Many years ago, I remember reading an article about the overuse of antibiotics and its dangers. One of the dangers was the mutation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Alexander Flemming, the man who discovered penicillin, warned that the overuse of this miracle drug might lead to problems with resistant bacteria "super bugs"; therefore antibiotics should only be used in cases of life or death. It's unfortunate that his warning was not taken seriously, for it's no secret that antibiotics have been used and abused as a medicine of convenience. In addition, most people consume a small steady dose of antibiotics by eating commercially grown meats, poultry and farm raised fish. It's time to pay the piper, for "super bugs" are now a very serious threat and have already taken the lives many people throughout our country.

We've been hearing about a form of staph infection called methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRCA. The symptoms of MRCA and other staph infections are very similar so it is important that a doctor diagnoses the condition; pimples, rashes, pus-filled boils, especially when warm, painful, red or swollen, can mean that you have a staph skin infection. Staph can also cause more serious infections such as severe skin infection, surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. The symptoms could include high fever, swelling, heat and pain around a wound, headache, fatigue, and others. These infections can be very serious and life threatening. It's important to see a doctor is one suspects MRCA.

The good news is that if ones immune system is up to snuff, staph or any other bacteria usually will not pose a problem. The bad news is that the typical American life style, diet and overuse of antibiotics and prescription drugs don't allow ones immune system to thrive. Each time one takes a course of antibiotics, they knock their immune system a notch or two. 70% of ones immune system is in their gut and antibiotics destroy all the good bacteria living there, so after a course of antibiotics, the first line of defense has been destroyed leaving one defenseless. That's why it is not uncommon for one to contract a yeast/fungal infection after antibiotics. Most people have been taking antibiotics since they were a child so it's understandable why there are so many people with compromised immune systems.

There are many ways to build ones immune system to reduce the chances in contracting MRCA or any other germ. Every human being would benefit by restoring the good bacteria in their gut by taking a probiotic supplement (acidophilus and bifidophilus). Vitamin C in the form of emergen C or a buffered variety is helpful. If one has irritable bowel and is on a diarrhea swing, this may not be a good choice. Colloidal or ionized silver is a natural antibiotic that is not staph resistant and can be taken throughout the winter as prevention at 1 teaspoon a day. A good "immune building" multiple can be taken at 2 a day for prevention. Garlic is another natural antibiotic that is not staph resistant because of its active ingredient, allicin. If you and others can stand the odor, eating a clove a day is the cheapest route. There are also garlic pills available. An old fashion remedy to treat a staph or any other skin infection or wound is to crush a clove of garlic and add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil. Place directly on problem area and cover with a large Band-Aid or gauze for as long as possible, for it may burn a little due to the garlic. Repeat the process each day until the area is healed. If one is not able to walk around smelling like garlic and tea tree oil, Miracle II gel is an odorless topical oxygenated formula that has a reputation of healing a variety of the most stubborn skin conditions. There are homeopathic remedies such as silicia, hepar sulphuris calcareum and calcarea sulphurica that help with severe skin conditions a helping boils suppurate (pop) and heal. The 30C potency will suffice.

Common sense hygiene is always important. Washing hands with soap and water is the most important. Carrying disinfecting wipes around comes in handy for wiping down the handle of shopping carts, payphones, etc. For more information on MRCA and some additional hygiene tips, go to http://www.cdc.gov and click on MRCA in schools.

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