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HEaltHy living                                                                                                                                                                                                grEEnFiEld Hill living

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ExpErt Contributor
        Natural Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment                                                                              Greenfield Hill, Then and Now


                                                                                                                                   By Mary-Jo McAvey
        By Kathryn M. Firisin, ND, MSPT, Naturopathic Doctor, Coastal Natural Medicine, LLC                                                                 There is a slice of heaven that   mind inevitably wanders to a time when maybe the native Americans
        Guest Contributor                                                                                                                                   begins just beyond my driveway in   navigated or dwelled in these woods. Meandering stone walls are
                                                                                                                                                            Greenfield Hill—it always provides   a distinct reminder of Colonial times. The undeniable crisp scent of
                                                                                                                                                            a little something new or simply put   towering Pine Trees, the serene adjacent pond and a traveler or two,
                      Although cold and flu season is defined as the   HOMEOPATHIC FLU PREVENTION
                      period from October until May, peak activity is   If  you  are  interested  in  an  alternative  to  the  flu  vaccine,  a            a memorable moment to your day.    bring the experience to life.
                      between  December  and  February.  With  this  in   homeopathic  flu  immunization  protocol  can  help  your  body                   Oh,  and  it  costs  you  nothing;  but   Boasting hiking trails, (prominently marked) horseback riding, fishing,
                      mind, it’s important to find ways to keep yourself   recognize flu viruses and improve your immune response to these                  you become richer because of it.  wildlife  conservation  and  wetland  protection, Brett  Woods  may  be
                      healthy throughout the fall and winter months,   pathogens. A single dose of this specialized homeopathic remedy                      Thank  you,  Mr.  Brett.    In  1908   accessed via North Street or Treasure Road.  There is always something
                      when the risk is highest.                 once a month during cold and flu season can greatly decrease                                George  P.  Brett  (a  publisher  from   new to discover, I promise you!
                      VIRUS VS. HOST                            your susceptibility. Mild flu symptoms may occur at the start of   New York City) called Fairfield, CT his new home.  In so doing, George,   As a family of 5, with three boys and over the course of 20 years,
                                                                taking this remedy, but they generally resolve on their own in two   enamored with the town and possessing tremendous foresight, began   three dogs, the Woods was our haven--both for our spirited sons
        If viruses and bacteria are in the environment 24 hours a day, 7                                                           to acquire 260 acres in Greenfield Hill.  Thus, this priceless natural
        days a week, 12 months a year, why is there a “season” when   or three days.                                               resource began its evolution into a well-preserved open space.  and beloved canines. I have more than fond memories of our sons
        we get sick? While some research shows that viruses are slightly   Prevention and early treatment are always the best approach                                                    climbing ‘Pride Rock’ (incidentally it looks like a prehistoric boulder?)
        more robust at colder temperatures, weather is not the only   should you develop a cold or flu. Naturopathic medicine offers   George Brett passed away in 1936; by 1941 his family donated 11   standing on top, holding long walking sticks gathered from the hike
        contributing  cause.  The  most  significant  factor  that  determines   many ways to support your immune system naturally if you do   acres  to  the  town  of  Fairfield.  In  1971  the  town  wisely  began  to   and claiming a portion of the woods as theirs and their furry friends
        whether someone contracts a bug is susceptibility. How well your   develop symptoms this season and is also a wonderful resource   consolidate various parcels and solidified Brett Woods.  too.
        immune system functions determines whether you present with   to assess your health and nutritional status.                Here  in  this  glorious  185  acres  of  loveliness,  affinity  meets  reality.    Yes, our Bella and Maghee thrived amidst this New England gem on
        symptoms of a cold or flu and the severity of those symptoms.   Dr.  Firisin  is  a  board  certified  naturopathic  doctor  at  Coastal   Absent modern amenities and unnatural sights and sounds, one   their nearly daily adventures. When they passed, we shed their ashes
        Fatigue, stress, lack of sleep, and sugar and alcohol intake are   Natural  Medicine  in  Southport,  CT.  She  brings  over  20  years   embarks on a peaceful retreat. No doubt, this tangible treasure needs   in their special place.
        just a few of the factors that affect the strength of your immune   of  experience  in  healthcare  to  her  practice  with  a  focus  on   to have its day, or does it? After all, that’s what makes Brett Woods   My  favorite  poet,  Robert  Frost,  really  clinched  it  when  he  simply
        system.                                                 family  medicine,  gastrointestinal  conditions,  cardiovascular   one of Greenfield Hill’s best understated secrets.     wrote: “The woods are lovely dark and deep. But I have promises to
        THE REASON FOR THE SEASON                               health,  autoimmune  disorders  and  detoxification.  She  recently   The release from the rat race never disappoints. Spend as much   keep, And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.”
                                                                completed  her  Certification  in  T3  Thyroid  Treatment  through   time as you can or need in this humble neck of the woods and your
        When  children  go  back  to  school,  extracurricular  activities
        resume, pumpkin spice delights abound, and we overindulge in   the  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Restorative  Medicine.
        holiday treats, susceptibility to bacteria and viruses increases. A   For  more  information,  please  call  (475)  999-2032  or  visit
        study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a   www.coastalnaturalmedicine.com.
        decrease  in  neutrophil  activity, an  immune  cell  responsible  for
        fighting infection, for up to five hours after consuming 100 grams
        of  glucose,  sucrose,  fructose,  honey  or  orange  juice.  Simply
        avoiding  sugar  can  increase  your  immune  function  significantly
        on a daily basis, so stay away from that pumpkin spice latte and
        muffin - together they have close to 96 grams of sugar!                                                                                                      Mary-Jo & Vince McAvey

        GETTING YOUR ZZZS                                                                                                                                                  Greenfi eld Hill Specialists
        The sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm is the strongest regulator
        of immune function. Prolonged sleep curtailment for as few as
        four days can have a significant effect on your immune system and
        inflammation, so improving sleep is critical to preventing illness.                                                                     25 year Greenfi eld Hill Residents.
        Decreasing electronic use before bed, using a sleep sachet of                                                               Sold 37 Greenfi eld Hill Properties over the last decade
        lavender and hops on your pillow, or diffusing essential oils like
        lavender and chamomile can help prepare the body for sleep.                                                                              $32,145,000 in Dollar Volume.
        Low doses of magnesium (350-500 mg) and melatonin (2-5 mg)                            QUALITY & DEPENDABLE
        can also be helpful if taken one hour before bed.                                   HVAC REPAIR & INSTALLATION                  Contact us today to schedule a consultation to
                                                                                            Repairs are our specialty, often saving
                                                                                            you the cost of expensive replacement
        CREATING A HEALTHY GUT                                                                                                              discuss the value of your home and our
        Maintaining the health of your gut, where 70-80% of the immune                                                                        specialized service plan just for you!
        system is housed, can make a difference in your overall health
        and  ability  to  fight  off  colds  and  flus.  Probiotics  play  a  key   Jordon HVAC, LLC Roy Jordon
        role in  regulating immune  cell function  and help to  decrease                                                                 MARY JOMCAVEY                  VINCENT MCAVEY
        inflammation in the intestinal mucosa. A healthy gut is more likely   Serving Fairfield residents since 1976  (203) 521.4159        203.767.6427                   203.767.6428
        to absorb immune boosting nutrients from fruits and vegetables                             Fully Licensed & Insured          mary-jo.mcavey@raveis.com       vincent.mcavey@raveis.com
        like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D. Pumpkin seeds, grass fed beef,
        spinach and kale are all rich sources of zinc. Additionally, having
        your vitamin D levels checked by your doctor is a great way to                      Air Conditioning • Gas Heat Systems
        prepare for the season and determine how much you should                           Electric Heat Systems • Plumbing Service
                                                                                             Floor Heating • Hot Water Heaters
        supplement.                                                                             Tankless Water Heaters                                               2525 Post Road, Southport CT  06890


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