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New GP Service at the Lismore Clinic

The new GP service / Family Medical Practice at the Lismore Clinic was officially launched last Friday 11^th September. The evening was attended by local pharmacists and other local business people, public health nurses, GPs, other healthcare practitioners and family and friends of Dr Noelle Quann.

Speaking at the official opening, AnneMarie Reilly, Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist who established the clinic in 2004, welcomed Dr Noelle Quann to the team, saying that patients can now avail of an integrated, multi disciplinary healthcare service at the Lismore Clinic, where they can benefit from both conventional medical care and a variety of complementary and alternative approaches, providing a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare.

AnneMarie introduced all the members of the team, and explained that in order to provide the highest standards of healthcare, all practitioners at the Lismore Clinic are fully qualified and experienced in their field, and registered with the appropriate professional body.

Dr Noelle Quann expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her, and paid tribute to her family, particularly her parents, Noreen and Michael Quann for their “unwaivering support” which has helped to make her GP practice possible. She described her mother, who works as a public health nurse as always taking a “holistic and whole patient approach”, and said that her mother had “a huge impact on the type of doctor I have become.”

Dr Quann thanked AnneMarie Reilly for having the vision to establish a service with an all encompassing approach to health. “She really takes into account the health and wellbeing, physical and emotional, of every individual and I look forward to working with her”, said Dr Quann.

Special guest, Aoife Hearne, of Nutrition Solutions and RTE’s Operation Transformation, said she was delighted to be present at the official opening of the new GP surgery at the Lismore Clinic. She said that there is huge job satisfaction in working in healthcare “where you can really make a difference to people’s lives – to how well they live and how long they live.”

She acknowledged the uniqueness of the Lismore Clinic in bringing conventional and alternative medicines together and their way of looking at the whole person and their physical as well as mental/emotional needs. Very Reverend Father Michael Corkery performend a blessing on the clinic before Aoife Hearne and Dr. Quann cut the ribbon to officially open the new GP surgery.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is thought to affect one in 10 people over the age of 50 in Ireland and is the leading cause of blindness in this age group. AMD Awareness Week, which runs from Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th of September, aims to encourage the public, and particularly those over 50, to get their sight tested in order to help prevent avoidable sight loss due to AMD.
 

AMD causes degeneration of the macula of the eye, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, and perception of colour and contrast, all of which are important for driving, reading, watching TV, recognising faces and for numerous other daily activities that we often take for granted. AMD spares the peripheral vision, so sufferers can still see things “out of the corner of their eye”, but it leaves only dim images or black holes at the center of the visual field.

There are 2 types of AMD, Dry (or atrophic) AMD and Wet (or neovascular) AMD. Dry AMD is the most common form, affecting more than 90% of AMD sufferers. The condition and develops slowly, eventually leading to loss of central vision. Wet AMD is caused by new blood vessels growing behind the retina, which are weak and tend to bleed. It is less common than dry AMD but it can cause more rapid loss of vision, and is responsible for 90% of cases of severe vision loss.

Symptoms of AMD include blurred vision; dark patches or empty spaces, which appear in the centre of the visual field; distorted vision, (where straight lines such as tiles in the bathroom or telephone poles may appear wavy or bent); difficulty distinguishing faces; difficulty reading; decreased night vision and poor colour sensitivity.

The tendency to develop AMD is genetic, however studies have shown that smokers are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration. Other factors such as high blood pressure can also lead to a greater risk of getting AMD. This is because high blood pressure, like smoking, leads to a constriction, or narrowing, of the blood vessels in the retina. This constriction limits the amount of blood able to circulate and bring blood and oxygen to the retina. Poor diet can also lead to a greater risk of getting AMD due to insufficient nutrients to protect the macula.

Unfortunately there is no proven cure for AMD, however, there are a number of nutrients, which can help to reduce the progression of the disease and help to prevent further damage to the vision. Antioxidant nutrients including Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamins C & E, beta-carotene, copper and zinc, help to reduce the risk of developing AMD, and can slow down loss of sight in those who have already developed the condition. Sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E and zinc, while orange vegetables such as carrot, pumpkin and squash, dark leafy greens and other colourful fruits and vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A and C, minerals, and other antioxidants. Raw kale (which can be added to green smoothies or salads) has the highest content of lutein of any vegetable, and is also rich in zeaxanthin. Bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) is also rich in antioxidants and is commonly used by herbalists in conjunction with nutritional supplements to treat AMD.

AMD can often develop in one eye first with no noticeable effects, as the condition is painless, and the other eye tends to compensate. It is only when the second eye develops symptoms that the problem becomes apparent, and this could be too late to treat the first eye. If left untreated 17% of people will progress to advanced AMD within five years. Therefore, if you are over 50, it is important to have a comprehensive eye check every 2 years to detect early signs of AMD.

A mobile testing unit will visit Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford  between Tuesday 15th and Saturday19th of September, offering free AMD eye testing and information to the general public. Free AMD testing will also be available in participating optometrists nationwide during AMD awareness week. For further information on mobile testing dates and venues, and a list of participating optometrists, check out the AMD website at www.amd.ie.

Herbal Medicine Week

This week is Herbal Medicine Awareness Week, which has been organised by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists to raise awareness about the many benefits of Herbal Medicine.
Herbal medicine quite simply uses plants and plant extracts in the treatment and prevention of disease.  People have been using plants to cure illness for thousands of years. In fact, herbal medicine and orthodox medicine share a common root: it was not until around 200 years ago that scientists first began to extract individual active constituents from plants in order to produce orthodox drugs, and thus modern medicine and herbal medicine parted company.

Most of the pharmaceutical drugs used today are still based on plant constituents, which have been extracted or synthesised in a laboratory. For example, digoxin from foxgloves is used to treat heart disease, morphine from the opium poppy is a powerful painkiller, vinchristine from periwinkle is used in chemotherapy, and ephedrine from ma huang is an ingredient in many over the counter cold and flu medicines.

Herbal medicine, however, still uses the plants themselves, which contain many constituents, ‘as nature intended’. The main active component of the plant is balanced by these other constituents, which support its action or help to reduce its side effects. In recent times, modern research methods have been used to establish the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines.

Herbal medicines are now widely available over the counter in most pharmacies and health food shops.  For many people with minor health problems these remedies are adequate to meet their needs.  However if you are suffering from a serious illness or are unwell for any length of time, if the remedy you are taking is ineffective, or if you find yourself buying more than two or three products, it may be time to get some professional advice: It is important to ensure that the problems you are experiencing are correctly diagnosed, and that you are taking the right remedy at the right dosage.

Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic techniques as orthodox doctors but also incorporate a more traditional approach to healthcare.  Herbal Medicine is a holistic treatment, which means it is concerned with identifying the cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms, and treating the person as a whole and not just the illness.  Medical herbalists are trained to identify any potential interactions between orthodox and herbal medicines and to know when a condition is best referred to a doctor or another therapist.

Medical herbalists prescribe a blend of herbs which are uniquely tailored to the individual, using high quality extracts at effective dosages.  You will also receive individually tailored dietary and other advice, as well as recommendations about which supplements could be helpful to you.  Herbal medicine can be used to treat almost any condition, but illnesses which respond particularly well to herbal treatment include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance.
• Asthma, sinusitis and recurrent infections
• Poor circulation and varicose veins.
• Digestive problems, constipation, and IBS.
• Irregular periods, PMS, infertility and menopausal symptoms.
• Recurrent cystitis and prostate enlargement
• Arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Skin problems such as varicose ulcers, eczema and acne.

Modern medicine has undoubtedly saved and changed the lives of many people, and still remains an essential part of our healthcare system.  However, more and more people are looking for a safer, more natural and holistic approach to healthcare, and many (especially those suffering from complex, recurrent or chronic problems) achieve much better results from herbal medicine, either alone or in conjunction with another form of treatment.

Stay Safe in the Sun

The summer seems to have arrived at last, and many people are hoping for a long sunny summer here in Ireland, while others are looking forward to jetting off to sunnier climes. Either way, now is the time to start thinking about the importance of sun safety.
As most people are aware, exposure to the ultra violet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes skin damage, which can lead to the development of skin cancer. The number of new cases of skin cancer in Ireland has increased by 36% in the last decade; and the incidence of malignant melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, has risen even more sharply, affecting 84% more men and 48% more women than 10 years ago.

The widespread use of sunbeds is partly to blame for this dramatic increase; however, there is also a perception that exposure to the sun in Ireland is not as harmful as sun exposure abroad, and many people do not use adequate sun protection. In fact up to 85% of the sun’s UV rays do get through even on cloudy days, and Ireland now has the third highest incidence of malignant melanoma in Europe.

When the skin is exposed to the ultra violet (UV) radiation in sunlight, the damage caused triggers specialized cells to produce a brown pigment called melanin which gives a tanned appearance.  Repeated exposure to sunlight can lead to malfunction of these cells which results in the appearance of brown spots, patchy pigmentation and an increased risk of skin cancer.

As with most serious illnesses, early detection gives the best chance of recovery.  Watch out for any new moles, or moles that begin to change, and get them checked as soon as possible. The warning signs to look out for are:
A for Asymmetry – any change in the shape of the mole.

B for Border – any mole with a rough or irregular edge.

C for Colour – any mole with an uneven colour (light brown to black) or colour that changes.

D for Diameter – any mole that changes size or is larger than the blunt end of a pencil (6mm).

Exposure to UV radiation can also damage the skin in other ways.  In the short term there is the risk of sunburn, which can be quite severe in some cases.  In the longer term, damage to the skin’s structure causes a thickened and wrinkled appearance.  In some cases, excessive sun exposure can cause a particularly nasty form of eczema called chronic actinic dermatitis in which the skin becomes permanently thickened and inflamed with numerous scabs.

As with all things, the key is in practicing moderation.  Our main natural source of vitamin D is that which is synthesized in the skin on exposure to sunlight, but around 15-20 minutes of sunlight per day before 11 a.m. is sufficient to provide adequate levels of vitamin D. Anyone who is outdoors in sunny weather after 11 a.m. or planning a holiday to a warmer climate, should protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing a hat and applying a high factor sunscreen to exposed areas every 2 hours. It is advisable to stay in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and to avoid sunbeds at all costs.

If you do overexpose your skin to the sun there are some natural ways of helping to repair the damage.  Make sure your diet includes plenty of nuts, seeds and wheatgerm, which are high in essential fatty acids, zinc and vitamin E, which promote healing of the skin. Aloe vera gel with a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed in is excellent for restoring the skin after exposure to the sun.

Asthma and Allergy Awareness

Asthma affects as many as four hundred thousand people in this country alone, and Ireland has one of the highest rates of childhood asthma in the world. The month of May marks the beginning of the peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and has therefore been designated Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.
The tendency to develop asthma is genetic, but the disease itself is usually precipitated by environmental influences.  The environment we live in and the stressors we are exposed to have changed a great deal in recent years, and this has caused more and more people to develop the condition. Factors which can adversely affect the development of the immune system in early childhood, such as excessive use of antibacterial cleaning products, frequent courses of antibiotics, and vaccinations given when the child is unwell, may increase the risk of asthma in later life.  Other triggering factors include anxiety, infection, allergies, pollution, frequent use of certain drugs such as paracetamol, poor diet and excessive salt intake.

Asthma sufferers develop hypersensitivity of the lungs, which causes spasmodic constriction of the bronchi and production of excess mucus. This leads to a sense of constriction in the lungs with wheezing and coughing. Research has revealed that many people with asthma find it difficult to control their symptoms.  More than half of all sufferers regularly experience problems during the day due to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, and more than a quarter suffer from sleep disturbance. More than 40% of children with asthma regularly have to take time off school and 20% of adults miss days at work due to the illness.

However with the right treatment it is possible to effectively control the symptoms of asthma.  Medical herbalists take a holistic approach to treatment and provide individually tailored prescriptions, which combine a number of different herbs. For example, antispasmodic and broncho-dilating herbs such as lobelia help to reduce constriction and wheezing, anticatarrhal and expectorant herbs such as elecampane deal with excess mucus production, while antimicrobial herbs such as thyme help to treat infections and reduce the need for antibiotics. Coughing can be reduced with herbs such as coltsfoot, and antiallergy herbs such as nettle are also helpful.

If you suffer from asthma, it is important to avoid foods which commonly cause allergic reactions, such as dairy products, wheat, eggs, and nuts. It is also helpful to avoid foods that are high in histamine, such as tomatoes, red-skinned berries, citrus fruits, fermented foods and preserved meats. However, it is important to eat plenty of other fresh fruits and vegetables since studies have shown that high antioxidant diets can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma and allergy symptoms.

Reduce exposure to airborne irritants such as dust, animal hair, traffic fumes and cigarette smoke, and avoid excessive use of medicines such as paracetamol and antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.  Ensure the diet includes plenty of oily fish and fresh fruit and vegetables and take a good quality supplement which contains antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Probiotics, particularly those  containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium infantis, have also been shown to reduce allergic conditions such as asthma

20 Years at the Bench

Brian Livingston, Chiropractor at The Lismore Clinic, has received an award for 20 years service, by the McTimony Chiropractic Association. Brian trained at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Oxford, and worked in a very busy clinic in the UK for 9 years. On moving to Ireland in 2004, he spent a couple of years working at The Lismore Holistic Centre, before joining the team at The Lismore Clinic in 2006. Since then he has used his vast knowledge and extensive experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, to help many people, both from the local area and those who travel from a miles away to see him, based on his excellent reputation.
McTimoney chiropractic was developed by a chiropractor called John McTimoney in the 1950s. He pioneered a new technique for adjusting the bones which consists of an extremely light, fast and usually painless movement. The adjustment encourages the bone to return to its correct alignment without forcing it or stressing the joint.Like osteopathy and other forms of chiropractic, McTimony helps to correct misalignment of the joints due to injuries, strenuous exercise, overuse of certain joints or muscles, poor posture, or degenerative diseases such as arthritis.  However, there is no violent manipulation involved and the treatment is suitable for people of all ages, including the elderly and young children.

Joints which move out of their correct position will often cause the surrounding muscles to go into spasm in an attempt to protect the joint against further damage, and to hold the body in the most ergonomic position possible. A shift in one part of the body will usually lead to a compensatory shift elsewhere in order to maintain balance.  For example, a tilted pelvis will often result in a curve in the upper spine, while a deviation of the knee joint will cause pressure and pain in the ankle joint.  The muscles around the site of compensation are also likely to tense up and this too can cause problems.Muscles which are in spasm become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness.

Either the muscles or the misaligned bones themselves may also pinch the nerves or blood vessels in the surrounding areas, leading to problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and headaches. McTimony chiropractic can help to relieve problems affecting the muscles and other soft tissues around the joints, as well as misalignment of the bones themselves.Orthodox treatment for musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis and injuries usually consists of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be very helpful for managing severe pain in the short term. However, they do not address the underlying cause of the pain, may be associated with side effects such as gastritis and stomach ulcers if used long term. In severe cases, surgery may be offered. However, most people consider this to be a last resort.

McTimony chiropractic can help to reduce the need for analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases surgery may be avoided altogether. Brian Livingston, chiropractor at The Lismore Clinic says that, “the number of treatments needed varies depending on the nature and duration of the problem.  A recent injury will generally heal more quickly than a long-standing problem, but typically people need between two and six sessions.” The most common problems that Brian treats on a regular basis include back, neck and joint pain, injuries, tension headaches and sciatica. “I also use other techniques including massage to relax the muscles and specific exercises to help maintain the adjustment,” he adds.

For more information about McTimoney Chiropractic you can contact Brian Livingston D.C. MMCA, on 087 783 8967

Home Herbal

Next Sunday, 3rd May, I will be running an afternoon workshop on growing and foraging your own herbs and wild flowers, and using herbs at home for maintaining good health and treating a variety of common complaints. The workshop will take place at Dromana House and Gardens, on the banks of the beautiful Blackwater River in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

Integrated Medicine

Integrated medicine refers to the practice of incorporating complementary and alternative therapies with orthodox medicine, in order to create a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare. It is becoming increasingly popular among both patients and practitioners. Individuals who use complementary medicine are more likely to have experienced long term health problems and had limited success in treating these problems with orthodox medicine alone. This leads people to seek an alternative approach to healthcare, in an attempt to improve the outcome.
The pressures facing many orthodox medical practitioners allows little scope for the in-depth discussion of emotional or quality-of-life issues, or the development of self-care strategies, which is in contrast to the more holistic therapeutic relationship found in many alternative therapies. Complementary approaches also have an important role to play in management of the side effects of orthodox medicines.

At least 40% of the  population of industrialised countries now regularly use one or more forms of complementary and alternative medicine. However, patients frequently combine conventional treatment and alternative approaches, rather than using one or the other exclusively. The majority of people who use alternative medicine do so because they consider it to be beneficial to their overall health and well-being, rather than because of dissatisfaction or negativity towards conventional medicine.

One form of integrated medicine is where individual practitioners offer different modalities, for example, when a GP practices complementary therapy alongside orthodox medicine. However, it can not be taken for granted that mainstream healthcare practitioners are equipped to advise upon or practice alternative therapies based on minimal training. In many cases, only the bare essentials of highly complex healthcare systems (such as acupuncture or herbal medicine) are used, which results in loss of essential features of alternative medicine, and does not necessarily represent a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Many patients who combine orthodox medicine with complementary and alternative therapies do so independently. Unfortunately they do not always inform their doctor or alternative healthcare practitioner of the other interventions they use, and there is often little or no contact between orthodox and complementary practitioners, which would offer the possibility of better care for patients.

Integrated medicine seems to work best when based on collaboration between orthodox clinicians and alternative healthcare practitioners. Healthcare professionals from different modalities can most successfully interact with eachother for the benefit of their patients when practitioners work as a team under one roof. Under these circumstances, communication is convenient, and individual practitioners are able to gain a better understanding of the work of other healthcare professionals, and benefit from different perspectives on what is happening with particular patients.

At the Lismore Clinic, healthcare practitioners work as a team in order to provide holistic healthcare for our patients. For example, an individual experiencing emotional difficulties may combine anti-depressant Herbal Medicines with Counselling or Art Therpay, while someone with a musculoskeletal injury might combine anti-inflammatory Herbal Treatments with Chiropractic or Massage. From  Thursday 2^nd April, the team at the Lismore Clinic will also include Medical Council Registered General Practitioner, Dr. Noelle Quann.

The General Practice surgery at the Lismore Clinic will provide all the usual medical services normally provided by GPs, such as diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems in adults and children, routine screening, antenatal and preventative care. In addition to these services, Dr. Quann is also fully trained and experienced in a variety of specialist areas, including dermatology, musculoskeltal injury management and women’s health and family planning.

Medical doctor to join the team at the Lismore Clinic

From Wednesday April 2nd next, General Practitioner, Dr. Noelle Quann will join the team at the Lismore Clinic, to set up a new medical practice in Lismore.
Dr. Quann is a vocationally trained General Practitioner on the GP Specialist Division of the Irish Medical Council register. Dr. Quann holds a great deal of experience both locally and nationally, and also internationally, having worked with The Royal flying Doctor Service of Australia. In addition to her role as a GP, she is also actively involved in emergency medicine, currently working a dual role as A&E Registrar in University Hospital Waterford, thus keeping to the forefront of good clinical practice guidelines.

Dr. Quann also has extensive training and experience in pre-hospital emergency care, and is the co-founder and clinical lead for the Lismore Community First Response Programme, for which she was shortlisted to the final three nominees nationally in the Community Category of the Volunteer Ireland Awards in December 2013.

The General Practice surgery at the Lismore Clinic will provide all the usual medical services normally provided by GPs, such as diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems in adults and children, routine screening, antenatal and preventative care. In addition to these services, Dr. Quann is also fully trained and experienced in a variety of specialist areas.

Dr. Quann has specialist training & qualifications in dermatology (the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions) and in minor surgery, and is therefore able to carry out various procedures at the surgery, such as suturing of minor lacerations, skin biopsies, and removal of moles, sebaceous cysts, skin tags, and excision of ingrown toenails, which might otherwise require a referral to a dermatology or surgical clinic with the associated prolonged waiting time. She also has specialist training & certification in musculoskeletal injury management and is experienced in treating sports injuries and administering joint injections. In addition to the usual Women’s Health & Family Planning services, Dr. Quann also provides Mirena coil, Copper Coil & Implanon removal & insertion.

Integrated medicine, which combines conventional medicine with various other approaches to health care (such as nutritional therapy, physical therapy or counselling), is becoming increasingly popular. It is estimated that at least 40% of the population use one or more forms of complementary healthcare, and most people combine these with conventional medicine, rather than choosing one or the other exclusively. Working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare practice will provide patients with an opportunity to combine conventional medical care with various other approaches if they so choose, potentially providing a more comprehensive and holistic approach to health care.

If you would like any further information about the new Medical Practice at the Lismore Clinic, or if you would like to make an appointment from April 2nd onwards, please telephone the clinic on 058 53200

Fighting the Flu

Influenza, better known as the ‘flu’, is caused by a group of viruses, which are spread by small droplets of fluid, coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. These droplets can travel through the air for up to a meter, and infect anyone who breathes them in.  The flu virus can also be spread if an infected person touches his or her nose or mouth, and then touches someone else. Likewise, if an infected person touches a surface such as a door handle with unwashed hands, the virus may be transmitted to another person touches the same surface.
It is possible to catch flu at any time of year, however, it is much more common in winter, when it can reach epidemic proportions. In fact, recent research from the US has finally proven what many have long believed: that the human immune system is weaker in cooler temperatures, which allows certain viruses to thrive.

Many people believe that influenza is a severe form of the common cold, but it is actually caused by a different group of viruses. It generally starts with chills, followed by a high fever, extreme fatigue, and aches and pains. These symptoms may be accompanied by a sore throat, cough, and nausea. Most people who get a genuine flu feel very ill indeed, and are generally unable to get out of bed for several days.

The symptoms usually appear two to three days after exposure to the virus, and subside after a week or so, although the cough and feeling of tiredness may persist for much longer. In elderly people, pregnant women, and individuals with lung problems or weakened immune systems, catching the flu can be much more serious due to the increased likelihood of developing complications such as pneumonia.

Unfortunately, antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of flu, since it is caused by a virus rather than by bacteria. However, as with most things, prevention is better than cure. Washing your hands frequently with ordinary soap and water, and keeping surfaces such as door handles, telephones and computer keyboards clean helps to minimize exposure to the virus. Always use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and put it in the bin straight away. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf while out in cold weather, not just to prevent you inhaling droplets of fluid from infected people, but also to help prevent the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth from getting cold, which increases the likelihood of the virus bypassing the immune system’s first defense.

There is a vaccine available, which usually helps to reduce the risk of developing flu, especially in elderly people and those with lowered immunity. However, because the flu may be caused by any one of a number of different viruses, and because these viruses frequently mutate to form new strains, it is very difficult to predict which strain will be predominant.

Last week the HSE announced that the particular strain of flu virus which is responsible for this year’s flu outbreak, is not the one that was predicted, and therefore the flu vaccine which is currently being offered does not provide protection against the type of flu which is circulating at the moment.

Fortunately however, there are many safe and effective ways to boost your immune system and thereby help to minimize the risk of catching the flu. Essential nutrients for a healthy immune system include selenium and zinc (both of which are found in Brazil nuts).  Vitamin C is also important for resistance against infection and is found in combination with immune-boosting flavonoids in fruit and vegetables, particularly coloured varieties such as blueberries, oranges and broccoli.

One of the best herbs for enhancing immune function is Echinacea. It has an excellent reputation for helping both children and adults to resist infection. Elderberries, which are rich in vitamins A and C and bioflavonoids, are also a wonderful tonic for the immune system and they have a specific antiviral action, which helps to prevent colds, flu and other viral illnesses.

A number of scientific studies have shown that elderberries stimulate the immune system and are active against various different strains of the flu virus. In controlled clinical trials that compared elderberry extract with placebo in the treatment of influenza, patients taking the elderberry extract had significant improvements in their symptoms within two-three days. On average, the flu symptoms lasted about half as long in those taking elderberry extract compared with those taking the placebo

The most damaging factors for the immune system are poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep.  Saturated fats, sugar, chemical food additives and caffeine all stress the immune system. It is important to get enough exercise during the winter months, but it is equally important to get enough rest and sleep.

If you are unfortunate enough to catch the flu, make sure you keep warm, get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your local medical herbalist can provide an individually tailored blend of herbs to improve immune function, help fight the infection and provide symptomatic relief.