As we approach the “flu season” it is important for us to recognize some of the lifestyle dynamics that contribute to our increased susceptibility to the flu. Our bodies have an incredible ability to adapt to their environments and maintain a state of “ease”, or balance. It is this balance, or proper function, that creates true health and well-being. However, physical, emotional, and chemical stresses adversely affect our bodies’ ability to adapt and maintain this balance.

All summer long we enjoy the outside sunshine, the warm fresh air, and an increase in physical activities. Oftentimes there are more opportunities to relax. Fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance, and we tend to eat lighter, more nutritious foods.

Then, we head back to school and rush from one activity to another. Not to mention the not-so-nutritious school lunches and vending machine snacks on top of our children sitting for six hours slouched at a desk and carrying heavy book bags. When summer is over, time outside often gets limited. With fall comes the stress of the holiday season. The exhausting tasks of shopping, preparations, and hectic deadlines combined with the excess carbs, fats, and sweets. All of these increases in stressors begin to take their toll on our family’s health. It is no secret that an overload of stress affects our health. In chiropractic we recognize that an increase in stress adversely affects the nervous system, which in turn decreases immune function.

Choices we make daily and seasonally affect our immune system function. Although it seems impossible to resist the stresses imposed on us by the demands of our hectic society, we can reduce the effects these stresses have on our families’ health. There are two key factors: The lifestyle choices we make to reduce ongoing stressors and what we do to help our bodies adapt to the incoming stressors.

Our nervous system and immune system functions are intimately connected. Reducing interference to the nervous system on a regular basis with chiropractic adjustments allows the immune system to function better. It is one way of helping our bodies maintain a state of balance and cope with the endless stresses.

CHILDHOOD FEVERS

It may come as a surprise to many that during a time of illness where a fever is present, their child's body is exhibiting normal, even healthy, function. A fever is not something to be feared. Rather, it is something to observe and care for at home. We must reinforce to our children the idea of trust in the process of healing.

We often default to our upbringing and feel the need to know and even regulate the temperature when a high fever is present. Our heart begins to race at the numerical result and we drop right into fear mode. We rush to using over-the-counter medications and antibiotics as soon as possible.

It’s time to break the cycle and trust that your child’s beautifully designed, strong, and intelligent body is working and raising the temperature for a reason. We must learn to care for our children - not the fever.

Pathways to Family Wellness, Issue 72, Winter 2021