Getting Cold vs. Getting a Cold
It is an unusual day when my son Julian doesn’t challenge me to rethink how I do things and why. Whether he’s asking which is a better breakfast — a toasted white-flour bagel or a piece of dark chocolate — or wondering why the peace advocates in front of the courthouse want us to wave instead of honk, there’s never a dull moment with Julian.
Yesterday was no exception. He continues — as many children apparently do — to consider wearing a jacket an antiquated idea that serves no useful purpose in his life. Armed with — what else is new? — a well-thought-out defense, he asked to take to school a note stating he could choose whether or not to wear his jacket on breaks. He was adamant that the note stipulate “in any weather.” He explained his rationale: he’s in constant motion outside, and he’s happy to continue to wear socks, shoes, gloves, and a cap, since most body-heat is lost through the extremities.
I had to admit he had a point. To admit that he hardly ever gets sick (see the previous blogs about keeping kids well). And, to admit that I’ve always thought the chill theory was overrated. So, he got his note.
Imagine my surprise this morning to see a recent study in which ninety students were paid to put their feet in cold water for twenty minutes. (Probably a minimum wage job!) Thirteen of the foot-soaking students developed cold symptoms, compared to five in the control group. The authors conjectured that feet-in-cold-water led to a constriction of nasal blood vessels, which increased viral susceptibility. But, they also noted that those developing cold symptoms had reported more frequent colds in prior years than had those who did not develop symptoms. (See an article about the study here.)
It reminded me of a class in chiropractic school, where our assignment was to fully immerse an arm in ice water while another student monitored our blood pressure. I whined and complained, but my blood pressure stayed nice and low; my test partner sat calmly, while her blood pressure reached dangerous heights.
What do I make of all this? We are all unique, and some of us are more susceptible to colds, while others are more susceptible to headaches, or allergies, or…you name it. More importantly, for most of us, STRESS is the aggravating factor.
In all cases, the answers lie in the same direction: Total Wellness. Strengthen your immune system through proper diet, targeted supplementation, stress reduction, and common sense. Drink your water — all 64 ounces, every day. Eat (or drink!) your fruits and veggies. Spurn those sweets and white flour treats. And — for some of us — put on that coat.
As for Julian…well, it’s another bargaining chip. Eat and drink up your protein, fruits, and veggies, Kiddo, and you may not have to wear that jacket.
Yesterday was no exception. He continues — as many children apparently do — to consider wearing a jacket an antiquated idea that serves no useful purpose in his life. Armed with — what else is new? — a well-thought-out defense, he asked to take to school a note stating he could choose whether or not to wear his jacket on breaks. He was adamant that the note stipulate “in any weather.” He explained his rationale: he’s in constant motion outside, and he’s happy to continue to wear socks, shoes, gloves, and a cap, since most body-heat is lost through the extremities.
I had to admit he had a point. To admit that he hardly ever gets sick (see the previous blogs about keeping kids well). And, to admit that I’ve always thought the chill theory was overrated. So, he got his note.
Imagine my surprise this morning to see a recent study in which ninety students were paid to put their feet in cold water for twenty minutes. (Probably a minimum wage job!) Thirteen of the foot-soaking students developed cold symptoms, compared to five in the control group. The authors conjectured that feet-in-cold-water led to a constriction of nasal blood vessels, which increased viral susceptibility. But, they also noted that those developing cold symptoms had reported more frequent colds in prior years than had those who did not develop symptoms. (See an article about the study here.)
It reminded me of a class in chiropractic school, where our assignment was to fully immerse an arm in ice water while another student monitored our blood pressure. I whined and complained, but my blood pressure stayed nice and low; my test partner sat calmly, while her blood pressure reached dangerous heights.
What do I make of all this? We are all unique, and some of us are more susceptible to colds, while others are more susceptible to headaches, or allergies, or…you name it. More importantly, for most of us, STRESS is the aggravating factor.
In all cases, the answers lie in the same direction: Total Wellness. Strengthen your immune system through proper diet, targeted supplementation, stress reduction, and common sense. Drink your water — all 64 ounces, every day. Eat (or drink!) your fruits and veggies. Spurn those sweets and white flour treats. And — for some of us — put on that coat.
As for Julian…well, it’s another bargaining chip. Eat and drink up your protein, fruits, and veggies, Kiddo, and you may not have to wear that jacket.
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