It’s that time of year again. Sending kids back-to-school, back to enclosed classrooms, exposed to illnesses such as COVID, flu, colds, strep, and other infections. So how do we keep our kids healthy and build their immune defense against sickness?
Six tips to assist in making back-to-school a healthy and enjoyable time for all!
Sleep
Getting into a normal sleep pattern is important for building a back-to-school schedule. There needs to be a transition from summer late nights with friends and video games to shutting down at a reasonable hour. Not getting enough sleep can lead to health issues, such as memory problems and depression, but it can also lead to a weakened immune system. Lack of sleep is correlated with higher levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Stress is known to suppress the immune system. Studies have shown that less than five hours of sleep negatively affects the immune system, and that seven to nine hours of sleep is ideal for adults, and nine to 11 hours of sleep is ideal for school-age children.
Exercise
Physical exercise boosts the body’s immune response, releasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, increasing lymphocyte circulation and recruit cells responsible for attacking bacteria; thus it can the lower the risk of contracting illness and decrease the intensity of symptoms. Engaging in recreational activities like bike riding, team sports, running, and backyard games, etc. several times a week can really help to keep the immune system strong (1).
Nutrition
Kids need the same nutrients as adults — but usually require smaller amounts. As children grow, it’s vital for them to get adequate amounts of nutrients that help build strong bones, such as calcium and vitamin D. Moreover, iron, zinc, iodine, choline, and vitamins A, B6 (folate), B12, and D are crucial for brain development in early life. Thus, although kids may need smaller amounts of vitamins and minerals compared to adults, they still need to get enough of these nutrients for proper growth and development.
A diet healthy in fruits and vegetables is essential for optimum immune health. Foods high in Vitamins C, D, and E, as well as beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A, are key for healthy immune systems. Some foods that boost the immune system are:
- Fruits: such as grapefruit, oranges, clementines, papaya, kiwi, lemons, and tangerines
- Vegetables high in Vitamin C: like spinach, red bell pepper, and broccoli (the last two are also high in beta-carotene)
- Garlic: which has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and is known to boost the immune system, thanks to the sulfur-containing compound, allicin
- Yogurt: which contains active cultures and probiotics that help support the immune system by keeping the microbiome in balance. A probiotic supplement is also a good choice.
- Almonds: which contain Vitamin E, and just half of a cup provides nearly 100% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin E.
Other considerations:
Limiting sugar intake is important too. Sugar can cause inflammation and indirectly wreak havoc on the immune system. Try changing the snack routine from cookies and ice cream to non-sugary nibbles.
Vitamins and supplements can help if the diet is lacking in some way.
Stay hydrated. Keeping the body hydrated maintains function of the whole physical network. Organs and cells need water to function, and you will be less susceptible to sickness when your body is in check.
Hygiene
Washing your hands with soap and water can reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16–21%. When running water isn’t an option, anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitizers are a great alternative. A study concluded that the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in U.S. classrooms reduced absenteeism due to infection by about 20% overall among 16 elementary schools and 6,000 students (2).
Laughter, Play Time & Rest
Stress can chip away at the immune system (3). Scheduling time for play and rest is vital to maintaining health during the demands of the busy school year. As the adage goes, laughter really is the best medicine. Laughing lowers the levels of stress hormones, while simultaneously boosting white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infection. For those students who take their academics too seriously, make sure they break away from the books from time to time.
Back-to-school should be a fun time- keeping your kids healthy will help improvove the experience.
Sources
(1) da Silveira MP, da Silva Fagundes KK, Bizuti MR, Starck É, Rossi RC, de Resende E Silva DT. Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature. Clin Exp Med. 2021 Feb;21(1):15-28. doi: 10.1007/s10238-020-00650-3. Epub 2020 Jul 29. PMID: 32728975; PMCID: PMC7387807.
(2) Wang Z, Lapinski M, Quilliam E, Jaykus LA, Fraser A. The effect of hand-hygiene interventions on infectious disease-associated absenteeism in elementary schools: A systematic literature review. Am J Infect Control. 2017;45: 682–689.
(3) Glaser, Ronald. Stress Damages Immune System and Health. Discovery Medicine. July 18th, 2009.
The post Strengthen Your Immune System for Back-to-School Season appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, while holistic medicine treats the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats only certain organs or systems (such the brain), while holistic medicine looks at all aspects of the body, from the inside out. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
What are the 5 domains that make up integrative medicine (IM)?
Integrative medicine covers five areas: mind-body and nutrition; lifestyle; social determinants; lifestyle; and prevention. These five areas are concerned with all aspects, including the physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It encompasses both conventional medical treatments as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture and yoga, meditation and massage therapy.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies can help reduce your risk of getting again cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. However, some studies show that these treatments can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, migraine, obesity, osteoporosis, and others.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Alternative medicines can be cheaper than traditional ones, particularly if the patient follows a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- An increasing number of older adults are turning to holistic treatment.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer alternative treatments to going to the doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic therapies may not be right for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works because we have an interconnected body-mind-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. This is an example:
Your mind can be anxious or stressed and you feel anxious. This causes you to become more tense. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol can affect your nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. If necessary, doctors prescribe medications and may perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Strengthen Your Immune System for Back-to-School Season
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/immunity/strengthen-your-immune-system-for-back-to-school-season/
Published Date: Sat, 02 Sep 2023 19:57:12 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, while holistic medicine treats the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats only certain organs or systems (such the brain), while holistic medicine looks at all aspects of the body, from the inside out. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
What are the 5 domains that make up integrative medicine (IM)?
Integrative medicine covers five areas: mind-body and nutrition; lifestyle; social determinants; lifestyle; and prevention. These five areas are concerned with all aspects, including the physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It encompasses both conventional medical treatments as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture and yoga, meditation and massage therapy.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients face many difficulties as they try to cope with their illness. They may have lost all hope or feel helpless as there is nothing they can do. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Patients with cancer should look into alternative treatments, such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Sometimes, cancer patients will choose complementary medicine to chemotherapy. This is because they believe it will be easier and more effective in managing side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many believe natural remedies can improve quality of life.
Others believe natural remedies can help reduce your risk of getting again cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
While holistic therapies are still being used today, there is not enough evidence to support their effectiveness. However, some studies show that these treatments can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, migraine, obesity, osteoporosis, and others.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- It is cheaper than traditional medicine. Alternative medicines can be cheaper than traditional ones, particularly if the patient follows a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- An increasing number of older adults are turning to holistic treatment.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer alternative treatments to going to the doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic therapies may not be right for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic therapies are not only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic treatments can be too costly.
- Holistic treatments are very expensive.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It is a way to prevent illness through diet, exercise or stress management.
Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine works because we have an interconnected body-mind-spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. This is an example:
Your mind can be anxious or stressed and you feel anxious. This causes you to become more tense. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Negative emotions can cause you to feel anger, fear and grief. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol can affect your nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use xrays, MRIs and CAT scans. If necessary, doctors prescribe medications and may perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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