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Flu Vaccines To Save You, The Community And The World

December 1, 2010 by admin

Most people nowadays have become skeptical of the need for flu vaccines. Most of us aren’t really affected by flu season, and when we do, we usually pay for it with lost work days at worst. People who easily get the vaccine may say it’s not needed. Unfortunately, this growing complacency towards the vaccine may put you and your community at an unjustifiable higher risk.

You need to be cognizant of the fact that influenza is a killer disease that strikes thousands every year, even among developed countries. The few who don’t recuperate immediately from the flu are at fatal risk. The 1918 flu outbreak, previously known as the Spanish flu, became a worldwide epidemic with an estimated death toll between 20 to 100 million. Outbreaks in the 50s and 60s also killed millions, though in lesser numbers.

More recent outbreaks like the bird flu pandemic and the current H1N1 outbreak were more readily controlled, thanks to development of the vaccine that began in the 30s. The vaccine has proven effective in limiting the spread of seasonal flu, but not 100 %. This is because multiple strains of the flu come out every season, and current vaccines aren’t able to cover each one. People who get the vaccine can still get the flu, but will have a stronger resistance to it. Drug companies are currently in a race to develop the first flu vaccine to cover all strains.

The people at greatest risk for influenza, and therefore should be prioritized for flu vaccines, are older people, children, pregnant women, people with recurring medical conditions and people who work in medical care, especially in care of the abovementioned. People who should not get the vaccine include those allergic to the vaccine or to chicken eggs (since the vaccine is made in chicken eggs), susceptible to Guillain-Barre syndrome, or too weakened by prior medical conditions.

There are two forms of vaccine; the flu shot, which is made of dead flu cells, and the nasal spray, which actually has a live, but weakened version of the virus. Neither will give you the flu, although nasal spray may give you flu-like symptoms. To be on the safe side, nasal spray is usually administered to people at lower risk.

Today, we have been able to successfully impede the dissemination of both seasonal and new strains of influenza. Ongoing use of flu vaccines is needed to maintain control of this disease, as well as to find a way to eventually eliminate it.

Most people nowadays have become wary of the need for flu vaccines. Make no mistake about it, influenza is a killer disease. There are two forms of vaccine; the flu shot, which is made of dead flu cells, and the nasal spray, which actually has a live, but weakened version of the virus. Both will not give you the flu, Today, we have been able to successfully limit the spread of both seasonal and new strains of influenza.

– jason ciment

All About Herbal Supplements

November 13, 2010 by admin

Do you need herbal supplements? People need herbal supplements primarily because they just can’t get all the nutrients they need from their food. Most of us suffer from mineral or vitamin deficiencies of one sort or another. The effects of an increased intake of one nutrient in your body may not be appreciated, not until you start experiencing lesser pains and aches, improved memory, or feel more energized than before you started a supplemental regime. Another major benefit of herbal supplements is that they help a lot in fighting stress. Stress has become a constant factor in causing illness and fatigue. There are also lots of specific cases wherein supplements may be helpful, such as vitamin B and amino acid supplements for vegetarians, and calcium for children. In general, people who seek a more holistic method of taking care of their body almost always need herbal supplements, as well as those who prefer a lifestyle based on natural health.

Thinking of buying some? If you’re thinking of getting herbal supplements, understand first that they are not for everyone. Sure, they may be popular right now, but not all people need to take herbal supplements, you know. That depends on the herb, your current health and your medical history. Like OTC and prescription drugs, herbal supplements have ingredients that have an effect on your body functions. Herbal supplements may be particularly risky for certain individuals. Educate yourself about any products you intend to use before purchasing them, and talk to your doctor about any herbal supplements you’re considering taking.

Are they safe for you? Herbal supplements are not being approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration before being sold, because the FDA is not authorized to do so. Thus, government oversight and consumer protection is very limited when it comes to these products. Buyers must keep in mind that even though these products are supposed to contain what their labels claim, this is not always the case.

However, you can expect certain information to be included on the labels of all herbal supplements. This information includes the name of the supplement, such as St. John’s wort, the net quantity of the contents, ex. 50 capsules, a Supplement Facts panel where you can see serving or dosage sizes and active ingredients, and other ingredients, such as amino acids. You can also see the manufacturer’s name and address on the label or container.

How to buy? In order to ensure that you’re getting the best and the safest herbal supplement products, always look for the U.S. Pharmacopeia’s “USP Dietary Supplement Verified” seal. This indicates that the product has met manufacturing standards for cleanliness, uniformity, and the lack of contaminants such as lead and mercury, or other chemicals. Also look for single-herb products that show how much of the herb each dosage contains, since some products are mixtures of several herbs with unknown proportions of each.

Supplements should not be seen as the answer you’ll need to lean on forever: unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the best supplements are designed to ‘supplement’ a need and teach your body to support itself. Good supplements will not build dependency, but will allow you to grow into a place of better health where you don’t need to use them any more.

Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.4naturalhealing.com, which provides the best and safest natural health products. Visit us for all your natural health needs.

– Azlan Irda