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Nutrition Information |
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How You Can Support Your Immune System
Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited fear among the American public, emptied Chinatowns all over North America and stopped much of the travel between the U.S., Toronto, Canada, China, Taiwan and southeast Asia. While SARS is an urgent concern for the World Health Organization, a larger worry on the horizon for the world health agency is the flu-the long awaited influenza pandemic. The flu pandemic has historically occurred at 25-30 year intervals and its destruction has been cataclysmic. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, for example, killed more than 40 million people worldwide (670,000 Americans alone). The most recent flu pandemic struck 35 years ago and killed more than 4 million people. SARS, by comparison, has caused less than one thousand deaths and is much less infectious. Dr. Klaus Stohr, the head of the influenza program at the World Health Organization who is also leading the agency's fight against SARS said in a Wall Street Journal interview, "We are not prepared for the devastation of a flu pandemic? SARS will be something to smile about," he said. Regarding the likelihood of a major flu pandemic striking in the near future, Albert Osterhaus, a Dutch scientist involved in pandemic preparedness in Europe said in the same Wall Street article, "It's not a matter of if, but when, this will happen. I am far more scared of a flu pandemic than I am of SARS." The flu, SARS and other communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis are the twenty-first century's major heath challenges. Overcrowding and global travel have increased the risk of diseases spreading unchecked. However, the real threat lies in a virus's ability to undergo small changes or mutations that evade people's natural immunities or commercial vaccinations. Similarly, the widespread use of antibiotics in poultry and meat producing industries has enabled bacteria to become stronger and more resistant. According to some critics, even our current medical practices of over-prescribing antibiotics may contribute to the rise of "super-bugs"! When these "new" microbes strike, they move quickly and wipe out victims, leaving a wide path of destruction. The West Nile and Ebola viruses, for example, both have at least a 90% mortality rate. Don't panic. You can prevent or minimize your chance of contracting infectious diseases both at home or while traveling. Some of my recommendations are common sense: Wash your hands frequently
Sometimes you cannot help but travel on airplanes, meet with someone who may appear to be sick, eat out at a restaurant or be in a crowded place. Therefore you must make sure that your immune system is functioning at a peak level. This involves avoiding activities that would weaken or deplete your immune system and engage in immune strengthening and supporting actions. Below I have outlined a checklist of things to avoid: Stress and negative emotions
Many people who were exposed to SARS, Ebola, the West Nile virus or the flu virus never came down with the infection. The reason is simple: Their immune systems are much stronger and better equipped to fend off the viruses than those who came down with the illnesses. I have outlined below actions to strengthen your immune system: Reduce stress and maintain equanimity
Extensive studies of ways to strengthen the human defenses have been carried out for centuries in China, producing a wealth of knowledge on Chinese herbal medicine and its effect on the immune system. While there is currently no cure for SARS, the Chinese Government Health Authority recently released its recommendations for preventing SARS. These recommendations consist of Chinese herbal medicine formulations as prophylactic agents against SARS. They are herbs that have been found to contain anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and have immune boosting qualities. Some are effective in increasing the white blood cell production in your body (they are your defense troops), while others increase lymphocyte activities such as killing foreign invaders, etc. Fundamental principles of Chinese medicine are, of course, "Treating disease before its occurrence", and "Strengthen the defenses to prevent sickness." The recommendations are listed below: Lu Gen (reed root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Chan Yi (cicada shell), Jiang Chan (silkworm), Bo He (peppermint), Gan Cao (licorice) Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Huang Qi (astragalus root), Fang Feng (siler root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Sha Sheng (silver beech root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root) Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Da Qing Ye (Isatis leaf), Zi Su (perilla leaf), Ge gen (Kudzu root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Pei Lan (ornamental orchid), Tai Zi Sheng (pseudostellaria root) Persons whose jobs (health workers) or relations may bring them into contact with someone with potential SARS are advised to take the following formula: Da Huang (Chinese rhubarb root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Chai Hu (bupleuri root), Huang Qing (skullcap root), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Cang Shu, Yi Yi Ren (Job's tears), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Fang Feng (siler root), Gan Cao (licorice) We cannot rely on the government or a world health body to protect us from communicable diseases, nor should we. In a world grown ever more connected and fast-paced, the risks of disease transmission are greater with each passing day. However, individuals have the ability to protect themselves and loved ones by being proactive in ensuring optimal health and immune function. As frightening as the prospects of SARS and the flu pandemic are, we are far from being helpless. With the steps that I outlined above you can take minimize weakening your immune system and increase your immune functions. You do not have to be a sitting duck waiting for the inevitable to happen. About The Author Dr. Maoshing Ni, a Licensed Acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Chinese Herbology, is currently in general practice at the Tao of Wellness Clinic in Santa Monica, California. The Tao of Wellness Clinic is one of the oldest in Los Angeles, established in 1976. (310) 917-2200. Dr. Maoshing Ni is also the publisher of Points Newsletter, found at http://www.acupuncture.com.
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MORE RESOURCES: Judge strikes down South Lake Tahoe vacation rental limits San Francisco Chronicle Judge strikes down South Lake vacation home rental Measure T The Record-Courier Judge overturns South Lake Tahoe measure that banned short-term rentals in residential areas CBS News Court overturns Measure T, which regulated vacation home rentals in South Lake Tahoe KCRA Sacramento Santa Cruz County moves to rein in vacation rentals Lookout Santa Cruz Indian Rocks Beach to fight vacation rental lawsuit Tampa Bay Times Biz Buzz: Mr. Taco sets table for Texas City debut; Margaritaville resort on Crystal Beach to add vacation rentals Galveston County Daily News Owner-occupied vacation rentals may be moving in to Niagara Falls neighbourhoods Niagara Falls Review Santa Cruz County moves to rein in vacation rentals Lookout Santa Cruz Vacation rental boom inflates housing prices in WA mountain town Cascade PBS News Capitalizing on the $147 Billion Vacation Rental Market GlobeNewswire Covington urges legislators to protect local control of short-term rentals The City of Covington, KY (.gov) Move over, Airbnb! Mid-term rentals are the new game in town - Greater Milwaukee Today | GMToday.com Move over, Airbnb! Mid-term rentals are the new game in town Greater Milwaukee Today | GMToday.com 'Nuisance': How vacation rentals have changed Sedona's housing market The Arizona Republic Judge strikes down South Lake Tahoe's Measure T, opening the door for vacation rentals ABC10.com KXTV Cocoa Beach hikes fees to operate vacation rentals Florida Today South Lake Tahoe’s VHR Measure T overturned in court South Tahoe Now Why Hawaii Vacation Rentals Plummeted To 52% Beat of Hawaii Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb's Dominance and Booking's Gains in 1 Chart Skift Travel News It's Not Your Imagination: Palm Coast Homes Used as Vacation Rentals Increase by 70% in 2 Years, to Over 500 FlaglerLive.com Pinellas commissioners reject controversial changes to short-term vacation rental rules ABC Action News Tampa Bay ZBA rules on another “neighbor vs neighbor” short-term rental complaint The Inquirer and Mirror North County Report: More Vacation Rentals, More Problems Voice of San Diego I'm a full-time traveler. I use these 5 questions to spot red flags in any vacation rental listing. Business Insider San Diego needs more money to enforce vacation rentals so it’s raising licensing fees The San Diego Union-Tribune Gulf Shores Rentals Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Northern Michigan communities try to balance vacation rentals with year-round housing need UpNorthLive.com Flamingo hotel operator is now offering luxury vacation rentals complete with concierge service The Santa Rosa Press Democrat Citing housing crisis, Santa Cruz County supervisors take aim at vacation rentals Lookout Santa Cruz Tripadvisor Shutters Vacation Rental Direct Bookings in Favor of Third-Party Providers Skift Travel News Manatee County Commission votes to pursue regulation of short-term vacation rentals Sarasota Herald-Tribune Why rich Americans are ditching their fancy hotels on vacation Business Insider Palm Springs eases vacation rental rules in effort to aid Los Angeles area wildfire evacuees The Palm Springs Post Owner-Managed Vacation Rentals Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Beachfront Rentals Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Vacasa founder Breon launches new vacation rental startup Fairly Short Term Rentalz Indian Rocks Beach votes to weaken vacation rental rules ABC Action News Tampa Bay Letters to the Editor: This is what happens in a beach town when vacation rentals take over Los Angeles Times Explore Top-Rated Vacation Rentals in Fort Morgan, AL Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Capital One Travel Adds Vacation Rentals — And You Can Earn 5x Miles on Venture Cards Upgraded Points Orange Beach Rentals Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Newsom signs consumer protection bills on vacation rentals, overdraft fees and credit scores Capital Public Radio News The Surprising Positive Benefits of Short-Term Vacation Rentals Palm Springs Life U.S. Short-term Vacation Rental Market Size Report, 2030 Grand View Research DeSantis vetoes short-term vacation rental bill Florida Phoenix Sedona leaders say vacation rentals are driving a housing shortage emergency ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix Short-Term Rental Headwinds: U.S. Supply Growth Is Slowing Skift Travel News I'm a full-time traveler. I use these 5 questions to spot red flags in any vacation rental listing. MSN Maui lawmakers discuss rebuilding 'nonconforming' structures in Lahaina, vacation rentals KITV Honolulu Lawmakers want to ease way for short-term rentals Hamilton Journal News Crowds comment for and against controversial Maui vacation rental phase-out bill | News KITV Honolulu Cocoa Beach cracks down on misleading vacation rental ads amid resident complaints WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando Lincoln County extends moratorium on new vacation rental licenses KLCC FM Public Radio |
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