September sickness

This time of year, there is an increase in the common cold, sinus infections, and especially the flu. It seems everyone around us gets sick. Why? There are several reasons.

First of all, this time of year, change is in the air. Harvest has started, Fall is coming and school is getting back in session. Farmers and gardeners are running around frantically trying to bring in the harvest, can or dehydrate it, or sell it, resulting in increased stress. Parents and grandparents are running around getting school clothes, school supplies, arranging after school care, registering for dance, music, sports or other after school activities and the list goes on. The stress this time of year is generally high. Stress compromises the immune system. When your immune system is weakened, you are more likely to succumb to a viral exposure.

Stress isn't the only weakening factor. When running around like crazy, good home meals get replaced with nutrient-poor fast foods or junk food. Most people acknowledge that if you eat poorly, you will feel poorly. When you are stressed is when you need to eat the best! When stress is weakening your immune system, if you eat well, you are more likely to help support it. When you eat poorly, you add to the weakening process.

Add to that sleep deprivation and you have the perfect formula for getting ill. Most people are staying up late processing their harvest, working out the increased financial outputs (either technically or in their heads or worrying), staying out late to avoid rushes at the clothing and school supply stores, and just in general, trying to get things ready.

Children are stressed too, as they are equally involved. In addition, they have the added stressors of getting used to a new teacher, trying to figure out what's expected of them, meeting new friends, worrying about kids they don't get along with, worrying about fitting in, etc. Combined with the same compromised diet due to the hustle-bustle starting school creates, their immune systems get weakened as well.

How to avoid getting sick is simple. If it's not too late, plan all the running around earlier so that it is less stressful. Open a savings account and every week add a little to it, so by next year the financial hit is less (leading to less stress). Eat well! Plan ahead so your diet isn't compromised. Eat even better - more whole, fresh foods and especially vegetables as the minerals help your stress-coping mechanisms. Plan so that you can get to bed earlier and not come into the next day even more sleep deprived.

If you already have a compromised immune system, try acupuncture, herbal medicine and work with a good nutritionist to help strengthen and regulate your immunity in order to resist illness better. September doesn't have to be "sick month." There is much you can do to be well now, as well as in the future.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.