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The modern medical school educational system was born out of several factors but one was the great influenza pandemic. The desire to prevent such a destructive event is admirable. But the zeal that lead to the fight against the flu may have helped spread chronic disease. 

 I have been giving talks in Portland, Oregon recently about various health topics. A couple of weeks ago I gave a talk about Natural Remedies for flu season. I found some interesting information about fevers. As a Naturopathic Physician, I learned that fevers are a good thing! In fact, fevers not only help the body create an inhospitable environment for the virus or bacteria that is infecting the body, they may help prevent cancer! New theories about fevers are abound and it now believed that people who have efficient fevers are more likely to avoid cancer. Not only that but kids who don't get infections as children are more likely to develop a chronic disease later in life such as diabetes, Crohn's  disease, Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

In doing this research too I found a few guidelines about when to call your doctor. One should always speak to their doctor about this but I found it interesting that several medical schools are now teaching that high fevers are not a concern. In fact, the Yale School of Medicine does not advise patients to call their doctor until they have a 105 F fever! 

I find an amusing phenomenon as a doctor: wherever I go, people confess to me--in public-- about the coffee they drink or the food they eat.  "Is that OK?"  they ask, eyes pleading for my consent of their actions.  I always ask, "Is it OK with you?"  The truth is: most people know they have certain habits that aren't the best for their health.  But usually they're not sure exactly why too much caffeine is detrimental, or what effect that daily sugar habit could be having on some of their actual known health conditions or symptoms. 

I believe that our well-being is made up in large part by the effects of our daily actions--the ones we repeat over and over. It's not the random dietary indiscretion or critical thought that wreaks havoc with our ability to be balanced and well, it's the repeated actions that add up to a real,measurable result.  

In my experience, the biggest determinants of healthy choices are education and support.  I don't mean "Eat well and exercise" education.  I mean focused, tailored, specific education about your physiology delivered in a way you can really understand and relate to.  And by support, I don't mean direction; I act as an ally for my patients by providing specific encouragement, carefully timed visits, and practical tips, suggestions, and information.  

Halloween is a big holiday in our house. With three kids, costume planning begins as early as the day after the holiday itself. Jack o' lanterns get made and spider webs hung as soon as October hits. But what about all that candy? Parents know eating 12 mini Snickers, 2 lollipops, 4 Reeses and an M and M everyday for the next week or so can't be good for their kids' health--it's no secret the negative effects excess sugar has on teeth, weight, blood sugar maintenance, and mood, not to mention the effects from all the preservatives, corn syrup, and food coloring. But parent's also don't want to be the bad guy--like it or not, trick or treating is a part of our culture that kids really enjoy and look forward to. With that said, I'll pass on to you our family's Halloween candy-ridding secret: The Great Pumpkin.

I love the turning of the seasons, each with their own rituals and colors and energy. In our family we have a season table, which we change with every turn. We just got down our “Autumn” box—the kids pulled out old acorns and crumbling leaves from last year, a dried, red pomegranate and an orange and yellow gourd, dark, shiny horse chestnuts, some little acorn people made over the years complete with toothpick legs and acorn caps, and, of course, the requisite dried corn. This tradition was begun when my oldest, now 12, was a preschooler. I keep expecting her to outgrow it and leave it to just her younger brothers, but more often than not it is she who reminds me, “Mom it’s time to change the table!”

With the table set, we’re reminded of the things to come in autumn: watching the full harvest moon rise over the backyard, going to Sauvie’s Island to pick our pumpkins, picking out costumes for Halloween and trick or treating, putting our garden to bed and planting bulbs for spring, saying goodbye to the swallows and Canada geese and hello to the golden-crowned sparrows, gathering around friends and family at Thanksgiving, remembering to put slippers on our feet when it’s cold.

Thank you for reading our new blog!  I am Dr. Christie Winkelman, co-owner with  my husband, Dr. Gil Winkelman, of Insights to Health. 

As the cloudy weather sets in, it’s important to remember that we’re entering a vital, health-giving part of the year here in the NW.  Our short days give us a valuable chance to recharge that the long, sun-filled days of summer lack.  Hopefully your Vitamin D stores are up from appropriate sun exposure over the summer (we can test that for you if you’re not sure).  Now is the time to settle in for more introspection, reading, cooking, crafts with the kids, and (yes!) sleeping.  We actually need more sleep to feel rested in the winter than in the summer, because our circadian and hormonal rhythms are different.  If you have them, put your children to bed earlier and get to bed yourself!  Gather those you love and enjoy around you.