While this is a personal and contraversal decision I think it is also overlooking an important aspect of staying healthy this flu season and during this pandemic of swine flu. While vaccinations have been praised for keeping epidemics of yester year at bay and curtailing certain childhood illnesses, they are not a magic bullet. What I advocate and try to instill in our household is keeping our immune system strong and healthy so it can do the job it was designed to do which is fight disease! We have an amazing system of checks and balances and a system that you could never mimmick in a lab. Our immune system is so complex and masterful it should be marveled. Unfortunately, for many it does not function properly. So, while you might be mulling over to vaccinate or not (which I do think you should seriously study and make an informed decision on), remember to do everything in your power to keep your immune system strong. Eat as many fruits, vegetables, berries, whole grains as possilbe, sleep, exercise, and take time everyday to relax and laugh. Breastfeeding is one of the very best things we can do for our smaller
children. So, if that is an option for you, seriously consider
breastfeeding for at least that first year. It not only is the
healthier choice for you, but for your precious baby.
While the media may make us feel like we don't have any control over our health, remember we do. It is in our power to feed our bodies well so it can keep our immune system running strong. "There's no question the immune system fundamentally is influenced by overall health -- and a balanced diet
is key," says David Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Yale Prevention
Research Center in New Haven, Connecticut. "Not only are essential
nutrients critical for the production and maintenance of key
germ-fighting cells in the immune system, but a balanced diet also has
a strong effect on vascular function, and the immune system is
dependent on blood flow," Katz says. The bloodstream is the route along
which infection-fighting cells travel throughout the body to where
they're needed.
Terri's Tips:
1. Eat at least one type of berry everday. Frozen berries can be a less expensive and easier option. Berries are chalk full of antioxidants. They are truely a super food.
2. Eat two fruits and two vegetables with every meal. This will not only cut down on our hunger and stomach space for less healthy alternatives, it will ensure we are hitting our daily requirement for servings of fruits and vegetables.
3. Play and laugh with your kids. Laughing releases good hormones that promote a healthy immune system. Plus, it can help burn calories as we roll around or run after them!
4. Sleep. Put away that lap top and get to bed!