I will opt out of the flu shot as usual.  The only vaccines that I have gotten were those that I received from the US Army, namely, smallpox and tetanus.  My father, the doctor, did not believe that vaccines were necessary if the immune system was alive and well.  This opens a big discussion. Is your immune system compromised?  Do you get colds, respiratory infections and other ills?  Are you on the sad American diet (SAD) or the usual non-food program of fake food, fast food, and fried food?  This type of behavior will make you more susceptible to become ill from whatever “bug” is floating around.  On the other hand, if you are eating fruits, salads, veggies, seeds,nuts and grains with some fish and seafood you are probably on the right track.  Of course, some chicken, turkey three to four times a week is ok.  Lamb, lean pork and beef are necessary and should not be well done.  Remember, cook low and slow.  Keep the heat down.  So it turns out that what needs to be done has nothing at all in common with standard medical practice. I am not against emergency medical treatment or getting a diagnosis of an ailment.  I am however, very concerned about the use of medications for every condition from insect bites to terminal diseases.  Don’t forget that every prescription drug has one or more side effects and possible nutrient depletions.  Can we just slow down a little bit and get some perspective as to what is going on?  When I had a stomach ache, my Mom would say to me, “wait three days and let’s see what is going to happen.”   Usually, she would prepare the proper diet and perhaps some “natural” product that would cure my ills.  Over time this kind of a regimen will build up the immune system so that you are no longer prone to every “bug” that comes along.  ABC News reported that in a paper published by Pediatrics “suggests that probiotics, good bacteria, can have a preventative effect on cold and flu viruses.”  Hey, that’s what Mom said!  But ladies and gentlemen, this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Here I am still boosting my immune system everyday.  Who said exercise would help?  Come on, take a dose of courage and exercise three minutes every day. Thank’s for tuning in. Improving your health is my total commitment. Gill Weise, Your Pharmacist, Naturally (904-384-4642)