For a refreshing perspective on how to battle flu season ’09/10, talk to Dr. Laurinda Kwan. She’s a licensed naturopathic doctor in Tempe, Ariz., who specializes in homeopathy, a therapy to which she’s devoted her life and practice, Kwan Naturopathic. Homeopathy supports the body’s natural ability to heal.
“Homeopathy is a type of naturopathic medicine that is most effective in treating a wide range of conditions from minor cuts and bruises, to colds and flu,” says Kwan. “It’s safe medicine without side effects or risks that can be used with kids and pregnant women.”
So, whether you’ve vaccinated the entire family and are diligently washing little hands around the clock, you might also consider taking charge of your family’s health by adding a homeopathic remedy chest to your medicine cabinet. There are homeopathic cold and flu kits available, as well as first aid kits.
Keep in mind: Though these kits are safe to practice at home, homeopathy is highly individualized medicine, and treatment is most effective when you’ve learned how to recognize and correctly identify symptoms. It’s best to educate yourself on the valuable use of these treatments by talking to a licensed naturopathic doctor (or ND). Also, Kwan suggests the following sources to get started on the path to homeopathy as a vital part of your medicinal arsenal:
- Everybody’s guide to homeopathic medicines by Stephen Cummings, M.D., and Dana Ullman, MPH, is a good beginner’s guide.
- www.a2zhomeopathy.com provides kits, remedies and other resources.
- Cindy Crawford doesn’t leave home without her Homeopathic Kit, an article on the Washington Homeopathic Products Web site. Also, www.homeopathyworks.com sells household kits, including the one this former supermodel keeps on hand at all times.
In addition to homeopathy, Kwan promotes adopting prevention habits as part of a healthy lifestyle as the best defense against H1N1, seasonal flu varieties and the common cold. Her advice serves as an excellent reminder as we brace for the long months ahead:
Wash your hands. Repeat. The critical importance of hand washing can’t be overstated. This is the first line of defense, according to Kwan. Hand washing before all meals and throughout the day will keep the germs at bay. Any kind of soap will do, advises Kwan, explaining antibacterial soap isn’t necessary. Make sure the backs of hands are washed and under the nails too, where germs lurk.
Teach kids to keep their hands away from their faces. The mouth, nose, eyes are the primary entry points of highly contagious viruses such as H1N1. Another lesson moms and schools are enforcing: If a tissue isn’t readily available, sneeze into the crook of the elbow—not hands—to help prevent the spread of germs.
Get your ZZZZZZZZs. There’s a reason there are eight Zs here—that’s how many hours of sleep you need a night for your body to recuperate and recharge. For kids, add a couple more Zs. According to Kwan, research shows that just one hour less can suppress your immune system, lowering your resistance to colds and flu.
Eat a whole foods diet. Kwan reminds us of the wellness trilogy: fresh fruits, fresh veggies and whole grains. A few examples: Have an apple instead of apple juice. Don’t underestimate the power of leafy greens. Pick brown rice over white and give barley, quinoa and millet a try. Also, steer clear of refined sugars and carbohydrates, i.e. packaged foods. If rising obesity rates aren’t enough, studies show that sugar suppresses the immune system, according to Kwan.
Don't eat trans and hydrogenated fats. Fats that don’t naturally occur in nature suppress the immune system because the body doesn’t know what to do with them, explains Kwan. Choose healthy, monounsaturated fats that are good for you. Sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, avocados, canola oil and oatmeal.
What more can you do should your child get the flu? Kwan points to new CDC guidelines that recommend people with flu-like illness stay home at least 24 hours after a fever has ended without the use of fever-reducing medications. Log on to the CDC Web site for more information and updates at www.cdc.gov.
For more information: Nature’s Health Shoppe in Chandler, Ariz., carries Hyland’s Homeopathic Remedy Chests and Boiron Kids First Aid Kits. The knowledgeable staff at Nature’s Health can assist you in choosing a kit or selecting homeopathic remedies.
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