Don't panic: 7 FACTS about swine flu
By Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

1. So far, cases of the swine flu have been difinitively identified in 16 countries. Although there are many suspected cases, the difinitive cases don't amount to a pandemic outbreak. The World Health Organisation has classed it at pandemic alert level 5 and it has already peaked in Mexico, meaning that it seems to be dissipating. South Africa's 3 major airports are equiped with thermal scanners and isolation wards nearby in preparation for the Federations Cup.

2. This specific flu strain has very little to do with swine alone. It's impossible to catch it from eating pork and it has only been seen in pigs on one farm in Canada.

3. No existing vaccines can prevent this new strain. So no matter what you hear (even if from your doctor) don't get a regular flu shot. They rarely work and more often than not make you sick. In 1976 there was a swine flu case in America which was quickly sensationalised as a possible new plague. But hundreds of Americans were killed or severely injured by the inoculations given.

4. There's speculation that this strain is man-made. It's a mongrelised strain, including several strains of influenza A virus (H1N1). One strain is endemic in humans, two strains endemic in pigs and there's an avian flu strain thrown into the mix. Was the strain created in a lab? The jury is still out on this one.

5. The drug companies are getting excited, which should immediately set your warning bells off. Shelves are already reported to be emptied of Tamiflu and other anti-viral drugs. It's advised not to take these drugs unless you've recently travelled to affected areas.

6. Don't forget that Tamiflu and other anti-viral drugs come with their own problems, including side effects like neusea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, fatigue... the very symptoms you're trying to avoid. Japan banned Tamiflu for children in 2007, after links to suicidal behaviour.

7. Vaccines for this flu strain probably won't have to jump through the beaurocratic hurdles of clinical trials for safety, effectiveness or side effects. But that won't stop the government from mandating the vaccine if cases continue to rise. If the vaccine turns out to be lethal (like the 1976 vaccine) the makers will be immune, from lawsuits of course.

Your only real defence, which is true to any flu season, is to have a rock hard immune system. You can learn about the best ways to do so by visiting http://www.fsp.co.za/promo/imrwlink.

The difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Dr Jonathan Wright
Nutrition & Healing

Q: I read your column last week about alleviating rheumatoid arthritis pain. But I have to admit, I'm not sure what the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis is. How would I know which one I have?

Dr. Wright: There are some pretty big differences between the two, even though many treatments will have a beneficial impact on both. First, osteoarthritis can affect just one specific joint and is due to wear and tear more than anything else, although you can be genetically predisposed to getting it. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the entire body. Osteoarthritis rarely affects individuals under 40, but rheumatoid arthritis can affect you at any age.

An x-ray will tell your doctor if you have osteoarthritis, while a blood test will reveal rheumatoid arthritis. And while osteoarthritis limits itself to affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis will affect your entire body and can also impact other aspects of your health, with sufferers also complaining of extreme tiredness and fatigue in response to the overall inflammation.

If you feel any kind of arthritis starting, you should pay a visit to your doctor to see exactly what's going on and jointly come up with a treatment plan. Make sure the doctor you choose is knowledgeable about treating you naturally. To find a naturopath in your area contact the South African society of Integrated Medicine (021 887 5364, lucia@integrativemedicine.co.za)