Beware the Flu!

Beware the FLU!

Healthtip: Symptoms of the flu:

1)      High fever (> 100)

2)      Sore throat

3)      Body aches!

Ok.. so, the flu is starting to show up in the US. The word flu is used readily to describe many passing illnesses, but, I wanted to be sure you are aware influenza has very distinct symptoms. For most people, it hits from one day to the next. Unlike the common cold, its not an illness that creeps up on you. Many people describe it as “being hit by a truck!”. Although most of us can usually fight off the flu, please remember that if you have a family member with asthma, they are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia too. SO.. keep a close eye on them.

Most important thing with the flu, and really any illness, is to remember to be diligent about trying to bring the fever down. And drink LOTS OF FLUIDS.. As Ive mentioned before, water’s ok.. but, electrolyte filled fluids are even better! So, grab that oj!

As we come around to this most celebrated time of year, I think about how each person’s story is unique. With the advent of Christmas and the coming of Christ, we can know that no matter what our story may be this time of year.. We can take HOPE in God’s promises. In fact, Scripture promises that “ He who puts his hope in God will not be put to shame!” Ps 23:5!

What brings down this fever the fastest?

Health Tip: Ibuprofen has been shown to be the most effective, efficient analgesic to bring down fevers quickly.  Due to it's antiinflammatory effect, it is also irreplaceable as an over the counter for inflammatory pain ( such as toothache, muscle sprain, back aches, tension headaches, etc).


Fevers. Such a common ailment, and yet often, such a scary symptom- especially in young children. Fevers are usually our bodies' way of combatting a viral or bacterial infection. It is our immune system's effective way to fight off invaders. And yet, it can be alarming- especially with those high fevers.

Ibuprofen ( brand name such as Motrin) is an incredibly effective antipyretic (fever reducing) medication, that is available over the counter. While acetaminophen (Tylenol) is helpful, it does not work as quickly to bring down those high temps. The suspension, or liquid form is even more effective, as it is absorbed under the tongue- and goes to work immediately!

An important point to remember with fevers is that fevers dehydrate us. This is especially true for young children. So, work hard to bring that temperature down, and keep pushing liquids whenever your child has a fever- even those small drops of liquid can be absorbed immediately. With every degree of temperature, be even more diligent to keep hydrated.

I hope you find this simple tip helpful as you care for yourself or your sick loved one;-) Here's to a healthy Christmas season. What a joy to know that we have a God that loves us enough to send His Son for us, and that he cares about every small detail of our lives!

How can I combat my anxiety?

Health Tip: Talk therapy, or talking through and reconstructing our thoughts, has been shown to help us combat our anxious thoughts, and some studies have shown it to be more effective than medication for anxiety!. Talking through our problems is not only emotionally helpful, it can have long term health benefits as well!

Anxiety is one of the most common chronic ailments in our society. Many scientists think that we are plagued with anxiety because our nervous systems are 'overtaxed'. Everywhere we look there is something demanding our time and energy. This takes a toll on us, and puts on edge. Anxiety leads to cardiovascular problems, blood pressure, and other chronic disease.

Research has shown that medication helps, but, talk therapy has been shown to be as effective as medication. What works best for many people is talk therapy and medication together, but, for those that wish to avoid medication- find that person you trust and talk through your anxious thoughts- regularly.

As a Christian, I know that prayer is an act of listening and talking to God. I often marvel at how much time Jesus spent in prayer during his journey on Earth. He knew how important it was to tell His Father His concerns. What a joy to know that we have this same avenue to talk to God- thanks to the cross. Although His answer often may often be " Be still and wait patiently", talking to God can be one of the healthiest things we do everyday. What a joy to know that as we accept Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross, we too can follow His lead- in talking to God daily!

Will this medication work for me?

Evidence has shown that a medication is more likely to work for you if you believe it will. This is referred to as the placebo effect. In medicine, the idea and understanding of the placebo effect is pivotal to knowing whether a medication is effective or not.

In scientific studies, a placebo is when a 'sugar' pill is given in the place of the real medication. The studies then follow the placebo, or sugar pill, in comparison with the real medication,  to see the effectiveness of a medication. This may sound confusing, but, the basis is that for a new medication to "pass the test" it just has to do a bit better than the good ole sugar pill study. All that to say, when a person believes that they are being given a medication that will help them, there is evidence that it does and will. Placebo effect just refers to the improvement we may see in a group study, when in reality they are just taking a sugar pill. Scientists use placebos to measure new medicine, because if a new medication stands the 'sugar pill' test then maybe the new medication is effective. To pass the "sugar pill test" is a BIG deal!

When I first started working in adult healthcare in the US, I remember the physician I worked with always encouraged me to prescribe exactly the medications that patients asked for. All things being equal, when a person believes a certain drug will work for them, it usually does!. This was especially true when a person needed medicine for depression. When it comes to these type of meds, the evidence shows that usually the medicine that we believe will work best for us, is the one that does.  I am fascinated by this. It is the power of the mind over the body.

I guess in medicine, like in life, it all comes down to what we believe in. Faith is something that is difficult to accept for many people, as there is nothing 'tangible' about faith. And yet, there is so much about our very existence that cries out a need, and a fulfillment that can only be found in faith. I love that healthcare substantiates this. Once again, what we find true for our spirit is often true for our body as well.

Whenever the struggle of faith is discussed, I always think of the words in Hebrews, that "faith is being SURE of what we hope for, and CERTAIN of what we do not see" . The question is .. where will you put your faith? Will it be in the medicine you choose.. or the God you choose to follow? Wherever we put our faith.. our heart and body will surely follow.