May, 2009

• SWINE FLU
• FINAL DELIVERY STATISTICS
• VITAMIN STORE GOES ONLINE
• SCHOOL AND SPORTS PHYSICALS

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SWINE FLU

The recent media frenzy regarding the H1N1 strain of swine flu has finally calmed down. We are now learning that this flu strain is mild and is not more virulent than other recent strains of the Influenza A virus. Becoming aware about new strains of viruses in our community is appropriate, but instilling public fear and panic is not! Sometimes I wonder if the over saturation of media coverage was stimulated by the medical industry’s desire to promote Tamiflu, vaccines, and patient visits to clinics. We all need to realize that if our immune systems are functioning optimally, we can peacefully coexist with the myriad of environmental bacteria and viruses that eternally surround us. The following factors help to create optimal immune function:

1. A diet adequate in protein and rich in fruits and vegetables, provides the building blocks for protective antibody production. The vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables promote a healthy internal biochemistry.
2. Adequate sleep helps the body to repair itself and to resist infections.
3. Daily use of the neti pot during flu season reduces the number of pathogenic microbes in the nasal passages, thus preventing the immune system from becoming overwhelmed. This is especially important for those who work in confined spaces like offices, schools, factories, and hospitals.
4. Wash your hands before eating.
5. Adequate vitamin D levels help to promote healthy immune function. The skin when exposed to sunlight manufactures Vitamin D. This may partially explain why colds and flu are more common in the winter when we spend most of our time indoors.
6. Regular exercise stimulates the body to cleanse itself of accumulated toxins and waste products. Exercise also improves the hormonal milieu and helps keep blood sugar levels steady.
7. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which can help to prevent free radicals’ oxidative damage to body cells. Other potent sources of antioxidants include blueberries, pomegranates, mangosteen, açai berries, and olive oil.
8. Probiotics help to establish a proper balance of beneficial bacteria that can naturally suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms.

What should you do if despite of your excellent health habits, you still feel yourself becoming ill? Here are some suggestions for natural remedies:

1. Before the discovery of antibiotics, doctors used colloidal silver extensively as an antimicrobial agent. It is still useful, and unlike antibiotics it treats viruses too, without encouraging the growth of resistant microorganisms. Try 1 teaspoon three times daily at onset of symptoms.
2. Echinacea, an herbal remedy.
3. Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy - take every 4 hours at onset of symptoms.
4. High doses of vitamin C, starting at 3 grams daily.
5. Suck on zinc lozenges
6. Go to bed earlier and get some extra sleep.
7. You can use your neti pot up to 4 times daily if you feel yourself becoming ill.

For further information, visit these links:

http://www.virginiahopkinstestkits.com/virusfighters.html a nice list of flu remedies from Virginia Hopkins, the assistant to the late John Lee, M.D.

http://elvovemd.com/december-2004-newsletter.htm#news2 a newsletter article I wrote about strengthening the immune system.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx an in-depth look at the hyping of the swine flu pandemic by Dr. Joseph Mercola, a well-known natural health physician.

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FINAL DELIVERY STATISTICS

As many of you know, I delivered my final baby on December 31, 2008. (See previous article at http://elvovemd.com/december-2008-newsletter.htm#news1) Since I began private practice in July 1977, almost 32 years ago, I have recorded statistical information on every birth. I tallied the final counts and here are the totals:

• Total deliveries: 4,018
• Babies delivered at home: 2,913
• Percentage of babies delivered at home: 72.5%
• Cesarean section deliveries: 252
• Cesarean section rate: 6.3%

I would again wish to thank all of the families who allowed me to participate in their precious and miraculous birth events!
In a future newsletter I will discuss in detail how we were able to achieve such a high rate of natural childbirth at home, with such a low rate of Cesarean sections. In comparison, the current national rate of Cesarean sections is over 30%, that is one out of every three births in the U.S. is now a C-section.

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VITAMIN STORE GOES ONLINE

If you are unable to make it in to the office to pick up your supplements, you can now order them on line from our website. You can place an order at any time, day or night. Your payment is managed by Google Checkout, which securely handles your shipping and credit card information. A modest charge for postage and handling is added prior to check out, based upon the number and weight of items that you order. The item prices already include sales taxes.

Our most popular items are the ultra-refined, purity certified, triglyceride extracted fish oils. Other unique and popular products include the natural food-based prenatal and multiple vitamins, kid’s chewable vitamins, iodide/iodine supplements, vitamin D3 5,000 IU tablets, calcium plus magnesium, iron glycinate, and progesterone 2% cream. Please visit http://elvovemd.com/vitamins.htm for further information.

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SCHOOL AND SPORTS PHYSICALS

School physical season is upon us once again. If your child requires a physical for kindergarten, 6th grade, or for sports participation, please call soon for an appointment. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR THE LAST MINUTE RUSH!

Best wishes for a healthy spring and summer season! To your good health,
Dr. Elvove

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