Reflections on the Flu Shot

The flu shot is given every year to many Americans. It is a big deal. They push it in schools, they push it at the mall, they talk about it on the nightly news. Last year, they were recommending two flu shots: the regular one and the H1N1 (which I still affectionately refer to as the Swine Flu, even though you're not supposed to call it that anymore). I am ambivalent about vaccines, and always urge my patients to inform themselves about immunizations and make educated decisions. However, I am not ambivalent about the flu shot.

Each year, 5-20% of Americans get the flu. Estimates are that about 175,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, such as pneumonia (or other respiratory problems), ear and sinus infections, or problems related to chronic illnesses such as COPD, asthma, lupus, etc. Although the media reports 36,000 flu-related deaths per year, this is thought by many to be an extremely high estimate. In addition, most of the deaths presumably due to pneumonia and other serious illnesses are assumed to be in connection with the flu, even if the person was never officially diagnosed with the flu. More reasonable estimates are 257-1765 annually. A much, much lower number.

Here's an interesting fact. Ontario, Canada, is the most highly vaccinated region in North America. In 2000, Canadians expanded a publicly funded flu immunization program which included all 12 million Ontario residents, including low risk adults and children. Statistics showed that there was no significant reduction in the incidence of flu (between 2000 and 2003), and no difference in the number of cases of flu when compared to other provinces of Canada, where they didn't vaccinate as widely. There was also little difference in complication rates (hospitalizations due to pneumonia and other flu complications due to underlying chronic illness) between vaccinated and un-vaccinated groups.

In light of this study, why are we taught that the only way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated? Why, in all the talk last year about Swine Flu in the media did NO ONE talk about how to keep yourself healthy through flu season so that you aren't as vulnerable to the flu? (or so if you get the flu you will handle it better?)(chiropractic adjustments, good nutrition, exercise, vitamins and herbs, good sleep and strategies to deal with stress)

Here's another question for you: Do you know the ingredients of the flu vaccine? I do.
Although ingredients vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, flu vaccines are generally made with chicken embryos. Vaccines for flu include many of the following ingredients in different combinations. Formaldehyde, also known as embalming fluid, has been classified as a probable human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the EPA. Octoxynol-9 is a spermicide. Triton X-100 is a detergent, emulsifier and defoaming agent. It can alter metabolic activity and negatively affect cell function. It is considered harmful if swallowed and can cause severe eye irritation. Some flu vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (antifreeze), carbolic acid (used as a disinfectant), and MSG (used as a stabilizer to keep the virus alive and stabilize the mixture). Antibiotics, such as gentamycin, are often added, as well as thimerosol (a preservative to give the vaccine a longer shelf life). Thimerosol contains mercury, which is highly toxic to the body in any amount.

I'm sure that proponents of the flu vaccine have many reasons to vaccinate. and there those who are genuinely at higher risk for the flu who should consider vaccination. But did you know that, for the majority of people, having the flu actually makes your cells stronger against the flu? Because of the way your immune system works, getting an immunization against the flu only protects you for a short time (and only for certain strains of flu), whereas actually getting the flu protects you for several years, often 5 to 10. Of course, there is more to your immune system than how well-vaccinated you are! You need to make sure your nervous system is running well; immunity is controlled by the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord! Getting regular adjustments is vital in keeping the immune system humming along. Your lifestyle is also a huge factor in how your immune system is going to work during flu season. Eat well, cut way down on sugar, fried fatty foods and heavy carbs and make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise, sleep and staying hydrated are also important. and watch that stress! Deep Breaths...ommmmm.

Vaccines are a complicated issue, and a very personal one, especially for parents. I do not judge other people's decisions and I know there are many variables to consider. The best thing one can do is be informed. Don't rely on vaccinations to make you healthy, because they don't! Take control of your own health. Get yourself into balance and then decide if you want to get that flu shot.

Adjusting Newborn Twins

(reprinted from an article originally written on 12-11-06. Last week, the babies in this story turned 4!!!!Happy Birthday, B and L!)
Last Monday I had the blessing of adjusting newborn twins! Their mom has gotten adjusted for her entire pregnancy twice per week, sometimes three times. She understands, as I do, that the body is a beautiful piece of work, and when you put energy into the system to encourage balance and flow, you get a body that does what it’s supposed to, and beautifully! Her pregnancy was gorgeous: her body flowed to each next step as it was designed to do. She fed it well, gave it lots of water and rest, lots of friends around and a supportive mate, lots of laughter and peaceful moments, and kept her nerve system beautifully clear by getting adjusted regularly! (As well as regular acupuncture and massages!)

The babies are beautiful. Think of the essence of a newborn; these are beings that have been so recently plucked from God that they emanate goodness and purity in a magnificent way. It is a very sacred task, adjusting a newborn. I am providing connection on such a deep level to one who was, so recently, totally connected. (or two, as the case may be!)

Some people can’t understand why I would want to adjust babies and children. “Their backs don’t go out!” they say. And here’s what I say. Chiropractic is about clearing the way for the nervous system to work beautifully. When a child is born, there is a certain amount of stress placed on the spine, whether that child is born vaginally or c-section. There is pulling and tugging, after nine months of progressively smaller quarters and increasing squished-ness. And I say: if I can help a child’s nervous system to work better on the first day out, will this contribute to a lifetime of better health? You Bet!

Adjusting newborn infants is a delicate art. Obviously, a chiropractor does not use the same kind of technique with a baby as with an adult! It is done with the tips of the fingers, a slight pulsation over the spine, like you are pressing on a soap bubble and trying not to break it.

From my short session with the babies in their hospital room, I learned quite a bit about their positions in the womb. I could tell from the boy’s spine that he had been pretty comfortable in there. The girl had more tension in her lower back than I expected and I could tell that there was a twisting that had occurred in the womb which was affecting her spine. I later learned that throughout the pregnancy, she was positioned like a pretzel, whereas her brother was straight. When the girl was born (two minutes exactly after the boy) there was a literal KNOT in her umbilical cord, indicating some serious flips and flops during her stay. My fingers already knew that offering the baby girl a chance to start life without imbalance is a great gift.

Adjusting an infant is magical. They take deep breaths, stick their tongue out at me, roll their eyes and make big sighs. I feel so connected to even hold a little one who’s so new, but to have the honor to give them their first adjustment, to know that I am really affecting the rest of their life in a positive way, is truly the best part of my otherwise fantastic job.

You Don't Say! New Ideas Taking Hold

Recently, my friend’s dad (a physician) was having lunch with two pediatric specialists in his hospital. One of the pediatricians was discussing how children are developing secondary sex characteristics much earlier than ever before. The other pediatrician said she thought it had to do with all the hormones in our food supply, especially the meat and milk. She had recently seen a little boy who's parents thought he was developing breasts. She suggested they switch to buying only organic food. Once the child was no longer eating hormonally injected animal products and pesticides, the breasts receded. My friend’s father called her right after this conversation to pass on the information; in his mind the latest in medical news. She said, “Thanks, Dad, but I’ve been buying organic food for a decade waiting for everyone else to catch up!”

Like my friend, I’ve been buying organic food and non-hormone meat, milk and eggs for many years. It’s always made sense to me that my children should not be eating someone else’s hormones or toxic chemicals.

It has also made sense to me to not eat foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (trans-fats). These fats are responsible for all kinds of health problems! I have been a stickler for that one since the 1980’s and, believe me, people have made fun of me for it! I have also had to put up with much whining, as I do not allow foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHO) into my house. The list of these foods is vast and historically included “Goldfish”, a snack very popular with the little ones. Thankfully, the public started listening to people like me and, in late 2006, Nabisco began making non-PHO snacks (yippee! Including Goldfish!!!) The next year, New York City declared it illegal to use PHOs in restaurants. Well, what do you know? I wasn’t crazy after all.

It isn’t easy to have ideas that go against public perception. It’s never crowded on the leading edge!

I know that chiropractic adjustments remove subluxations, which can have devastating effects on your health. I know that a clear nerve system is the key to a healthy body and mind. I have seen it over and over again in my practice; when you choose to add chiropractic to your life, you are choosing to take responsibility for your health and you are rewarded with a healthier body, a happier, calmer mind and a stronger sense of who you are.

I know that when you get adjusted regularly, pay attention to your lifestyle choices and focus on your well-being (instead of pain and problems), your life takes on a new balance and a new vibrance. Chiropractors have known this for over 100 years!

Maybe if my friend had told her father about organic food 10 years earlier, he would have been eating healthier and suggesting organics to his patients, who would have been eating healthier. Who can you tell about the healthy choices you make? Who can you tell about the miracle of a chiropractic adjustment?

The Best Kept Secret

I have been a chiropractor for 16 years. In that time, I have had many new patients whose story is similar to this: She came in initially because of pain in the lower back. She had been suffering for some time and was fed up. She had been to the doctor and, after a brief appointment, which included no hands-on examination of the back, was given a prescription for muscle relaxants and sent on her way.

She hadn’t wanted to go to a chiropractor, feeling that the problem was bound to go away on its own. Instead it got worse and worse and started affecting her activities of daily life. The pain interfered with walking or sitting, sleeping, driving, sports, exercising, playing with or carrying children. It started affecting her mood, making her unhappy, stressed, impatient and grumpy. She started to notice other problems starting as well - digestive trouble, more cramps during periods, just overall feeling junky.

Then, one day while out with a friend, she starts complaining of her pain. Her friend, a patient at my office, says “You really should go see Dr. Nina,” and then describes how chiropractic helped her to not only get out of pain but also began improving her health! She has heard my name before and decides to give it a try.

After a few weeks of her initial phase of care, this person feels like a new woman. Not only is her pain starting to go away, but her other symptoms are resolving and she feels younger and more energetic than she has in a long time. She says something like, “Why don’t other people know about this?” or, “I can’t believe I was hesitant to come in.” She says to me, “Why doesn’t everyone go to a chiropractor…chiropractic makes so much sense and I feel better than I have in years!” (OK, they don’t all say those exact words, but I’ve heard things like this repeatedly in my office.)

Chiropractic is the best kept secret in town! And it shouldn’t be a secret! If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about health and chiropractic adjustments, people would be lining up around the block to get in. If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about children’s health, we would have a chiropractor in every school to adjust all of the children. If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about pregnancy, and how the developing baby and the mother need a properly functioning nervous system, every OB-Gyn would have a resident chiropractor in the office. If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about the nervous system and how it runs the entire body; all organs, all muscles, all thoughts, we would probably need far fewer hospital beds, because our community would be so much healthier.

If chiropractic has affected your life, don’t keep it a secret! (Even if people do someday line up around the block, I will always have room for you!!) and if you're too shy to say it yourself, have them come to my biweekly workshop "How to Be a Well-Being". Call for more information! 781 274-6462 or email doctornina@msn.com.

Please help us improve the health and well-being of our fellow Lexingtonians. Spread the word about chiropractic to your friends, your family, your children and together let’s leak it to the community; chiropractic makes so much sense and it works!