Dr. Tamara EriksenNaturopathic DoctorGeneral & Family PracticeEdmonton, AlbertaEmail: dr.teriksen@gmail.com

Every Parents’ Guide to Every Parents’ Guide to

Naturally Supporting aNaturally Supporting aHealthy Immune Healthy Immune ResponseResponse

Every Parents’ Guide to Every Parents’ Guide to

Naturally Supporting aNaturally Supporting aHealthy Immune Healthy Immune ResponseResponse

FeverFever

Fever may be THE MOST IMPORTANT part Fever may be THE MOST IMPORTANT part of a healthy immune response.of a healthy immune response.

Regularly giving medications to “kill” a Regularly giving medications to “kill” a fever teaches your body fever teaches your body notnot to mount a to mount a proper, full scale response.proper, full scale response.

Fever may be THE MOST IMPORTANT part Fever may be THE MOST IMPORTANT part of a healthy immune response.of a healthy immune response.

Regularly giving medications to “kill” a Regularly giving medications to “kill” a fever teaches your body fever teaches your body notnot to mount a to mount a proper, full scale response.proper, full scale response.

FeverFever

New evidence suggests fevers are New evidence suggests fevers are developmentally importantdevelopmentally important

New evidence suggests fevers are New evidence suggests fevers are developmentally importantdevelopmentally important

Following fevers, researchers Following fevers, researchers observe:observe:

Growth spurtsGrowth spurts Increased maturityIncreased maturity Improvements in Improvements in

cognitive reasoningcognitive reasoning

Normal, healthy body temperatureNormal, healthy body temperature 98.2°F / 36.8°C98.2°F / 36.8°C

Normal, healthy body temperatureNormal, healthy body temperature 98.2°F / 36.8°C98.2°F / 36.8°C

FeverFever

What is High EnoughWhat is High Enough

In order to be In order to be effective, effective, a fever must reach at a fever must reach at least 99.5°F / 37.6°Cleast 99.5°F / 37.6°C

Most Bacteria & Most Bacteria & Viruses cannot live at Viruses cannot live at these temperatures!these temperatures!

In order to be In order to be effective, effective, a fever must reach at a fever must reach at least 99.5°F / 37.6°Cleast 99.5°F / 37.6°C

Most Bacteria & Most Bacteria & Viruses cannot live at Viruses cannot live at these temperatures!these temperatures!

How High is Too HighHow High is Too High

Infants Infants (< 2 mo.):(< 2 mo.): 102°F / 38.9°C102°F / 38.9°CGO TO EMERGENCY ROOM ASAPGO TO EMERGENCY ROOM ASAP

Children:Children: 105°F / 40.5°C105°F / 40.5°CURGENT, SEE YOUR DOCTORURGENT, SEE YOUR DOCTOR

Adults: Adults: 106.5°F / 41.4°C106.5°F / 41.4°CNEARING THE DANGER ZONENEARING THE DANGER ZONE

Infants Infants (< 2 mo.):(< 2 mo.): 102°F / 38.9°C102°F / 38.9°CGO TO EMERGENCY ROOM ASAPGO TO EMERGENCY ROOM ASAP

Children:Children: 105°F / 40.5°C105°F / 40.5°CURGENT, SEE YOUR DOCTORURGENT, SEE YOUR DOCTOR

Adults: Adults: 106.5°F / 41.4°C106.5°F / 41.4°CNEARING THE DANGER ZONENEARING THE DANGER ZONE

How High is Too HighHow High is Too High

107°F/41.6°C or higher107°F/41.6°C or higher EMERGENCY - Brain damage may occur EMERGENCY - Brain damage may occur

107°F/41.6°C or higher107°F/41.6°C or higher EMERGENCY - Brain damage may occur EMERGENCY - Brain damage may occur

Febrile ConvulsionsFebrile Convulsions

Convulsions/seizures are NOT Convulsions/seizures are NOT necessarily related to high fevers.necessarily related to high fevers.

They’re related to They’re related to RAPID CHANGES RAPID CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE.IN TEMPERATURE.

Tend to run in families.Tend to run in families.

Convulsions/seizures are NOT Convulsions/seizures are NOT necessarily related to high fevers.necessarily related to high fevers.

They’re related to They’re related to RAPID CHANGES RAPID CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE.IN TEMPERATURE.

Tend to run in families.Tend to run in families.

Febrile ConvulsionsFebrile Convulsions

Really scary for parents!Really scary for parents!

Not particularly Not particularly dangerous.dangerous.

No higher risk of No higher risk of brain damage.brain damage.

Really scary for parents!Really scary for parents!

Not particularly Not particularly dangerous.dangerous.

No higher risk of No higher risk of brain damage.brain damage.

Supportive TreatmentsSupportive Treatments

So if giving MEDICINE to kill the So if giving MEDICINE to kill the fever and manage other symptoms fever and manage other symptoms is out…is out…

So if giving MEDICINE to kill the So if giving MEDICINE to kill the fever and manage other symptoms fever and manage other symptoms is out…is out…

Monitor your sick child closely…Monitor your sick child closely… Monitor your sick child closely…Monitor your sick child closely…

MonitorMonitor

Moderate feverModerate fevercheck temp every 30-45 check temp every 30-45 min.min.

High feverHigh fevercheck temp every 15 min.check temp every 15 min.

If fever creeps too high, If fever creeps too high, bring it down slowly. bring it down slowly. (Cool (Cool compresses, lighter compresses, lighter blankets/clothing)blankets/clothing)

Watch for behavioural Watch for behavioural changeschanges

Moderate feverModerate fevercheck temp every 30-45 check temp every 30-45 min.min.

High feverHigh fevercheck temp every 15 min.check temp every 15 min.

If fever creeps too high, If fever creeps too high, bring it down slowly. bring it down slowly. (Cool (Cool compresses, lighter compresses, lighter blankets/clothing)blankets/clothing)

Watch for behavioural Watch for behavioural changeschanges

Support a Good Fever!Support a Good Fever! Cayenne foot bathCayenne foot bath Steam / saunaSteam / sauna Wool blanketsWool blankets

Manage High FeversManage High Fevers ““Warming socks” treatmentWarming socks” treatment Cool compressesCool compresses

Support a Good Fever!Support a Good Fever! Cayenne foot bathCayenne foot bath Steam / saunaSteam / sauna Wool blanketsWool blankets

Manage High FeversManage High Fevers ““Warming socks” treatmentWarming socks” treatment Cool compressesCool compresses

Supportive TreatmentsSupportive Treatments

Manage other symptomsManage other symptoms STAY HYDRATED!STAY HYDRATED! Neti potNeti pot Steam inhalationSteam inhalation PoulticesPoultices Tea / Chicken soupTea / Chicken soup

Manage other symptomsManage other symptoms STAY HYDRATED!STAY HYDRATED! Neti potNeti pot Steam inhalationSteam inhalation PoulticesPoultices Tea / Chicken soupTea / Chicken soup

Supportive TreatmentsSupportive Treatments

Garlic Garlic (antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal)(antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal)

Ginger Ginger (antibacterial, antifungal, helps (antibacterial, antifungal, helps prevent nausea and cramping)prevent nausea and cramping)

Onion Onion (antibacterial, mild anti-viral)(antibacterial, mild anti-viral)

Essential oils Essential oils (rosemary, eucalyptus,(rosemary, eucalyptus,ginger, lavender, tea tree, and many more!)ginger, lavender, tea tree, and many more!)

Supportive TreatmentsSupportive Treatments

Herbals from HomeHerbals from Home Herbals from HomeHerbals from Home

So a loved one is under the weather...So a loved one is under the weather...

How do I know How do I know when to worry?when to worry?

So a loved one is under the weather...So a loved one is under the weather...

How do I know How do I know when to worry?when to worry?

Signs it’s a Medical EmergencySigns it’s a Medical Emergency

Serious Lung or Heart ProblemSerious Lung or Heart Problem

Difficulty breathing Difficulty breathing (when not coughing)(when not coughing)

Bloody mucus Bloody mucus (spit)(spit)

Chest painChest pain

Difficulty breathing Difficulty breathing (when not coughing)(when not coughing)

Bloody mucus Bloody mucus (spit)(spit)

Chest painChest pain

Cyanosis is the first VISIBLE sign that Cyanosis is the first VISIBLE sign that the patient is not getting enough the patient is not getting enough oxygen to cells/tissues/organs.oxygen to cells/tissues/organs.

Bluish or gray discoloration of the skin Bluish or gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.and mucous membranes.

Usually first seen around the lips and in Usually first seen around the lips and in the mouth.the mouth.

Then on fingertips (under fingernails) Then on fingertips (under fingernails) and toes.and toes.

Cyanosis is the first VISIBLE sign that Cyanosis is the first VISIBLE sign that the patient is not getting enough the patient is not getting enough oxygen to cells/tissues/organs.oxygen to cells/tissues/organs.

Bluish or gray discoloration of the skin Bluish or gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes.and mucous membranes.

Usually first seen around the lips and in Usually first seen around the lips and in the mouth.the mouth.

Then on fingertips (under fingernails) Then on fingertips (under fingernails) and toes.and toes.

Cyanosis(Poor oxygen exchange)

Cyanosis(Poor oxygen exchange)

DehydrationDehydration

Serious danger with high fever, diarrhea Serious danger with high fever, diarrhea and/or prolonged vomitingand/or prolonged vomiting

Check for Dehydration:Check for Dehydration: Pinch GENTLY to draw up a “tent” of skin on Pinch GENTLY to draw up a “tent” of skin on

the back of the hand the back of the hand (older child/adult)(older child/adult) or abdomen or abdomen (infant/toddler)(infant/toddler)

Hold for about 2 seconds, then let goHold for about 2 seconds, then let go Watch how long it takes for the skin to return Watch how long it takes for the skin to return

to normal.to normal. Should take LESS THAN 1 SECOND Should take LESS THAN 1 SECOND

(2 seconds in seniors due to decreased skin elasticity)(2 seconds in seniors due to decreased skin elasticity)

Lethargy & ProstrationLethargy & Prostration

Your child is “just not right.”Your child is “just not right.” Extremely tired/fatiguedExtremely tired/fatigued ““Floppy” – wont stand up, can’t hold Floppy” – wont stand up, can’t hold

head up, suddenly very dizzyhead up, suddenly very dizzy Cannot concentrate or focus attentionCannot concentrate or focus attention

You know your child! And you You know your child! And you know what’s normal when your know what’s normal when your child is sick.child is sick.

Your child is “just not right.”Your child is “just not right.” Extremely tired/fatiguedExtremely tired/fatigued ““Floppy” – wont stand up, can’t hold Floppy” – wont stand up, can’t hold

head up, suddenly very dizzyhead up, suddenly very dizzy Cannot concentrate or focus attentionCannot concentrate or focus attention

You know your child! And you You know your child! And you know what’s normal when your know what’s normal when your child is sick.child is sick.

Last words:Last words:

Many of Granny’s Many of Granny’s old remedies really old remedies really did work!did work!

Trust your instincts.Trust your instincts.

If ever in doubt… If ever in doubt… CALL YOUR DOCTOR!CALL YOUR DOCTOR!

Many of Granny’s Many of Granny’s old remedies really old remedies really did work!did work!

Trust your instincts.Trust your instincts.

If ever in doubt… If ever in doubt… CALL YOUR DOCTOR!CALL YOUR DOCTOR!

And Remember…And Remember…

Prevention is the best medicinePrevention is the best medicine Wash your handsWash your hands Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits & Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits &

veggiesveggies ExerciseExercise Love, laugh & play oftenLove, laugh & play often

Prevention is the best medicinePrevention is the best medicine Wash your handsWash your hands Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits & Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits &

veggiesveggies ExerciseExercise Love, laugh & play oftenLove, laugh & play often

Dr. Tamara EriksenNaturopathic DoctorGeneral & Family PracticeEdmonton, AlbertaEmail: dr.teriksen@gmail.com

Still have questions?Still have questions?

Ask your friendly Ask your friendly neighborhood ND!neighborhood ND!

Still have questions?Still have questions?

Ask your friendly Ask your friendly neighborhood ND!neighborhood ND!

Go online to find a licensed Naturopathic

Doctor in your area:

www.cand.ca (Canada)www.naturopathic.org

(US)

Warming Socks TreatmentWarming Socks Treatment

This procedure should be used at the first sign of any congestion in the eyes, This procedure should be used at the first sign of any congestion in the eyes, ears, sinus, throat, or lungs. It has also been used effectively for ears, sinus, throat, or lungs. It has also been used effectively for headaches and to gently reduce temperature and stay more headaches and to gently reduce temperature and stay more comfortable during a fever... Try it, you will like it!comfortable during a fever... Try it, you will like it!

The warming socks treatment is best if repeated for as many nights as The warming socks treatment is best if repeated for as many nights as necessary to improve the condition. Children tend to love this necessary to improve the condition. Children tend to love this treatment!treatment!

Procedure:Procedure: If your feet are cool or cold it is important to If your feet are cool or cold it is important to warm them firstwarm them first. This is . This is

very important as the treatment will not be effective and could be very important as the treatment will not be effective and could be harmful. Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-harmful. Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-10 minutes or taking a bath or shower. 10 minutes or taking a bath or shower.

Next, take a pair of cotton socks and get them wet with cold water.  (For Next, take a pair of cotton socks and get them wet with cold water.  (For extra cooling, try chilled peppermint tea!) extra cooling, try chilled peppermint tea!)

Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly. Place the cold wet socks on your feet. Place the cold wet socks on your feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Cover with thick wool socks. Go to bed. Avoid getting chilled.Go to bed. Avoid getting chilled.

This procedure should be used at the first sign of any congestion in the eyes, This procedure should be used at the first sign of any congestion in the eyes, ears, sinus, throat, or lungs. It has also been used effectively for ears, sinus, throat, or lungs. It has also been used effectively for headaches and to gently reduce temperature and stay more headaches and to gently reduce temperature and stay more comfortable during a fever... Try it, you will like it!comfortable during a fever... Try it, you will like it!

The warming socks treatment is best if repeated for as many nights as The warming socks treatment is best if repeated for as many nights as necessary to improve the condition. Children tend to love this necessary to improve the condition. Children tend to love this treatment!treatment!

Procedure:Procedure: If your feet are cool or cold it is important to If your feet are cool or cold it is important to warm them firstwarm them first. This is . This is

very important as the treatment will not be effective and could be very important as the treatment will not be effective and could be harmful. Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-harmful. Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-10 minutes or taking a bath or shower. 10 minutes or taking a bath or shower.

Next, take a pair of cotton socks and get them wet with cold water.  (For Next, take a pair of cotton socks and get them wet with cold water.  (For extra cooling, try chilled peppermint tea!) extra cooling, try chilled peppermint tea!)

Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly. Place the cold wet socks on your feet. Place the cold wet socks on your feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Cover with thick wool socks. Go to bed. Avoid getting chilled.Go to bed. Avoid getting chilled.

Garlic & Onion Cough Syrup(also antibiotic and antiviral!)Garlic & Onion Cough Syrup

(also antibiotic and antiviral!)This is a great recipe for cough syrup.  Will help calm a cough and also help your body This is a great recipe for cough syrup.  Will help calm a cough and also help your body

fight off the “bug”… Good for cough, flu and mild infections. Kids love it!  (Adults fight off the “bug”… Good for cough, flu and mild infections. Kids love it!  (Adults too… my fiancé wanted to know if we could make more to use as a marinade. )too… my fiancé wanted to know if we could make more to use as a marinade. )

1.1. CRUSH and chop a whole head of garlic.  (Crushing is very important; this is what CRUSH and chop a whole head of garlic.  (Crushing is very important; this is what activates the enzymes!)  Toss into a small sauce pan. activates the enzymes!)  Toss into a small sauce pan.

2.2. Chop a whole onion.  (Doesn’t matter what kind… but if you use a Spanish onion, Chop a whole onion.  (Doesn’t matter what kind… but if you use a Spanish onion, be prepared for your syrup to take on an unappetizing grayish color.)  Toss this be prepared for your syrup to take on an unappetizing grayish color.)  Toss this into the sauce pan, too. into the sauce pan, too.

3.3. Cover with water (so there’s about ½” water over the top of the herbs.) Cover with water (so there’s about ½” water over the top of the herbs.) 4.4. Simmer for 30 minutes. Simmer for 30 minutes. 5.5. Remove from heat. Remove from heat. 6.6. While the mixture is warm, stir in sugar sparingly, to taste.  (Note: Can use honey While the mixture is warm, stir in sugar sparingly, to taste.  (Note: Can use honey

somewhat more liberally in place of sugar, but somewhat more liberally in place of sugar, but NOTNOT for infants under 1 year old for infants under 1 year old.) .) 7.7. Cool and strain the mixture.  (Straining not necessary, but texture may be Cool and strain the mixture.  (Straining not necessary, but texture may be

distasteful to some.  If not straining, finely dice herbs.) distasteful to some.  If not straining, finely dice herbs.) 8.8. Store in the refrigerator.  Generally keeps for 1-2 weeks. Store in the refrigerator.  Generally keeps for 1-2 weeks. 9.9. Administer 1 tsp. three times daily… or as often as you like!  Administer 1 tsp. three times daily… or as often as you like! 

(Cannot overdose... it’s food!)(Cannot overdose... it’s food!)

***This recipe is NOT for people with low blood pressure or blood clotting***difficulties, ***This recipe is NOT for people with low blood pressure or blood clotting***difficulties, on blood thinning medications or with thrombocytopenia.on blood thinning medications or with thrombocytopenia.

This is a great recipe for cough syrup.  Will help calm a cough and also help your body This is a great recipe for cough syrup.  Will help calm a cough and also help your body fight off the “bug”… Good for cough, flu and mild infections. Kids love it!  (Adults fight off the “bug”… Good for cough, flu and mild infections. Kids love it!  (Adults too… my fiancé wanted to know if we could make more to use as a marinade. )too… my fiancé wanted to know if we could make more to use as a marinade. )

1.1. CRUSH and chop a whole head of garlic.  (Crushing is very important; this is what CRUSH and chop a whole head of garlic.  (Crushing is very important; this is what activates the enzymes!)  Toss into a small sauce pan. activates the enzymes!)  Toss into a small sauce pan.

2.2. Chop a whole onion.  (Doesn’t matter what kind… but if you use a Spanish onion, Chop a whole onion.  (Doesn’t matter what kind… but if you use a Spanish onion, be prepared for your syrup to take on an unappetizing grayish color.)  Toss this be prepared for your syrup to take on an unappetizing grayish color.)  Toss this into the sauce pan, too. into the sauce pan, too.

3.3. Cover with water (so there’s about ½” water over the top of the herbs.) Cover with water (so there’s about ½” water over the top of the herbs.) 4.4. Simmer for 30 minutes. Simmer for 30 minutes. 5.5. Remove from heat. Remove from heat. 6.6. While the mixture is warm, stir in sugar sparingly, to taste.  (Note: Can use honey While the mixture is warm, stir in sugar sparingly, to taste.  (Note: Can use honey

somewhat more liberally in place of sugar, but somewhat more liberally in place of sugar, but NOTNOT for infants under 1 year old for infants under 1 year old.) .) 7.7. Cool and strain the mixture.  (Straining not necessary, but texture may be Cool and strain the mixture.  (Straining not necessary, but texture may be

distasteful to some.  If not straining, finely dice herbs.) distasteful to some.  If not straining, finely dice herbs.) 8.8. Store in the refrigerator.  Generally keeps for 1-2 weeks. Store in the refrigerator.  Generally keeps for 1-2 weeks. 9.9. Administer 1 tsp. three times daily… or as often as you like!  Administer 1 tsp. three times daily… or as often as you like! 

(Cannot overdose... it’s food!)(Cannot overdose... it’s food!)

***This recipe is NOT for people with low blood pressure or blood clotting***difficulties, ***This recipe is NOT for people with low blood pressure or blood clotting***difficulties, on blood thinning medications or with thrombocytopenia.on blood thinning medications or with thrombocytopenia.

Other RemediesOther Remedies

Ear aches or mild-moderate ear infections?  Try cutting an onion in half.  Place Ear aches or mild-moderate ear infections?  Try cutting an onion in half.  Place 1/2 onion on a baking sheet, cut side down.  Bake at 250 degrees for 20-1/2 onion on a baking sheet, cut side down.  Bake at 250 degrees for 20-30 minutes.  Cool until pleasant to touch.  Pop out the middle sections of 30 minutes.  Cool until pleasant to touch.  Pop out the middle sections of the onion to form a "cup."  Place cup over affected ear.  Wrap or hold in the onion to form a "cup."  Place cup over affected ear.  Wrap or hold in place for 15 - 20 minutes.  The heat will relieve pain and the heat + the place for 15 - 20 minutes.  The heat will relieve pain and the heat + the antibiotic properties of the onion will help heal the infection.antibiotic properties of the onion will help heal the infection.

Steam inhalation is fantastic to prevent and treat pneumonia or bronchitis and Steam inhalation is fantastic to prevent and treat pneumonia or bronchitis and to treat sinus congestion, especially when you have a cold/flu!to treat sinus congestion, especially when you have a cold/flu!

1.1. Boil some water. Boil some water. 2.2. Place a big, stable bowl on a table that's easy to lean over. Place a big, stable bowl on a table that's easy to lean over. 3.3. Pour boiling water into the bowl.  Add a few drops of your favorite Pour boiling water into the bowl.  Add a few drops of your favorite

essential oil, for extra effect... consider rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender essential oil, for extra effect... consider rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender or ginger.  All will help prevent infection!  But don't overdo the oil, that'll or ginger.  All will help prevent infection!  But don't overdo the oil, that'll make your eyes burn. make your eyes burn.

4.4. Drape a big towel or a blanket over your head and the bowl (to contain Drape a big towel or a blanket over your head and the bowl (to contain the steam.) the steam.)

5.5. BREATHE DEEPLY for 5-10 minutes.  (Take breaks if necessary.)BREATHE DEEPLY for 5-10 minutes.  (Take breaks if necessary.)

Ear aches or mild-moderate ear infections?  Try cutting an onion in half.  Place Ear aches or mild-moderate ear infections?  Try cutting an onion in half.  Place 1/2 onion on a baking sheet, cut side down.  Bake at 250 degrees for 20-1/2 onion on a baking sheet, cut side down.  Bake at 250 degrees for 20-30 minutes.  Cool until pleasant to touch.  Pop out the middle sections of 30 minutes.  Cool until pleasant to touch.  Pop out the middle sections of the onion to form a "cup."  Place cup over affected ear.  Wrap or hold in the onion to form a "cup."  Place cup over affected ear.  Wrap or hold in place for 15 - 20 minutes.  The heat will relieve pain and the heat + the place for 15 - 20 minutes.  The heat will relieve pain and the heat + the antibiotic properties of the onion will help heal the infection.antibiotic properties of the onion will help heal the infection.

Steam inhalation is fantastic to prevent and treat pneumonia or bronchitis and Steam inhalation is fantastic to prevent and treat pneumonia or bronchitis and to treat sinus congestion, especially when you have a cold/flu!to treat sinus congestion, especially when you have a cold/flu!

1.1. Boil some water. Boil some water. 2.2. Place a big, stable bowl on a table that's easy to lean over. Place a big, stable bowl on a table that's easy to lean over. 3.3. Pour boiling water into the bowl.  Add a few drops of your favorite Pour boiling water into the bowl.  Add a few drops of your favorite

essential oil, for extra effect... consider rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender essential oil, for extra effect... consider rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender or ginger.  All will help prevent infection!  But don't overdo the oil, that'll or ginger.  All will help prevent infection!  But don't overdo the oil, that'll make your eyes burn. make your eyes burn.

4.4. Drape a big towel or a blanket over your head and the bowl (to contain Drape a big towel or a blanket over your head and the bowl (to contain the steam.) the steam.)

5.5. BREATHE DEEPLY for 5-10 minutes.  (Take breaks if necessary.)BREATHE DEEPLY for 5-10 minutes.  (Take breaks if necessary.)