I can’t stand being told what to do, especially when it comes to my health and wellness.  My life… my body…  my rules right?... Wrong, at least according to Health Canada.  In a press release 2 weeks ago each and every Canadian was encouraged to take “the shot” and the vaccine will be available to all citizens regardless of age, sex or nationality with the higher risk categories getting the first dose, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/. So how come tonight when I watched the National on CBC television I found out that the province of Alberta ran out of vaccine this week, and that pregnant women in Ontario were refused the vaccine for the same reason.  By the way, pregnant women and children are at the highest risk category.

What makes you more prone to catching swine flu in the first place? GERMS. Where do most germs come from? Uncleanlisness, money, public areas (washrooms, bank machines, restaurants, tansit systems) contact with others and lack of good hygine.  Take the time to stay clean by washing your hands, face, body and hair often.  Avoid excessive contact with your face or hands and cover your mouth with your arm when you cough or sneeze. Germs thrive in our throat and nasal cavity. Take extra percautions to keep these areas clean by using mouthwash and flushing your nostrils with a salt water solution at least once per day.  You can also strengthen your immune system by supplementing with: antioxidants A-C-E-zinc-selenium.  Improve immunity by cooking with garlic, ginger and oregano more often. For extra nourishment eat more vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables. These are simple soultions to this global potential health problem. 

As a Holistic Nutritionist , www.rachellewood.ca, it’s my job to educate the public about healthy living. Almost every client I saw last week asked me if I was getting “the shot”. First of all, getting the shot should be a personal choice and not forced on you by anyone. Again it’s your body and what you do with it is your business. It’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons prior to making your informed decision by keeping in mind how likely you are to catch it I the first place. If you are sedetary and work in a small office building it may not be necessary, but if your in and out of airports often or suffer from immune system complications it may be in your best interest.

Although I sit on the fence this week, I am beginning to learn towards the, “take the shot and be safe,” side. My decision is based on the following principles: I travel through many airports, will be leaving the country this winter, am slightly sleep deprived and work as a public educator in 4 proviences. In the run of a week I can some into contact with thousands of people in multiple locations, therefore I feel like I may be at a higher risk to develop swine flu.  Although I am healthy, eat a well balanced diet; take my vitamins and exercise daily perhaps that is not enough to prevent the next pandemiac. Or maybe it’s a combination of both that will ensure I do not pass the flu onto anyone else. 

If you live in PEI and are looking for a clinic for the vaccine, http://www.gov.pe.ca/flu/index.. Looks like next week is my week to get the shot. Thank God because the following week I fly to Toronto which is a "swine flu hot spot", according to recent statistics. So beam me up Scotty, stick that needle in my arm- it's time for me to suck it up be a good citizen and take the H1N1 shot. 

What is your decision regarding the H1N1 shot? Rachelle and Susan would love to hear from you. Please write any comments below or email your comments to info@rachellewood.ca .