Let the Flu Go Around You

Since mid-Fall TV commercials have been trumpeting the horrors of the "flu season". "It's never too soon to begin fighting this year's bug" they blare. Public health announcements urge us to get our "yearly flu shot", as if this is something we've got permanently scheduled in our Blackberries. All the leading over-the-counter pain medications offer special seasonal "flu" mixtures, and their ads deluge daytime and prime-time broadcasting.

For the health consumer, namely us, it seems as if this annual "war on the flu" is received wisdom. We're just defenseless human beings at the mercy of the all-powerful flu virus.

What's wrong with this picture?

What's never mentioned in the "flu warning" marketing is the versatility and adaptability of our remarkable immune system. We're the lucky owners of a built-in state-of-the-art biowarfare system, on-the-job 24/7 to combat microscopic foreign invaders of our health and well-being. Once our immune system has detected a foreign protein it mounts an immediate defense, attacking and destroying the alien molecules. And, the memory of that particular invader is permanent, enabling a future immune response to be swift and effective.1

The big issue with influenza is that new strains appear each year. We've never encountered these germs before. But, the whole basis and strength of our immune system is flexibility. It is specially designed to respond quickly to new attackers. And, for the most part, it does this very, very well.

Of course, no one wants their dinner companion to sneeze in their plate of pasta, as Elaine did on an infamous episode of "Seinfeld". Through a typical cascade of unfortunate events, Jerry's and George's comedy pilot was almost scuttled because the network executive was Elaine's date, and he got violently ill by being on the receiving end of her blast of micro-bugs.

In the real world, our immune systems can be weakened due to life habits, circumstances, and stress. Stress is a notorious compromiser of immune defenses.2 And, of course, being human, there's plenty of stress from dawn to dusk. If worry and anxiety pile on top of not-enough-sleep or sub-optimal nutrition, getting sick is a pretty likely outcome. So, developing and maintaining healthy habits of living and successful strategies for managing stress is really the key.3

If you do the simple things that keep you healthy and well, in the winter months you can pretty much "let the flu go around you". You can be confident, knowing you've done the work to fight off the latest flu threat. Someone else's germs are their germs, not yours. If your immune system is on the job, you're far less likely to "catch" something.

And, even if you do succumb, you've got a much better chance of getting well again quickly.

1Sompayrac L: How the Immune System Works, 2nd ed. Blackwell, 2002.
2Wein H:Stress and disease - new perspectives. NIH Word on Health, October 2000.
3The Truth About Your Immune System - What You Need To Know. Harvard Health Publications, 2007.

Locations

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • ""I appreciate the attention to detail of my care and treatment plan""
    Tristen J/Remsen
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the chiropractic care I received from Dr. Stange."
    Bob H. / Orange City, IA
  • ""Everyone was so friendly and caring! The front desk staff and chiropractors made me feel so at ease.""
    Amber H./Orange City
  • ""I appreciate the courteous and friendly staff, as well as the complete explanation of recommended care""
    Phyllis/Orange City
  • ""The staff at the front desk were extremely friendly and helpful. I appreciated how Dr. Stange remembered things I had told him about my life and his interest in basketball. This experience was excellent! There is nothing I would change! I am so thankful Dr. Stange was able to help get me through the basketball season!""
    Breanne
  • ""Dr. Sarah shows a genuine interest in my health, is always a great listener and willing to offer her expertise. I have been thoroughly impressed by my visits & appreciate the knowledge and caring spirit she shares each visit""
    Kim
  • ""Everyone is friendly. Don't waste time waiting to see the doctor. Flexible with scheduling appointments. Doctor fixed my back issues""
    Pat
  • ""I'm always able to be seen quickly, so it doesn't interrupt my day. The care provided is quality and attentive. They are a wonderful business and I recommend you all the time""
    Mary
  • ""Pleasant welcome, quick service-the girls are very professional. Excellent care from the doctor and staff. Dr. Stange is a very accomplished physician, trust him completely!""
    Gloria
  • ""Dr. Sarah doesn't miss a beat! She is never rattled by my 5 year old's behavior, she meets him right where he is & gets her job done. He has respect for her that I normally don't see with others until much later in a relationship!""
    Jessica H.
  • ""Fast and easy, and everyone is very nice!""
    Emma
  • ""Everyone was so kind & helpful. Everything is clean & well taken care of. It is near our house and that is convenient for me. Wonderful experience!""
    Norma K./Orange City
  • ""I appreciate the friendliness of everyone on staff in helping me to feel better. A big thank you!!!""
    Pat K/Remsen
  • "I love Chiropractic care because it helps keep my kids healthier!"
    Jamie S / Sioux Center
  • ""I greatly appreciate the help I received at each appointment. I am also thankful for the different stretches Dr. Sarah gave me to do at home and at work. Thanks also for being open and honest about payment plans and openly communicating with my employer about work limitations""
    Rona/Orange City
  • "Dr. Stange has been working on correcting my sciatica for a short time each visit helps me more than I can express. The staff here is so supportive and upbeat you just start feeling better just walking in the door. I highly recommend!"
    Ronda S./Orange City
  • "Only been there twice but gotten some major relief from those 2 visits. I have found my new chiropractor for life."
    Terry S./Sheldon