(ARA) – It’s not unusual to see viruses make headlines, but the recent threat of H1N1 swine flu has captured everyone’s attention. On June 11, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the H1N1 pandemic status to level six, indicating an international pandemic. This change has left many people wondering what they can do to keep themselves and their families healthy.

Why is H1N1 different than other viruses? Recently, scientists discovered that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus is more like the H5N1 avian flu than the historic 1918 pandemic H1N1 Spanish flu strain. That means previous flu vaccines are less effective and extra precautions at home should take place.

In a teleconference with colleagues, Dr. Roger Mazlen, an internist in Rosyln Heights, N.Y., with more than 30 years of experience practicing internal medicine and nutrition, discussed the current swine flu outbreaks.

Swine flu, or H1N1, was first isolated in a pig in 1930, according to the CDC. The virus has demonstrated an ability to migrate from domestic pigs to humans. Mazlen says there are several factors contributing to the current swine flu outbreak, including environmental, cultural and economic issues.

“The current recession, loss of retirement funds, compromised nutrition, reduced exercise, obesity and other factors produce immune depression. A depressed immune system cannot fight off the invasion of viral and other pathogens that attempt to find a home to set up infections in our bodies,” he says.

In order to help you and your family during the 2009/10 flu season, Mazlen offers these protection strategies:

1. Wash your hands frequently and stay hydrated
“Frequent hand washing is a start. Also, lots of daily water helps to hydrate the body and assist the immune system,” he says.

2. Fish oil helps supports the immune system.
Vitamin and mineral supplements add fortification, but Mazlen suggests adding fish oil because of its clinically-proven immune function support. Fish oil blends are available as gel capsules or in liquid form at health-food stores and several different brands are also available at www.puritan.com.

3. Use a prescription right away.
Mazlen says that Tamiflu, the currently recommended prescription medication used in flu and swine flu, is most effective when used within a few hours of the first viral symptoms. But swine flu, as reported by the CDC, has an ability to mutate within hours. Tamiflu may be effective for swine flu in the morning, and may be ineffective by the end of the day because of viral mutation.

4. Skip the Echinacea
When asked if the popular herbal remedy Echinacea could be effective, Mazlen explains that studies have proved the product has minimal effectiveness. He says he prefers a natural immune-stimulating product, which he has used with over 500 patients, including his family members. The product was originally developed in Russia, but is now made in the United States. Mazlen says he has had good results during the past years with patients fighting flu and other infections. The product, Del-Immune V, is available at www.delimmune.com.

Early measures to protect health might be the key to minimizing potentially serious infections. “It is important to have an immune defense strategy this year — the earlier the better,” Mazlen concludes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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“My wife and I didn’t realize how important one vaccination could be until we lost our daughter to the flu,” said Kanowitz, president of Families Fighting Flu (FFF), a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging parents to vaccinate their kids against the flu every year.

Flu education is especially important this year with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanding their flu vaccination recommendations. The CDC now recommends flu vaccinations for all children from 6 months through 18 years old, but parents may not have heard the news.

Say ‘Boo!’ to the Flu Pledges to Vaccinate More Families than Ever This Flu Season

Pledging to help get more families vaccinated this flu season, FFF, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA) and The Clorox Company have joined forces for the national Say “Boo!” to the Flu program. In its third year, the program aims to educate families on the importance of flu prevention with flu vaccination events in cities across the country.

“Say ‘Boo!’ to the Flu provides information on the new CDC guidelines and educates parents on the importance of getting kids vaccinated,” said Kanowitz. “If we can prevent a single death and spare a single family from going through what we went through, we will consider our efforts a success.”

Nearly 400 children have died from the flu over the past five flu seasons. Since the flu is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, Say “Boo!” to the Flu intends to spread the word about the simple steps you can take to help protect your family this season.

“It is crucial that parents are informed about the importance of a flu vaccination,” said Mary Ann Blade of the VNAA. “The reality is, influenza is a serious illness, and parents should take action to help protect their family, and especially their children.”

“Kids” of All Ages Get Vaccinated
Besides getting children from 6 months through 18 years old vaccinated, the CDC also recommends the vaccine for anyone in frequent contact with this group — meaning moms, dads and child care providers. The CDC estimates that vaccination coverage still remains less than 50 percent among high-risk groups, including young children.

Say “Boo!” to the Flu at Home
Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention, but families should also take these simple steps at home:

* Wash Hands Frequently: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
* Disinfect Germ Hot Spots: Disinfect the surfaces kids touch most frequently — like doorknobs, light switches, faucets or plastic toys.
* Do the Elbow Cough: Cough and sneeze into your elbows instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs from touch.
* Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds and the flu.

About the Flu
It is estimated that each year in the U.S. more than 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized due to the flu, and children less than 2 years old are even more likely to be hospitalized by the flu. Among children who died from the flu in the 2003-2004 flu season, 44 percent were healthy and had no underlying conditions.

Influenza, or “the flu,” is an easy-to-spread viral infection. The symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, aches and fatigue. A simple cough or sneeze can quickly spread the flu virus from person to person.

The flu virus can live on household surfaces, too. The flu may spread when a person touches a surface, like a toy, with the flu virus on it and then touches his or her mouth or nose. Help prevent the spread of the flu virus by getting vaccinated and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces in your home.

For more information, visit www.SayBooToTheFlu.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

###

Tragedia personal de una familia ayuda a conocer la importancia
de la prevención de la gripe

Campaña “Say “ Boo! ” to the Flu” se propone vacunar a más familias
en esta temporada de la gripe

(ARA) – Contraer la gripe puede implicar serias consecuencias, especialmente en los menores. Cada año, los niños en Estados Unidos se enferman gravemente, e incluso algunos pierden la vida a causa de la gripe o influenza (“flu” ) y sus complicaciones. Richard Kanowitz lo sabe perfectamente, pues hace cuatro años él y Alisa, su esposa, perdieron a Amanda, su hija de cuatro años y medio, debido a la gripe.

“Mi esposa y yo no nos dimos cuenta de la importancia que podía tener una vacuna hasta que perdimos a nuestra hija a causa de la gripe”, expresó Kanowitz, presidente de Familias Luchando Contra la Gripe (Families Fighting Flu, FFF), una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a exhortar a los padres a que vacunen cada año a sus hijos contra la enfermedad.

La información referente a la gripe resulta especialmente importante este año, debido a que los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de las Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) modificaron sus recomendaciones para la vacuna contra la gripe. Los centros CDC recomiendan actualmente que todos los niños de 6 meses a 18 años de edad deben vacunarse, pero muchos padres podrían ignorar esta sugerencia.

Con el compromiso de contribuir a que se vacunen más familias en esta temporada de la gripe, FFF, la Asociación Nacional de Enfermeras Visitantes (Visiting Nurse Associations of America, VNAA) y la Compañía Clorox han creado una alianza para llevar a cabo nuevamente el programa nacional Say “Boo!” to the Flu. La campaña, en su tercer año de existencia, tiene como objetivo informar a las familias acerca de la importancia de la prevención de la gripe, con eventos de vacunación en varias ciudades del país.

“Say ‘Boo!’ to the Flu proporciona información referente a las nuevas recomendaciones de los CDC, y educa a los padres acerca de la importancia de que los niños se vacunen”, añadió Kanowitz. “Si podemos evitar una sola muerte, e impedir que una sola familia sufra lo que nosotros vivimos, consideraremos que nuestros esfuerzos fueron exitosos”.

En las últimas cinco temporadas de la gripe, aproximadamente 400 niños perdieron la vida como consecuencia de esta enfermedad. Como la gripe es la principal causa de mortalidad infantil que se puede evitar con una vacuna, Say “Boo!” to the Flu tiene el propósito de informar acerca de las medidas simples que usted puede tomar para proteger a su familia en esta temporada.

“Es crucial que los padres estén informados acerca de la importancia de la vacuna contra la gripe”, aseguró Mary Ann Blade (TBC) de la VNAA. “La realidad es que es una enfermedad seria, y los padres deben tomar medidas para contribuir a la protección de sus familias, y especialmente de sus hijos”.

Los “niños” de todas las edades deben vacunarse
Los centros CDC recomiendan que, además de los niños de seis meses a 18 años, se debe vacunar a toda persona que mantenga contacto frecuente con este grupo, o sea: madres, padres, niñeras y otras personas responsables del cuidado infantil. Los centros CDC estiman que la cobertura de vacunación sigue siendo inferior al 50 por ciento en los grupos de alto riesgo, incluyendo a los menores de edad.

Say “Boo!” to the Flu en su hogar
Aunque la vacunación es el primer paso en la prevención de la gripe, las familias también deben poner en práctica estas medidas simples en sus hogares:
* Lavarse las manos con frecuencia: Lávese las manos con agua tibia y jabón, restregándose al menos durante 20 segundos (el tiempo que demoramos en cantar “Feliz Cumpleaños” dos veces).
* Desinfectar de gérmenes las superficies de contacto frecuente: Desinfecte las superficies que los niños tocan con más frecuencia, como las perillas de las puertas, los interruptores de luz, los grifos o los juguetes plásticos.
* Toser hacia los codos: Tosa y estornude tapándose la boca o la nariz con los codos y no con las manos, para evitar la propagación de gérmenes por contacto.
* Seguir las normas de salud adecuadas: Alimentarse en forma sana, hacer ejercicio y dormir las horas necesarias, a fin de incrementar la capacidad del organismo para combatir los efectos de los resfriados y la gripe.

Acerca de la gripe
Se estima que cada año, en los Estados Unidos, más de 20.000 niños menores de cinco años son hospitalizados a causa de la gripe. Además, los menores de dos años son aún más propensos a ser hospitalizados como consecuencia de la enfermedad. De los niños que murieron a causa de la gripe en la temporada correspondiente al 2003-2004, el 44 por ciento era saludable y no padecía de trastornos subyacentes.

La gripe, influenza o “flu” es una infección viral de fácil propagación. Entre sus síntomas figuran fiebre alta, escalofríos, tos, dolores y fatiga. Algo simple como toser o estornudar puede propagar rápidamente el virus de la gripe de una persona a otra.

El virus de la gripe también puede estar presente en las superficies de contacto frecuente de su hogar. La gripe se propaga cuando una persona tiene contacto con una superficie (como por ejemplo, un juguete) donde está alojado el virus de la gripe, y luego se toca la boca o la nariz. Contribuya a la prevención del virus, vacunándose y desinfectando las superficies de contacto frecuente en su hogar.

Para obtener más información, visite la página de Internet www.SayBooToTheFlu.com.

Por cortesía de ARA Content

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Emily was a healthy, energetic three-and-a-half year-old. In late January 2004, she began to show signs of illness — she had a fever and was vomiting. Her physician diagnosed her with influenza (commonly called “the flu”) and told her parents to keep her hydrated. Unfortunately, her condition grew worse over the weekend. Just hours before Emily was scheduled for another doctor’s appointment her parents found her lifeless body in bed.

The following month, a happy, healthy little girl named Amanda developed symptoms of the flu. A similar flu virus that attacked Emily raced through young Amanda’s body. The four-and-a-half year-old developed a cough and a mild fever. The next day she began vomiting. She went to bed that evening and woke up in the middle of the night still not feeling well. By morning Amanda was gone — another innocent victim of influenza.

The parents of these two young girls were grief-stricken and searched for answers. One by one, they turned to a nonprofit volunteer organization called Families Fighting Flu, Inc., and quickly the parents realized they were not alone. The organization, established in 2004, is made up of families and healthcare practitioners who have experienced first-hand the death of a child to the flu or witnessed severe medical complications caused by the flu.

The group’s efforts are focused on urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — a group of experts who provide advice and guidance to the CDC on the most effective means to stop the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases — to change the current influenza vaccination recommendations and include all children below the age of 18. The organization’s efforts are starting to pay off.

In February 2006, Families Fighting Flu was instrumental in influencing the ACIP to expand the age recommendation for annual influenza vaccination, from children 6-23 months to children 6-59 months.

This flu season, for the first time, the CDC recommends that all healthy children, from 6 months up to 5 years of age, and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children age 5 and younger get vaccinated against the flu — a move that will help prevent additional tragedies and needless deaths.

“Parents should talk with their family doctor about vaccinating their children against the flu,” says Richard Kanowitz, father of Amanda and president of Families Fighting Flu, Inc. “Amanda and Emily did not get vaccinated against the flu the year they died because at the time the CDC did not recommend children their age get an annual flu vaccination,” continues Kanowitz.

Children have the highest rates of influenza infection of any age group, with more than 20,000 children under the age of five hospitalized due to the flu each year. Children are two to three times more likely to develop influenza than adults because of their less-developed immune systems. The flu vaccine can help children stay free of influenza during the flu season, and potentially help stop the spread of the virus to families and communities.

“At the time of Amanda’s death we did not know how serious the flu could be,” says Kanowitz. “Had we known that she could potentially die from influenza, she would have definitely received a flu vaccination.”

Every year, children die in the United States from influenza and its complications. In fact, more than 225 children have died from influenza over the past three flu seasons. These are unnecessary losses, especially since there is a vaccine available to help prevent the virus.

Losing a child is a parent’s worst nightmare, but families touched by influenza have somewhere to turn for support — Families Fighting Flu. Through the organization’s sustained education and advocacy perhaps another tragic death will be avoided.

For more information about Families Fighting Flu, go to www.familiesfightingflu.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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COPD is a serious and disabling respiratory disease that causes the airways of the lungs to become obstructed or blocked, making it hard for the body to take in oxygen. Infections like colds and the flu can lead to flare-ups or a rapid worsening of COPD symptoms. This generally results in lengthy hospital stays and a drastic reduction of the amount of activity the person can do comfortably.

“With the cold and flu season upon us, it’s vital for Canadians to know how devastating a cold or flu can be for the many people with COPD,” says Mary Layton, founder of COPD Canada and a COPD patient. “COPD is a serious and disabling disease to live with, and catching a simple cold can cause COPD symptoms to spiral dangerously out of control.”

Prevention is KEY

People with COPD should do their best to avoid catching a cold or the flu. This is especially important for elderly people. Prevention and ways to stay healthy include getting a flu shot, staying away from ill friends and family, taking medications as prescribed and contacting a doctor immediately when cold or flu symptoms appear. Cold weather is a major trigger for flare-ups – a loosely draped scarf placed over the nose and mouth will warm and humidify the air before it is breathed in.

“I make sure I get a flu shot every year and encourage all my friends and family to help protect me by doing the same, as well as by staying away if they’re sick,” says Layton. “I see my doctor regularly, take my medications as prescribed, and get checked out as soon as I think I may have a cold or the flu. Flare-ups and trips to the hospital are not only alarming, but I know they can worsen my COPD permanently.”

Managing a flare-up

Patients should have a plan for what to do if they experience a flare-up. COPD Canada suggests that all people living with COPD develop a written plan of action with their physician. If they experience a flare-up, the plan helps quickly determine the best response – a doctor’s visit, an emergency room visit, or other action.

More information is available online at www.copd.ws.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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It’s hard to stay healthy during the winter months. Everyone from your kids to your co-workers seems to be sniffling, coughing and sneezing. Not only is being sick unpleasant, the cost adds up fast – there’s missed time from work or school, doctor’s visits and medication. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take steps now to ward off winter illness.

One of the easiest ways to avoid colds and flu is to be scrupulous about washing your hands – and to train your family to follow your lead. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to help kids scrub long enough is to have them sing the ABCs while they wash. Use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the bathroom door to avoid re-contamination.

Eating right and getting plenty of rest are also important tools in the wellness arsenal. Plenty of nutritious food is essential to building a healthy immune system. A well-balanced diet provides sources of energy and nutrition. Lack of sleep can lower the immune system’s ability to react when needed. Without sufficient sleep, the immune system is hard-pressed to keep up with its nightly repair work. This creates the opportunity for disease processes to begin.

Augment your diet by adding vitamins and other supplements to your daily routine. Vitamin C is commonly mentioned as being useful in warding off colds, but there are other supplements that you should consider as well. Bioactive Nutrients, a Spooner, Wisc., company that has been in the business of helping people live healthier lifestyles since 1995, has a number of products that can help you stay healthy this winter.

Bioactive’s Berry Boost super antioxidant blend neutralizes free radicals and boosts the immune system, both important components of staying well. Antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C and beta carotene, slow the activity of free radicals which leads to oxidation, a natural process that causes cell and tissue damage. While oxidation is a natural process, it is speeded up due to factors such as pollution, use of alcohol and smoking. Berry Boost contains a blend of seven natural fruit and herb seed flours that combine for a super rich blend of antioxidants.

A daily supplement that provides essential vitamins and minerals for optimum health is also an important part of your winter health regimen. The ingredients in BioPLUS will help prevent colds and flu, thanks to a healthy dose of antioxidants. It also contains B vitamins which assist the body in utilizing the food you eat and support the nervous and immune systems, as well as essential trace elements to guard against disease. The formula includes vitamin D, a critical hormone involved in many of the body’s processes, such as regulating cell growth, the immune system and blood pressure, and in producing insulin, brain chemicals and bone. Emerging research indicates that vitamin D is more important to our health than previously thought.

Finally, Probiotic-CSP helps promote digestive health and improved immune function. This custom probiotic blend is a combination of seven strains of probiotic organisms and whole cranberry seed powder. Probiotic-CSP promotes the growth of good bacteria in your system. Probiotics are also important if you are taking antibiotics this winter. Antibiotics kill off all the bacteria in your system, both good and bad; Probiotic-CSP helps promote good bacteria. Thanks to a special cold-press processing method, the ingredients in Probiotic-CSP retain their original nutritional properties and phyto-elements, unlike other products manufactured using high heat and chemical solvents.

Taking a few preventive measures now will ensure better health this winter. For more information on these supplements, visit www.BioactiveNutrients.com or call (800) 879-6504.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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