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FEBRUARY 18th, 2007

I hate getting sick!

As a pediatrician, I get exposed to all kinds of germs: Influenza, streptococcus, staphylococcus, cold viruses, whooping cough, stomach flu� You name it, I have had it! 2-3 years ago, most colds that I caught would linger for 1, 2, 3 weeks and eventually become a sinus infection, or bronchitis or walking pneumonia. I would need antibiotics 4-5 times a year!

Over the past year, I have really focused on keeping my immune system healthy, and it has really made a difference � it�s been about a year and a half since I needed antibiotics. My patients always want to know my secret, so here is my immune system strengthening plan: I get regular exercise, I take an omega-3 oil supplement, I take Juice Plus+ (extra when I feel a cold coming on), I avoid immune suppressing foods like excessive sugar, and I drink lots of water. Now, none of these is a silver bullet on its own, but the combination of all them together has made all the difference.

Until today!

I am currently confined to my couch, with a fever and sore throat, watching the end of the Daytona 500. I could feel this coming on last night with that little �scratchy throat and body ache� feeling, and this morning I was rather sick. My wife has quarantined me in the TV room because if she gets sick, our family�s routine gets thrown into chaos� and of course, it would be all my fault!

This is obviously not a good time to be getting sick (is it ever?), so I am doing everything I can to fight it. I�m doing an echinacea/vitamin C mix, extra Juice Plus+, plenty of fluids, and lots of rest. I do hate being sick, but it has been a bit nice to take it easy for day, and I got to watch my first NASCAR race from start to finish! I sure hope this isn�t the flu that many of my patients have � it lasts a whole week!

Quick update: Next day, I was much improved! Able to go to work. Love that immune system! Also, family did not catch it, whew!

Dr. Jim

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