Flu Shot Facts: Read This Before You Get Yours

Q.  Does my family need the flu shot?

A. We now are starting to see the annual advertisements and scare tactics used for the seasonal flu and flu shot.  It’s interesting how the flu takes a “break” during the spring and summer. Our community needs to understand their choices and options. It’s important because they have now combined the H1N1 and the regular flu shot into one.   It’s ok to ask questions. Here are a few;

 What are the ingredients in the flu shot? The flu, Thimerisol (Mercury derivative) fertilized chicken embryos, detergents, antibiotics, and sucrose to name a few. (–flu.gov)

How do these side effects differ from getting the flu? Side effects of the flu shot; Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, Fever (low grade), body aches, runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, sore throat, and cough to name just a few.  –CDC If you or your child has ever had a reaction to a shot; you need to tell your doctor so that it is documented. They estimate that only about 2% of all adverse reactions are reported.  You can go to vaers.org for more information.

What are healthy alternatives to the flu shot that have been shown to be more effective than the flu shot?

Chiropractic adjustments; a healthy nervous system equals a healthy immune system.

Vitamin D, there is an abundant of information about the effectiveness of Vit. D and preventing the flu. You can pick up Vit. D drops at your local health food store or at most local Chiropractors’ offices. You should take about 5000-10000 IU/day.

Get plenty of rest, drink more water, exercise, get a massage, and other stress reduction techniques. Not only will these techniques help prevent the flu, they’ll make you healthier overall. Remember, the flu shot is NOT mandatory, no matter what anyone says. Be educated and make your decision after learning all the facts.

September Newsletter

Check out all of the healthy things going on at Waukee Wellness in September!

Swedish vs. Deep Tissue Massage

 What's the difference between a deep tissue massage and a Swedish massage? I get asked this question at least once a week, so I figured I would enlighten all the blog readers about this.

 

There are several differences between the two modalities, or types of massage. First and foremost are the technique involved. In a Swedish massage there are various massage strokes that include effluerage (gliding), kneading, friction, stretching and tapping (slapping, hacking, cupping,flicking, and beating). In a true Swedish massage the therapists hands never stop moving even when switching techniques or parts of the body. In all Swedish massage, the therapist lubricates the skin with massage oil or cream and performs various massage strokes that warm up and work the muscle tissue, releasing tension and breaking up muscle "knots" or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension and creates other health benefits. You can receive a Swedish massage with light pressure, deep pressure and anywhere in between. Even with deep pressure only the superficial layer of muscles will be affected. Because of the techniques the deeper tissues and underlying muscles will most likely not be affected. Swedish massage is, however, the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage. Which brings me to Deep tissue.

            Deep Tissue massage is a technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two. When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces every day - the water you drink while working out does NOT count as you sweat that out right away) after a deep-tissue session to help eliminate these toxins from the body. A deep tissue massage will use less massage oil or cream to create more friction. This also helps heat up the tissue better to get better results. 

            It's important to be realistic about what one deep tissue massage can achieve. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won't happen, and here's why: every muscle has fibers that each hold memory cells. If your muscles are held in a certain position for so long those cells remember that holding pattern. As therapists we have to reteach these muscles how to relax, which is why it can take several sessions before we see lasting relief. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage. Finally, while deep tissue is certainly valuable, you should be aware that gentle styles of massage like craniosacral therapy can also produce profound release and realignment in the body. We will delve into that in a later post.

--Sylvia