An article in the January 21, 2007 Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Tammy Joyner named “A Bug’s Life” really burned me up. According to Tammy Joyner all of our problems with sickness are caused by germs. I beg to differ, Ms. Joyner. To the above question I would answer “all of the above” because I know that it is not at all the germs causing the illnesses we have, but a lowered immune system! Since there are germs of all types around us all the time, if you thought the germs caused you to be sick, you’d be sick right now and you probably would stay sick.

On the other hand, if you have the knowledge that the germs that are around you all the time are continuously being combatted by your immune system and when the power of the germs overcomes the power of your immune system, then you get sick. When your immune system overcomes the germs, you get better.

I don’t know about you, but I know that taking on the earth’s germs is a much bigger responsibility than maintaining an increased and fully functioning immune system.

What causes the following?

Ø 15-60 million Americans getting the flu each year.

Ø 70 million lost workdays.

Ø $10 billion sick-day related costs to employers each year.

If you answered “germs” you are absolutely incorrect. The correct answer is: an unhealthy immune system!

Our immune system is like an army fighting off anything foreign it comes in contact with. Wouldn’t it make sense to build your army as best you can instead of keeping your army weak and then trying to fight invaders?