Dear Wellspring Tribe,

With the growing concern about COVID-19, I want to share some thoughts with all of you.

The safety of you, your families, and our community is our primary concern. Obviously, the COVID-19 virus is a serious issue, but it is important that we all understand the facts, do not listen to unfounded rumors, and do what is best for our families and communities. Frankly, it’s not the coronavirus that scares me.  It’s the fear and panic I have a concern about.

For me, 2 things are true:

1. The only thing to fear is fear itself.
2. Level heads prevail.

I have attached an article from Dr. White, MD of Vermont that was shared with me the other day to help us all understand the facts about the virus and what we as individuals should be doing. Click here to read it.

Most people who do catch the virus don’t know they’ve had it, or recover quickly. If actions need to be taken, it’s to protect those who can’t fight the disease off because of a weakened immune system or other medical complications.
And while it’s frightening to read about people dying from COVID-19…

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Perspective about COVID-19 in Shelburne

What you don't hear as much about is that 16,000 people have died and over 280,000 have been hospitalized from the influenza virus (the "regular flu") this season.

This data is not meant to lessen concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

It's meant to put things into perspective about being concerned about protecting yourself from all infections, taking reasonable actions without panicking or putting stress on the health care system.

To that end, Wellspring is remaining open for business to continue to offer healing and support unless circumstances change. The whole team will be here to take care of you unless they are not feeling well so they can stay home and take care of themselves.

We are taking extra care with the cleaning and disinfecting of the office, cleaning the tables frequently as well as other hard surfaces, i.e. door handles, etc. We will be using our air purifier which filters allergens, bacteria, viruses, odors, smoke, and chemical vapors as well as keeping the windows open as weather permits. We will also have hand sanitizers for your use while in the office.

We also will be checking in with you on your next visit about any recent travel or potential exposures you may have had.

Our most immediate concern for you is keeping your IMMUNE SYSTEM healthy.

Chiropractic care does this, as well as, taking supplements that support your immunity. Your immune system is a living organism. It adapts and responds to input. Simply stated, each time you are exposed to a germ, bacteria, virus, fungus, etc. your immune systems grow and create a natural immunity that works for you when exposed again in the future. So right now it is important to strengthen your Immune System to handle any increased demands. This will serve you well into your future. That means making sure you get checked at Wellspring as much as you can for extra support right now. By keeping you and your family healthy, you are lessening the burden for our hospitals to care for those who really need it.

My personal immune system kit includes the following:

• vitamins A,D,K,C,
• zinc,
• iodine,
• congaplex and andrographis,
• elderberry,
• garlic,
• fish oil,
• On Guard essential oil blend and WO Chinese healing oil.

Other useful approaches include homeopathic remedies and olive leaf.

If you are feeling under the weather, please call us to let us know ahead of time so we can schedule you for a quieter time during the day.

None of us are likely immune from the virus, but with a strong immune system our bodies will respond readily and appropriately as they are designed to do. The most reliable reports so far indicate that the most vulnerable are the elderly with a medical condition. Some scientists are recognizing that cardiac patients seem to be at higher risk in COVID-19 because these patients with the comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are taking medications that may be putting them at greater risk, specifically the ACE inhibitors such as Lisinipril and Losarten. This comes as scientists begin to understand how the coronavirus gets into cells. Other factors that may increase risk for severe complications to coronavirus are previous flu vaccines.

China has found injections of high levels of vitamin C are helping these vulnerable populations. Shanghai Government Officially Recommends Vitamin C for COVID-19.

South Korea recently reported that with more cases being tested now, the mortality rate is down to 0.6% instead of 3.4%.

While there are currently only two cases of COVID-19 identified in Vermont as of now, there will be more cases. There is no question that a communicable disease is spreading.  But this has been the case before COVID-19 and will be the case long after.  Peaks and valleys will unfold as far as how much and how bad as they do every year. i.e. - Some flu seasons are reported as mild.  Some more extreme.

Are we dealing with a ‘different animal’ right now?  Hard to say. Reports and experts conflict. It’s very difficult to separate irrational hysteria from fact.  Welcome to the human condition.

Personally, my team and I, along with my family, plan to work, study and live as we normally do but will be washing our hands more frequently, and getting adjusted more as well. (I've doubled up my chiropractic visits personally) and if we experience any flu-like symptoms, we will be staying home to take care of ourselves.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

Yours in health from the inside out,

Dr. Heather

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Five Keys to Improving Immunity:

1. Stay on track with adjustments to keep the autonomic nervous system in balance.
2. Consume adequate amounts of Vitamin D3, a major immune booster.
3. Add 30-60 minutes of extra sleep to your daily routine. Inadequate sleep depletes
   immunity.
4. Drink water and remove sugary drinks and snacks from the diet. Sugar drains immunity.
5. Move the body. Exercise increases lymphatic flow and provides significant immune benefits.

Scientists discovered the unique connection between the central nervous system and the immune system and continue to compile research and evidence about the process. Chiropractic plays a key role because of the spine’s relationship with immunity. Research shows that when the spine remains immobile or misaligned, the body operates in a heightened state of stress equivalent to being in battle. Operating in a heightened state of stress weakens rest, immunity, and growth within the nervous system. Gentle Chiropractic adjustments improve immunity by allowing the nervous system to function at maximum capacity for healing and repair. Chiropractic adjustments increase movement and improve alignment while reducing stress.  Evidence shows that people who receive regular adjustments report stronger immunity after beginning Chiropractic care.

Research from 2010 determined that patients who received Chiropractic adjustments showed increased levels of a specific signaling molecule in the body called Interleukin-2. Interleukin-2 regulates the activities of white blood cells which are responsible for immunity. The molecule impacts the body's natural response to microbial infection and helps the body recognize and create specific responses that neutralize foreign invaders. This protein molecule was found to be higher in those who received Chiropractic spinal adjustments when compared to those who did not.

The primary focus of a Chiropractic adjustment does not center on treating a specific symptom or condition. The increased health and function from an adjustment represents an outcome that originates when interference is removed from the nervous system. While other professions focus on changing the environment to suit a weakened body, Chiropractic pursues strengthening the body to suit the environment.

Chiropractic & Osteopathy September 2010 “Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects.” JA Teodorczyk-Injeyan, M McGregor, R Ruegg, HS Injeyan