It is that time of the year for colds and flus. Both viral illnesses have similar
symptoms and are relegated with the “go home, hydrate, and rest” type of advice.
(Good Advice)
The most common old symptoms usually are a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing.
Other symptoms include coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. There is no
vaccine to prevent colds, which come on gradually and often spread through
everyday contact. Colds are caused by a group of virus called rhinovirus. Due to the
phlegm, being a breeding medium for bacteria, secondary viral or bacterial
infections can lead to further complications in the ears, sinuses, throat and lungs.
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, headache, chills, dry cough,
sore throat, body or muscle aches, tiredness, and feeling generally miserable. Like
the viruses that cause a cold, flu viruses can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing,
and watery eyes. Young children also may experience nausea and vomiting.
Note that once infected, this includes being vaccinated, your immune system can be knocked down for weeks. Prevention can play an important role as recovery from
the illness occurs and this period may require enhanced vigilance in propping up
your immune system.
Colds usually run their course, whereas flus require more time. Being proactive can
quicken the course, prevent spread and help you feel better. When you’re sick, limit
exposing yourself to other people. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or
sneeze. Wash your hands and surfaces. Stay hydrated. Fluids should include healthy
herbal teas, water, and electrolytes if there is fever or vomiting. Resist fruit juice-
too much sugar and sodas. Resting is key.
Prevention is ninety percent of care. Stay healthy by sleeping well, minimizing sugar
and simple carbohydrates in your meals. Keep your Vitamin D up. Vitamin D is
integral in keeping our immune system at the ready. Vitamin C also raises the
immune system and can be taken in divided doses through the day. Zinc may also be helpful.
Vaccines can help with prevention, but they are not specific. If you have had the flu
vaccine there is still the risk of colds and other flu’s that were not in the vaccine, so
stay vigilant.
In our dry winter, using a nasal rinsing protocol with saline solution is beneficial.
The hydration of the nasal mucous helps by cleaning debris and hydrating the

surface, minimizing mucous production. Mucous provides a breeding ground for
virus’ and bacteria.
Sambucus, a botanical from the west, has been shown in studies to be a reliable antiviral. Isatis, a botanical from the East has also been shown to be a reliable anti- viral.
Other herbs are useful and effective in treating specific symptoms, like coughing,
sinus congestion, ear pain and sore throats.
Since colds and flus come with a variety of symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors
utilize symptom specific botanicals and supplements as well as homeopathic
medicines and hydrotherapy treatments, to help you recover faster and feel better.
Be well and get on track to combat the colds and flus of this winter

surface, minimizing mucous production. Mucous provides a breeding ground for
virus’ and bacteria.
Sambucus, a botanical from the west, has been shown in studies to be a reliable anti
viral. Isatis, a botanical from the East has also been shown to be a reliable anti viral.
Other herbs are useful and effective in treating specific symptoms, like coughing,
sinus congestion, ear pain and sore throats.
Since colds and flus come with this variety of symptoms, Naturopathic Doctors
utilize symptom specific botanicals and supplements as well as homeopathic
medicines and hydrotherapy treatments, to help you recover faster and feel better.
Be well and get on track to combat the colds and flus of this winte
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Growing up in San Francisco, I picked up the healthy eating and exercise vibe. In 1988 I graduated with a BA in biology from UC Santa Cruz and pursued physical therapy. In my working with therapists and spending time doing massage I found Naturopathic Medicine and fell in love with the philosophy behind the medicine. I went to school at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (now National University of Naturopathic Medicine), the oldest Naturopathic school, in Portland, Oregon. I planned on a cradle to grave, family practice so I pursued obstetrics as well as pediatrics. I moved to Alaska in 1996 where I opened a family practice and continue to practice today. My practice is based on using science to help find causes for the disease or imbalance and using natural solutions and lifestyle modifications to create greater health. I have recently added Yoga therapy to my practice. I have a 200 hr yoga teaching certificate from Sarajoy Marsh in her Amrita style which combines yoga tradition with neuroscience and Ayurveda. I also have over 150 hrs in Yoga therapy from Jnani Chapman whose training is based on Integral yoga and MBSR classes. Her goal is to use researched techniques in her classes. I teach stress modification workshops to help people understand stress’ effects on the body and natural means to equip us to be more stress hardy, as well as mindful yoga aiding people's ability to slow down, breathe and be more aware of the body’s messages. I have advanced training in Environmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology. My aim is to educate and treat people individually in order to have healthier communities. Everyone deserves to be living their journey with greater balance and ease.

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