Do Germs Make You Sick?

By:  Dr. Kelly & Dr. Jay (Fredericton Family Chiropractic - 472.7000)

Are germs to blame for cold and flu season OR are weakened immune systems?

It's flu season. Did you ever wonder why there is a season for the flu? Where does the flu go in the summer? Do we suddenly see a rise in germs and bugs during this time leading to more exposure? Why is it that some people are always sick and others are never sick?  

The following all weaken our immune system hence increasing our risk of getting sick:

North Americans are deficient in Vitamin D due to shorter sunlight exposure and weak UV index during the fall, winter and spring months. Vitamin D seems to play a large role when it comes to many body functions, including the immune system performance. Daily dosage should be between 1,000 - 6,000 IU during those 'D deficient' months, depending on your age, body weight, etc; note that this is much more than the 400 IU once thought to be adequate.

2. Holidays, Winter = over eating or not eating enough nutrient-rich food. What you eat will have a direct impact on your health. Lack of healthy food weakens our immune system - making us more likely to get sick. Lack of micronutrients (vitamins/minerals) and phytonutrients (antioxidants, etc) rob us of vital building blocks for health and immunity.  

4. Physical, chemical and emotional stressors will directly impact our nervous system - causing disturbances in the messages that are being sent back and forth from the brain and body (Subluxation). Subluxations directly affect the way our body functions and if left uncorrected, will lead to decreased health. Research has shown that regular Chiropractic care can boost immune function (amongst other benefits) up to 200%! How? The nervous system directly controls the immune system!

So do germs cause sickness? NO! Weak immune systems do. 

Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well. Get Adjusted.  These four ingredients practiced regularly will improve your overall health and will significantly reduce your risk of illness and disease!  

What a great investment!

1. How can a regular Pilates practice help "prevent" back injuries?

To some, Pilates is known as a Hollywood workout to get your body back after having a baby, or to get in shape for a movie role. Pilates is really a system of body conditioning, which is taught on the mat and several specialty apparatus; it was developed by Joe Pilates in the early 1900s. He was a strong tough boxer and circus performer. Training with an experienced Authentic Pilates teacher can certainly help prevent back injuries in several ways. Pilates helps to strengthen the trunk of the body and increases spinal flexibility in all directions of movement. As you gain increased flexibility and strength, Authentic Pilates improves balance, control, coordination, alignment, concentration, stamina and dynamic posture. With greater awareness of how to properly initiate, carry and resolve movement, winter tasks like shoveling and walking on icy sidewalks can be completed with greater ease and safety.

2. How can Pilates help ease lower back pain once an injury has occurred?

If someone has suffered a back injury due to winter activities like shoveling or a fall on icy sidewalks, Pilates can help to bring the body back to 'normal'. After inflammation and bruising of an injury has subsided, physicians, physiotherapists and chiropractors frequently recommend Pilates as the first and best activity to begin on your road to recovery. With individualized attention from a highly trained Authentic Pilates teacher using apparatus in a private setting, clients can quickly reduce problematic symptoms as well as increase their abilities and strengths. Quite often injuries happen due to an imbalance in the body, such as lack of strength, flexibility, or alignment. Muscle tightness and reduced strength from the injury are addressed in each lesson, in addition to the underlying imbalances that possibly led to the injury. Generally within 8-10 lessons in a month, students begin to experience great results.