Sep 12 2013
Flu Shot or Not?
So the “cold & flu” season is rapidly approaching. And the big question arises: should I get a flu shot?
Not a good question but a great question! Let’s take a look at both sides of the story and then use some common sense and see where we end up. Here it goes!
Out of Reuters World Report, Feb 2005 – Archives Internal Medicine, 2005
Lives saved by flu Vaccine – Zero? Predictions were that 50% of those vaccinated would not die. Based on mortality rates from 1968-2001 the National institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases found no correlation between increased vaccination rates after 1980 and decreased death rates. Researchers are now saying earlier studies were flawed and the elderly may not be getting much benefit because many fail to produce antibodies in response to the vaccination. Natural immunity may be responsible for the earlier perceived benefits.
Click here for more info on the negative effects of flu shots.
Only 40% of US Health Workers Get Immunized! Doctors and nurses say they’re too busy. Some health workers believe that flu shots don’t work and that they cause the flu. Health workers say they’ve been exposed to so many germs that they’re immune. CDC, Sept 2007
Here is a good question to consider: Why don’t doctors and nurses constantly get sick? After all they are around sick people and germs all day long. Answer: Only people that are sick, unhealthy or with a weakened immune system get sick.
Did you know that the average American gets 2-6 colds per year! I can’t remember the last time I had a cold.
A few months ago I was at a chiropractic seminar and the speaker asked how many took the flu shot. The response was zero. Then the group was asked how many got the flu or even a cold and again no one raised their hand. The speaker said he asked chiropractors this question at every seminar for the last 10 years and never did any chiropractor get a flu shot and most importantly rarely did any get the flu! Now that IS interesting.
According to the Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases the following list is how to prevent the flu:
- careful hygiene
- avoid crowds/sneezers
- plenty of rest
- balanced diet
- lots of fluids
- stress management
- regular exercise
Okay now grade yourself. How did you do? Okay now grade the general public. Most people really struggle with these which weakens the immune system thus letting you get sick. You will notice that if you grade yourself high on the above list you probably do not get sick very often.
If you have more questions about flu prevention or the flu vaccine or chiropractic just ask: Dr. Lance Casazza.
Jan 1 2014
Stressed Out!
Of course you have heard the phrase “stress is a killer”. I thought it would be good to take a look and see if it is true. So here we go! I’m already feeling stressed!
Are you? Take a look at yourself. Stress symptoms: tight shoulders, digestive upset, recurring headaches, increased tendency to lose temper or become upset.
75% of Americans experience symptoms related to stress in a given month: 77% experience physical symptoms; 73% experience psychological symptoms; 33% feel they are living with extreme stress; 48% feel their stress has increased in the past 5 years.
66% of Americans blame stress for their nighttime tossing and turning. (Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 2006)
Physical symptoms of stress (percent of people who experience the following stress symptoms): fatigue 51%, headaches 44%, upset stomach 34%, muscle tension 30%, change in appetite 23%, teeth grinding 17%, change in sex drive 15%, and feeling dizzy 13%.
Psychological effects of stress (percent of people who experience the following stress symptoms): irritability or anger 50%, feeling nervous 45%, lack of energy 45%, feel like crying 35%, and lying awake at night 48%.
The Studies & Stats.
90% of all disease is stress related! (CDC, 2011)
Stress helps account for 66% of doctor visits and 50% of the deaths to Americans under 65. Stress is implicated in heart, stomach & mental disorders, headaches, backaches, high blood pressure & high cholesterol levels. (CDC, 2011)
Workplace stress costs more than $300 billion per year in health care and missed work. (American Institute of Stress, 2011)
Stressed workers health costs are 46% higher, or $600 more per person, than other employees. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2011)
Stress is responsible for: 19% of employee absenteeism, 40% of employee turnover, 60% of workplace accidents costs, and 60-90% of doctor visits. (American Institute of Stress, 2006)
Work stress increases: cardiovascular problems 2x, anxiety/depression 2-3x, substance abuse 2x, infectious disease 2-3x, certain cancers 5x, back pain 3x, and injuries 2-3x. (Lluminari Landmark Study, 2004)
The Cure!
Stretching, breathing, relaxation and meditation are effective in managing stress.
Regular exercise helps people suffering from depression. Group exercise 3 times per week worked as well as drugs. Psychosomatic Medicine, Sept 2007
Stretching 4 times per week led to falling asleep 30% faster and decreased the use of sleep medications by 60%. (Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 2006)
Here is a great quote from the movie Patch Adams: “Laughter increases the secretion of catecholamines and endorphins, which increases oxygenation of the blood, relaxes arteries, increases heart rate, decreases blood pressure, which has a positive effect on all cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, as well as increases the immune system response.” (American Journal of Medicine “Patch Adams”)
More ideas: click here to find other ways of managing your stress.
If you have more questions about stress management or chiropractic just ask: Dr. Lance Casazza.
By Dr. Lance Casazza • Diet, Exercise, Health and Wellness • Tags: American Institute of Stress, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational stress, Stress