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The Times-Advocate, 2002-11-13, Page 3326 Wednesday, November 13, 2002Exeter Times–Advocate Announcements THANK YOU TO MTS FARM SUPPLIES for supporting 4-H and youth, with the purchase of my calf at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair Lana Shapton Graduate - Congratulations to Christina Parker, daughter of Doug and Henny Parker, who graduated from the University of Western Ontario with her Masters of Clinical Science Degree spe- cializing in Audiology. She also received the National Student Excellence Award from the Canadian Association of Speech- Language Pathologists and Audiologists, the Harmonize for Speech Award for the highest Clinical Average throughout her gradu- ate studies and the Maureen Williams Award for her positive contributions to the field of audiology and student life. Chris is currently employed by the London Health Sciences Centre, Westminster Campus Wishing you God’s continued blessings Dad, Mom, Steven and husband Jamie Parker. Members of the Exeter CWL take a break from setting up their annual penny sale and silent auction at Precious Blood Church Nov. 6. Items for sale were donated by parishioners and local businesses, and funds raised will support local charities and shut-ins. Back row L-R: Nellie Mommersteeg, Lillian Mathers,Annette Denomme,Joanne Steffens,Mariette Bilcke,Margaret Medd,Antonia Verbeke.Middle:Cecilia Mittelhotz,Janette Ducharme,Doreen Regier,Monique Van Bruwaene.Seated:Pat Campbell.(photo/Pat Bolen) Precious Blood Church penny sale By Glen Bell, N.D. Colds and flus cause an enor- mous amount of suffering and occupational sick leave in our society. We are constantly exposed to many of these viruses, yet the majority of us only expe- rience the discomfort of a cold or flu once or twice a year. This sit- uation implies a decrease in resistance or immune function is the major factor in ‘catching’ an infection. Fortunately there are many safe and effective ways to treat and prevent these common and troublesome ailments using both conventional and alterna- tive therapies. Colds are caused by a large and diverse group of viruses with similar clinical man- ifestations. The flu is caused by a smaller family of viruses, namely Influenza A, B and C. The flu virus is always changing from year to year, owing to its ‘faulty’ genes allowing it to mutate rapidly and the mixing of human and animal strains. The flu is a more dangerous infection as it can lead to serious compli- cations including secondary bac- terial infections in people with lowered immunity or lung capac- ity. It is always wise to seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner to rule out life- threatening complications, avoid drug-herb or drug-nutrient inter- actions and seek optimal treat- ment. The best defence against infection is a strong immune sys- tem, like the way an army is ready to defend its country. If this ‘army’ doesn’t have all its functions working well, the body is more susceptible to attack by viruses and bacteria and less able to produce a competent response to vaccines. While vac- cines represent the most clinical- ly studied form of prevention, it’s always important to ensure opti- mal immune function by adding to this protection. Whether you choose to vaccinate or not, it’s still important to maintain a healthy immune system. Another bonus of promoting the immune system is it also protects you from other forms of infection and helps to detect and destroy cancer cells. Certain nutrients and herbal medicines are known to support or stimulate immune function. While the use of herbal and nutritional remedies, acupunc- ture and homeopathic medicines can be very effective, treatment of colds and flu is generally dif- ferent for each person depending on their age, nutritional status and the unique characteristics of their infection. For example, most will develop runny nose and a sore throat, while others may have sinusitis, head and muscle aches, cough and even bronchitis or pneumonia. Use of any medi- cine must always be prescribed carefully for children, pregnant or lactating women and for those taking medications to avoid unwanted side effects or drug interactions. Another important considera- tion is to control factors lowering immune function such as certain drugs and herbs, sugar (includ- ing juices), allergies, sleep depri- vation, poor nutrition, dehydra- tion and excessive physical or emotional stress. One interesting way to help prevent infection is the use of a natural cavity-preventing sweet- ener from birch trees, called xyli- tol, which prevents the invasion of throat tissue by inhibiting the viral penetration enzyme neu- raminidase. Neuraminidase is used by many pathogens includ- ing Influenza viruses A and B, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and S. mutans (which causes cavi- ties). Xylitol is found in certain chewing gums and in some nutri- tional and herbal supplements. One large, clinical trial demon- strated a significant reduction in the incidence of viral ear infec- tions in children who chewed gum containing xylitol versus gum without xylitol. Other clini- cally proven neuraminidase inhibitors include pigments found in berries, especially elderber- ries. And so, as the cold and flu season looms over us, consider the many factors to remain healthy this winter. Glen Bell, ND, is the new regis- tered Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine currently practicing at Bio Connections in Exeter. Protecting yourself from colds and flu Tools,purse stolen EXETER – Sometime overnight Nov. 3-4, an unlocked garage was entered on Snider Cres. in Exeter. Huron OPP report a chop saw, chainsaw, cordless drill, electric drill, power sprayer and saber saw valued at $1,200 were stolen. A woman’s purse con- taining cash, personal identification and credit cards was later found on a neighbour’s lawn minus the cash and credit cards. Anyone who can help the officers investigating this case are asked to call Huron OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477(TIPS). Huron OPP warns of Christmas party dangers HURON – Teen parties are a common occurrence and have been for a long time. With Christmas appoaching, Huron OPP wants parents and teens to know what can happen at such parties, planned or not. Parties can be at a friend's house, gravel pit, field, cottage or property and the party may be held without parental permission. With the use of e-mail, there is no limit to how far and wide the message can be sent. Often maps are distributed to help people find the location. Ages of invited and uninvited guests can range from 12 to adults, usually with no adult supervision. Alcohol and drugs flow freely and can be consumed by anyone, regardless of age. Bush and field parties have limited sanita- tion facilities and no access to a phone if trouble happens. Drunken fights often break out, and sexual assaults against young girls have occurred. Consumption of large amounts of booze can lead to unconsciousness from alcohol poison- ing. At three separate parties in Huron County, three teens, age 12, 15 and 16, boys and girls, were rushed to emergency wards with alcohol poisoning. A young intoxicated man was found wan- dering in the middle of the road at 4 a.m. Other drunk people have falled down embankments in the dark, into fire pits or into pools. At house parties, property is damaged, such as cigarette burns in carpets, holes punched in walls, windows smashed, TVs, food, alco- hol and stereos stolen. Cars are damaged by key scratches. If neighbours interfere, they risk being assault- ed or threatened with bodily harm and their property damaged. Police remind party hosts no child under 19 years can drink at any residence except their own. You are responsible for whatever happens to any child on your property, until they get home and even there if the cause of an inci- dent leads back to your party. Parents need to ask their teens: Who is hav- ing the party? Who they are going with? How will they handle the pres- sure of drinking? Will a parent be present? How can they reach you? How will they get to and from the party? Where they can be reached if they leave the party? What time will they be home? Get an address and a phone number for the party and discuss consequences with them. POLICE BRIEFS Van tail lights broken EXETER – Huron OPP are seeking two youths seen in the Main St., Exeter area Nov. 7 between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Both taillights were smashed on a blue 1998 Dodge Caravan parked just off Main St. while the owner attended a meet- ing. Anyone who can help in this investigation is asked to call Exeter OPP or Crime Stoppers.