Staying healthy: avoiding winter illness
- February 20, 2009 3:37 PM |
- By Your Voice
Regardless of our ability to endure seemingly endless winters, cold weather seems inexorably linked with a spike in the number of illnesses - especially colds. Outbreaks usually peak in late January or early February but continue to the end of April.
According to Statistics Canada, Canadians took an average of 8.1 sick days in 2007. That's an increase of more than half a day since 2003.
Men took an average of 6.7 sick days in 2007, compared to 9.9 for women.
Jill McChesney is a Registered Nurse and homeopathic practitioner with her own practice, JEM Homeopathics located in Burlington, Ontario. McChesney sees clients with various health concerns and goals ranging from arthritis, depression and cancer, to weight loss, overall health improvements, and sleep issues. She attended McMaster University for psychology, Ryerson Polytechnic University for her Nursing Degree, and The Homeopathic College of Canada for her doctorate in Homeopathy.
Read her answers to your questions.
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Comments (23)
Cold FX or ginseng: seems to work for me; is it a placebo effect?
Jill McChesney responds:
There are many great cold remedies on the market today. Some are herbal (Cold FX), while others are vitamin and mineral based (Zicam). Research is supporting the use of these mineral based supplements during the first 24-48 hours of experiencing cold symptoms to decrease intensity and the duration of the cold itself.
But completely respectfully, does it matter if there is a placebo effect at play as long as you are getting the healing you are looking for? Placebo effect by definition means “healing effects which are based on the person's own self-healing capacity, but which is triggered by the belief that they are receiving an active medication” http://www.library.thinkquest.org/C0120993/glossaryfull.html.
In the case of your cold, the beauty of placebo or helping to empowering the body’s ability to heal is that no harm can come. The only results in fact would be direct healing, cellular confidence, and the innate vital knowledge that results from resilience.
Keep it flowing.
Is taking Oregano oil the best bet when you feel you are coming down with something. i usually have a tickle in my throat and i know it is coming and since i am older, and for the last couple of bouts i have been in bed 24/7 for 8 days. i want to nip it in the bud the best way. I sleep well, exercise and eat well, fish, fish, veggies fruit etc so it is not my lifestyle. thank you
liz
Jill McChesney responds:
Oh, the tell tale tickle in the throat. A sign that something is going on in your body, you are wise not to ignore it. From your description, I agree it does sounds like your lifestyle is well rounded which goes a long way in keeping the immune system strong. It also however, sounds like doing what you have been doing to stay healthy (taking oregano) is not working for you. In your case I would advise a closer look at the “overall picture” and try something new.
Start here: are you getting enough Vitamin A,D,E & C? How much Zinc is in your diet? Is your liver in need of a cleanse? Are you properly digesting the foods that you are eating? These questions are ones you may wish to explore with a professional in the near future.
In the meantime, next time you feel like something is trying to get a hold of your health, go for a remedy that is clinically proven through research to work. For example, a zinc based homeopathic formula (called Zicam) is now available on the Canadian market and demonstrated in two separate studies to not only shorten the duration of the cold, but also it is proven to reduce the intensity of symptoms along the way, provided you act as soon as the sign appear. To your health.
We have a healthy 16month old boy. He eats fairly well as we try to introduce him to new foods all the time specifically the foods my wife and I eat (balanced meat-veg-fruit). He turns his nose up at fish and eggs. I am concerned as to how to be sure he gets appropriate levels of omega 3 & 6's. He used to get those nutrients in his formula which he is off and now on homo milk. Please advise.
Jill McChesney responds:
Dear Great Parents; You sound like you are on the right track by getting your son on his way to a healthy and balanced diet. Essential fatty acids (efa) are one of the things that must be included as a daily dietary requirement. When you consider the many roles they have in the body it is no wonder that children needs are especially strong in terms of growth and development.
So all else considered being healthy, I like to use Cod liver oil in the winter months as a great source of efa’s because of the added benefits of vitamin A and D – much needed due to lack of sunshine and fresh fruits and vegetables this time of year. Always dose according to the package details on the product you select. For use with children I prefer liquids that can be easily measured and placed into other foods during a meal. And keep in mind if your family are eating whole grains, nuts/seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables, then the only form that really needs supplementation is Omega 3’s.
Does taking a daily dose of Vitamin C (1000mg)during the winter months beneficial or harmful over time.
Jill McChesney responds:
Dear Vitamin C consumer;
I do not think you have to worry about taking a dose of 1000 mg of vitamin C for any period of time (probably best to divide the dose throughout the day to have a more continual allowance). To say if however in the long term this could be dangerous for you, would require me knowing a lot more about you and your overall health picture.
To start with, what type of vitamin C are you taking? Ascorbic acid is different than Ester C. None the less vitamin C is involved in more than 300 metabolic processes in our bodies. It is water soluble and flushed easily from a healthy system. As it is easily brought in from food in the forms of citrus fruits, berries, and peppers, diet should always be the primary source.
A hint though is to eat the whole food and not just the juice (unless you are juicing yourself). Commercially purchased juices contain too much sugar and actually negatively impact the immune system.
“C”- yah.
I try to take care of myself, eat well, good quality vitamins & C daily... but I am always picking up a cold or bronchitis or a sinus infection or strep throat, etc. I have over the years taken a LOT of antibiotics and I am wondering if my immune system has been weakened and if so what can I do to revitalize it? Might a vitamin tonic of sorts be advisable? I also take prescription medication for my mental health... not sure if this complicates things. Your thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, John
Jill McChesney responds:
Dear immuno- compromised;
You are correct, it does sound like you have a weakened immune system (just you thinking this makes it even truer the power of our thoughts). Antibiotics can destroy our valuable micro flora and you should address this right away. Acidophilus (good bacteria) supplementation is great place to start - you will most likely need a product that contains FOS (food for the good guys) so you won’t simply be throwing grass seeds into the Sahara desert.
It is important to keep in mind though, that our health is not a series of isolated events. Much like a picture constructed from dominoes, if you hit the right on, the whole image becomes impacted.
Your mental health picture is relevant and could even have a route nutritional cause. It sounds like you need some professional direction, ideally an individual protocol so that you can take charge of your health again…completely achievable if you stay on this path.
Baby steps forward.
If I'm sick with the cold or flu, should I still work out?
Jill McChesney responds:
Sure, if your body says “yes, I feel up to it”, then allow the benefits exercise such as stress reduction, increased circulation, and toxin elimination by sweating, to work for you (nothing clears a stuffy nose better than some cardio).
But (and there is always a but), if you are light headed or weak, STAY home. If you have a fever and have not been eating properly, STAY home. If you are not sleeping well or you have been sick to your stomach /diarrhea then STAY home.
Chances are you are not only contagious (please consider those around you) but dehydrated as well. In a nut shell (unless you are allergic), treat yourself with respect and honor your body’s ability to heal with a common sense approach. Intuitive sense.
I keep contracting every sick germ that comes within a 50 mile radius of myself. What can I do to boost my immunity?
Jill McChesney responds:
You can start by visiting my blog at http://zicam.ca/no-nonsense/en/blog. There you will learn where to find valuable immune boosting vitamins and minerals from your daily diet. You will also find some valuable hints and tips on ways to avoid contracting the common cold. For example, did you know that places such as telephones, keyboards, and door handles can carry more germs than toilets bowls?
Sure, most people wash their hands as a first defense, but very few actually do it properly. We should be using a soap product with a rubbing and friction motion paying careful attention to areas in-between the fingers, and under the nails. We also should be using warm- hot water to rinse off the soap, kill and then drown out the “bugs”.
But it doesn’t stop there, as most of us with clean hands then reach for the hand towel that has been hanging in place after multiple uses, by multiple users (gross).
But remember if you are around some of those germs (50 miles or less) take extra precaution to protect yourself by taking a proven remedy that helps to combat “germs” like the rhino virus at their entry site which is usually the nasal and oral passages. Cheers to your health and immune strength.
I have a nagging cough that won't go away, how do I get rid of it
Among other things, I have fibromyalgia and high colestoral. I was prescribed Lyrica for the fibromyalgia, and Crestor for the colestoral. I believe the crestor is causing me to ache more, but the heart doctor sloughed me off when I mentioned it. I am in more pain now than ever. I tried stopping the crestor for 2 weeks and saw improvement. I went back on it, and am again in more pain. Could I be right?
Jill McChesney responds:
Hi frustrated and uncomfortable;
It sounds like you have a complex story. There is no simple one answer or “pill” that can be prescribed to solve your problems, fibromyalgia or otherwise. One pill can in some cases lead to the next pill and so on. I applaud you in listening to your own intuition or inner voice. If something doesn’t seem right, then maybe it is not (for you).
This does not mean to stop your prescribed medications or tell your doctors they are wrong. It does imply that you as the pilot of your healthcare should explore your options and know your alternatives, making your decisions educated. You didn’t always have these diagnoses, so select a path that leads to restoring your health instead of simply palliating your symptoms. Stay on your journey, gather information, and surround yourself with supportive people who will help to guide you back to health. It is yours to take.
I get anywhere between 2 and 4 sinus infections per yr (I have one now as I write this question). Unless they're horrible (in which case I get prescription meds) I buy the over the counter stuff, but I was wondering if there was anything natural I could do (not a fan of pumping chemicals in my body unless I have to). Thanks!
Jill McChesney responds:
Dear painful passages;
The discomfort associated with sinus infections is something that can make the strongest weak and irritable. So let’s address how to go about building yourself back up afterwards. Start by protecting your nasal passages and mucus membranes (Vitamin A and E). Keep your nasal passages moist and therefore harder for bacteria and viruses to replicate there (try a humidifier and drink plenty of fluid throughout the day). Replenish your micro flora after taking antibiotics (acidophilus).
For this you will need a supplemental form that should be taken twice daily for several months. Reduce possible sources of contamination like your hands, dirty towels or bedding, and practice nasal irrigation (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal-lavage/MM00552).
Supplements such as zinc and garlic are helpful if taken to support the immune system during times when we are more inclined to become ill (stats Canada reveals Jan/Feb have the highest reported sick rates). Keep mucus producing foods minimal (dairy) and increase immune boosting foods in this way you are in a good position to ward off the next “germs” you encounter.
For final consideration however, you should be seeing your dentist regularly, avoiding smoke where possible and report any swelling around your eyes resulting from your infection. You should discuss the chronic nature of your sinus problem with your doctor as there may be other thing involved here such as structural issues, allergic aggravates, or even a fungal culprit that demands immediate attention. Breathe clear.
trying to shed the last 10 lbs and stay healthy. working out is making me fit but my weight is stuck at 10 lbs over. Any ideas?
Jill McChesney responds:
I have lots of ideas as to why your physically fit body is not responding the way it should to consistent diet and exercise (assuming your diet is balanced, contains enough protein, and you not only build muscle but also work in YOUR burning zone).
For starters, thyroid, hormones, digestion, dehydration, stress…Get the picture?
I can imagine how frustrating it must be for you to work hard and not reap the benefits you deserve. It is important not to get caught up in the latest book on the market or diet that did wonders for your neighbor’s sister’s aunt.
Everyone is different and I encourage you to find the balance that is right for you. This is why you should seek professional assistance, embrace your healthy attitude and take charge of your health. Look for guidance and you will find the answer.
At what point when we have a cold should we be staying home from work?
Jill McChesney responds:
This is a great question because perhaps if there was a carved in stone answer we would be able to avoid spreading our germs to others so freely. If you are fighting a common cold, you were actually more contagious before you became aware of that you were sick. Why? No one turns down a sip of your cocktail, takes a hand shake over a kiss or thinks twice before borrowing your pen when you seem perfectly healthy.
Once you are sick people may be a bit more cautious of you and their surroundings and therefore better able to control the spread of germs. Air born germs are another story all together. So should you go to work? If you are treating your cold with a zinc based product (such as Zicam) eating a healthy diet full of immune boosting vitamins (A,D, E, and C) then you are taking action to reduce the growth of the virus by interfering with the mechanism it uses to get into your cells.
In this case so long as you are feeling well and doing proper hand washing, then you should be fine to head in (dependent on environment, i.e. heavy physical labour or medical environments maybe be different). If you are feeling run down, feverish (in which case you probably have the flu), experience nausea or vomiting, have greenish discharges, or headaches, you are best resting, hydrating and seeking further medical attention if necessary.
I've have sinus problem's all winter. Why does it keep coming back. I'm taking over the counter sinus medication almost daily. Is there an herbal solution for this virus?
Jill McChesney responds:
The medications you are taking are not treating the condition they are masking the symptoms. Worse, sometimes taking decongestants can weaken the blood vessels and cause a re-bound effect where the swelling in your passages intensifies when you discontinue use. First you should determine if you have a repeated acute infection or a chronic condition. Chronic cases have different causes such as allergies, irritants (smoke), and structural abnormalities (nasal or dental). You can tell a lot as from the type of discharges you see and this information can help your practitioner to develop a plan to help support your system.
I would recommend nasal irrigation and boosting your immune system with Vitamin A, C, E, and Selenium. Taking natural antibiotics such as Garlic and trying lymphatic drainage may also be advantageous. Regardless of the cause (viral or bacterial), or the type of infection you have (acute vs. chronic) you should start taking acidophilus twice daily with meals.
Is there is diet/health plan that addresses needs of overweight children (age 10). Often you see plans/supplements for adults, but it often does not mention whether it would be appropriate for children.
Jill McChesney responds:
There are definitely dietary plans for children that address obesity, keeping in mind its root may not be what the child is eating but rather an underlying medical or mental/emotional issue.
There are also supplement companies that make quality products just for children (I am not referring to chewable dinosaurs shaped vitamins either) and have researched protocols for treating childhood illness and disease. These types of products are typically considered a professional line as they need to be prescribed by a qualified health care professional.
Keep in mind a dietician and a nutritionist could have different approaches to the same situation. Know the difference and what treatment you want. To find a qualified registered practitioner look on your province’s official website for that discipline (i.e. the Ontario Homeopathic Association). There you will find not only the doctors but you will learn about their area of specialty.
Always conduct an interview with someone you are willing to entrust the care of your children to. Ask questions about their experience in the area of your interest, how long they have practiced, and where they went to school. There is lots of support waiting for you out there.
I have 15 month old baby boy that has been subject to severe colds, stomach flus, and bronchitis due to the fact that he started daycare. I understand that this is part of life when a child starts daycare for the first time, but is it normal for a baby boy to have an on-going fever and persisitent cough for a month and have no infection that can be found? All the pediatrician says is to control the fever with Tempra so it doesn`t spike. Any thoughts?
Jill McChesney responds:
Of course it is not “normal” to have a child that is always sick and showing signs of infection. A fever is usually an adaptive response to raise core temperature and destroy an unwanted guest, but it should be self-limiting and not longstanding.
Taking a medicine to artificially reduce a fever is reactive and not addressing the cause. I am sure since you are under the care of a children’s doctor that blood studies have been done which revealed normal blood counts, especially white blood cells. The first thing you want to do once you are certain there are no underlying concerns is strengthen the immune system.
Seek out immune boosting fruits and vegetables, simple sauces and soups are a great way to start ensuring your child is getting their daily doses. Seek out a liquid multi vitamin for children (not a sugary chewable), get him on acidophilus , give him a zinc based homeopathic medicine any time you feel he has been exposed or is showing signs of fighting something.
Explore his diet there maybe things in there that are setting him up for illness by suppressing his immune system. You will probably need professional guidance around these items.
Ask questions, starting with what goes on in the daycare environment. Is it clean? Are toys disinfected regularly? Are intimate items like teddy bears and pillows machine washed? Is outdoor wear being shared among the kids like scarves and mittens? Take a step back and look at the big picture, your son’s illnesses are just one piece to something much bigger and most likely in your control.
I seem to pick up every virus going this winter. I run regularly and it seems when I get on a good running streak, I come down with something setting me back a week or two. Why?
Jill McChesney responds:
The answer here is simply, listen to your body and respect what it is telling you. Are the goals you are setting realistic or are they constantly pushing your limits. Don’t get me wrong training hard and seeking gains is great, but necessitate changing other areas of your life to balance load on your body? Consider then: Are you getting more sleep the evening after the long run? Are you adding additional calories and protein to your diet to account for the higher energy demands? Are you maintaining good fluid and electrolyte balances? What is your stress load like, remembering that exercise is a form of a stress we impose on the body to become stronger/faster?
The winter months are tougher for most as we are in close quarters with one another and sharing more than just good conversation. Because the air we breathe is drier viruses have an easier root into our body and better chance of taking over. If you are overtaxed on any level discussed, your immune system will not be as strong and you may not have the reserves you need to fight off an infection.
You also may want to check out some suggestions on how to avoid the virus itself on my blog. Strive for your best but baby you along the way!
i seem to be sick one week a month all winter long.
just when i think the mucus is gone it comes back a few weeks later, i've seen the doctor but of course he tells me there is no treatment.
if the same symtoms come back every month, do i catch a new bug every month or do i have another problem? i usually take wild oil of oregano when i remember or feel sick, it seems to help. thanks
Dear Stuffy;
Wow an entire month, how frustrating! So let’s get rid of that mucus. While dryness of nasal passages is not good as it makes it easier for that rhino virus to replicate in our passages, too much mucus is good either. It sounds like you might be taking decongestants? When you mask a symptom with a medication, you are not treating the cause you are simply hiding its expression.
Decongestants (especially with continual use) can cause a weakening of the blood vessels and re-bound effect where swelling and stuffiness are worse after the product is discontinued. They can be habit forming. Stop using them! Get a humidifier, and try nasal irrigation. Use saline gels to keep your passages moist. Take goldenseal capsules to break up mucus and drink the juice from a freshly squeezed lemon in water throughout the day.
Get the dairy out of your diet and look for other potential food sensitivities/allergies; you may need professional guidance with this. Eat a diet rich in immune boosting vitamins like A, D, E, C, and Zinc.
If you feel symptoms coming on, don’t wait start treatment right away. Try a clinically proven remedy such as Zicam (available at major drug stores) that will boost your immunity and not only shorten the cold but reduce the intensity of the symptoms you experience. Hang in there, next time will be different!
Where can I find published medical peer reviewed studies showing the effectiveness of Homeopathic treatments and/or vitamin supplements?
Jill McChesney responds:
You can always do a web-based browse to find out more information. The problem with this is you can’t always trust something just because it’s in print, which means investing time in researching your sources for credibility.
My suggestion is to contact your local accredited Colleges of Homeopathic Medicine (such as Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine) and Schools of Nutrition (Institute of Holistic Nutrition). These institutions have to teach their students curriculum that is based on the most current and credible researched data. And as added confidence, homeopathy is a regulated health profession in Canada which means there are strict guidelines around programs and course content.
Not a question but an observation. I'm a greying middle school teacher with many years under my belt. Middle Schools are virus central during cold and flu season as parents generally send sick or recovering kids to school where they then pass it around to the rest. I've tried Cold FX, ginseng, garlic, parsley, mega vitamin C, flu shots, and can't say that any have helped me weather the storm better. Started Vitamin D supplements this last fall and so far just a sniffle; and this with a round of Norwalk and the regular flu taking down a good chunk of our school population. I think there may be something to the research that suggests that our indoor lifestyle has made us D deficient. Try it (and it sure beats cod liver oil like mom used to feed us)
Perhaps not always, but a lot of the time,is it mind over sickness? When I am too busy and know I cannot afford to get sick, I don't.
Jill McChesney responds:
This is an area of interest to me - the power of our thoughts over our health (cells). Many studies have been done in this area and I encourage you to check them out.
The area is psycho (referring to our thoughts)-neuro- (our nervous system) immunology (our immune system response).
We are strong and we can impact our health by not only what we do (diet & lifestyle) but also by what we manifest and attract to ourselves. Never underestimate the impact of lifestyle and diet as there are certain biological rules that cannot be ignored without real consequences.
So stay strong in your mind and convictions but don’t forget to eat your vegetables (or in your case, stay busy).
i have many allergies to plants (flowers, trees, grass, etc.). is this something i should worry about when considering taking herbal suppliments?
Jill McChesney responds:
Extra precaution should be taken if you are an allergy sufferer when considering herbal supplements. Products such as Golden Seal (which is great for clearing up mucus) can set you up for a reaction. It is not just allergy sufferers who should take heed as herbals have pharmacological actions in our bodies that can impact our health and react with other medications.
A lot of herbals work for certain conditions but should not be taken for extended periods of time. Know what you are taking, what drug family it belongs to, and any contraindication for its use.
It is also important to read the ingredients in vitamin combinations (such as a multivitamin) as they often contain herbal ingredients or green foods which could be problematic for you. If this is too much to shuffle, consider working with a professional.
Are you more likely to fall ill with cold or flu if you are very stressed?
Jill McChesney responds:
Quite simply put, yes!
Stress impairs the immune system so do your best to shut it down. Find time every day with an intention of “you” and a theme of “your best interest”.
You can sing, read, listen to music, bake, deep breathe (bonus), rest, drink water or knit. As long as what you are doing is for the purpose of you, you cannot go wrong. It doesn’t matter if you are in an office, try putting on headphones, close your eyes and breathe life into your cells.
If you are at home with the kids, start teaching them “quiet time”. If you are going through multiple stresses, get a life coach and take back your locus of control. Support your adrenals nutritionally with a well balanced diet and don’t skip meals.
Consider a Stress B- complex and make sure you are sleeping. Talk to someone or seek professional help to get things back in hand, the sooner the better because the cold is the least of your concerns!
I have been sick a lot this year as I manage to catch every bug my toddler brings home from day care. I am trying to get pregnant again so I am reluctant to take any drugs or use natural remedies just in case I am pregnant. Do you have any suggestions on some safe remedies?
Jill McChesney responds:
Without knowing your health history it is difficult to advise specifics in terms of pregnancy. There is however an approach you could take that would not only support your immune system but also your pregnancy (when it happens).
Start with a good prenatal vitamin - it is best to be on one before you conceive to build your stores of iron and folic acid. I cannot stress enough finding a good brand as they are not all the same and marketing and fancy well-known labels doesn’t create quality - seek out advice. Keep your immune system strong through diet, sleep and avoiding the spread of germs among your family members. Wash your toddlers’ hands as soon as you pick them up from daycare (not just before meals), change bedding/pillow cases and hand towels often and teach your children about germs and how they are spread.
Homeopathic remedies are generally safe for use during pregnancy but are prescribed on the specifics of your symptoms… stuffiness, swelling, pain, discharge… and so on.
If you haven’t established a working relationship with a natural health care practitioner, now would be a great time.