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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 6 Volume III, Issue IV December 15, 2000 Boost Immunity This Flu Season By Dr. Lewis D. Harper, D.C. With the fact that there is a shortage of flu vaccines available this flu season, I began to think about those who are at “high risk” and receiving the few flu shots available this flu season. The reason they are considered high risk is because their immune systems are below optimal level and need a little stimulation to fight off the proposed active flu virus. Are there side effects associated with the flu vaccine itself? Of course there are. Dr. Eva Snead addresses these concerns and relates that the flu vaccine is prepared on a chicken embryo—an unborn chicken—so those who are allergic to eggs or chicken products can become seriously ill from the injection. Studies also show that following injections of these proteins into humans, they can render the patient allergic to chicken and egg products. Thus, people who previously were not allergic, can now become so. Another problem with all viral vaccines—they not only contain a particular virus (i.e. flu, chicken pox etc.) but also traces of leukemia and cancer producing viruses etc. These viruses are not completely removable. They exist in the chickens from which the embryos are taken. Manufacturers claim that they are 98% purified from these particles, but 2% of several billion viruses is still a lot of cancer and leukemia danger. Warnings in the packaging inserts show that there is also a higher incidence of Guillaine Barre in all people under fifty who take the influenza vaccine compared to those who do not. Another interesting fact; flu vaccines are produced over a two-yearperiod based on computer predictions as to which particular kind of influenza is going to be causing the epidemic two years later. So another question to consider: “Is this flu strain in the vaccine the one that is actually going to be causing problems this year?” Would you need to have a flu vaccine if your immune system is functioning at its optimal level? If your immune system is working at its optimal level, it can—and will—fight and destroy any virus that tries to attack your body. It is true that you may experience flu symptoms, but once you have had the virus and your body has been given the opportunity to fight it naturally, you will have a life long immunity to the strain. Vaccines on the other hand only offer temporary immunity. So how do you build up your immune system so it will function at its optimal level? Many factors play a part. Diet, rest, regular exercise and nervous system maintenance, via chiropractic care, all play an important role. A study performed in 1986 found that patients under regular chiropractic care had a 200 percent greater immune-competence than those who had not received chiropractic care. The study concluded that, “Chiropractic may optimize whatever genetic abilities you have so that you can fully resist serious disease.” Another study conducted at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and published in 1998 in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association had similar findings. A procedure known as a lymphatic pump, used since the turn of the century to treat infections including the flu, bacterial pneumonia and tuberculosis, was found to also boost the immune system. In this study the basophils, an immune system blood cell, was found to increase by 746% in the experimental group when compared to the control group. Not only was there an increase in immune response, but this increase lasted for up to four hours following treatment. One of the best ways to gain life long immunity to any disease is to let the body fight it naturally so it builds up immunity to the disease. For this to happen, your immune system has to be functioning at an effective level. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic care can prepare your immune system to handle the task at hand. During this year of flu vaccine shortages, why not give your body the opportunity to fight the specific strain that is present naturally. Prepare your immune system for the fight and give it that extra boost to function at its greatest potential with regular chiropractic care. Valley Hair Co. Pamper your loved one this holiday season with a GIFT CERTIFCATE Pedicures **Pedicures Manicures **Manicures * Massage Massage * Makeovers Makeovers Call or Stop by today! 745-11979 (located in the Eats of Eden Plaza) Have a Very Merry CHRISTmas! By Janet Hoffmann Guess What? My tree is up and our home is all decked out for Christmas, thanks to our daughters who got the ball rolling and one daughter, in particular, who stuck with the task until it was completed. Except, of course, for the clean up—that I was more than willing to do. I just can’t explain what Christmas decorations do for me. They make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I was thinking about this and wondered where this stemmed good feeling came from. I decided it was all my warm memories from Christmases past. If you are one that doesn’t have past warm memories, please make warm memories this year. They are so wonderful. Remember we are the one that makes our memories what they are. No one else has control of that. We decide what we will remember and what we will think of those memories. Think of how simple it really is to make wonderful memories. Take all the “yucks” out of your life and enjoy what you love. If you have reasons you are sad, enjoy your sadness—cry on a loved one’s shoulder or go to a beautiful place and cry. Good memories don’t necessarily always need to be happy memories. This season is all about Christ. Remember Christ died for us so that we could have joy. I wondered if I really remember why we celebrate Christmas throughout the season, or do I think more of earthly things? I do remember what Christ has done for me, sometimes, but other times I get caught up in the love of Christmas itself. I want to believe that the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of Christ but sometimes I think it’s just the spirit of Christmas with the emphasis on “mass” (as in amassing), and not on Christ. I hope that some way I can make this a real CHRISTmas this year. What wonderful gifts God has given us as a community. We are so blessed to have wonderful neighbors. Christ is love and I feel that love from each of you as we cross paths. I thank God for each of you. I marvel at what the Lord has done for me and I marvel at what he has done for each of you. You may say, “She doesn’t know what He has done for me.” But you are wrong. I do see the gifts He has given you in your eyes, your smiles and your deeds. The gifts you receive end up being blessings to me also. I’m so grateful to be a part of this beautiful valley we lovingly call “THE VALLEY.” It truly is a winter wonderland. Thanks to all who read my articles and make it possible for me to share my thoughts. I love you all. Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTmas! Happy Holidays from Wasatch Paving |