Beware: FLU GERMS ARE OUT TO GET YOU!!

24NOV/08Off

Beware: FLU GERMS ARE OUT TO GET YOU!!

"If someone in your home or office has a cold, they're leaving viruses on everything they touch, says the Associated Press. Scientists at the University of Virginia asked 16 volunteers suffering from colds or the flu to lead them around their homes, showing them the surfaces they'd touched over the past 18 hours. Previous research has shown that cold and flu viruses can live up to three days on surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs. Tests found that six out of 10 remote controls in the homes of the sick volunteers tested positive for rhinovirus, along with eight out of 10 faucets, four out of seven phones and all of the salt and pepper shakers."

Here's the problem with this "scientific" study. It didn't compare surfaces in homes of volunteers NOT suffering from colds or the flu, and it didn't prove a causal relationship between the amount of 'germs' and the sickness of the household members. Question, did every one of the household members become ill when they were exposed to these germs? No? Then there must be something else at work, some other force that can keep you well. Something known as a host factor (host immunity).

The type of thinking that goes into designing research like this is symptomatic of our current 'no responsibility' society. All of our problems are blamed on something outside of ourselves. Our parents, the government, germs...

"Ohmigosh, McDonald's coffee is too hot! Someone should be sued!"

What's next? Suing your neighbor when you or a family member comes down with the flu? Sounds ridiculous? Many years ago people would have said the same thing about suing a restaurant over hot coffee.

Deconstructing The Germ Theory

We all come in contact with bacteria and viruses on a daily basis. Why don't we all become miserably sick? Because when we are healthy, our bodies' are able to deal with normal levels of 'germs'. When our immune systems become compromised, such as when we are too stressed, eating poorly, not exercising and/or getting adequate rest we are then susceptible to these germs. Likewise, if we are exposed to an extremely high amount of foreign invaders, we may 'come down with something'.

But looking at germs and saying they are solely responsible for sickness and disease is like looking at a garbage dump, infested with rats, and blaming the rats for the piles of garbage. Rats, like germs, are opportunistic. The rats go where there is garbage, the germs multiply in a weakened host.

Do Chiropractors Believe In Germs?

I've often heard it said that chiropractors do not believe in germs, to which I have two comments: First, each chiropractor is free to choose what he or she believes in. In studying to become a chiropractor, I didn't have to take some oath that I would or would not believe in certain concepts. So this commentary is my opinion, and doesn't necessarily apply to my entire vocation. Second, of course I believe in germs. I'm a Biologist by training, so I have an appreciation for science. I've watched bacteria multiply. If I keep it too long, my bread gets moldy, too. It's not a question of whether or not I believe germs exist, it's a question of whether germs cause disease. So here's my take on it.

Many people walk around scared of germs. But germs are only part of the health equation. Host factors play an ever larger role in determining each person's relative level of health. By host factors I mean how well a person's immune system is functioning, which is directly affected by eating healthy, getting adequate rest and exercise, having a mostly positive mindset, maintaining a properly functioning nerve system (research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can improve immune system function), as well as certain inherited traits.

But regardless of how well a person's immune system is functioning, I'm not suggesting that you should knowingly overexpose yourself to germs. I am a big fan of hygiene. It's a good idea to bath, wash hands, eat clean food, etc. Thinking otherwise would be folly. But I don't worry when someone says, "Don't come near me, I've got a cold," or similar. Are there times when my system is overcome and I get 'sick'? Sure. Usually it's because I've neglected my normal healthy routine.

I will not be so cavalier (arrogant?) as to suggest that if everyone followed the previously mentioned methods for improving immune function that there would be no disease. As I mentioned, there are genetic factors. Some people are just born unlucky. As well, some people have acquired factors, such as severe trauma that limits their immune function. Finally, there are limitations of matter. The amount of germs can become so great as to overwhelm even the strongest immune system.

So no, this isn't about eradicating disease from the face of the earth. But what it is about is empowering you to know that there are things you can do to improve your odds of succumbing to the next super bug. Even the sickest, most immune-deficient individual would be better off eating a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, and having a nerve system free from interference through Chiropractic adjustmentsSearch Amazon.com for Vitamin D3.

What would you rather focus on, something that is more-or-less out of your control (the amount of germs 'out there'), or that which you can control (your internal resistance, your relative level of health)? I hope you choose the latter. Empower yourself, take charge or your health, do something pro-active. Simply fearing germs and running from anyone who is 'sick' is no way to live. Have faith that your body can heal from most illness, have faith in the power that made your body.

OK, rant over. I look forward to your comments.

p.s. With "flu season" upon us, I posted some videos below about the flu vaccine. Have a look and feel free to leave you comments.