Yo!Ho!Ho! Howdy it's Holiday Time..   

              

He’s making a list and checking it twice… gonna’ find out who’s naughty or nice…. Hopefully you’ll be getting the tick of approval from the Old Guy in the Red suit …. Me? I’m not so sure … guess I‘ll have to wait to check under the tree! Personally I think it is all a matter of guidelines – surely you can be a little naughty and still be considered nice, probably even nicer in some respects – think that last comment just shot down any Xmas stocking hopes I had. 

For those of you who feel a little threatened by all the tempting goodies, in which over-indulgence can trigger some nasty physiological effects… what can I say that won’t sound like nagging… not a lot… So take the best care you can, given all that temptation and we’ll try and put you back together in the New Year….

There is, however, one ‘little’ thing…….

 

 

What is very small; likes sunshine, endless parties, alcohol, chocolate, turkey and dislikes sleep?

No, not a diminutive wasted, insomniac with a death wish.

The correct answer is HERPES!

Yep that’s right ‘Cold Sores’ or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV 1) to be precise. Let’s ‘face’ it, it is one little decoration we can do without!

So what is it?

The Herpes Simplex Virus is a recurrent viral infection which affects the skin or mucous membranes. It is just one of several herpes viruses, including the chickenpox virus, all of which are stored in the body for life. Type 1 (HSV-1 oral-facial herpes) is carried by around 80% of the population and in the past has mostly caused cold sores, although it can unfortunately transmit to other areas of the body normally associated with HSV 2 (and vice versa). Infections present as painful vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes and transmission of the virus is through infected secretions.

The primary entry point of an HSV infection is a mucosal surface or break in the skin, after which it is maintained by the nerve ganglion cells in a latent state. Reactivation results from stress, trauma and/or immune-compromised state. Yep. It’s a nasty little opportunist virus, no argument there, so how do we avoid having it rain on our ‘Holiday Parade’. If we are aware of some early indicators there are some products both natural and medical which are very good at preventing the outbreak or at the very least minimizing the impact and length of the discomfort.

Be alert for ‘signs and symptoms of herpes reactivation:

·        Fever

·        Malaise                 

·        Myalgias – sore muscles

·        Loss of appetite

·        Irritability

·        Lesions of the lip, face, gingiva, tongue, and hard and soft palate

·        Inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa

·        Facial neuralgia

Of course prevention is always better than cure……

Herbal preparations: Many are generally recommended in newspapers and magazines to help de-stress and improve your immune system, however it is better to have these professionally dispensed as some recommended herbs such as St John Wort need to monitored and the dosage controlled to avoid other problems.

Topically creams containing Lemon Balm, Calendula, Comfrey, Propolis, Echinacea and Golden Seal have been shown to be effective in many cases.

Try juicing….

 Immune Booster Juice: 1 stick celery; 1 ripe tomato (organic or vine ripened is best);

1 pear; 1 beetroot; 2 dandelion leaves or cabbage leaves; 1/2 cm slice fresh ginger root;

1 clove garlic (optional); 1/2 red onion'; 2cm slice of fresh pineapple.

Tomato contains lycopene which has shown some anti-cancer benefits (particularly prostate); pears - low allergy; beetroot excellent blood tonic and full of immune boosting nutrients; dandelion and cabbage contain organic sulphur and support liver function; ginger, garlic and onion - for their natural antibiotic properties; carrot - betacarotene, which strengthens mucous membranes and assists in reducing  the risk of many cancers.

Taking care of yourself will help you manage the virus more effectively. Anyone who’s in good health, eating well and getting plenty of rest and relaxation, is less likely to have outbreaks than someone who’s run-down.

If you wish to know more about the other forms of the virus, you know where you can find me or alternatively hit the following link.... (HSV 2)

For those of you who do enjoy a “wee dram” (a Gaelic reference to an alcoholic drink) or two…. I have included the annual Hang-Over Cure:

1 medium carrot; 1 medium apple - skin on; 2 slices watermelon, with some of the white pith;  1 medium orange; 1 medium grapefruit (unless you can't handle the thought of the acidy taste); 2cm. slice beetroot; 2 fresh dandelion leaves or 2 cabbage leaves. Wash, trim, chop and pass through a juicer.

Drink 1 glass before retiring (Perhaps you should think ahead and prepare this before you venture out as it could be interesting getting this all together when really inebriated. For you risk takers…think of it like a healthier version of touching your nose or walking a straight line - please be careful with sharp knives or get a friend to help). Drink another glass on rising and continue every hour or so, or until you feel more alive than zombie. Drink plenty of water as well.

 

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house

 unless they have a well-stocked bar.” W.C. Fields.

 

Aromatherapy scents for this season:  Orange, Geranium, Cedar wood... and if you want to increase the Christmas feel add some Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Petit grain or Cardamon to the mix in your oil burner.

I hope this will be of some help in coping with the Festive Season. So… enjoy the Holiday season and all its related activities ….Family gatherings ….. Goodwill to all (unfortunately family gatherings often negate this!) Take time out to smell the flowers.... preferably not after falling down rotten drunk in the garden bed! (See: Hang-over cure above). Enjoy....and most importantly….SURVIVE the familial bonding!

Silliness aside, it has been yet another eventful year and I think we are all entitled to some rest, relaxation and happy times. So get out there and have some fun with those you love, loosen up a little (this also includes waistbands) and SMILE!!

 

 

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle

and the life of the candle will not be shortened.

               Happiness never decreases by being shared. - Buddha

 

 

For those of you searching for alternative gifts Aquarius Rising (George St. Parramatta) contains a virtual cornucopia of goodies! We are also offering a:

20% Discount on all Gift Vouchers purchased before December 24th

 

We will be closed from 19th December 2008, re-opening on January 15th 2009

Clinic Days for 2009:             Thursday    10:00 - 7:00

                                                Friday         10:00 - 7:00

Saturday      9:00 - 2:00

 

 

Community Information!!!!!

 

More Community Information:

For those of you in the ‘West and South-West’… Community minded client ‘Colleen M’ has been collecting for a Women’s Refuge in the Fairfield area. As you would no doubt know, people who require accommodation at a refuge have had to do so with very short, often dramatic notice and are without even the most basic necessities. Also as it is Christmas time perhaps any un-needed articles or unwanted gifts which may brighten someone’s day would be greatly appreciated. Currently the refuge is looking for donations of children’s clothing – up to approx. size 14; women’s clothing – all sizes; ‘basic’ bed linen and kitchen utensils. So if you are over-loaded in any of these departments please ring Colleen on 0411284618 and she will organize to collect them from you.

Please. ‘Do not bring them to the clinic!!!! I have no knowledge of the actual whereabouts of the refuge and will only have to call Colleen to pick them up anyway.

 

General Business - Consultations prices will remain the same until 30th March 2009

To review our Reward system… In each calendar year – it gets too confusing otherwise – your 6th treatment will be at half the normal list price! If you already receive a pensioner or student discount, this will be lowered to the above prices only.  Also you will be entitled to a 20% discount on one treatment taken during your birthday month. January will continue to be Discount month. We have chosen the calendar year format as this is the one used by most health funds i.e. as of January 1st 2009 we start the count all over again.

Referrals: If you refer someone, please tell them to mention your name when they book the consultation as I put a note on your chart and you will receive a 20% discount on your next treatment.

 

                             Wishing you a relaxing break from work & study

                                All aboard.... for a happy, healthy and productive 2009.

                                                                                              

                                                                                                                 Keryn