Browse through the alphabetical listing of health conditions in the above drop down menu. Learn more about a specific condition, treatment options based on scientific evidence and how the treatment works.

In using this section, it is important to understand how the research and review articles were selected. No attempt was made to be comprehensive, as that would be a vast undertaking well beyond the scope of this section. Rather we sought to provide reliable information from scientific studies showing the complementary/alternative therapeutic approaches that have been studied for each health condition and the significant results to date.

Our priorities in selecting articles included the most recent studies or reviews, the largest clinical trials in terms of number of patients studied, publication in peer-reviewed journals whenever possible, the highest quality studies (randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trials), and the use of up to three studies per given therapeutic approach that provide a representative view of the findings.

This section is for information purposes only. The treatment approaches listed are often provided in conjunction with standard medical therapy. No treatment should be initiated, nor any treatment stopped, without first consulting your health care practitioner.

We are continually in the process of adding summaries of new research studies for each of the health conditions on the drop down menu. Please check back for new information. Our Research and Guidelines section also offers summaries of research studies on the different therapeutic modalities.

Update on Flu vaccination availability at the Center:
12/9/09

The Center has received a very limited supply of the flu vaccines. Please check the websites below for sites that are administering flu vaccines as designated by the NYC Dept of Health. We recommend you call before going since the shortage may have affected distribution to them as well.

http://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/DispensingSiteLocator/mainView.do or http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http://maps.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/flushot/flushot.xml

SEASONAL INFLUENZA: The Center has received a limited supply. Priority will be given to our patients that fall under the high risk population. We started a waiting list and will be calling patients for a nursing appt once we can confirm we have the vaccine for you.

H1N1 VACCINE: The Center has received a limited supply. Priority will be given to our patients that fall under the high risk population. We started a waiting list and will be calling these patients for an appt once we can confirm we have the vaccine for you.

• Please note again- Due to manufacturer delay and shortages, both flu vaccines with be prioritized for high risk patients (see www.flu.gov).

Wanda Diaz, RN
Nurse Manager
Center for Health & Healing

PREVENTION is always the most important way to reduce the chance of getting sick in the first place. Some important strategies include:

• Wash your hands frequently especially before you eat, after taking public transportation, and especially during symptoms of cold or flu such as coughing or sneezing
• Retire at a reasonable hour and sleep
• If you feel you are coming down with something –REST. Rest strengthens your immune system
• Avoid caffeine and foods that disturb sleep
• Take care to dress according to the weather. Cover your head and neck if it is windy or cold.
• Eat nourishing warm cooked meals several times a day to keep up your strength
• Include 6 helpings of dark leafy greens, yellow-orange red colored vegetables and fruits. These foods provide lots of vitamins useful for enhancing your immune system. We often recommend selecting organic sources if possible.
• Practice stress reduction/ relaxation techniques daily. Here is an example of one you can access from the Internet www.healingchronicpain.org/content/relax/default.asp.
• Avoid direct contact with people who are ill
• If you are sick stay home. You will recuperate faster and it will prevent others from catching your illness

Letter to our Patients for the 2009 Flu Season

Dear Center Patients:

In preparation for the influenza season we would like to share with you some information that can help prevent you and your family from getting the flu and also what to do if you are exposed to or get the flu.

PREVENTION is always the most important way to reduce the chance of getting sick. Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with others and after being in public places. Maintain a balanced diet with at least six helpings of fruits and vegetables daily. Remember to drink fluids, get enough sleep and use stress reduction and relaxation techniques. Avoid/limit contact with people who are ill or use masks and hygienic measures if contact is unavoidable.

GET VACCINATED
Getting the flu vaccine is an important step in protecting against the flu. Flu viruses are always changing. Because of this, vaccines are updated every year and an annual vaccine is recommended. Each year scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu that year. When there is a close match the vaccine protects most people from serious influenza-related illness. But even when there is not a close match, the vaccine provides some protection. Influenza vaccine will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses. Seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the new H1N1 virus and so you will need to get another vaccine for this.

Vaccination is strongly recommended for all children from 6 months through 18 years and for people over age 50; anyone who is at high risk of complications from the flu and more likely to require medical care, including women who will be pregnant, people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung problems, and neuromuscular disorders; and anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other diseases or drugs that suppress the immune system.

Vaccination is also recommended for anyone who lives or cares for people at high risk of influenza complications such as health care providers, household contacts and caregivers of children up to age 5 and people over 50 or those with chronic conditions.

It is anticipated that most of the flu this season will be caused by the H1N1 strain but seasonal flu will also be circulating so that it is important to get vaccinated with both vaccines. Each vaccine will require a separate injection which can be taken at the same time when available. Children under age 9 receiving the seasonal flu vaccine for the first time will require two doses 4 weeks apart.

Some people should not get the flu vaccine or should wait before getting it. Tell your provider if you have any severe allergies. Allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare. The vaccine virus is grown in eggs, so people with a severe allergy to eggs should not get the vaccine. If you ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness) tell your provider. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the flu vaccine. People with mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine will be available at CCHH after September 21st and the H1N1 vaccine in mid October.
Because of the increased demand for vaccines this year the Center will be extending its hours to accommodate our patients.
Please call ahead of time to schedule an appointment for the vaccines.

IF YOU DO GET SICK:
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.
Some people have vomiting and diarrhea, and some people with H1N1 have respiratory symptoms without fever.

Stay home, rest and drink fluids. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to help relieve symptoms.
See our web site or speak to your provider about botanical, homeopathic and other modalities to prevent and treat colds and flu.
Children under 18 with flu-like symptoms should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reyes Syndrome.
Children under 4 should not receive over the counter cold remedies without discussing this with your healthcare provider.

If you are not in a high risk group and have mild flu symptoms treatment is not necessary. Most people with flu recover without complications in 3-7 days. If you are in a high risk group or have contact with those who are or have worrisome symptoms such as breathing difficulties, severe vomiting or diarrhea it is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss management.

Antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamavir (Relenza) are recommended for all high risk groups and for people caring for people at high risk which includes children less than 5 years old (especially those under 2 years) or over 65, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung problems, neuromuscular disorders and immune suppression.

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible because treatment is most effective if started within 48 hours.
In most cases a treatment decision can be made based on your history. Rapid in-office testing is not reliable and routine testing takes too long to help in the decision to treat. High risk patients can discuss with their provider about having a prescription on hand to facilitate early treatment if needed.

IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO THE FLU:
For people who have had close contact with someone with the flu, treatment with antiviral medications should be considered if you are in a high risk group or have close contact with someone in a high risk group.

Exposure is defined as having close physical contact with someone with the flu. Casual contact is not considered a reason to treat.

The infectious period of the flu is 24 hours before symptoms start to 24 hours after fever ends. In some cases (mainly children) people can remain infectious up to 7 days or more after getting sick. Treatment is 70-90% effective in preventing the flu if taken within 48 hours of exposure to susceptible strains. Alternatively, one can wait to see if symptoms develop and treatment can be started at the earliest sign. This decision is best made together with your healthcare provider.

For more information on the flu go to www.cdc.gov/flu or call 1-800-232-4636.

We wish you all a season of health and healing.