Staying Healthy through the Holidays
The current version of bug or flu is currently plaguing the Grand Valley as an uncomfortable but not life-threatening norovirus outbreak, with Mesa County school district 51 wisely shut down for recovery. Every year, great illness potential is provided by teachers, children and family who are gathered together in the name of higher learning. Is it the bacteria or virus causing the flu or is there something deeper at work that determines wether or not your family gets sick?
Let’s look at a few theories of disease. One such Pathogen Theory suggests that bacteria, viruses or parasites cause disease by exposure and infection. This has merit when considering how “pathogenic” an organism is, or how often it results in illness. However, many people are exposed to these organisms without sickness. Another Hygeine Theory suggests that when there is ripe terrain such as provided by a compromised immune system, inadequate nutritional status, poor stress management or otherwise weakened condition, these organisms simply take advantage of the scenario. Hygeine literally translates from ancient Greek as the “art of health.” I am suggesting that it is the hygiene that each of us do, on a regular basis, that is the greatest contributor to the risk of illness of all kind. Towards good hygiene, let’s review the basics.
The Foundations of (physical) Health are established by fresh clean water, abundant sunlight, nutritious foods, restful sleep, relaxation, deep breathing, exercise, cleanliness and a resulting overall balance, all of which will result in a lesser chance of illness. But sometimes these practices (especially this time of year) are not possible due to travel, holidays, stressful life circumstances, financial strain, etc. What can you do to help your family during these times?
Prevention is best, goes the old naturopathic rule. Considering a personal tendency to various health issues such as colds, flus, sinus or lung problems, clinical depression or anxiety and tailoring self and family care to the individual may be essential. Does your family need some extra anti-viral support in the form of an elderberry syrup taken safely throughout the winter? Might it be beneficial to take energy and stress-supportive adaptogenic herbs such as ashwaghanda, rhodiola or schizandra through the holiday? Or do you need the mood-boosting benefits of l-theanine, St. John’s wort or 5-HTP? One hydrotherapy (literally, water-therapy) of great healing power is the Magic Socks treatment, which I commonly recommend for any cold and flu prevention or recovery.
It is also worth reviewing the craze that Western society generates around the holidays and what detrimental effect this may have on our health. As wintertime comes with long nights, lasting cold temperatures and natural cycles of quietude and introversion, we may be painfully reminded of death or loss, often curiously strive to become more social, more active or more “festive” than we may desire at the risk of denying unpleasant emotions like grief or sadness. Help is available from a licensed counselor or therapist such as my skilled colleagues at www.beingtherecounseling.com to guide you through difficult emotions to a greater sense of harmony. Put another way, is there a way you or your family may more truthfully participate (or not participate) in the holidays?
The expression of your health is always determined by the overall balance of physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual factors. I invite you to review consciously the way in which you are caring for yourselves and your family through the holidays. As you seek balance, this is also a wonderful time to reflect on your spiritual connection, be it to god, a higher power, nature or yourself.
Dr. Lepisto |
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This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace tailored medical advice. For more information, visit www.grandjunctionnaturopath.com or call (970)250-4104.
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