[Nfbf-l] Unexpected Sources of Infection
Alan Dicey
adicey at bellsouth.net
Sun Apr 28 17:17:37 UTC 2013
Unexpected Sources of Infection
During the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century a
typhoid epidemic was traced to Mary Mallon, a professional cook. "Typhoid
Mary" infected many people with the bacteria that caused typhoid fever - a
debilitating, often fatal infection. Mary never showed any symptoms of
infection herself. However, many of the people who contacted her became
seriously ill.
Today we face another source of infection from bacteria and viruses: our
children and grandchildren. Our little Typhoid Mary's and Johnny's bring us
the gift of exposure to potential illness from all of their friends at
school and in daycare. How does this actually happen and what can we do to
protect ourselves as well as our young ones?
"Germ-o-phobia"
There is a medical condition called mysophobia which is the fear of germs.
People with this disorder take extreme precautions to avoid touching
anything that might be considered "dirty" or contaminated with germs. They
have a relentless hand-washing procedure that rivals the sterile-field
procedure used by surgeons.
Normally, germs and viruses are harmless and may even be beneficial in
educating our immune systems. Some bacteria are even good for you, such as
the probiotic, acidophilus. This is because "good" bacteria keep "bad"
bacteria away and may even become part of a healthy immune system. However,
children that grow up without exposure to normal bacteria called "soil-based
organisms" or SBOs, have fewer defensive bacteria. That means pathogenic
bacteria have a better chance to breed in them, potentially causing illness
and spreading infection.
This effect is multiplied when children are kept in close quarters with
other children and their germs. Further, their immature immune systems may
allow them to become breeding grounds of infection without producing
symptoms themselves. Limiting physical contact and washing our hands with
soap and hot water becomes a rational defense strategy instead of a phobia.
The best defense...
There is an old saying: The best defense is a good offense. Being proactive
in protecting ourselves and our family simply makes sense. How can we build
a good defense against infection without becoming isolated? More important,
how can we build healthy immunity and resistance in our children and
grandchildren? Once again we can turn to Typhoid Mary for clues.
First, isolating people with a fever is very important. Usually an infection
is contagious when a person has a fever. When the fever breaks,
transmissibility of the infection rapidly declines. (This is not true with
H1N1 swine flu, which may continue to be contagious for up to 12 days.)
Stay away from sick people if at all possible.
Frequently wash your hands with hot soapy water and dry them thoroughly to
help avoid viruses.
Insulating yourself and educating your immune system with probiotics and
Healthy Aging nutrients as well as emotional nurturing is critically
important. After all, it is the health of your immune system that determines
whether or not you will get sick. And the severity of the illness is
dictated by the state of balance in immunity: symptoms become more severe as
the immune system becomes more imbalanced.
Finally, become a source of influence in advocating for healthier children.
Both children and adults have fewer and less severe illnesses when they take
care of themselves. For example, getting enough rest and eating properly
will reduce the frequency, severity and duration of infections. Growing a
garden may provide your loved ones with healthier food and also expose the
gardeners to healthy probiotic SBOs at the same time.
Just imagine: Time in the garden may help provide your family with better
food, stronger social connections and even immune protection from all those
little Typhoid Mary's and Johnny's. What a great way to defend yourself from
this unexpected source of infection!
Take Control of Your Health
Wash your hands with hot soapy water often Dry your hands thoroughly
Isolate sick people for three days after a fever (12 days after H1N1 Swine
Flu)Sleep between 7o and 9 hours nightly
Eat 5 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables every day
Educate your immune system with probiotics and Healthy Aging nutrients
More information about the NFBF-L
mailing list