E-Newsletter

Fall 2009 (October 7, 2009)

Healthy Tips

Should I be worried about H1N1/Swine flu?
In short, you should be as worried about this new strain as you are about any other influenza strain. This strain is contagious through respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, etc) and causes flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, headache, and fatigue). As with any flu strain, the increased risk of hospitalization due to complications and death is noted in people with high risk medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders, and pregnancy). Ultimately, you should call or visit your doctor if you are concerned and not sure what to do when you or a loved one is sick. Check out the CDC website for the most updated information about the disease and prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick during flu season?
In addition to what Dr. Feldman mentions above, I would also recommend drinking plenty of fluids to protect mucous membranes, resting to support the immune system, and eating wholesome nutrient-rich meals. There are many options when it comes to natural supportive remedies based on individual needs. In general, a nice gentle way to support immunity is by using essential oils. Essential oils such as tea tree, mullein, rosemary, and geranium have many antimicrobial and immune supportive effects. You may add 4-5 drops of any of these oils (or a combination of them) to 1 oz of almond or olive oil and apply a dime size amount topically, or use as a steam inhalation (by adding 3-4 drops to water) for soothing effects during the cold and flu season. Internally, drinking chamomile tea also has many benefits during the fall and winter seasons. Talk with your N.D. about your individual immune status and get guidance on preventative strategies that meet your needs.

Natural Corner, by Helen Davakos, N.D.

What can I do to naturally support myself through the flu season?

In addition to what Dr. Feldman mentions above, I would also recommend drinking plenty of fluids to protect mucous membranes, resting to support the immune system, and eating wholesome nutrient-rich meals. There are many options when it comes to natural supportive remedies based on individual needs. In general, a nice gentle way to support immunity is by using essential oils. Essential oils such as tea tree, mullein, rosemary, and geranium have many antimicrobial and immune supportive effects. You may add 4-5 drops of any of these oils (or a combination of them) to 1 oz of almond or olive oil and apply a dime size amount topically, or use as a steam inhalation (by adding 3-4 drops to water) for soothing effects during the cold and flu season. Internally, drinking chamomile tea also has many benefits during the fall and winter seasons. Talk with your N.D. about your individual immune status and get guidance on preventative strategies that meet your needs.

Are there any supplements or herbs I need to avoid if I do get the flu?

Generally speaking, during a flu epidemic and with the rare cases of death with H1N1, it has been documented that the most severe symptoms are due to inflammation and overactivity of the cytokine response of the immune system. You should avoid herbs and nutrients that stimulate this specific immune response. These include but are not limited to: Echinacea, Ginger, Astragalus and Beta Glucan. It is important to talk to your N.D. if you are taking such herbs and are experiencing flu symptoms. Please talk to your primary healthcare provider if you start experiencing symptoms such as: fever, swelling, redness, fatigue, nausea, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, chills, or diarrhea.

Featured Recipe

Upcoming and Recent IFHA Events

• Thursday 10/8/2009 (5-6pm) - "The Truth About H1N1 (Swine Flu)"
  For members at XSport Fitness, Downers Grove
• Friday 10/9/2009 (8-9:30am) - "Simple Foods For Health"
  At La Grange Hospital (Dixon Auditorium)
• Tuesday 10/13/2009 (1:30-2:30pm) - "Ask the Doctor: H1N1 and Mammograms"
  At IFHA (Come to this free seminar for information about the H1N1/Swine flu virus and mammogram recommendations; get your questions answered by Dr. Feldman)
• Tuesday 11/17/09 (5:30-6:30pm) - "The Mind/Body Connection to your Health"
  At IFHA (call to RSVP), given by Dr. Phillips (find out more about Dr. Phillips below)

IFHA News and Updates

Candice Phillips, PhD, CNM, RN. She received her PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and holds degrees in nursing and midwifery. Recently, she had the honor of training under Dr. Alice Domar, Harvard faculty and international leader in the field of mind/body medicine and its applications to health related issues. She has fifteen years of experience practicing as a women's health specialist and now brings her unique background and skills to benefit IFHA patients. Dr. Phillips will provide extra help and guidance for our patients to lead healthier lives. Come meet her and learn more about her approach at her first free seminar at IFHA on Tuesday November 17 at 5:30pm.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Massage Therapy Services to IFHA in the near future. Please let us know if you are interested in this new service and we'll make sure we update you with future details.

IFHA is now offering a variety of consultative appointments with Dr. Davakos:

• Natural Flu Consult
• Prenatal Care Consults (One for each Trimester)
• Breastfeeding/Nutrition Consult
• Pediatric Vaccine Consult
• Introduction to Foods Consult
• Eliminating Home Allergens Consult

For further information about any of these consults, visit http://www.integrativefha.com/services/natcons.php or call our clinic during regular business hours.

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