Friday, December 5, 2008

What You May Not Know About Flu Shots


My goal for this post is to give you some information about flu shots that you may not be aware of. Then it is up to you to do a little more research to make an informed decision about what is right for you in your individual case.

Did you know that you can still get the flu even if you have a flu shot?

There is a different flu shot every year. The strains are usually chosen in the spring for flu season that starts anywhere from October to January. This means that there is a certain amount of guess work to get the correct strain.


Have you ever read the insert that comes with the flu shot?


Your doctor should have it available for you upon your request.


Common Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Sore Throat
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Muscle Aches

Rare but Serious Side Effects

  • Guillain Barre-the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system causing weakness and tingling in hands and feet.
  • Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

Ingredience

  • Thimerosal (mercury additive)-Mercury is linked to an increased risk of autism in children, autoimmune, brain injury and neurotoxin.
  • Aluminum-Increased risk of Alzheimers disease and seizures
  • Formaldehyde-Known cancer causing agent
  • Antifreeze-Cardiovascular dysfunction and kidney failure
  • Phenol
  • Chick Embryos

Alternatives to getting the Flu Shot

  • Exercise
  • Full nights sleep
  • Eat balanced diet
  • Manage Stress check out post-Stress Kills

Do you have any personal experiences when it comes to preventing the flu in a natural way or experiences with getting a flu shot? Please share your experiences in the comments section.

Links for vaccine information sheets:

Inactivated Influenza http://tinyurl.com/54tx7a
Live Intranasal Influenza http://tinyurl.com/69qxmo

Sources:

http://tinyurl.com/62znv5

http://tinyurl.com/62c2p8

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Tips to Fighting Fatigue

  1. Exercise-Any exercise can be beneficial in helping with fatigue. According to http://www.yogabasics.com/ "Yoga is an especially effective treatment for fatigue as it combines movement, rest and stress reduction with the cultivation of prana (life force energy) and the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and renew response)." Walking just 20-30 minutes a day has been shown to be very beneficial as well.

  2. Sleep-Get a full nights sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping I found a good article for you to read. http://twurl.cc/81t
  3. Chiropractic-Get your nervous system checked. If your body is not functioning at 100% you can have problems in many, many areas including sleep and fatigue. I can not emphasize how much chiropractic can have a huge effect on your health. http://tinyurl.com/6s57re

  4. Nutrition-Poor diet can cause tiredness. Most people know what they should eat but just don't make the time to do it. For the new food pyramid please see: http://www.mypyramid.gov/

  5. Meditation-is a way of relaxing your inner mind and bringing your mind into balance with your body. How to meditate: http://tinyurl.com/yuqgyg

Disclaimer: As always check with your health care professional before starting a new exercise program or changing your diet.