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REN DAO Wellness Center Monthly News Letter
December 2005
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Main Article
The Common Cold and Flu
Winter is the season most of us contract a Cold and/or the Flu. Understanding the differences between the two will help determine the best treatment and help prevent their spreading.
The common cold and the flu are caused by viral infections. Viruses responsible for both a cold and flu enter the body via the nose, mouth and eyes. A cold lodges in the nose and mainly affects the head. The flu lodges in the respiratory system and usually affects the whole body.
There are over 200 different viruses that can create the symptoms of a cold. The most common are the Rhinoviruses (nose viruses). Symptoms of a cold will usually include nasal stuffiness, sneezing and a runny nose. Some people develop a mild fever. Other symptoms like headache, cough, postnasal drip, muscle aches, or decreased appetite, are dependent on the infecting virus.
A large concentration of cold virus is contained within the nose and nasal secretion of an affected person. It can be spread by inhaling droplets from a cough or sneeze or by coming in contact with contaminated material and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms usually start within 1 to 7 days after infection and last about a week. Symptoms like cough and fatigue may linger days after the main symptoms subside. Colds symptoms that don’t seem to get better may be allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Check with you health care provider.
The flu is caused by the influenza family of viruses. It can remain airborne or alive on surfaces for many hours and thus is very contagious. The nature of a flu outbreak is to appear all at once infecting a lot of people, very quickly. When someone contracts a flu virus, they will initially run a fever and feel sick all over. After a few days these symptoms will subside and respiratory related symptoms (like cough, cold like symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, etc.) will increase. These symptoms may last another 4 to 7 days. Sometimes after symptoms clear, a second wave of the flu may begin.
Usually healthy people can recovery from a cold or flu infection without medical attention within a week or two. Treatment is usually geared at reducing symptoms and supporting the body’s recovery process. Most over the counter cold and flu remedies do not cure a cold or flu. They mainly treat the various symptoms a person may have.
Vaccines are available for the flu. They are developed each year by estimating which known strains of virus maybe most prevalent during the following flu season. The effectiveness of the vaccine is dependent on the accuracy of the estimation and absents of new strains. Flu vaccines are commonly preserved with a form of mercury. Those who are sensitive to mercury should avoid this form whenever possible. Medications are available that can be taken after a flu infection. These drugs reduce the virus’s ability to replicate within the body, reducing a person’s recovery time.
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Upcoming Events for December
12/18 - Commemorative Gathering & Demonstration for Sensei Earl Monroe.
Happy Holidays
Have a Happy, Healthy New Year!
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LATEST NEWS
New to the center; the EMAS meridian measuring system and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).
The EMAS meridian system is a device that measures the energy levels of the 12 main acupuncture meridians in the body. Measurements are taken at 24 acupuncture points located on the hands and feet. The information is recorded in a computer where the data is analyses and displayed. The resulting information gives an accurate indication of the relative strength of each acupuncture meridian and overall energy level of the body.
When a person is healthy, the energy levels of the meridians will be balanced. Each meridian will record about the same energy value and the overall energy level will be good. Acupuncture can be used to strengthen or reduce any meridian shown to be out of balance and increase the overall energy levels if low.
The EMAS meridian system can also provides a valuable before and after snapshot. Patients can be shown where imbalances exist and them the positive correcting affect of treatment. Information on EFT next month.
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THIS MONTH’S EVENTS
12/18 - Commemorative Gathering & Demonstration for Sensei Earl Monroe.
Those who had the honor and pleasure to train in Nisei Goju Ryu Karate Do in the 60’s, 70's and 80's will know Sensei Earl Monroe. As a highly revered instructor, tournament competitor and motivator, his impact on Karate and those who trained under him is immeasurable.
Soke Raymond Fitzpatrick, founder of the Goju Jujitsu system of martial arts, has invited many Nisei Goju dojo members and friends to the Ren Dao Wellness Center, Sunday, December 18th to pay homage to Sensei Monroe. Those attending this taped event will have the opportunity to demonstrate techniques or simply share their thoughts. The video will be sent to Sensei Monroe.
This will also be a time for many to get reacquainted and reflect on the resent passing of two exceptional members of the New Rochelle Nisei Goju Dojo, Thomas Jackson and Rashid Rashad.
For more information.
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TIP OF THE WEEK
Symptoms of a Cold Vs. Flu
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102- 104°F); lasts ~3 Days |
| Headache | Rare | Prominent |
| General Aches | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to 2 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Prominent |
| Headache | Rare | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
| Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life threatening |
| Prevention | None; natural medicines for immune system strengthening | Annual Vaccination; antiviral medicines; natural medicines for immune system strengthening |
Source: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH
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Tips of the Week
To reduce the chances of getting a cold or flu:
Wash hand frequently, with soap and water.
Limit hand contact with your face, nose, mouth and eyes.
Take steps to boost your immune system.
Limit you exposure to people who are sick and closed area with poor ventilation.
Keep mucus membrane moist. Drink extra liquids and use a humidifier to maintaining a humid environment.
Use virus killing disinfectant to clean surfaces that may be contaminated.
If you get a cold or flu:
Stay warm, hydrated and rested.
Allow you body time to heal and rejuvenate.
Drink plenty of water, fruit juices and warm soups.
Cut back on smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
Sneeze or cough into a facial tissue and throw them away after use. Avoid using handkerchiefs.
Take medications as needed to help reduce symptoms.
See you health care provider if symptoms do not resolve within two or three weeks of if your overall health condition worsens.
Web Sites of the Month
• Conventional, Alternative, Complementary, and Integrative Approaches to Treating Colds and Flu
• The Flu and Colds: Tips on Feeling Better
• Chocolate for Cough
Gift Ideas
Give loved ones, family members and friends the gift of health and relaxation. Gift certificates are available for massage, reiki, acupuncture and other health services provided at the REN DAO Wellness Center. Gift certificates are also available for Yoga classes. Call for more information.
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