The cold and flu season is in full swing. The government doesn’t track colds, but the federal Centers for Disease Control recently reported the flu in every state but one. (See map.)
How can you protect yourself against cold and flu viruses? You know most of these, but a reminder never hurts.
1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Hand Washing 101: There is a trick to killing germs—and 84% don’t know it. To wash up correctly, wet your hands, lather the soap and then scrub, including between your fingers and under your nails for 15 seconds. Rinse using lukewarm—not hot—water; dry. [see note 1]
2. Avoid others who have a cold or the flu, if possible.
3. Don’t smoke, and keep away from smokers. Even passive exposure to smoke is detrimental.
4. Eat well. Good nutrition is a key to preventive health.
5. Get plenty of rest.
6. Manage stress.
7. Bolster your immune system.
Next to hand washing, stress management is probably [most important]… Research suggests that stress makes us more susceptible to upper respiratory infections. Indeed some experts believe that stress plays a role in virtually all illnesses. The link between stress and illness is not fully understood, but there is no doubt that stress depresses the immune system…
Massage therapy is an effective stress reducer. It combats stress and anxiety by reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, relaxing muscles, and promoting deeper and fuller breathing… The benefits of massage are far reaching because it affects nearly every system of the body. Deepak Chopra, M.D. says "Massage therapy has systemic effects. It influences your immune system, your endocrine system, and your cardiovascular system …"
Massage is [also] a powerful immune booster. It enhances relaxation and the circulation of blood and lymph, all of which enhance immune function. Studies at the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute have also shown that massage therapy can decrease levels of cortisol, a major stress hormone, and increase natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell present in the blood and lymph that can destroy virus-infected cells. Their action is non-specific, which means they can act against a wide range of viruses. [see note 2]
Massage therapy may be just what the doctor ordered. Or should have!
To your health -- Kevin
Notes:
1. Sklar, Hallie L. "Wave Goodbye to Colds for Good," Fitness, January 2007, p. 72. www.fitnessmagazine.com
2. Clark, Kevin S. "Colds: Is Touch the Villain?," Upper Valley Guide to Whole Health, January 2000, p. 11. Soon to be reprinted on the web.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
