H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Prevention is always the best medicine!

Protect yourself and your community. There are simple (green) ways to prevent the spread of swine flu, and other communicable diseases.

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your mouth and nose during coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm
  
• Avoid sick people
• Stay home if you're ill
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Sleep!
• Drink plenty of water and eat well
• Exercise
• Minimize stress
  

If you find yourself getting sick, please do not go to work! Call your doctor and discuss your condition. Some doctors are willing to do house calls, like Dr Drew at Golden Leaf Clinic in La Grande.

The CDC reports that the presently circulating H1N1 flu is susceptible to two antiviral medications. With only 40 confirmed cases in the US, we don't know how difficult to treat this virus will be. Luckily, naturopathic physicians have multiple treatment modalities to draw upon that are not limited to pharmaceuticals.

For more information on swine flu please visit the CDC website.

World Autism Awareness Day

April 2, marks World Autism Awareness Day. This is one of only 3 days approved by the UN to recognize a medical condition. Autism impacts the lives of the entire global population. I think we all know someone who suffers from an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or who has a family member that does. It is estimated that 1 out of every 150 people will be diagnosed with ASD. In most countries, ASD effects more people than pediatric cancers, diabetes, and AIDS combined!

There is hope! Early intervention can lead to drastic improvements in children. I have witnessed this myself. I've watched a child diagnosed at a young age who received treatment, go from the autism end of the spectrum to Aspergers. At this point, people who don't know his past just assume he has a learning disability.

If your child is slow in developing communication and social skills, please mention it to your healthcare provider! These are observations that can be hard for a physician to make, since many children are shy at doctors appointments.

For more information please visit the WAAD website.