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Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter

November 1, 2004

Issue Vol. 4 No. 11

In This Newsletter
Introduction
Healthfully yours
Health Hints

Introduction***

The Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter is written monthly, solely for information to help seniors, baby boomers and anyone who may have an interest in staying healthy, living a vigorous, active lifestyle and combating the aging process. It does not constitute the practice of medicine and is not meant to prescribe treatments. It is offered strictly as an educational aid. Any medical problems you may have, we recommend that you seek the help of your physician or other healthcare professional. Discussing your intentions with your doctor is always the proper procedure. The newsletter also includes know-how in the form of useful tips and links to more extensive material on the Internet. You may wish to share this newsletter by sending a copy to a friend, neighbor or relative and suggesting they subscribe to it.

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Healthfully Yours***

Flu Prevention…

The ensuing flu season is expected to be a particularly severe one. Last month we read in the news that the Chiron Corp., a manufacturer of flu vaccine was withholding 50-million flu shots, due to contamination. On October 5th they reported that they will-not be producing flu vaccine for the 2004-2005 flu season. This will result in a shortage of the vaccine. Because of this, Government Health Agencies are asking all healthcare providers to limit their flu shots to individuals most at risk. That will include most seniors, the very young, and those that are sick with debilitating illnesses. Healthy individuals are being asked to forego their shots.

Every year, the FDA makes a determination as to which strain of influenza is likely to strike. It then informs the Chiron Corp. and the Aventis Pasteur Company, the two companies that manufacture flu vaccines, with this information so that they can start producing the vaccine that will be effective in combating this strain of flu. It generally takes six to eight months to produce a flu vaccine, during which time many factors that were considered in the determination can change.

Although the FDA tries to make the most accurate determination of the impending flu virus, and there are usually 4 strains to consider, it is basically a guessing game and they are not always on target. Last year when the FDA determined that the 2003 flu season would be dominated by the Fujian strain of influenza, they were wrong. There were an estimated 36,000 deaths in the United States and 114,000 were hospitalized. Influenza viruses have already been found in Asian birds.

Why making this determination is so difficult, is that influenza causing viruses can easily mutate. What this means is that a new strain of flu, never seen before, can cause a pandemic (an epidemic in more than one region). In the last century there have been three flu pandemics, the worst of which occurred in 1918. During this pandemic more than half a million Americans and 20 million people worldwide died. Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota considers, “What we have today is the perfect storm”. The World Health Organization estimates the next pandemic could kill as many as 280,000 to 650,00 people.

There are two reasons why an individual will fall prey to influenza.

  1. Their immune systems are weak or in a weakened state.
  2. Their immune system cannot defend against a specific virus or viruses that have mutated and become more virulent, and cannot afford protection because they were immunized for a different strain of virus.

Individuals with weakened or weak immune systems are not only prone to contracting influenza, but are seriously at risk for developing bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinus problems. It is therefore incumbent upon everyone to keep their immune systems at optimal peak levels to guard against invading bacteria and viruses. Don’t despair, there are ways to improve your immune system and will aid in combating not only the flu virus, but also other invading viruses and bacterium. Read in the Health Hints below as to what actions we can take to strengthen our immune system.

Health Hints***

One of the most important things you can do is wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after the following:

  1. Visiting the bathroom.
  2. After using phones or any type of equipment used by others.
  3. After doing any household chores, such cleaning, vacuuming, taking out the trash, etc.
  4. After handling your pets.
  5. After any gardening or yard work.
  6. After handling and preparing food.
  7. After greeting others by shaking hands.

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, mouth and face in general. Try to stay away from crowds or gatherings whenever possible. Eating a well balanced diet rich in fruits and grains is extremely important. Hydration is a must. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Be sure to get enough rest so as not to place undue stress on your immune system. Adding the proper supplements to your diet is a must because most people will not be getting enough antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, and beta-carotene in their diet.

Herbal supplements can prove very effective in strengthening your immune system. Titan Laboratories produces two very effective formulas for aiding in the strengthening of the immune system. Two such supplements are Factor Twelve and Factor One. Two caps of the Factor Twelve, and Two tabs of the Factor One should be taken twice daily until January. More information can be obtained by going to: http://www.doctorsexercise.com. Click on Products…then click on the Factor Series…and check for: Factor Twelve and Factor One.

For those individuals unable to get the flu shot, don’t despair. Following the above suggestions can help prevent a serious bout of the flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinus problems.

Doc Cane

Copyright, Disclaimer, and Trademark information Copyrightã 1997-2003 Emanuel M. Cane. All rights reserved. Except stated below, this material or parts thereof may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed by any means whatsoever without explicit, written permission from the author.

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