FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chiropractic Part of Swine Flu Prevention Program in Children

ATLANTA, Georgia – September 8, 2009

A recent update on the Swine flu released by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports on the deaths of 36 children attributable to complications from the viral infection. The majority of those deaths occurred in children with very significant neurodevelopmental disorders.

According to the data some of these children also had chronic pulmonary disorders and some were obese. In fact, most who died had multiple, severe, chronic health conditions.

“The number of children with neurological, neurodevelopmental and pulmonary disorders who ended up with complications from the H1N1 flu and who ultimately died from these complications point to the need to make sure that children with such disorders, and in fact all children, have as little interference to their nervous systems as possible” stated Matthew McCoy DC, MPH a public health specialist, health researcher and editor of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic.

McCoy added “It also shows that the majority of children who ended up with complications from H1N1 infection were not normal, healthy children. So, if you have normal, healthy children - rather than panic from these media reports its better to consider the things you can do to make sure that your child’s immune system remains functioning at its best.” 

In addition to a healthy diet, exercise and proper sleep one crucial way to make sure your child’s immune system is functioning at its best is to make sure their nervous system is free from interference. Since the nervous system has a direct effect on the immune system and because the spine houses and protects so much of the nerve system it is important to have your child’s spine checked for any interference.

“Nerve interference can result from spinal misalignments or abnormal motion in the spine called vertebral subluxations and because the nervous system affects immune function it is important to reduce or correct any vertebral subluxations if found” advised Dr. Christopher Kent, chiropractic researcher and President of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation.

Interestingly, the CDC found that 13 (52%) of the children who died had received at least 1 dose of the 2008--09 seasonal flu vaccine including 11 children who had these high-risk medical conditions. Of further interest is that 15 of those who died and who had chronic medical conditions had also received antiviral treatment. What role, if any, these two factors had in the deaths was not discussed in the CDC report.

“The lesson in all of this is to go back to the basics” stated Kent, “The best defense against viral and bacterial diseases, in addition to the recommendations for hand washing and covering your mouth, is a highly functioning immune system. Chiropractic should be part of an effective flu prevention strategy.”    

Chiropractors specialize in the identification and care of vertebral subluxations. Through examination of the spine they can determine if subluxations are present and if found can recommend the necessary care to reduce or correct them. Both McCoy and Kent urge all parents to have their children checked for nervous system interference as soon as possible before and during the upcoming flu season.

This information makes you think.  Doesn't it? 

If you have any other questions please contact Dr. Rob Anderson of Vitality Chiropractic, Your Highlands Ranch Chiropractor for information.  303-346-7095