Freedom from Fear and the Flu

Over the weekend I spent one evening at the emergency clinic of my child's pediatrician. The office was crammed full of parents and children with no room to even sit in a chair. Several kids came in with masks over their faces. After seeing the doctor we were told to be watchful the next few days because we have been "exposed" to the H1N1 flu virus. The same day the President announced a state of emergency for our country because of this virus. I continue to hear of cases in school, at church, and with friends. I am not comfortable allowing myself to live in fear and worry nor do I want my children living that way either. Maybe like me, you feel the same way.

When I begin to feel overwhelmed I open my Bible where God speaks personally to me (and to you). I need to refocus my mind and heart on what God says and not what I'm hearing or seeing around me. God wants us to live free from worry and fear even in difficult times. We have a God who loves us, provides for us, and protects us. God speaks to us in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." In Isaiah 41:10, God says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

It also helps to read about real people like David in 1 Samuel who had a lot of reasons to be afraid but chose to live free from fear. David had lost his home, his friends, his wife, his job, and his security. However he wrote in Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears". If God can do that for David then surely He can do that for me and you!! If your feeling fearful or worried today encourage yourself in God's Word today by looking up the following verses: Psalm 23:4-5, Psalm 56:11, Romans 8:31, 35-39, Psalm 27:1-3, Psalm 91, and 2 Timothy 1:7. Then remember to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).

Blessings,
Lisa

First, Trust God!! Then live smart! Here is some good advice from Dr. Vanay Goyal found on
Shepherd University Website:http://www.shepherd.edu/safweb/health/index.shtm

For the prevention of "Regular & H1N1 Swine" Flu

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of flu infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, here are some very simple steps you can follow:

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications) .

2. "Hands-off-the- face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tami flu has on an infected one.Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . By blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
*Neti pot s and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under $15.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C(Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.