British Researchers Report – Flu drugs may NOT be worth it for healthy adults

ellevue WA – It looks like there is a simple secret to living longer and feeling better while you do it - and it’s something just about anyone can do. At least, that’s what the findings of a new study suggest.

But before we talk about this simple longevity tactic… you should know about this…

Swine Flu Mania!

I’m sure you’ve heard… there is something called the swine flu going around. The scientific name is now H1N1. And H1N1 is not the only thing “going around.” A lot of hysteria is traveling with it.

When they first reported on this flu several months ago, some news programs hyped it up to the point you thought the human race was going to be wiped off the face of the Earth!

Well, as it turns out… that’s not even close to the reality…

H1N1, so far, hasn’t been the death sentence the media prophesized. Most people with H1N1 get flu-like symptoms and are perfectly fine in no time.

Why is that?

It’s because most people who contract H1N1 have normal and healthy immune systems. And when you have a normal and healthy immune system, you can fight off just about anything known to man (or woman).

Just like the “regular” flu… people with compromised immune systems are the ones at risk… and that is why it is important to keep your immune system functioning at its highest genetic potential.

This includes: eating right, exercising, reducing stress and visiting your doctor for routine check-ups. This includes Chiropractic care to keep your spine working properly and alleviating any unnecessary stress and strain on your system.

Here’s something you should know about taking anti-viral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza…

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, Reuters reported that a new study published in the Lancet Infectious Disease suggests treating H1N1 in normal healthy adults may not be worthwhile.

“Recommending the use of anti-viral drugs for the treatment of people presenting with symptoms is unlikely to be the most appropriate course of action,” wrote Jane Burch of the University of York and colleagues.

According to the Reuters’ article, the results of this study also support an already existent advisory from the World Health Organization (WHO): “healthy patients who get H1N1 swine flu without suffering complications do not need to be treated with anti-virals.”

The WHO, however, strongly recommends both drugs for pregnant woman and children under 5 because these two groups are at risk for greater illness.

Do Tamiflu and Relenza Work?

The research team in the above study reviewed several published studies. With healthy people, flu symptoms usually last one week untreated. Treated with either Tamiflu or Relenza, symptoms were cut by HALF A DAY.

People with a higher risk, like diabetics or asthmatics saved a day with Tamiflu, and three-quarters of a day with Relenza.

Due to fear, people have been hording these two drugs for months. This research suggests it is not a good idea to take these drugs if you are healthy. In fact, researchers concluded that the drugs should be saved for those who need them most.

A Little Can Go

A LONG Way…

Enough about H1N1. Now would be a good time for a little longevity secret, right?

Well, here you go…

A new study in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise suggests people who stay even moderately fit as they age may live longer than those who do not.

According to an August 21, 2009 Reuters’ article, “Our findings suggest that sedentary lifestyle, rather than differences in cardiovascular risk factors or age, may explain (the) two-fold higher mortality rates in the least-fit versus slightly more fit healthy individuals,” lead researcher, Dr. Sandra Mandic of the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, noted in an email to Reuters Health.

She pointed out that nearly two-thirds of the least-fit study participants were not getting the minimum recommended amount of exercise — at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, on five or more days a week.

“These results emphasize the importance of improving and maintaining high fitness levels by engaging in regular physical activity,” Mandic said, “particularly in poorly fit individuals.”

And here’s something of MAJOR importance!!!!

The study showed a history of exercise was not a factor. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you used to be in shape. What matters is RECENT activity.

This helps explain why a professional athlete, who was in phenomenal shape for years, can die young from heart disease.

The study suggests you only get protection from RECENT physical activity.

This may be disheartening for many since so many people look at “exercise programs” and “diet,” as temporary things… doing them just long enough to get in the desired shape or lose a certain amount of weight.

This approach will NOT make you healthy. What will help make you healthy and possibly live longer is making the commitment to change your lifestyle. Committing to eating right and exercising FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

That is exactly what Chiropractors believe and have been teaching for years – - health is the result of what you routinely do now and for the rest of your life.

That’s why it is also important to commit to getting and keeping your spine working properly with Chiropractic care. If you stop exercising, you lose the positive effects. If you stop brushing your teeth, you lose the positive effect. And, if you neglect your spine, chances are, you will eventually end up in rough shape again. Staying healthy and living longer is in YOUR hands.

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.