GMO in the Va-jay-jay

Gentlemen, you may want to turn the other way.

Ladies...listen up!

It’s that time of the month again, and we are going to talk about periods…and some things you may have never thought of!

Over the last few years my own cycles had grown more and more onerous. Worsening PMS, killer migraines, and mind blowing cramps. Cramps that felt like someone was wringing my uterus out like a sponge, with clots to match. One thing that I did notice unfailingly made my cramps worse was using tampons. Now, I felt there was no other alternative, because frankly, I feel that wearing a pad is kind of gross. But, oh the agony!

So I experimented a bit – and time after time, the tampons made it worse. Certain brands seemed to be worse than others (for example the off brand Walmart variety).

Then I came across a post of Facebook (where else?) regarding what the cotton in our tampons might contain nowadays.

Among the most common pesticides used on cotton are aldicarb, parathion, and methamidopho, which the World Health Organization cites as the most acutely hazardous to human health. According to the Organic Trade Association, "Aldicarb, cotton's second best selling insecticide and most acutely poisonous to humans, can kill a man with just one drop absorbed through the skin, yet it is still used in 25 countries and the US, where 16 states have reported it in their groundwater."

http://naturallysavvy.com/care/conventional-cotton-tampons-and-pesticides

A woman will use as many as 17,000 tampons in her lifetime. Many are made out of a cotton and rayon blend, which must be bleached to get that clean white sterile look. While the EPA banned a more harmful bleaching process back in 1998, current elemental "chlorine-free" bleaching processes using chlorine dioxide still produce, albeit less, dioxins.

Dioxins include a range of chemicals including polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzo furans (PCDFs) and the now banned, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). 

http://naturallysavvy.com/Care/dioxins-the-facts-about-this-toxin-in-tampons-and-sanitary-pads

Dioxin and other similar pollutants act like estrogen in the female body…could it be that this is what I was experiencing – heavier more painful periods as a result of an estrogen dominance like picture?

Then there is the controversy over Bt Cotton (Monsanto is even finding it’s way up our vaginas!)

Bt cotton requires more pesticide sprayings than indigenous cotton—MANY times more. Bt cotton has created new resistant pests,⁸ and to control these, farmers must use 13 times more pesticides⁹ than they were using prior to its introduction

http://www.voltairenet.org/Why-Are-Indian-Farmers-Committing

Then there is just the plain ol’ environmental thing:

If every woman of menstruating age replaced one 16-count package of regular absorbency conventional cotton tampons with our organic cotton tampons, we could prevent 17,000 lbs of pesticides from polluting our rivers, lakes and streams.

• If every woman of menstruating age replaced one 16-count package of super absorbency conventional cotton tampons with our organic cotton tampons, we could prevent 21,000 lbs of pesticides from polluting our rivers, lakes and streams.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debbie-robins/women-beware-know-the-pos_b_619187.html

So, with all that info in hand I went to Whole Foods to purchase a Diva Cup. After having a heart attack over the $37 price tag, I pulled up my big girl panties and bought one.

After a few hours of awkwardness, I couldn’t feel a thing. No leaks. No panicking that I forgot to buy tampons or put one in my purse. And NO CRAMPS!

I tried to discuss my miraculous discovery with my daughters…to summarize, the response was essentially: “Ewwwww!!! Mom you are so weird and gross!”

Well that might be, but…no more pesticides and GMO fibers in my pussness (borrowed term from my mother) and…

NO CRAMPS!

Gotta love it! 

About HFME - The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.

About HFME - The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.

Well, if there is any Reality in Medicine, this is it...Wish I would have found it sooner...

I don't have "rheumatoid arthritis" or "chronic fatigue syndrome"...I have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis...101% sure of it...and it IS autoimmune, it IS mitochondrial dysfunction, and very much related to illness and VACCINES.

Now I must face the reality of finding physicians in the US, preferably within short driving distance, who can help me heal myself...

I will post more on this topic periodically for those who are interested.

About HFME - The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.

About HFME - The Hummingbirds' Foundation for M.E.

Well, if there is any Reality in Medicine, this is it...Wish I would have found it sooner...

I don't have "rheumatoid arthritis" or "chronic fatigue syndrome"...I have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis...101% sure of it...and it IS autoimmune, it IS mitochondrial dysfunction, and very much related to illness and VACCINES.

Now I must face the reality of finding physicians in the US, preferably within short driving distance, who can help me heal myself...

I will post more on this topic periodically for those who are interested.

An Unhappy Consequence of Happy Pills

"Some SSRIs Tied to Heart Rhythm Problems"

So reads the headline from my MedPage Today email update.

Ahhhh...the treatment of depression is one of my favorite topics in light of my knowledge surrounding nutrient deficiencies, especially Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. These pills are handed out like virtual medical candy through all age groups, both in the office and at the hospital. 

My particular concern with this is how many criticially ill and chronically debilitated are started on antidepressants of all sorts. Citalopram and Lexapro have been used much in recent years, especially for the elderly. I will admit, I have not read any studies, just have noted it has become more "popular" in review of patient medlists, and is generally available on hospital formularies. I suspect it has something to do with pharmaceutical companies providing "deals" to Medicare and Medicaid, but that is also one of my completely biased opinions with no ground in research, but based on what I have seen before. (I invite you to investigate and let me know if I am right or wrong - I simply don't have the time...)

Many families request that grandma or grandpa be started on "something", to help with their "motivation" or "appetite", in complete oblivion that there are substantial side effects to any medication that is added to their regimen. Insurance companies frown upon testing for nutrient deficiencies, and often simply won't pay for an inexpensive nutritional supplement (that potentially addresses multiple health issues), in favor of paying for an "approved" pharmaceutical product that is much more expensive. Those same insurance companies then happily pay even more out when grandma or grandpa have their cardiac arrhythmias and need yet a few more medications to counter that, in addition to the extensive (and sometimes invasive) testing that goes along with the "work up" of a new problem. 

Physicians often do not have the time to comb through medication lists to identify potential triggers of new cardiac complications (or even worse, lack the knowledge to do so) and thus just treat the new symptom as an unfortunate complication of a patient's age or other medical conditions...with another pill that likely has as many or more risk factors. I have seen a number of hospitalized patients present with or develop new onset arrhythmias and QT prolongation - and it only took about 30 minutes of my time with the first patient I saw, to find out that SSRIs, among other things, can cause this. The information is neatly nestled in the drug information packaging, and readily available to any practitioner should they desire to look. 

The link to the full article in the British Medical Journal:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/upload/2013/1/29/bmj.f288.full.pdf

I think we all know deep in our hearts that throwing antidepressants around callously is not going to make anyone "happier"...there is usually a good biological or psychological reason for someone's "depression"...

Let's take a little time to uncover that reason and treat IT instead...

New randomized controlled trial says, vitamin D prevents and delays multiple sclerosis | Vitamin D Council Blog

New randomized controlled trial says, vitamin D prevents and delays multiple sclerosis | Vitamin D Council Blog

http://news.yahoo.com/nurses-fired-refusing-flu-shot-224637902--abc-news-health.html

LET THE MADNESS BEGIN...




Nurses Fired for Refusing Flu Shot

By SYDNEY LUPKIN | ABC News – Thu, Jan 3, 2013


Enlarge Photo


ABC News - Nurses Fired for Refusing Flu Shot (ABC News)



An Indiana hospital has fired eight employees, including at least three veteran nurses, after they refused mandatory flushots, stirring up controversy over which should come first: employee rights or patient safety. The hospital imposed mandatory vaccines, responding to rising concerns about the spread of influenza.

Ethel Hoover wore all black on her last day of work as a nurse in the critical care unit at Indiana University Health Goshen Hospital. She said she was in "mourning" because she would have been at the hospital 22 years in February, and she's only called out of work four or five times in her whole career , she said.

"This is my body. I have a right to refuse the flu vaccine," Hoover, 61, told ABCNews.com. "For 21 years, I have religiously not taken the flu vaccine, and now you're telling me that I believe in it."

More than 15,100 flu cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionsince Sept. 30, including 16 pediatric deaths. Indiana's flu activity level is considered high, according to the CDC, which last month announced that the flu season came a month earlier than usual.

When Hoover first heard about the mandate, she said she didn't realize officials would take it so seriously. She said she filed two medical exemptions, a religious exemption and two appeals, but they were all denied. The Dec. 15 flu shot deadline came and went. Hoover's last day of employment was Dec. 21.

Fellow nurse Kacy Davis said she and her colleagues were "horrified" over Hoover's firing, calling her their "go-to" nurse and a "preceptor."

"It was a good place to work," Hoover said. "We've worked together all these years. We're like a family."

The hospital said in a statement that it implemented the mandate to promote patient safety based on recommendations from the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It announced the mandate in September. Of the hospital's 26,000 employees statewide, 95 percent complied. That means 1,300 employees did not comply, but only eight were fired.

"IU Health's top priority is the health and wellbeing of our patients," said hospital spokeswoman Whitney Ertel. "Participation in the annual Influenza Patient Safety Program is a condition of employment with IU Health for the health and safety of the patients that we serve, and is therefore required."

The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone older than six months of age. Dr. William Schaffner, chair of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., said hospital patients are especially vulnerable to flu complications because their bodies are already weakened.

"I cannot think of a reason for any health care professional to decline influenza immunization that's valid," said Schaffner, a former president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, adding that people with egg allergies may have to avoid the flu shot to prevent anaphylactic shock, but even that hurdle has been remedied. The Food and Drug Administration approved an egg-free vaccine in November.

Schaffner said invalid excuses to avoid the shot include being afraid of needles and simply promising to stay home when they're sick. Patients now have the option of a vaccine nasal spray if they want to avoid needles. And since flu victims become contagious before they start to feel sick, they can get patients sick even if they stay home when they have symptoms.

Over the last several years, hospitals have been moving toward mandatory vaccinations because many only have 60 percent vaccination rates, Schaffner said. He is leading an effort for a similar mandate at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Nurses in particular tend to be the most reluctant to get vaccinated among health care workers, Schaffner said, citing his opinion.

"There seems to be a persistent myth that you can get flu from a flu vaccine among nurses," he said. "They subject themselves to more influenza by not being immunized, and they certainly do not participate in putting patient safety first."

In October 2011, Vanderbilt broke the world record for number of vaccines administered in an eight-hour period in an event called Flulapalooza. From 6:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., they vaccinated 12,647 people. By that evening, more than 14,000 people had been vaccinated, and there were no severe adverse reactions, he said.

But still, Alan Phillips, who represented several nurses at the hospital, says his clients had the right to refuse their flu shots under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits religious discrimination of employees. Religion is legally broad under the First Amendment, so it could include any strongly held belief, he said, adding that the belief flu shots are bad should suffice.

"If your personal beliefs are religious in nature, then they are a protected belief," Phillips said.

Phillips, who is based out of North Carolina, has made a name for himself fighting for employees' rights to get out of mandated flu shots, but he has never needed to go to court. Although he usually handles a couple dozen health care workers per year, he had 150 this fall in 25 states.

Dr. Damon Raskin, an internist with his own practice in the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, said hospitals should mandate flu vaccines as a matter of public safety. The flu can lead to complications like pneumonia and death, said Raskin, who is also affiliated with the Cliffside Malibu Addiction Rehabilitation Center.

"I think if the health care worker has some problem with religious faith then perhaps during flu season, they shouldn't do that job," Raskin said, suggesting that the worker do something administrative instead during flu season. "It's not fair to the patient. The people who are most at risk are in the hospital.

"The Worst Flu Season Ever"

Such was the headline for a newsbit that I saw this morning. The program went on to say how a growing number of people were sick with influenza that was worse than years prior.

It occurred to me that this was a curious event, given increased number of vaccines given, especially since many hospitals and other health care venues are "mandating" vaccination. I thought of my coworkers at my own place of employment who have been afflicted over the past 2 months (Nov and Dec) with a "cold" that has them down for several weeks and a "stomach flu" lasting up to a week, and dropping even the most robust healthy adult. In fact I dare say I am the only one at my place of employment who has not suffered from either malady, while those around me sneezed and coughed and quietly retreated to vomit.

More influenza vaccines given than ever, increased incidence of influenza with more serious symptoms than usual, and increased numbers of other viral illnesses causing significant school and work absenteeism. 

I posted something to that effect on Facebook today and I felt I had to share one of the responses I got:

"... it is interesting and what I find SO interesting is these people who all got the "flu" shot {Flumist} around me ended up with the flu WTF? Like actually tested + for influenza. What is even better is I was exposed in a small room with someone who tested + for influenza I stayed overnight in that room yet me the "stupid" unvaccinated person never got it. I took precautions and loaded up with vitamin c. And i was talking with the allergy specialist at UW yesterday about vaccines and "K" has made me really wonder what we are doing to our kids. I mean he is my only without vaccines and he is my only who has not had pneumonia, multiple ear infections, RSV, or whooping cough. My vaccinated children are so sickly and my non vaccinated one is pretty healthy. All 4 kids brought home to the same home, fed the same way, with the same dog in the home, yet the only difference is the lack of shots injected into my baby..."

(emphasis added)

So as the "fight" heats up, I beg that everyone really examine what is going on, forget the fear being driven into you by the media and pharmaceutical companies (the same entities driving the fear into doctors, nurses, and public health officials), and think logically about what is occurring around you.

A Look Into the Federal Response to Rising Rates of #Autism LIVE

Don't just believe what you hear...listen for yourself!!!

A Look Into the Federal Response to Rising Rates of #Autism LIVE

A Walk on the "Alternative" Side

The next few blogs will revolve around some personal health issues for me. I carry a clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis/mixed connective tissue disease, which in retrospect I believe was the culmination of yearly influenza shots (given at no "cost" so kindly by my former employer) topped off by a TdaP booster back in 2007. I have run the mill of standard therapy including Celebrex, Prednisone, Methotrexate, Plaquenil, Colchicine, and Enbrel with some success, but generally still fairly disabled (compared to my prior lifestyle) in my personal and professional life.
I tried acupuncture courtesy of a colleage who had gotten his certification with rather amazing results, however time conflicts prevented the regular therapy that I likely needed to maintain my healing. I stumbled across taking peppermint oil orally in 2011, through a friend, at the same time I had to withhold my biologic medication due to illness. Mysteriously, I remained symptom free as the weeks passed, and the swelling and pain in my joints disappeared completely.
I still was plagued by severe fatigue and muscle pain out of proportion to my activity levels, and unable to do any meaningful exercise without risking not being able to go to work. My increasing network of friends in the autism and vaccine safety communities on FB made me aware of mitochondrial dysfunction. As I researched this syndrome I finally found a clinical diagnosis that truly did fit each and every symptom I had.
So now I had a working diagnosis I believed in (certainly still carrying a large autoimmune component, I believe, which made sense since the drugs to treat autoimmune disease DID help) and I started on a supplement regimen geared toward mitochondrial disease along with my peppermint oil. I found I was able to stop the Celebrex, and over the course of the next few months my antidepressants. This was GREAT!!!
I did have several "flares" when work and personal obligations spiraled out of control, but recovery could be accomplished over 1 or 2 days rather than weeks. I also changed my diet to more of the "Paleo" sort, had regular chiropractic care, and started some hormone therapy which did me wonders as well. Life was good!
My biggest lapse came after I ran out of peppermint oil back in June. After 1 week without it, I had the worst recurrence of my fatigue, joint swelling, and everything else. I am still trying to recover from that, and finally succumbed to taking the last 2 Enbrel shots I had been saving in my fridge for just such a moment. Getting refills covered by my insurance without seeing my rheumatologist again was impossible (the drug costs $1200/mo).
So now I am embarking on a new journey through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture, and continuing my supplements.
Today is day #2, and the aching joints in my hands have been relieved - still have a lot of aching and fatigue elsewhere, but a marked improvement. It is my intent to track my experience with acupuncture to describe for myself, as well as anyone who cares to follow me, the marvelous sensation of energy moving around  me and through me...

Collection of anecdotes regarding vaccine injury...

"I overheard a middle aged man that I work with talking about how sick he has been since receiving his flu shot this past winter. In the next sentence he said, and I quote, "my friend also received the flu shot and died several days later." I couldn't believe what I had just heard, well, actually I could. So sad." - 5/2/12


 Nicole Matten Today is 4 months that my beautiful 7 yr old baby girl got her fatal dose of the flu vaccine she was pronounced dead about 92hrs later I am asking all parents to do what I didnt do untill it was too late. Plz plz research the ingredients of ALL vaccines and then make and educated choice so other family dont have to go thru the pain my family is feeling feel Free to share this with everyone thru out the world people need to know and make and educated choice MOMMY LOVES YOU KAYLYNNE FOREVER AND ALWAYS 9/9/04-12/06/11
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/414747_278740448872328_100002091241080_642701_1019622977_o.jpg

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is so good for the mind and body - before you say, "Wow, I don't feel like I did anything!" Really follow with the breathing and turn your focus all into your sense of self. If you can let go it really is a wonderful way to reduce stress, gain flexibility, and work on core strength - and core strength, after all, is the "core" of preventing other injuries and increasing capacity for the routine activities of daily life.

I have been exploring this more, and will try and post links to the videos I am doing and find particularly useful :)

http://www.myyogaonline.com/videos/yoga/standing-balance-workshop

Hepatitis B Vaccine

http://childhealthsafety.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/us-concedes-hep-b-causes-lupus/

This link leads to an article regarding a momma who received $475,000 from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation program for the death of her daughter from lupus caused by Hep B vaccination. This is real.

I haven't scrolled through all of the links yet, but they appear to lead to much valid information regarding the dangers of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Even if you already believe, I invite you to explore it further and arm yourself with ready information, facts, and references that you can share with others.

‎10% of people who get "real" Hepatitis B also develop a variety of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, inflammatory arthritis, etc. It is caused by a reaction to part of the virus - the same part of the virus used in the Hep B vax - therefore one would expect that 10% of vax recipients would also develop the same reaction, and likely more, given the other components of the vaccine that could cause an inflammatory response - that's a lot of kids and healthcare workers with autoimmune disease...

The virus is also cultured in a specific type of yeast, which is quite common in our natural environment. However antibodies to this very particular type of yeast are found in the intestinal mucosa of people with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease (wheat or gluten sensitivity).

Before my "awakening" I had made a mental note of disbelief at the numbers of fellow healthcare workers with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the astronomical number of people who were being diagnosed with celiac disease and other intestinal troubles.

It is all becoming clearer to me now.

Annual childhood flu vaccines may interfere with development of crossresistance

ScienceDaily (2011-11-16) -- Vaccinating children annually against influenza virus interferes with their development of cross-reactive killer T cells to flu viruses generally, according to a new study. The research points up potentially conflicting policy outcomes. Annual flu vaccines are effective against seasonal flu, but could leave people more vulnerable to novel pandemics.

"What Do I Say???"

A few days ago I saw one of my patients for a routine OB visit. I had delivered her first child a little over 2 years ago. I had noticed she came in with some papers in hand about vaccine information that she had pulled off the internet. As we finished up her visit, she looked a little nervous, and said she had a few questions about her son. She shared the information she had with me, some of the standard information about vaccinating your child, and the potential horrors one might face if they do not do so.

Ironically, this patient was the very one who opened my eyes to how much healthier my non-vaccinated pediatric patients are. She had brought her son in for his one year visit, and mentioned how wondrous someone was that he was never really sick. I mentally thumbed through the kids I had delivered over the past 2 years, and realized how profound that difference was. They really don't come in sick very often. An occasional phone call about a cold, maybe an ear infection, but certainly not the endless parade of sick visits over the first year of life which most pediatricians and family doctors are familiar with. Which inspired me to research the whole business even more, and start keeping track. When I publish these numbers, sometime soon I hope, I will be sure to give her due recognition for that epiphany!

She has been facing a lot of pressure from her family and friends because she has chosen not to vaccinate her son yet. Her family has essentially told her she is irresponsible and that her doctor is a whack job.
She broke down into tears while telling me that there are people who don't want her son in their play group because he is not vaccinated. And then she is also scared about having her son exposed to others because he is not vaccinated, and could run the risk of getting sick.

Wow...

I sat there and listened, growing sadder by the second. What on earth do I say? What on earth do I do?
For all intents and purposes at this point in time I AM the whackjob. I have chosen to challenge one of the pillars of not only our society, but of modern medicine.

Do I give in and start an abbreviated vaccine schedule? Do I just tell her to lie to other people? From what do I ask her to draw the strength to continue to do the right thing in the face of such pressure?

As it happened, I had been invited to give a talk about the safety of vaccines at a local chiropractors office a couple of days later, and she was able to attend. This chiropractor has 9 children, none of whom have been vaccinated, and has run the gamut of childhood illnesses with them, including measles. She was able to talk to him as well as other parents who have opted down the same road. I think I saw a bit of relief on her face by the end of the evening, and likewise I think I too felt better.

This patient had unknowingly led me to a second epiphany. Here is part of an email I sent her:

You also made me realize, when you came in a couple of days ago, how much pressure someone can get for making such a decision. How tough that decision can be. That I need to really prepare parents with tons of info...
I went into medicine to be a healer...part of our oath on graduating is "First, do no harm", which I take very seriously. I also take personal choice very seriously, so whatever the decision might be, I will respect that.

I went on to list a few of the links I find the most helpful. She has met other parents now, and knows she is not alone. What I realize now is how much more preparation I need to give parents who are not already familiar with the vaccination safety issue. I wish I could take away some of the mental pain she has experienced. Hopefully, I can save future parents some of that angst, and she forgives me for my ignorance.
I know in my heart that she will find solace in knowing she has done the right thing for her very healthy son, and be better prepared when she brings his little brother or sister into the world.

She is not done researching her decision yet, but that is the entire point of this whole situation....DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Don't be swayed by fear and pressure to conform from either side. Those are not good reasons to make potentially life-altering decisions for yourself and your children.

Would You Please Put This Mask On...

The nurse practitioner I work with was kind enough to share this story with me...
M.W., the mom of a baby girl I recently delivered, and opted not to vaccinate yet, brought her to a local clinic due to acute illness. Upon hearing that baby girl had not yet been vaccinated, there was a rush to provide masks and condemning lectures about the dangers of not vaccinating. Nasal swabs were taken, surely to provide vital  bits of accusatory evidence to the health department.
"We just had 2 confirmed cases of pertussis..." she was told disapprovingly. "In VACCINATED children!!!"
M.W. apparently sort of stared and laughed at the same time.
Does anyone else get the irony of this? Can any half way intelligent person seriously get all fired up about not vaccinating and then make that statement without pausing a moment to think how ridiculous they sound?
M.W.'s baby girl does not have pertussis, nor does the rest of her family, merely the latest viral upper respiratory infection to make the rounds 'round these parts. Her cough went away after a few days, and she grows infinitely cuter by the second...

Conundrum

I recently found myself in a very unique and thought provoking position - a good friend of mine called to ask if I would be the "ordering physician" for the flu vaccine to be given at a work site where she was doing health screenings.

My first thoughts (and I believe the first words out of my mouth to her) was "ARE YOU F'ING NUTS????? YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!"

Fortunately, we are very good friends, and that didn't phase her and she continued to explain the situation a bit more to me. Strings of expletives zipped through my consciousness the entire time, but the small (some might say very small) rational part of my brain did listen to what she was telling me.

Said rational part of my brain was able to soothe my silent temper tantrum, and I began to think, maybe, just maybe, this could be a grand opportunity to further my research as well as public education of the misconceptions regarding influenza vaccination.

So my next task was to figure out how to help out my friend and not be a complete hypocritical, sell out to my beliefs. And some of you out there may think I did sell out a bit by participating, but that's OK, because I'm still trying to convince myself I haven't, too. 

The answer I came up with?

Provide REAL information and safety guidelines for this "flu shot clinic", like those I've been yammering about for the past several years:
- I rewrote the Screening Questionnaire that is typically handed out to patients and identify those who should NOT get the vaccine, especially in a non medical setting.
- I wrote my own VIS (Vaccine Information Statement) to highlight all of the lies by omission contained in the CDC version, to be reviewed with each individual patient. This is available in it's entirety in my previous post.
- I outlined the proper steps in documenting the vaccination and providing ready means for patients to report adverse reactions.

It's actually the same thing I do at my clinic. Someone asked me the other day what do I do when a patient just insists on getting the flu shot. I simply provide them with the complete story, outline risks and benefits, and if they still want it, they get it...I have done MY job to counsel as best I can, what they do with the information is their own choice. I would rather the vaccine be given at my clinic where proper counsel and medical care can be given than at the local pharmacy, where it is offered up along with the candy bar of the day, with no thought given to the medical risks of either!

Hopefully this will break some cracks into the carefully crafted dogma the CDC has created and shed light on the fact the influenza vaccine is not a panacea, but something creating it's own epidemic of illness. Perhaps it can also become a tool to track information regarding days lost at work due to illness in the vaccinated and non vaccinated population.

Perhaps today just ONE person will opt against receiving the flu vaccine, that would have ended up getting it anyway at their local Walgreen's or clinic, because of the information I provided. And perhaps that one person will share the information with their family or friends.

If that is the case, then I think, this might be the start of good...of course, I'm still mulling over whether or not I "did the right thing"....

Facts About the Flu Shot

FACTS ABOUT THE FLU SHOT

(WHAT THE CDC FORGOT TO TELL US)

The media and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has launched a very successful campaign to cause widespread fear of influenza, and convince patients and doctors alike, that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting the flu shot.

This is very simply not true.  Many numbers and “facts” as presented through the media have been influenced and distorted by those with financial interests in selling the vaccine.

FALSE: Influenza kills 36,000 people in the US every year.

In very fine print in the CDC fliers you will see that “influenza and influenza like illness” are grouped into the same category. “Influenza like illness is defined as a fever >100.4 and either a sore throat or cough”.

FALSE: By getting the flu vaccine you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading the influenza to others.

There is no scientific evidence published supporting this statement as of a review done in 2010.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine protects the elderly and young infants/children.

At best, reviews suggest an approximate 33% effectiveness only in children older than two. There is no evidence of any benefit in the >65 year old population.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine protects patients with health problems and weak immune systems.

Quite the opposite – even in the manufacturer’s insert, it is documented that this population has a minimal, if any response. There also seems to be a higher risk for side effects from the vaccine in this population.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine help prevent missed work and school.

The information statement by the CDC admits that frequent, “mild” side effects include the same symptoms as influenza, including fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, etc. – the same symptoms as having “real” influenza. This occurs in >10% of those getting the vaccine. Less than 1% of people going to the doctor during peak influenza season actually have influenza.

FALSE: The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

The CDC quotes only 5/1,000 people have a “serious” reaction. According to the package insert in people over age 65, 70/1000 people have a serious reaction (like hospitalization), and 6/1000 die.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine is safe.

Safety numbers come from a national databank of reported vaccine reactions, called VAERS. It is estimated that only 1% of vaccine reactions are reported. Most of the studies follow patients for a very short time, and actually don’t include the very people at highest risk for side effects.

FALSE: The influenza vaccine can prevent heart attacks.

Quite the opposite – Recent studies have proven that the same inflammation that increases risk of heart attack when someone actually has influenza is caused by the vaccine. Likely worse, given that the body also produces a response to the other chemicals in the vaccine as well.

Other important information:

• The “preservative-free” formulation of Fluzone does contain latex in the tip caps, and can cause serious allergic reaction in those with sensitivity to latex.

• The multidose vials of Fluzone DO contain thimerosal (mercury), including those for children. If these vials are not properly shaken, those receiving the 4^th and 5^th dose may be getting a very large load of mercury.

• The influenza vaccine is Pregnancy Category C. This means it has not been tested in pregnant women, and there is really no knowledge about the harm it may cause.

• The influenza virus is grown in chicken embryos. It is well known that there are many “bird” viruses we do know about, and more we don’t know about.

• Other contents of vaccine include formaldehyde (can cause cancer), Triton X (chemical that acts like estrogen and is causing much harm environmentally, and can affect fertility, sexual development, and likely certain cancers).

·        The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you are taking at least 2,000IU of Vitamin D daily. This has been shown to be effective, and there are no side effects.

Good sources for more information that are not influenced by politics and money:

www.NVIC.org (National Vaccine Information Center)

www.vaccinationcouncil.org (International Medical Council on Vaccinations)

 “Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”

Albert Einstein

"Just do what you are told and everything will be OK..."

I came across this video posted by a friend on Facebook. So apropos given recent events.
WARNING: You might pee yourself laughing while watching this!

"Never Sacrifice Who You Are..."

Came home after a looooong day at work, and still "on call" for the rest of the night. The photo is one of the first posts I saw upon logging onto FaceBook...I needed to see this...it was a great summation of my day, and fired up the last few remaining vibes of energy in my sagging spirit.

Flu shot clinics are in full swing where I work, and in every friendly neighborhood pharmacy around the area. I even got a canned message from one of the local chains (Lord knows how they got my number...) that they are ready to serve me up a flu vax, and I should come down there and check it out!

For the last 2 years I have been feverishly trying to educate my patients about what the media and CDC "forget" to tell them amidst the fear mongering TV ads and magazine articles.

Things like the Cochrane collaboration (the "gold" standard of evidence based medicine used by physicians all over the world) not being able to find a single study to support the effectiveness of the flu shot, except for those unabashedly influenced by the drug companies who sponsored them; things like the CDC essentially lying about death rates from influenza; things like the real adverse reactions that could be expected from the vaccine; things like the lack of appropriate safety trials among those patients (infants and elderly) who are at most risk from both influenza and side effects of vaccination; things like just taking Vitamin D can be more effective, without ANY side effects. The list can go on and on...

My efforts at education have earned me some negative attention, of course. Here I am, a run-of-the-mill, Mid-western, allopathic physician telling my patients exactly opposite of what the party line has been for years now. Tch-tch-tch... I had a series of emails from "the powers that be" today that prompted a rather passionate, albeit somewhat sarcastic response from me this evening, some of which I will share here:


"As far as the flu clinics go, I know they will be run through here. I actually prefer that they come here for their flu shot so that they get REAL informed consent and not the propaganda (since that word seems to be popular lately) pushed upon us by the media and the pharmaceutical companies. If they still want it, fine…


As far as rights go, I know a lot of people who would like to be able to smoke while waiting for their appt…I am against smoking and feel it is harmful for their health…are we infringing on their rights by not offering cigarettes? Silly thought to most in this day and age, but 50 years ago, cigarettes were thought to be harmless, too. And at one time, a bit of arsenic was a popular cure all as well. 


Do you think I am doing this because it is fun? Just to stir up a little trouble? Because I am bored and have nothing better to do? 


I am practicing medicine. I am doing and saying what I believe is the right thing for my patients because the oath I took way back in medical school was “First, do no harm”, not “First, do what everybody else thinks is right because someone who seems important said so”. I was that nerd in medical school who enjoyed journal club and picking apart poorly done research articles and the drug reps touting such. I have been researching vaccine safety for over 3 years now and have probably read thousands of articles on the subject as well as the position statements from the CDC, FDA, and other health governing boards. I have revisited my education in immunology, microbiology, and the principles of infectious disease. I have seen and listened first hand to accounts from patients on symptoms that have occurred following a variety of vaccines. I have witnessed the decline in “sick visits” among children and the elderly since changing my practice recommendations on vaccines. 


I am not trying to be a radical – my conclusions just happen to fall 180 degrees opposite of the status quo. That does not make them wrong, it makes them different. 


I am willing to debate, discuss, and educate anyone who cares to do the same. That is how we learn. That is how misinformation is discovered and corrected. That is how science and medicine move forward. 


I am very willing to be wrong if it furthers my ability to do what is right by my patients and the world as a whole. "

Which comes back to why I felt such a particular warmth in my heart on seeing that brief, but illustrative, handwritten statement - just because your opinion/appearance/thought process/whatEVER might fall on the opposite side of the "status quo", it does not make you wrong, just different.

"I Told You So"

M.V. is a 60+ year old patient of mine who has terrible, terrible lung disease and a fairly bad case of denial (he still smokes).
I saw him last fall, just prior to flu vax season, and warned him (wait, no...educated him...I must learn proper terminology lest be accused of spreading propaganda again!) about the dangers of the flu vaccine, especially given his multiple, delicate health conditions. I had likewise educated his wife (an RN on chemotherapy) recently.
M.V. went to see one of his subspecialist physicians a couple of weeks after I spoke with him, and was dutifully offered and given the seasonal flu vax and pneumonia vax on the same day.
I saw him 18 days later for an acute clinic visit. He reported fever and chills the night he got the vaccines, and then developed a croupy cough, increased shortness of breath, and generalized malaise for the week following. He presented to the ED 6 weeks following that with a several week history of increased cough and shortness of breath.
To make a long story short, he was septic (overwhelming bacterial infection) from a bacteria called Haemophilus influenza (of the "garden variety" type) and later also turned up positive for MRSA in his sputum.  He was critically ill for over a week, and spent almost 3 weeks in the hospital. He had several complications including heart failure and kidney failure. There were several times that I really wasn't sure if he was going to make it through the whole ordeal. His wife, who shares the same bed, and was on chemo at the time, DID NOT get any vaccines, and was on Vitamin D therapy as I had prescribed. She did not get sick, despite her exposures.
The same patient presented last week to the ED with a week history of cough, fever, and not feeling good. He ended up testing positive for Influenza B (state lab has not reported subtype yet). He did not get any vaccines this year (nor will ever, he tells me). He still smokes. He is still non compliant with his pulmonary medications and oxygen. HOWEVER...he never required more than a nasal canula for supplemental oxygen, he was never on the verge of respiratory failure, his heart condition flared a little, his kidney flared a little, but he was never on the brink of death or other catastrophic outcome. He did test positive once again for MRSA in his sputum (his wife later told me that he did during the summer as well, but docs at that time opted against treating), and responded beautifully to ORAL antibiotic therapy. I was able to discharge him after only 7 days in the hospital.
Folks, he HAD INFLUENZA!!! And it wasn't a big deal (Ok, I did treat with high dose Vit D and C which seemed to help)...last year he had his so calledly protective immunizations and almost died....coincidence? I don't think so...