Getting just a little bit 
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Q. The flu bug - why doesn't everybody get it?

You may not know this....


Despite what you are seeing on your favorite nightly news program according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Incidence of flu in the U.S. on any given day the is 4.5% in the general population. The Situation Update reported the flu season varies from 13 - 19 weeks. This number too has remained constant for the last 13 seasons although this season started a little earlier than usual. 

Did you see the University of Michigan Study?

In a recent study performed by University of Michigan researchers infected 17 healthy people with the flu virus and discovered that everyone who is exposed to the flu actually is affected by it, but their bodies just have a different way of reacting to it. Half of the study participants got sick; the other half didn't notice a thing.


Why?  Because each of us has an "immune response which accounts for the resistance to the flu of certain people getting sick..." says Alfred Hero, professor at the University of Michigan College of Engineering and author of the study, which was published in the journal PLoS Genetics.  read more 

This year the flu vaccine was only 23% effective - oops!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) these findings are not surprising. In early December, CDC officials warned the vaccine probably would not work very well because it was not well matched to a strain that's been spreading widely.


How did this happen? Each year, the flu vaccine is reformulated, based on the experts' best guess at which three or four strains will be the biggest problem for the following flu season. Those decisions are usually made in February, months before the flu season, to give companies that make flu shots and nasal spray vaccine enough time to make enough doses. So getting a flu shot does not always mean you will not get the flu. 


 

This year of the ones who did receive the flu vaccine, if they were infected by the projected flu virus 87% would have gotten the flu anyways. read more 


 

CDC to give update on flu season's status
CDC to give update on flu season's status


 
A. Because some people have stronger immune systems than others. Experts agree the best way is to protect yourself from the flu is with a strong immune system.

Experts agree and you know too being "stressed out" increases your likelihood of getting sick whether it's flu season or not.  

 

You may not know this  ....

 

There are 3 types of immune system stress:

 

1. Physical - an injury,inactivity, sleeplessness

2. Chemical (environmental toxins) - processed foods, caffeine, sugar

3. Emotional - recent world events, work conflicts, financial worries


The key to a strong immune system is to maintain and improve your health through exercise, making good food choices, getting a good nights sleep and 

re-framing your worries and conflicts to a vision of hopeful outlook or resolution. 


With your body there is no neutral ... you are either building for health or 

dis-ease each minute of each day.   


Here are 6 strategies you can use to strengthen and protect your immune system. 

1. Eat a diet loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables.  
The USDA recommends 9 - 13 1/2 cup servings of a wide variety every day. This is equivalent to eating 4 fruits and 5 vegetables which strengthens the immune system.

2. Reduce environmental toxins.  
According to Dr. Mitra Ray, Bio - Chemist, Shining Star International, non - organic, processed foods are highly toxic on the body recommends reducing this controllable toxic load. These toxins damage the immune system. 

3. Get plenty of sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends between 6 - 8 hours per night. During sleep your body heals itself, manages stress and replenishes for the next day. 

4. Exercise regularly.
The article Exercise and Immunity reports activity helps you to excrete germs and pathogens through the sweat glands. It also activates the immune system.  
5. Take a break - de - stress.
Experts have known for a long time stress even the perception of stress impacts your immune system. What you can do to de -stress effectively is very individual however, pretty much everyone feels better when they remove themselves from the current stress. When ever you feel overloaded ... walk away even it is just for a few minutes. 

6. Take a whole food antioxidant.  
Foods boost the immune system such as broccoli, carrots, kale and berries. The best antioxidants are come in the form of whole foods. Even the best antioxidants in the form of a supplement is still a chemical. The one we recommend is Juice Plus+. 

Boost Your Immune System by Eating Right
CNN - Boost Your Immune System by Eating Right
CNN - Report
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Nothing like bubbie's old fashion chicken soup to cure what's ailing you .... aka Jewish Penicillin. 
How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup
How to Make Homemade Chicken Soup
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