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Kelly Frahnauer: Dare to Raise Your Kids Drug-Free |
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We teach our children about drugs - what they are, not to take them, how to avoid them, how they harm their bodies and distort their minds - but what about the drugs we as parents give to our children when they have a runny nose, fever, sore throat or the scheduled immunizations? Is there really any difference? Well, yes there is a difference, yet those over-the-counter and prescription drugs, like their illegal counter-parts, canand do ultimately cause harm to our children's bodies. But do we dare to raise our children without the use of drugs? Most people would say it's impossible. Granted, there are times when drugs are what's needed and they should not be totally avoided, but most of the time natural alternatives are the safest and more beneficial road to take. Raising our children drug free is a possibility and is well worth the attempt. Too often I see and hear of parents taking their children to the doctor for colds, coughs and flu, usually within the first day or two of symptoms. Immediately their doctor will prescribe over-the-counter nasal sprays, decongestants, cough syrups orprescription drugs and antibiotics. These drugs will usually give the desired quick relief but at what cost to the body's immune system? Antibiotics are one of the most over used drugs. There are increasing reports showing how the excessive use of antibiotics has now created resistant strains of bacteria causing the need for new and stronger antibiotics. This vicious cycle has reached a crisis level. Yet doctors are still prescribing antibiotics for colds, coughs and sore throats which are almost always caused by viruses. Antibiotics are meant for bacterial infections not viruses. ( see American Academy of Family Physicians handout on antibiotics at http://familydoctor.org/handouts/011.html ) Aspirin is another drug that is commonly overused and is usually the first choice when a child has a fever. A fever is one of our body's natural defense mechanisms. It is not a disease. A fever should not be treated as something to quickly rid ourselves of. When we have a fever it is telling us that a disease is present. When disease is present our body will increase the production of white blood cells, better known as fighter cells. The increased production of white blood cells raises the body temperature which helps create a favorable environment for the white blood cells to survive in as they work to eliminate the toxins that are making us sick. Quickly ridding our body of a fever by the use of aspirin or an aspirin substitute like acetaminophen, will disrupt this important natural defense mechanism and can ultimately prolong the disease and cause the need for further and stronger interference. So how can we raise our children drug-free? Staying free from sickness is the best way. You've heard "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". We can keep our children healthy and their immune systems strong through good wholesome nutrition. Fresh, organic when possible,fruit and vegetables, whole grain breads, soy and other plant proteins and plenty of water should be part of their daily diet. Another way is to make herbs, homeopathics, vitamins and minerals our first choice when sickness strikes. Starting a natural remedy immediately and remembering to take it regularly will ensure quicker results and will work in harmony with the bodies immune system,thus strengthening it. Make sure your brand of vitamins and mineral supplements uses natural sources so your body can absorb them. Read lots of books on alternative medicine and keep several on hand for quick reference.(see book list below) Check with local naturopathic physicians, chiropractors, acupuncturists or other alternative medical professionals for any community education classes they might be offering. Research what your alternatives are and become informed so that you can make health care decisions based on facts. Be ready to defend your decisions to your family and friends. Unfortunately you will encounter many closed minded people who are blindly dependant on the medical establishment and who will view your alternative ways as a threat. Being confident with your decisions will help you to stand firm and guilt free when others question your ways. As we gain knowledge and begin to take responsibility for our family's health care we will begin to achieve victory in the war on drug dependence for sickness. Arming ourselves with resources and facts will make raising our children drug-free a reality. The following books are now available at Amazon.com. They can be quickly accessed via the link following each title: Prescription For Nutritional Healing-A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by James F. Balch, M.D. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1583330771/familyhomeste-20 Todays Herbal Health by Louise Tenney http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580540821/familyhomeste-20 Natural Medicine For Children-Drup-Free Health Care for Children from Birth to Age Twelve by Julian Scott, Ph.D. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380758768/familyhomeste-20 Homeopathic Medicine At Home by Maesimund B. Panos, M.D. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0874771951/familyhomeste-20 copyright (C) 2001 Kelly Frohnauer Kelly is a stay-at-home mother of five children, all born at home. She and her husband have used natural, alternative remedies for themselves and their children's illnesses for the past 20 years.They have saved literally thousands of dollars by choosing to use natural remedies first. At their website you will find a complete line of herbal products, including tinctures and bulk organic herbs. Also find information on herbal health, homebirth, homeschooling and other simple living resources for the natural family at: http://www.naturalfamilyhome.com Sign up for their FREE Natural Family Home eNewsletter full of helpful articles, do-it-yourself ideas, herbal remedies and how-to information for your natural lifestyle by sending a blank email to:nfhnewsletter-request@naturalfamilyhome.com?subject=subscribe |
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