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LisaD
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| Posted: May 16 2008 at 7:14pm | IP Logged
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My family has been sick constantly since Christmas. There has not been one week that there hasn't been at least one person sick with something. Two weeks ago we had a violent stomach flu rip through our house. This week we are on child three with a high fever and sore throat. We wash hands frequently, take multivites, extra C, echinachea (sp?), and fish oil. What else can I do (or more specifically, what can I get my children to do) to help strengthen our immune systems?
I cannot make any plans or commitments without having to cancel them. I haven't had my hair trimmed since November, because every time I make an appointment I end up canceling it because someone is sick.
This is so unusual for us. We've always had a pretty healthy family, but I feel like throwing up (pardon the pun) my hands and living in a plastic bubble.
Any suggestions?
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~Lisa
Mama to dd(99), ds(01), ds(03) and ds(06)
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Kath
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| Posted: May 16 2008 at 8:42pm | IP Logged
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I really recommend taking a good probiotic for this. It will rebuild your immune system by supplying the good bacteria that is needed to fight off infections. My husband had a poor immune system and was getting sick 1-2 times a month. He started taking a probiotic and he hasn't been sick at all in five months. We use one from Klaire Labs and we buy it at our local health foods store.
Probiotics are definitely a little pricey, but for us it has been worth it.
I hope you find something that helps!
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Anneof 5
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 9:54am | IP Logged
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Cutting back on sugar is supposed to help with the immune system. Studies (sorry I don't have the specifics) have been done that show that within 5-6 hours after ingesting sugar, the immune system weakens.
Also, and I know I have to remember to do this, is to toss the toothbrushes after someone is sick. I think it actually helps. Some years we go through a lot of toothbrushes! Hope you all feel well soon.
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 10:30am | IP Logged
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Lisa, I'm so sorry you're going through this! Makes me think your house is sick, too. You need a good spring cleaning, open the windows and get the germs out! That's what my grandmother used to say when we were stricken for so long.
There's not a possibility of mold issues in the house?
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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LisaR
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 12:30pm | IP Logged
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ditto the probiotics, and how about some exercise, fresh air??
I also started being a bit more cautious about socializing during the winter months. I said "no " on more than one occasion to a play date or something similar, only to have the mom call me the next day that they all were up vomiting 
When in doubt, stay home, Oct-March is my new motto!
also, I have many friends whose kids are getting sick on Mondays. guess why?? coffee and donuts after church on sunday where the kids are eating, playing, sharing nursery toys, etc and the parents were distracted and didn;t think to wash hands/, etc..
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Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
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Tami
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 12:47pm | IP Logged
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Lisa, I've had seasons like this too. I can sympathize.
This is not immune-system oriented (like you asked about  ) but more practical. Like Anne, I'd recommend tossing the toothbrushes (actualy, my dr. told me this once) or running them through the dishwasher, if you have one.
And I'd look at everything the kids touch - toys, pillowcases and towels, the telephone - anything that's a high contact item on a regular basis.
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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LisaD
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 7:34pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for all the good suggestions, ladies! I do run the toothbrushes through the dishwasher after a bout of illness, but I think I should start doing this on a nightly basis.
It's also possible that our environment at home could be contributing to illness. We live in a rental house, and we have had some asbestos removed (by an abatement company specializing in asbestos removal), and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if there was a mold issue, too.
I know my kids get more sugar than is reasonable. I will work on that!
I take probiotics, just the Trader Joe's brand. Is there a brand out there that is specifically for kids, that doesn't taste too weird? I bought some strawberry-flavored chewables from Trader Joe's and the kids declared them revolting tasting!
I drove a friend's girls home from an outing yesterday, and their mom called me later and told me that 20 minutes later one of the girls started vomiting. Wonderful. I'm just praying those special germs didn't get shared with my kids!
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~Lisa
Mama to dd(99), ds(01), ds(03) and ds(06)
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krygerzoo
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| Posted: May 19 2008 at 7:11pm | IP Logged
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Some in our family take Spirulina (a vitamin rich super food supplement), others take bee pollen.
Like the others have said, sugar will weaken your systems like crazy!! Try to do without as many processed foods, too.
Prayers to you for getting rid of the germies.
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Peace, Katherine
wife to David '89, mom to +Kaden Michael (8/15/94-5/10/05), DD'97, DS'99, DD'01, DS'05, (+baby'08), DS'09, (+baby'12) & DD '13
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Bolstering our Immune Systems
