About Colds and Flu

Submitted by Susan Garbett

Many of us are concerned this time of year about colds and flu and ways to protect ourselves form illness. As we enter classrooms or walk across campus, we are heralded by coughs, sniffles, and blowing noses. Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves and still be in contact with the public to do our jobs? A recent nursing journal article (Cerrato, 1998, RN) reminded me of the importance of mental health and the relationship it has to physical health. I have long observed that my own health seems to be related to my mental outlook. If I find myself discouraged, I frequently end up with a cold. This article identified three positive mental forces that help our health.

These are titled the placebo effect, optimistic thinking, and strong social support.

The placebo effect can be described as a positive reaction within the body to the belief that a medication or treatment will be effective. If a person has faith in the treatment of medication and believes that it is helpful, research has shown that the body reacts positively to the therapy. It seems that the conscious brain sends messages through other parts of the brain to release hormones that may improve how the person feels. I use this effect frequently in my nursing career when I teach patients about their medications and the expected results. Nurses do not ethically believe that placebo medication by fostering a belief in their benefit. One danger which occurs with this effect is that it can be both positive and negative. If a person does not believe it will help, it often don does not. The caution then is to foster faith and belief in whatever remedies we try if we want them to be as successful as possible.

We have all met individuals who view life in a positive manner and others who are very pessimistic. The most interesting concept to me about positive thinking is the difference it makes in the strength of the immune system. Not only does our immune system protect us from colds and flu, but, according to some scientists, it plays an important surveillance role in protecting us against cancer. The article listed hopelessness "as a potent a cardiac risk factor as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day." As we evaluate our progress toward our new year's resolutions, we could benefit from a look at our usual frame of mind and make whatever adjustments are needed to have a positive outlook on life. Our enjoyment of life would increase as would our health.

Our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors can also help us improve our health. Relationships give meaning and focus to our lives and are very important in buffering us against too much stress. During especially stressful times, the body receives an overload of hormones which suppress the immune system. Consequently, people who have strong support around them are less likely to catch a cold. Married men who stay connected to family, friends and church associates actually live longer. Women with advanced breast cancer also live longer if they have strong support system and are surrounded by those who will listen to their story. One of the key components of Dean Ornish's retreats for heart patients is a support group. The other areas of focus include diet, exercise and meditation. Hugs and physical contact are a great way to improve relationships and communicate caring. They have also been found to be beneficial to health. For me personally, relationships are the very motivation for most of what I do. The Proclamation on the Family instructs us specifically to strengthen our most important relationships with our spouses and children.

Faculty/Staff Bulletin--February 5, 12, 1998