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, can
and 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 or
prescription drugs and antibiotics. These drugs will usually
give the desired quick relief but at what cost to the bodies
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
bodies 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
families 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.
Here is a list of books that are very helpful and important to have
on hand for quick effective diagnosing and guidance:
