A fever is a condition of the body in which there is a more or less marked rise of the temperature above the normal range. It can be present with quite a range of ailments, such as: colds, flu, infections, childhood diseases, cancer, and just plain indigestion. It may also appear without any recognized sickness. The elevated temperature is so widely common that it will, I am sure, be familiar to most readers of this book.

The rational treatment of fever requires, first, an understanding of what causes it and what its purpose is. Through some means, such as an infection, a virus, a letdown in dietary habits, or over-fatigue caused by intemperance in work, the body resistance is lowered, and a toxic condition develops either in a localized point or throughout the body generally. Nature’s inbuilt healing powers respond at once. They set to work to eliminate the toxins by generating heat to burn them up. Thus, fever is an evidence that the body is hard at work and needs our assistance. This recognition is well expressed in the following words: “Give me a chance to create fever and I will cure any disease.” This is what the great physician, Parmenides, said over 2,000 years ago.

“Fever is one of the body’s own defensive and healing forces, created and sustained for the deliberate purpose of restoring health. The high temperature speeds up metabolism, inhibits growth of the invading virus or bacteria, and literally burns the enemy with heat.” How to Get Well, Paavo Airola, Ph.D., N.D., Health Plus Publishers, Phoenix, Arizona, 1974. Bacterial poisons are often the cause of fever. These poisons irritate several things: 1) the vaso-motor centres (the areas in the medulla of the brain and spinal column that control the constricting and dilating of the blood and lymph vessels), 2) the nerves, 3) the surface blood “vessels, thus driving the blood from the skin, and thereby producing chilliness and greatly reducing heat elimination. In many fevers, oxidative changes and heat production are decreased rather than increased by bacterial poisons and metabolic wastes. These poisons may be introduced from without or from the growth of bacteria within the body itself or upon some of its surfaces. In this situation damage to the body and its organs comes almost wholly from crowding the system with toxins, and not from the abnormal temperature. Unless the fever is very high or much prolonged, there is little to be feared from the fever itself. The fever is not the cause of the disturbance, but only the symptom of it.

Fever is an effective protection and healing measure not only against colds and simple infections, but against such serious diseases as polio and cancer. In biological clinics, overheating therapy, or artificially induced fever, is used effectively in the treatment of acute infectious diseases, arthritis and rheumatic diseases, skin disorder, insomnia, muscular pain and cancer, to name a few conditions. Such giants of medical science as Nobel Prize Winner, Dr. A. Lwoff, Dr. Werner Zabel, and Dr. Josef Issels, recommend the use of fever therapy extensively. A research team under the direction of Dr. David S. Muchles, from Oxford University, recently reported something that ancient physicians and biological doctors knew all along—that fever is effective in combating many diseases, including cancer.

“There are many ways to induce fever. Some doctors use certain vaccines (like BCG) or drugs to create artificial fever. Personally, I prefer a more natural approach. Although fever induced with BCG or drugs can have a beneficial effect by ‘waking up’ and stimulating the body’s natural defensive and immunological mechanism, there is less stress on the body if fever is induced with an overheating bath.” ibid.

These words make it clearer that fever is our friend, designed to do us good. It is a fire burning in the system to consume toxins which would otherwise destroy us. It would seem entirely logical, then, to assume that a fever should simply be left to itself to do its work without any interference. However, it is the nature of fire that only a certain amount of heat can actually do the intended work. The rest of it must be dissipated along controlled channels, or it will become a dangerous destroyer.

When men light fires, they are careful to control them so that they do the intended work and nothing more than that. Likewise, a fever in its generation of heat must be controlled, or it will do harm as well as good. In fact, the harm could be so great that little good, if any, will result.

The body generates the fires of a fever to consume rubbish which has accumulated, usually in a fairly localized area of the system. As the heat does its work, it needs to be drawn away, just as the heat in a cook stove is channelled out through the chimney as fast as it does its work. If the patient is wrapped up in warm blankets or given a hot bath allowing no heat to escape, the fire spreads to healthy tissues and destroys them. This can, in turn, cause the fire to spread further resulting in extensive damage which can lead to permanent brain damage, organ damage, and even death.

Therefore, the very worst thing which can be done is to wrap the patient in warm blankets. It is critically necessary that the heat be drawn off as soon as it has done its work. This principle of drawing off the surplus heat is objected to by some. They argue that this is putting the fever out, and this argument seems to be supported by the speed with which the fever dies. They find it hard to believe that a problem can be cured so quickly. But it must be emphasized that this treatment does not frustrate the fever in its work, but only assists it so that it accomplishes its work with surprising rapidity. Too long have we been accustomed to fevers lasting for days on end when, in fact, they should only last for an hour or two.

I once read the story of a man with fever in a hospital in Broome, Western Australia. Broome is a place where the temperature is generally very high anyway, and when the heat of his fever was added to the discomfort produced by the heat of the sun, he felt as if he were literally on fire. Having come off a foreign pearling boat, he could not speak English. Those caring for him sought to confine him to a hot bed, while he was bent on pouring buckets of cold water over himself, much to the consternation of those who were trying to help him. The fact is, that he was on the right track. Eventually he regained his health, thanks to the cold water he did manage to get, and in spite of the fact that he should have gotten much more.

Two signs that would indicate some form of cold water application in the event of a fever are a full pulse with a flushed face, and hot, dry skin. When we feel the body burning under the touch of our hands, then we use cold water methods. This is a two-fold aid because, while it draws off heat, it stimulates circulation and the production of much-needed red and white blood corpuscles. The white corpuscles must be present to consume the toxic bacteria, and the red must be present to rebuild cells destroyed by the disease. Without these important defences, victory in the struggle would not be won. Fresh oxygen supply is important to the work of the red corpuscles. Therefore, the room in which the patient is cared for must be well ventilated and well lit with sunshine, although it should not be drafty. The patient should be encouraged, as far as possible, to take deep respirations.

One of the most effective of these cold water methods is the wet sheet pack.

*6\62\2*

There are numerous forms of skin cancer but few are as feared as malignant melonoma, the incidence of which is rapidly increasing in Australia. While it is known to be linked to over-exposure to the sun’s damaging ultra-violet rays, particularly in the early years of life, there are probably other factors involved.

There is almost certainly a genetic predisposition in some families towards developing melanoma and studies are focusing on the genes likely to be responsible.

While fair skinned people of all races can develop melanoma, it is those of Celtic origin, with their fair, red-toned skin, red hair and blue eyes, who are particularly prone. The prevalence of this racial group in a hot, sun-loving country like Australia, may be one reason why our rate of melanoma is twice that of most other countries. This explanation alone, however, may not be sufficient. Nor does the widening hole in the ozone layer above

Australia explain everything. According to a survey conducted by The Age newspaper, the highest rates of melanoma are suffered, not in sunbaked Queensland, but in Victoria, one of the country’s colder states. There may be some truth in the theories linking our high rate of skin cancer with a deficiency of anti-oxidants such as selenium in our soils and diets. Through the chemical contamination and overprocessing of our food, we may be either ingesting substances which increase our sensitivity to light, or killing off substances which might have increased our protection such as Vitamin B6.

All this aside, sun exposure is certainly a trigger for skin cancers of all kinds and is one factor we can control. Do not trust too much to sunscreen preparations. Because they may encourage us to stay out in strong sunlight for extended periods of time without warning signals like sunburn, they may be dangerous in themselves. What is more, little is known about the risks associated with the absorption of these chemicals through the skin over a prolonged period of time. Many people already suffer from allergic reactions to ingredients in sunscreens.

Whenever possible, and it may not always be possible, do without the lotions, opting instead for a patch of shade, a large sunhat which protects both the face and the back of the neck and light, sun-protective clothing. Never sun-bake intentionally. If using sunscreens, the best protection is found in the opaque titanium dioxide or zinc oxide creams (such as the ubiquitous zinc cream). Because they block the sun on the surface of the skin, rather than being absorbed through the pores, allergic reactions to these creams are rare. Unfortunately, they are messy and their use is usually restricted to small exposed areas like the nose, cheeks and lips.

The good news about skin cancers is that they are easily detected early and if removed or burnt off the skin, may not cause further problems.

As with all forms of cancer, be vigilant. Inspect the surface of the skin regularly. If you have a family history of melanoma or have yourself been treated for skin cancer previously, such inspections should be even more frequent. When examining the skin yourself, make sure somebody else looks at the danger zone on the shoulders, back and back of the neck. Any change in the size or colour of moles, new growths or sores which are slow to heal should be shown to a doctor immediately. Waste no time. More often than not, there will be no serious cause for concern, but if melanoma is present, early detection and swift action are crucial to stop the spread of the cancer through the body.

If cancer is diagnosed, refer to the discussion of cancer treatments in this book.

*52\69\2*

Food poisoning is a disorder of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria or chemicals in foods. The classical form of food poisoning is caused by staphylococci (called “staph”), the same germs that cause boils and impetigo. The germs enter the food during its preparation. If the food is not properly refrigerated, the germs multiply hourly, contaminating the food with a toxin (poison) given off by the germs. The foods in which staph germs grow best are pastries and other starchy foods ordinarily served cold; salads; cold chicken; ham and beef in gelatin; whipped cream; and custards. Since staph germs and their toxins are odorless and tasteless, the contaminated food smells and tastes normal.

A variety of germs other than staph also can cause food poisoning of a milder nature. Two more serious conditions that are sometimes classified as food poisoning are botulism and dysentery.

Signs and symptoms

Eating contaminated food causes vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea within one to six hours. The child may or may not have a fever. Symptoms last 12 to 24 hours.

Food poisoning is usually considered when a number of people who have eaten the same food become ill within hours of one another. Food poisoning can occur after picnics, parties, or eating out in a cafeteria or restaurant where foods have been prepared in advance and improperly stored.

Home care

Home treatment is the same as for any vomiting and diarrhea. When a child has both diarrhea and vomiting, treat vomiting first by restricting the child’s diet to clear liquids only. Once the vomiting stops treat the diarrhea by limiting or not reintroducing solid foods – especially those with roughage, fruits (except bananas and apples), vegetables, butter, fatty meats, and peanut butter. Do not give the child milk, since milk may further aggravate diarrhea.

Encourage the child to drink plenty of clear liquids: tea, water, flavored gelatin water, and commercial mineral and electrolyte mixtures.

Precautions

• Do not prepare food that requires refrigeration for your child’s lunchbox or for a picnic if refrigeration will not be available.

• A child with diarrhea and vomiting needs plenty of clear liquids to avoid dehydration (a serious loss of body fluids).

• Do not give anti-diarrheal medications to children, since side effects are common and can be dangerous.

• Isolate an infant from children who are ill with vomiting and diarrhea.

• If there is blood in the stools, high fever, prostration (extreme weakness or collapse), or severe or prolonged diarrhea (more than two to three days), call your doctor.

Medical treatment

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required so that the child can be given intravenous fluids. Local health departments can investigate food poisoning outbreaks and trace the source of food poisoning by testing suspected foods.

*74/84/5*

Get physical. In some circles, it’s no longer physically correct to use the term exercise. The focus, if you please, is now on physical activity, “Exercise tends to be a negative term for many people,” says Kerry Stewart, Ed.D., a clinical exercise physiologist and director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. “They think of exercise as pain or extremely hard work.”

Buried somewhere in that semantic sideshow is a helpful message for the retooling of your lifestyle- namely, that while structured, moderate exercise is best, any kind of regular movement helps. “The major problem is not doing anything,” Dr. Stewart says. “With physical activity as the goal, you can build activities into your lifestyle that aren’t usually considered exercise-like a sport you think is fun or just mowing the lawn regularly.”

Make exercise your cornerstone. The beauty of the disease-free lifestyle is that every element seems to boost every other. For example, reducing stress helps you quit smoking, which helps you exercise, which helps you lose weight. But exercise itself may be the sultan of synergy. “Start by exercising and that will ignite all the other things,” Dr. Burke says.

Exercise may work as your lifestyle cornerstone because it has been shown to increase what is known as self-efficacy. “That means that people who exercise have a higher degree of confidence in their ability to do things and they’re more likely to do them,” Dr. Stewart says. “People who are physically active tend to do other things as well to keep them healthy.”

Keep it positive. If you equate a healthy diet with deprivation, you’re not going to be very enthusiastic about it. So concentrate on what you should eat, not what you shouldn’t, suggests Edward Giovannucci, M.D., Sc.D., assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Rather than obsessing about the fat content of your diet, focus on positive things like getting more whole grains and fruits and vegetables,” he says. “Think more along the lines of balance. It’s not that you can’t eat any dairy products or beef. Just don’t make them the focus of your diet.”

*82/36/5*

Ice packs, hot and cold compresses, medicated baths and other forms of water therapy were mainstays of folk medicine for centuries.

Today, high-tech medicine has eclipsed water-based treatments. Yet these treatments—safe, inexpensive and easy to use—remain valuable tools for easing discomfort caused by common ailments.

We all know how relaxing a warm bath can be. But not everyone realizes that even greater benefits can be reaped by adding natural ingredients to the water.

Apple cider vinegar. Add a cup to bathwater, and splash a handful over your shoulders, back and chest. That will invigorate you when you’re fatigued.

This technique also helps restore the skin’s germ-killing natural acidity, which is continually washed away by bathing. To soothe poison ivy or sunburn, add two cups of vinegar.

Bran. A bran bath eases itching, soothes dermatitis or other skin irritations and eliminates scaly patches.

Sew several handfuls of wheat or oat bran into a cheesecloth pouch. Soak the pouch in hot water for several minutes, then place in a tub filled with tepid water. Squeeze the pouch until the water turns milky.

Pine extract. One capful in a warm bath helps open clogged pores, speeds healing of rashes and relieves muscle fatigue.

Pine extract is available at many drugstores and health-food stores. Do not confuse it with pine cleanser, which will irritate the skin.

*21/47/1*

The health benefits from drinking coffee continue to be reported—and to the extent where they almost seem too good to actually be true.

Coffee decreases diabetes risk. Drinking six cups a day slashed risk of diabetes by 54% for men and 30% for women in an 18-year Harvard study. Even drinking only one cup a day was found to reduce risk by several percent.

At least six additional studies indicate coffee drinkers reduce their risk of Parkinson’s disease by up to 80%.

And other studies have reported that drinking at least two cups of coffee a day can reduce risk of colon cancer by 25%, risk of gallstones by 50% and risk of liver cirrhosis by 80%.

There’s even evidence that coffee drinking offsets some of the health damage caused by smoking and excessive drinking—those who engage in such health vices but also drink coffee have been reported to suffer less heart and liver damage than those who don’t.

And other studies have indicated coffee may help to control asthma, relieve headaches, lift spirits and even prevent cavities.

Coffee can also increase athletic performance and endurance—until recently, it was a controlled substance at the Olympic Games.

Moreover, coffee is even good for children. One study in Brazil indicated that children (age 12 average) who drank coffee with milk were less prone to depression and were more alert in school. No study indicates that coffee consumed in reasonable amounts is in any way harmful for children.

*42/47/1*

dream: Your house is on fire, but you can’t get in to rescue your family. Or you know that a plane is about to crash, but you can’t do anything to help. The more you try, the more panicky you feel.

alternate versions: You lose your driver’s license, wallet, purse or passport…or your car isn’t where you parked it.

meaning : These dreams indicate high levels of anxiety about things beyond your control. They are very common when the economy takes a downturn and companies downsize.

The “unable to rescue” versions are more common among men…the “loss of identity” versions are more common among women.

what you can do: Make a plan to reduce the anxiety that this dream reflects. Evaluate your options and search for opportunities. Also exercise and/or meditate to relieve stress.

*37/47/1*

Your aim is to think of nothing. If thoughts intrude, don’t worry—and don’t try to force them to stop. Gently return your attention to the experience of silence.

trap: The more you fight to control your thoughts, the harder your thoughts will resist you. Instead, just observe the thoughts as if they were passing by in the distance.

After meditating for 10 minutes or so, open your eyes. Wiggle your fingers and toes, open and close your fists. Take a deep breath. Stretch your arms and legs. Your yoga session is over.

As you become more skilled at meditation, you should be able to remember and reproduce the feeling at will—to achieve instant relaxation anytime, anywhere.

*32/47/1*

In both women and men, these conditions generally are caused by poor dietary absorption of minerals. To help, add one teaspoon of any type of vinegar to four ounces of water and drink during each meal. As an alternative, simply eat a salad with a vinegar-based dressing whenever you can. Vinegar’s acidity will help your digestive tract to draw minerals from your food and make them more available for absorption into your bloodstream.

Women with bacterial or yeast vaginitis respond well and quickly to treatment with vinegar. Douche with a vdn-egar-and-water solution two times per day for up to five days. Purchase Massengill’s premixed plain vinegar douching solution in disposable bottles. Or you can douche with your own solution, using one tablespoon white vinegar per six ounces warm water.

*26/47/1*