles and seats, and other hard disease adherent surfaces (called fomites) several times
a day .  Virus particles can survive for hours on such surfaces and if you touch them and then touch your eyes, nose
or mouth, then, well you get the idea.

7. If you can’t wash your hands because you’re away from water, then carry antibacterial hand gel and use it often. Caution!
You must leave most hand gels on your skin for minimum thirty seconds before wiping off. Otherwise, they don’t work well! If you don’t have these gels available, rubbing alcohol is an option. These chemicals are not to be used on the face, in the
mouth, ears, nose or eyes.

8.  Avoid exposure to excessive cold and heat, as abrupt changes in temperature seem to render the linings of your nose,
throat, and lungs more susceptible to invasion by germs. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Overdressing for cold
can be j ust as damaging as undressing.

9. Eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and take your antioxidant vitamins. Food and water provide the fuel that
your body uses to fight off infections. Exercise, Vitamin C and antioxidants are thought to improve your body’s resistance
and immune system to germs in general.

10. Get at least 7 hours sleep a night. Your body’s metabolism works best with adequate rest. Sleep and rest also helps
 increase your immune systems ability to fight infections.

11. Last but not least, avoid persons who are sick if possible and if you’re that person, stay home instead of giving the
 infection to everyone at work, school, daycare and church.  Make your workplace the ideal healthy place to work!

12. Ok, I know, I said 11 was the last, but not least. So, here’s  the least: consider wearing a surgical mask when you have a cough or sneeze. Some oriental cultures do so out of respect  for others!

I hope all of these uncommon tips will help you and your loved ones stay well during this upcoming flu season. Please share this with your family, friends and those with whom you work so we can help everyone have a great healthy winter. You have my permission to reprint and distribute this educational article as long as it is copied in its entirety.

Dr. Frank
mailto:drfrank@drhuggiebear.com

-----

www.drhuggiebear.com is your source for uncommon sense medical information on ADHD and behavior disorders.
Our free monthly newsletters also include topics that give you an edge in helping care for you and your family.
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                              Smiles
Doctor Visit
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A gentleman was having some physical problems and his doctor told him that he had to drink warm water one hour before breakfast. At the end of a week he returned and the doctor asked if he was feeling better. The man said that he actually felt worse.

"Did you drink warm water an hour before breakfast each day?"

"No," replied the man, "All I could do was about 15 minutes!"

-----

When the wealthy businessman choked on a fish bone at a restaurant, he was fortunate that a doctor was seated at a nearby
table.

Springing up, the doctor skillfully removed the bone and saved the man's life.

As soon as the fellow had calmed himself and could talk again, he thanked the surgeon enthusiastically and offered to pay him for his services.

"Just name the fee," he croaked gratefully.

"Okay," replied the doctor. "How about half of what you'd have offered when the bone was still stuck in your throat?

-----

             Doctors: What They Say / What They Mean

"This should be taken care of right away."
        "I'd planned a trip to Hawaii next month but this is
         so easy and profitable that I want to fix it before it
         cures itself."

"Welllllll, what have we here..."
         Since he hasn't the foggiest notion of what it is, the
         Doctor is hoping you will give him a clue.

"We'll see."
        "First I have to check my malpractice insurance."

"Let me check your medical history."
        "I want to see if you've paid your last bill before
         spending any more time with you."

"Why don't we make another appointment later in the week."
        "I'm playing golf this afternoon, and this a waste of
         time."
                             -or-
         I need the money, so I'm charging you for another
         office visit."
 

Are you unhappy with the way you look? Would you like to loose weight? Are you interested in toning-up or increasing your muscularity? Would you like to improve your health and quality of life? Are you thin and like to gain weight? If you have answer ed "yes" to any of these questions, We are confident our diet and exercise program will quickly get you to your goals. Your diet and exercise program is tailored to your individual needs and situation. We are here to help you every step of the way. P lease visit our web site at http://www.bestbodyever.com/. There are some great "before and after" pictures on the site that will motivate you to make the decision to improve your health and build your best body ever.

In 1918, Walt Disney was 16 and too young for the military. When he heard that the Red Cross Ambulance Corps would accept 17-year-olds, he lied about his age, joined, and began training. He nearly missed his chance when he came down with influenza during the epidemic that killed 20 million people worldwide.

Last month I discussed allergies, stress, and functional hypothyroid as other causes of Chronic Fatigue. Here are more to add to that checklist.

Parasites can cause Chronic Fatigue. If you are experiencing diarrhea, bowel problems or itching, then discuss the possibility of parasites with your doctor. If you are looking for an alternative health treatment, then try an herbal program especially prepared for this problem.

Are you having problems with depression? If so, these symptoms can often be confused with Chronic Fatigue. If you are constantly unhappy, a good natural Vitamin B can help along with St. John's Wort. But if you are currently taking Prozac or any other prescription for depression, do not use St. John's Wort.

And finally, immune system damage may be the greatest cause of Chronic Fatigue. Catching frequent colds or flus can be signs of system damage. The best remedy is a comprehensive supplement program that is high in vitamins A and C.

 These health tips can only be found in Bob Osgoodby's “Your Best Body Ever” Newsletter

The Swedish are known for using blueberries for diarrhea and you can find the infamous "blueberry diarrhea cure" in Rodale's "Encyclopedia of Natural Home Remedies".

Blueberries also kill infectious viruses. For this reason, blueberry soup is popular on the ski slopes in Europe as a cold
remedy.

But if you are suffering from constipation, your answer is the blueberry too because German scientists have also found that
fresh blueberries in some individuals have produced a laxative effect.

Blueberries contain high concentrations of compounds that kill both bacteria and viruses.  In Canadian tests, crushed
blueberries destroyed nearly 100% of polioviruses within 24 hours! (source The Food Pharmacy, Jean Carpenter). I wonder what blueberries could do to anthrax?

Studies have shown that blueberries can reverse the aging process, protect the body from stress, are anti-cancer,
preventors of weak eyesight, and can get rid of urinary tract infections.  And best of all, they are loaded with antioxidants.

Whether you are loose or bound, or have a flu bug in your body that needs to be terminated, do eat blueberries to keep you at your healthiest, youngest and regular best!  Check out theblueberrystore.com to buy frozen blueberries any time of the
year.

-----

Victoria is the author of the popular "Living Well Plan" for weight loss, long-term health, and happiness.  Learn how you too
can "Live Well" at: http://chetday.com/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?vic
 

Even though we may be eating well, how well our bodies are able to absorb the essential nutrients from food can be affected many a number of things:

1) Stress restricts the flow of blood in the body by tightening muscles, and restricting the free flow of fluids. Meditation, yoga, tai chi or even daily walks in nature can all help reduce stress significantly.

2) Exercise helps the body rid itself of the daily accumulation of harmful toxins. Numerous studies have shown that even a brisk walk of 20 minutes per day can be preventive in the development of heart disease and has even been shown to reduce high eye pressures in cases of glaucoma.

3) Positive thinking. In Chinese medicine, excessive thoughts of anger, worry, resentment, grief and fear all have significant effects on the free flow of "energy" in our body.

4) Eating healthy food. Our bodies crave fresh food, particularly fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods provide energy to our bodies in the form of vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes. Excessive intake of "dead" food such as fast foods, or highly processed foods, require our bodies to use their own enzymes and energy to digest food in an attempt to separate whatever limited nutrients may be available.

5) Eating slowly. We should be eating our food slowly and thoughtfully. Try never to eat on the run, and don't eat while working, conversing, writing, etc. Make eating a special time for yourself.

You will find this "Stress Tip Message" helpful to stay focused and on purpose. You can put this message to work by reading it often throughout the day.

"Today I am ready to receive what I want as I help others get what they want." ---- The Baum Group ----

~ Need help with this? Contact The Baum Group at:
mailto:TheBaumGroup@YourStressMatters.com

If you need to lose weight, you must be in caloric deficit. This can be accomplished by cutting down your caloric intake, or
increasing the amount of calories you burn by exercising. I recommend both. Even though a calorie is a calorie when it comes to weight loss, a calorie is not a calorie when it comes to your health. Make sure your daily diet includes several servings of fruit and vegetables and whenever possible, avoid foods that contain trans fat.

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Yours in Health
Bob Osgoodby