Contact: Vaccine Safety Council of Minnesota / Nancy Hokkanen 952-831-3777

Lives ruined, “Gardasil Girls” abandoned by CDC, manufacturers & media

ST. PAUL, MN – Vaccine consumers were shortchanged yet again by media’s selective reporting of Rep. Michele Bachmann’s HPV vaccine comments from last week’s Tea Party debate. Whatever one’s opinion of Republican Presidential candidate Bachmann, the seriousness of vaccine injury was lost to many journalists’ indulgences in bias, jingoism and ignorance.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune found demagoguery irresistible, inaccurately titling its editorial “Bachmann’s foolish attack on vaccines.” The subhead, “Congresswoman’s fear-mongering put politics over health,” was unintentionally ironic, especially given the Strib’s consistent failure to investigate many readers’ vaccine injuries and legitimate product safety concerns.

In 2006 the HPV vaccine was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A few years later the U.S. Centers for Disease Control stated, “As of June 22, 2011… VAERS [the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System] received a total of 18,727 reports of adverse events following Gardasil^® vaccination.” A total of 2,799 adverse events were classified as “Serious,” including encephalopathy (brain damage). 98 deaths have been reported.

In 2009 CBS News quoted Dr. Scott Ratner, whose wife is also a physician, saying one of their daughters became severely ill after a shot of Gardasil: “My daughter went from a varsity lacrosse player at Choate to a chronically ill, steroid-dependent patient with autoimmune myofasciitis.”

Girls injured by HPV vaccines have little recourse – medical treatments are few and vaccine injury research is minimal. Teenaged victims have taken their stories to Facebook and YouTube. Websites like www.TruthAboutGardasil.org list victims’ symptoms and photos. A documentary on HPV vaccine injury, “One More Girl,” is currently being filmed by ThinkExist Productions.

Glossed over in most media is possible influence peddling by Governor Rick Perry’s former chief of staff Mike Toomey, who went to work for Merck, the manufacturer of the Gardasil HPV vaccine. The legislative group Women In Government was courted by HPV vaccine manufacturers; a subsequent 2007 Minnesota HPV vaccine bill sponsored by WIG attendees was defeated.

The Washington Post did run “Perry’s Financial Ties to Merck Run Deep” on 9/14/11, but concluded with this tepid caveat: “[S]ome experts have said they are concerned that there is insufficient evidence about how long Gardasil’s protection will last, whether serious side effects will emerge and whether a reduction in infections will necessarily translate into fewer cancers.”

Despite these unanswered questions, a bill to allow 12-year-olds to get the HPV vaccine without parents’ consent is on the desk of California Governor Jerry Brown. Yet few media outlets have reported on the myriad negative implications of this usurpation of parental health care rights.

Media’s repeated failure to investigate vaccine safety issues is perhaps best summarized this week in an insightful analysis by Alison Bass, a Brandeis and Mount Holyoke journalism professor, science writer, Pulitzer Prize nominee, and author of the book “Side Effects”:

“I wish the media would use this opportunity to explore the public health ramifications of allowing a drug manufacturer to aggressively target the wrong population for an expensive and possibly unnecessary vaccine.”

The Grain Manifesto

We’re continuing our “manifesto” series (refer back to dairy and peanuts for earlier offerings) with the one topic most likely to spur controversy – grains. Our Whole30 program doesn’t include grains of any kind – no breads, cereals, pasta, rice, not even fake grains like quinoa or gluten-free substitutes. We’re about to tell you why. (Note, we are well aware that this information may run counter to everything you’ve ever been told by your parents, doctors, personal trainers, government agencies and TV advertisements. For that, however, we make no apologies… because all the people who have been selling you Whole Grains for Health all these years have been just. Plain. Wrong. We understand if this makes you kind of angry. It makes us angry too.. but that’s a topic for another post.)

Why We Don’t Eat Grains

A. Grains provoke an inflammatory response in the gut

Lectins are specialized proteins found in many plants and foods, but are found in high concentration in grains (particularly wheat), legumes (particularly soy), and dairy. The most commonly referenced grain lectin is called “gluten”, but there are many others which are found even in pseudo-grains like quinoa. Lectins serve many biological functions in animals, but foods with high concentrations of lectins are harmful even if consumed in moderate amounts.

Lectins are hardy proteins that do not break down easily, and are resistant to stomach acid and digestive enzymes. They migrate through your digestive tract largely intact, and disrupt the intestinal membrane, damaging cells and initiating a cascade of events leading to eventual cell death. (Translation: lectins destroy the cells that line your intestines, leading to small “microperforations” or tiny holes in your intestinal lining.) These holes allow intact or nearly intact proteins, bacteria and other foreign substances to cross into the bloodstream – where they do not belong. As the immune system notices foreign substances in the body, it responds and attacks. The immune response can manifest in an unlimited number of conditions (not just in the digestive tract!) commonly referred to as “auto-immune” in nature.

It’s important to note that these cautions are not just critical for those with a diagnosed Celiac condition. These negative downstream effects happen to everyone who eats grains, to various degrees.

B. Grains spike insulin levels

Grains pack a whopping amount of carbohydrates in a very small package. As most grains are also heavily processed (yes, even whole grains) they are broken down into blood sugar (glucose) in your body very quickly. A high amount of ingested carbohydrate broken down very fast leads to a spike in blood sugar. The body, demanding homeostasis, then releases a massive dose of a hormone called insulin to pull blood sugar levels back down. This is often referred to as an “insulin spike”.

When too much sugar in the blood (blood sugar) is present in the system, your body quickly runs out of places to store it as useful energy, and will store any excess as body fat. In addition, when too much insulin is present in the system, the cells in your body become desensitized to the hormonal “message” insulin is trying to send. Since the message isn’t getting through, your pancreas is prompted to release even more insulin when your body doesn’t need it. Finally, chronically high insulin levels lead to a condition in which your body has trouble releasing the energy already stored in your cells. This is a bad place to be. If (via a diet high in carbohydrates) this pattern continues, insulin levels continue to rise, fat stores continue to grow and the body becomes completely incapable of responding to its own directions.

C. Grains have an acidifying effect on the body

A net acid-producing diet promotes bone de-mineralization (i.e. osteopenia and osteoporosis), and systemic inflammation. Grains are one of the highest acid-producing food groups. By replacing grains and grain-containing processed foods with plenty of green vegetables and fruits, the body comes back into acid/base balance (and a more positive calcium balance). Recent research out of Tufts University has also shown that a more alkaline diet preserves muscle mass.

D. Grains are “empty calories”

All grains – things like oatmeal, pasta, breads and cereals – have two things in common. They are calorically dense, and nutritionally meager. A small portion of grains packs a whopping amount of calories, almost all in the form of carbohydrates. All those calories, however, contain a very small amount of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (also called phytochemicals). Compare the calories, carbohydrates and vitamin profile of two large slices of whole grain bread (100 grams) to one cup of chopped, cooked broccoli (184 grams – nearly twice the mass). (Nutritional stats from NutritionData.com)

Note that we’re not saying there is nothing good to be found in grains. They do contain vitamins and minerals in various proportions and amounts. But the serious down sides of grains far outweigh any potential health benefits. Bottom line – there is NOTHING found in grains that you can’t get from a better source with NO down sides (like vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds).  Do your best to eliminate grains from your diet for 2 weeks and watch the weight come off and see your energy and mental clarity rise!

The drug Adderall® is the new drug of choice prescribed to children and adults that have been diagnosed with attention deficient disorders.  Lawrence Diller M.D,  Author; Clinical Faculty, UCSF, states that one out of six 11-year-old white boys, with medical insurance, currently take a stimulant drug for ADD or ADHD at least during the school week.  “What I do know is that we are the only society currently managing our underperforming and misbehaving children with drugs to this degree”, says Dr. Diller.

Dr. Robert Mendelssohn author of,  How to Raise a Healthy Child…In Spite of Your Doctor had once noted: “No one has ever been able to demonstrate that drugs such as Cylert and Ritalin® (Adderall®) improve the academic performance of the children who take them…. The pupil is drugged to make life easier for his teacher, not to make it better and more productive for the child.”

Does hyperactivity in our children and the inability to focus really mean we need to give them dangerous drugs that could bring on scary side effects? Adderall® has dangerous side effects parents should be aware of before giving it to their children. As parents we should do everything in our power to keep our children off these addicting medications and give them something their body really needs, like a wholesome diet?

Not only does diet play a big role in the emotional and physical health of our children but so does the amount of sleep a child receives each night.  Did you know that children and teens that do not get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night will show the same symptoms of ADD and ADHD?

Most children today are only lacking in vital minerals that encourage the body to thrive and grow strong and be fit and healthy into adulthood. Before we rush down to fill that prescription let’s take a look at some of the side effects of taking Adderall and other drugs like it.

Negative Side Effects of Adderall

• Weight loss and the inability to gain weight
• Constant thirst
• Difficulty sleeping
• Chronic headaches and or migraines
• High blood pressure
• Emotional instability and mood swings
• Emotional stress
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and fainting
• Weakness and tiredness
• Spiked heart rate
• Higher risk of infections (breaks down immunity)
• Chest pains
• Slowing of growth in children
• Addictive
• Depression ^[2]
• Suicidal thoughts

Adderall is just as addicting as any recreational drug found on the streets today. It is being abused by some college students and adults to get high and to help them lose weight.  Adderall is a psycho-stimulant that makes people think they are more aware; they think it gives them more energy; and they think they are able to focus better, but overtime the body needs more and more of the drug to adjust to this need to feel good. It has been shown that anyone who uses the drug for long periods of time may experience serious withdrawals unless the dosage of Adderall is increased. This is when serious addiction sets in. Eventually, Adderall breaks down the body’s immune system, and then the more serious side effects begin to exist such as seizures, heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke, and in some cases death.

Do you really want your children taking this drug? The body does not lack drugs such as Adderall, it lacks nutrients! Nutrients that help children and adults with attention deficiencies and hyperactivity.  The truth is, virtually anyone who does not get adequate sleep, adequate diet, and adequate exercise will exhibit symptoms of ADD or ADHD!

What is the Criterion for Diagnosing ADD/ADHD?

What’s real scary about the over prescribed drug Adderall is researchers have reported that many of these children may not meet the criteria for actually having ADD or ADHD. Could your child be targeted with having ADD or ADHD but really only lack certain nutrients, adequate sleep and general physical fitness?

There is not a diagnostic tool or brain scan or DNA test that reveals if a child has ADD/ADHD. Many of the children that are diagnosed with this condition are simply disruptive, inattentive, and hyperactive and some have the inability to focus for long periods of time. Inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior are two of the most common symptoms associated with ADHD children.

A 1994 study at Purdue University found that boys diagnosed with ADHD had lower levels of the omega-3 essential fatty acid DHA (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Another study in 1997 found that 95 percent of ADHD children tested were deficient in magnesium (Magnesium Research 10, 1997). A 1996 study found that ADHD children had zinc levels that were only 2/3 the level of those without ADHD (Biological Psychiatry 40, 1996).

Natural Health Alternatives for Healing Children with ADD/ADHD

Research has shown there are alternatives to taking dangerous drugs to calm and focus children with ADD. Prescribed medications only camouflage the real problem?The real problem is inadequate amounts of minerals in the body.

We simply need to take our focus off the drugs and on what the child is eating and not eating—we need to take an in depth look at our child’s diet. Did you know that a tablespoon of Black Strap molasses has as much calcium as a glass of milk and would supply your child with the daily iron his or her body needs? And did you know that cola drinks deplete the body of important minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and zinc, which all three actually supply the body with more focus, attention and calmness?

Research has shown (see tables below) that the very same symptoms evident in children with ADD/ADHD are also nutritionally deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron.

Foods High In Magnesium:

Pumpkin seeds, spinach, swiss chard, salmon, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, halibut, tuna, black beans, and navy beans, and blackstrap molasses, dried figs, artichokes, buckwheat, oat bran, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, navy beans, white beans, and cornmeal.

Foods High In Omega-3:

Omega 3’s found in sardines in oil, fresh salmon and canned salmon with the bones, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, turnip greens, kale, corn bread, corn tortilla, rhubarb, almonds, sesame seeds, white beans, baked beans, brussel sprouts. (Hint: Sesame seeds and almonds can be ground down from whole form to make sesame and almond milk; both of which have more calcium per glass than cow’s pasteurized milk). Additionally, you can use sesame milk and or almond milk in place of cow’s milk in your recipes.

Foods High In Iron:

Black strap molasses, cooked beans and lentils, pumpkin seeds, pork liver, clams, oysters, beef liver, shrimp, sardines, turkey, salmon, tuna, egg yolks, raisins, prunes, and dates.

Foods High In Zinc:

Oysters, beef liver, lima beans, chick peas, split peas, raw cashews, raw pecans, parmesan cheese, ginger root, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, calves liver, shell fish, shrimp, and venison.

Parents can get creative with the nutritious foods above, and if at all possible make sure they are organic and fresh. Always steam vegetables and eat as many raw fruits and veggies as possible.  See how many healthful recipes you can come up with that use the foods above and give your child the head start he or she needs to have a healthy and strong body.

In 1996 the World Health Organization warned that Ritalin over-use had reached dangerous proportions.  And that was over 15 years ago!  And still here we are today, with the help of the FDA still doing the same thing! Today the over-used and over-abused drug for ADD and ADHD is Adderall. We can simply choose not to become involved in this drug-pushing agenda and say no to dangerous drugs and yes to proper diet, exercise, and adequate amounts of sleep. We’re the parents!

Source: http://adderallsideeffects.org/ ^[3], huffingtonpost.com ^[4]

Mental health and chiropractic

Posted on 01 February 2006.

by Dr. Christopher Kent

The scope of chiropractic is as broad as the scope of influence of the nervous system. Although many chiropractors and those they serve tend to focus on disorders associated with the physical body, it is obvious that abnormal nervous system function may also affect emotional and psychological health.

According to B.J. Palmer, “D.D. Palmer was the first man to discover that insanity was caused by displaced cervical vertebrae, that by replacing them the patient could be restored to normal condition.” [1] B.J. also described his expert testimony in a case where he stated, “If an atlas is subluxated it makes abnormal the functions of the brain” In answer to the question, “What is to be done in insanity?” he admonished his reader to “Go back to cause. Adjust that and return that brain to its normal capacity and capability.” [2]

Several inpatient mental health facilities were established, where chiropractic adjustments were the dominant clinical service provided. Two of these were located in Davenport. In 1922, the Chiropractic Psychopathic Sanitarium was established. The facility was later known as Forest Park Sanitarium. North Dakota Judge A. W. Ponath noted that at the North Dakota state mental hospital, the “cure and discharge rate” ranged from 1827%, compared to 65% at Forest Park. [3]

The second facility, Clear View Sanitarium, was established in 1926. In 1951, Clear View was acquired by the Palmer School of Chiropractic. Dr. W. Heath Quigley, who directed the sanitarium, described he clinical protocol: “Each day, each patient was examined with the neurocalometer (NCM). If the clinician interpreted the NCM to indicate nerve impingement, the patient was adjusted.” Quigley reported that the rooms were “sunny and bright,” and that meals included “large servings of fresh vegetables…from a garden.” [4]

Unfortunately, both institutions closed, (Forest Park in 1959 and Clear View in 1961) in large measure because of third party pay issues. Insurance companies often refused to pay the costs of care. Iowa statutes at the time did not provide for licensing specialized hospitals; only full service medical hospitals could be licensed. [5] Clear View was not licensed as a hospital, and functioned legally as a nursing home.

The 1970s saw a renewed interest in chiropractic care and mental health issues. In 1973, Dr. Herman S. Schwartz, a chiropractor, published a book titled “Mental Health and Chiropractic: A Multidisciplinary Approach.” [6] In 1949, Dr. Schwartz had published a preliminary report of 350 patients afflicted with a “nervous or mental disorder” and reported that the majority of them showed improvement under chiropractic care. [7] Dr. Schwartz was active in the ACA Council on Mental Health (formerly Council on Psychotherapy), which survived through the ’70s, but no longer exists.

In the 1980s, Dr. Quigley published an article describing a four decades period where “treatment of the mentally ill was a highly motivated discipline within the chiropractic profession.” [8] In 1988, Dr. Goff, an Ed.D., published a review of the theory and practice of “chiropractic treatment for mental illness.” [9]

Interest in this field continues. In a previous column, the author reviewed the role of chiropractic care in children with learning and behavioral impairments. [10] Blanks, Schuster and Dobson [11] published the results of a retrospective assessment of subluxationbased chiropractic care on selfrelated health, wellness and quality of life. This is, to my knowledge, the largest study of its kind ever undertaken regarding a chiropractic population. After surveying 2,818 respondents in 156 practices, a strong connection was found between persons receiving Network care and selfreported improvement in health, wellness and qualityoflife.

Genthner et al [12] recently reported on a series of 15 patients with a history of depression. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to measure the baseline level of depression and any postcare changes following orthospinology care. A paired ttest demonstrated significant improvement in depression test scores.

Nearly 38 years ago, my chiropractor explained that everything we experience is processed through our nervous system. When our perception of the world is distorted by nerve interference, it compromises our ability to respond appropriately. He noted that in addition to damaging our physical health, it could result in impaired psychological and emotional function as well. Finally, he opined that when this happened to a significant number of people in a society, a sick society would result.

In response to my question, “So what do you do?” he answered, “I locate and correct the cause of that interference.” I got goose bumps then, and I’m getting them now. It became obvious at that point that I had to become a chiropractor, and change the world.

References

1. Palmer BJ: “History Repeats.” The Palmer School of Chiropractic. Davenport, IA. 1951. Quoting from The Chiropractor Vol. 1, No. 7, June 1905.

2. Palmer BJ: “The Science of Chiropractic.” Volume 2. The Palmer School of Chiropractic. Davenport, IA. 1920. P. 41.

3. http://www.thehealthwriter.net/newsletter.1.htm

4. Quigley WH: “Clear View Sanitarium Part 5.” Dynamic Chiropractic. April 11, 1990. Vol. 8, No. 8.

5. Quigley WH: “Clear View Sanitarium The final years.” Dynamic Chiropractic. June 19, 1992. Vol. 10, No. 13.

6. Schwartz HS: “Mental Health and chiropractic: A Multidisciplinary Approach.” Sessions Publishers. New York, 1973.

7. Schwartz, HS, “Preliminary analysis 350 mental patients’ records treated by chiropractors,” Journal of National Chiropractic Association (Nov. 1949), pp. 1215.

8. Quigley WH: “Pioneering mental health: institutional psychiatric care in chiropractic.” Chiropractic History 1983;3(1):6973.

9. Goff P: “Chiropractic treatment of mental illness: a review of theory and practice.” Research Forum 1988;4(1):410.

10. Kent C: “Children, ADD/ADHD, and chiropractic.” The Chiropractic Journal. August 2002.

http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2002/aug/aug2002kent.htm

11. Blanks RHI, Schuster TL, Dobson M: “A retrospective assessment of Network care using a survey of selfreported health, wellness and quality of life.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997;1(4):15.