Naturopaths all over the country — the Natural Health Experts — are blogging about , Influenza A ().

There are many excellent points in their posts, so please check these links out for grounded, rational information and advice about how to deal with a viral epidemic.

Dr. Maryann Ivons, ND, RN, from Monroe Naturopathic Medical Clinic has great practical advice here.

Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish, ND, discusses vaccinations and their detrimental role during the swine outbreak in 1976 and provides a comprehensive supplement plan for those interested in preventing any influenza infection, not just swine , here.

Dr. James Prego, ND, has swine flu prevention advice to share here.

Dr. Jamey Wallace, ND, Clinic Director of Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle, offers the following sound medical advice:

If you or your family members or your patients are ill with symptoms of flu: they should STAY HOME: if they need medical care, they should go to their local Emergency Department (see below).

Everyday actions people can take to stay healthy and prevent swine flu:

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow/shoulder clothing when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing 2 rounds of Happy Birthday), especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.


If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If you have been in contact with people who have Swine Flu or have traveled to areas with Swine Flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms — including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea — and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care at your local Emergency Department.


In children, emergency warning signs of swine flu infection that need urgent medical attention include:

· Fast breathing or trouble breathing

· Bluish skin color

· Not drinking enough fluids

· Not waking up or not interacting

· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

· Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

· Sudden dizziness

· Confusion

· Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea

As President indicated in his 100-day address, this is a time for concern, but not a time for panic. The absolute best method for reducing the spread of this virus is to follow these directions. For up to date information, please go to the CDC or your local county Public Health website. http://www.cdc.gov

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Those of you paying attention to major media reports may have noticed that the World Health Organization (WHO) has changed the name from “swine flu” to “Influenza A (H1N1).” This link goes into the reasons why “NAFTA flu” might be an appropriate name for this virus, as well.

I hope everyone will take some time in nature today to enjoy the blessings of spring- fragrant flowers, new leaves, blue skies with puffy white clouds and fresh air! Staying healthy is easier if you can become consciously aware in the present moment and use your senses to fully experience and be grateful for the opportunity to be alive to witness it. Reminding yourself that all is well in the here and now is the best anti-anxiety treatment- and it’s free!

“Life is a gift. That’s why they call it ‘the present’.”

Dr. Margaret Philhower, ND
www.drmargaret.org