Will Anyone in Their Right Mind Actually Buy Into These Three New Vaccines?</h1> <article> <h1>Will Anyone in Their Right Mind Actually Buy Into These Three New Vaccines?</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:37:02 GMT</p> <p>A storm has erupted over the announcement last month that an <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/06/merck-unblinds-aids-study.aspx">experimental AIDS vaccine</a> tested in Thailand proved modestly effective. It was billed as a major scientific advance — the long-awaited hard evidence that it is possible to inoculate people against AIDS. But now the trial has been called into question in a way that is overblown and possibly destructive. </p> <p>But this isn’t the first time the efficacy and safety of a vaccine has been called into question. The government recently announced that $10 million of stimulus money would be used to fund a phase 3 clinical trial of a promising anti-smoking vaccine produced by Nabi Pharmaceuticals of Rockville, Md. However, another company working on a similar vaccine has not been so successful. </p> <p>Cytos Biotechnology Ltd. said this week that a trial of its nicotine vaccine had failed to reduce smoking behaviors. The study, which is continuing, involved 200 smokers who were motivated to quit. The researchers found that the vaccine, designed to bind nicotine in the blood and prevent it from reaching the brain, was safe and well tolerated. But apparently it did not stimulate high enough levels of antibodies to produce the desired response. </p> <p>The moment evidence was found that <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/23/a-common-virus-may-contribute-to-obesity.aspx">obesity may be linked to a virus</a>, opportunistic drug company researchers dove into developing an “obesity vaccine.” Now researchers say their obesity vaccine could be ready for market in five years. Searching for genetic clues to the obesity epidemic, in the hopes of developing a vaccine against it, is not the answer.</p> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Scientists Discover Influenza's Achilles Heel: Antioxidants</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:19 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">As the nation copes with a shortage of vaccines for H1N1 influenza, a team of Alabama researchers has raised hopes that they have found an Achilles' heel for all strains of the flu -- antioxidants.</p> <p class="MercolaText">In an article appearing in the November 2009 print issue of the <em>FASEB Journal</em>, they show that antioxidants -- the same substances found in plant-based foods -- might hold the key in preventing the flu virus from wreaking havoc on our lungs.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">"The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza and the rapid spread of this strain across the world highlights the need to better understand how this virus damages the lungs and to find new treatments," said Sadis Matalon, co-author of the study. "Additionally, our research shows that antioxidants may prove beneficial in the treatment of flu."<strong></strong></p> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>IQ Isn't Everything: Why a High IQ Doesn't Mean You're Smart</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:18 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">IS GEORGE W. BUSH stupid? It's a question that occupied a good many minds of all political persuasions during his turbulent eight-year presidency. The strict answer is no. Bush's IQ score is estimated to be above 120, which suggests intelligence in the top 10 per cent of the population. But this, surely, does not tell the whole story. Even those sympathetic to the former president have acknowledged that as a thinker and decision-maker he is not all there. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">How can someone with a high IQ have these kinds of intellectual deficiencies? Put another way, how can a "smart" person act foolishly?</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">IQ tests fall down when it comes to measuring those abilities crucial to making good judgements in real-life situations. That's because they are unable to assess things such as a person's ability to critically weigh up information, or whether an individual can override the intuitive cognitive biases that can lead us astray. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">"IQ tests measure an important domain of cognitive functioning and they are moderately good at predicting academic and work success. But they are incomplete. They fall short of the full panoply of skills that would come under the rubric of 'good thinking'."</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> There is no proven test of rational thinking skills that could be used alongside IQ tests. "It is not enough to say what intelligence is not measuring, you have to propose alternative ways of measuring rationality," says Kahneman. Stanovich maintains that while developing a universal "rationality-quotient (RQ) test" would require a multimillion-dollar research programme, there is no technical or conceptual reason why it could not be done. An RQ test could measure the extent to which people are inclined to use what capacity they have.<br /> </article> <article> <h1>College Students Getting Smarter, Shunning H1N1 Vaccine</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:17 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">One night inside a George Washington University fraternity, a sky-diving, weight-lifting, energy-drink-swilling group of brothers gathered around a pool table, boasting about how no matter what their college, government and parents might say, they don't need any swine flu vaccine, thanks very much.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">They view the virus's threat as a media-concocted sensation. They fend off their parents' -- and even their girlfriends' parents' -- worries, much as they do concerns about any other risky behavior, such as parachuting out of an airplane for an upcoming frat event. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> Nearly seven out of 10 people in the 18-to-29 age group said they did not plan to heed warnings to get vaccinated, a Washington Post-ABC News poll found. Puzzled experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are so concerned about young people's lack of concern about swine flu that they are conducting surveys to tease out the basis for the blasé attitudes.<br /> </article> <article> <h1>The Unromantic Truth on Why You Kiss</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:17 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">The kiss may have evolved for reasons that are far more practical - and less alluring.</p> <p class="MercolaText">British scientists believe it developed to spread germs.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">They say that the uniquely human habit allows a bug that is dangerous in pregnancy to be passed from man to woman to give her time to build up immunity. Cytomegalovirus, which lurks in saliva, normally causes no problems. But it can be extremely dangerous if caught while pregnant and can kill unborn babies or cause birth defects. These can include problems ranging from deafness to cerebral palsy.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">Writing in the journal Medical Hypotheses, researcher Dr Colin Hendrie from the University of Leeds said: “Female inoculation with a specific male's cytomegalovirus is most efficiently achieved through mouth-to-mouth contact and saliva exchange, particularly where the flow of saliva is from the male to the typically shorter female.” Kissing the same person for about six months provides optimum protection, he added. As the relationships progresses and the kisses become more passionate, her immunity builds up. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> Previously scientists have claimed that kissing acts as a form of evolutionary quality control, with saliva holding clues to fertility, health and genes.<br /> </article> <article> <h1>Easy, Economical Green Remedies You Can Prepare at Home</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:17 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">Michael DeJong, environmentalist and author of books on green living, has a new book called <em>Clean Cures</em> chocked full of affordable, easy natural remedies you can prepare at home to treat ordinary ailments with items you have in your own refrigerator and pantry. His goal is to reduce our reliance on packaged over-the-counter medications that come at a high price for us and for the environment.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">In this interview, he shares a couple of his favorite remedies—one for chapped lips and another for common headaches.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> Michael DeJong was born in Chicago Heights, IL, in 1962, earning his MFA from the University of Illinois in 1987 before moving to NYC. Once settled, to support himself as a working artist, DeJong ran a housekeeping business for 7 years. In response to his own health challenges caused by multiple daily exposures to toxic commercial household cleaners, he began researching healthier, natural alternatives, using his clients’ homes as his “laboratory,” formulating and testing his eco-friendly, human-friendly and pet-friendly cleaning recipes on his clients and his partner of 20 years, Richard Haymes. Since 2002 he has been living in an historic rowhouse from 1833 in Jersey City, creatively making a 180-year-old house into a green living space.<br /> </article> <article> <h1>Now Hear This! New Hope for Tinnitus Sufferers</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:17 GMT</p> <p>As many as one in seven people will experience tinnitus, or ringing in their ears, at some time of their life, but not enough is being done to support patients who experience this distressing condition, according to an extensive research review in the November issue of the <em>Journal of Clinical Nursing</em>. </p> <p>"Despite the fact that it is a very distressing condition and can affect people's lifestyle and quality of life, around 94% of patients are simply told that nothing can be done to alleviate the condition" says Professor Susan Holmes from Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK.</p> <p>Though patients may have to learn to live with tinnitus, the most important thing is that they recognize that help is available. "Although there has been a significant amount of research on tinnitus, most of this has focused on developing a better understanding of the cause and therapy rather than on its impact on patients or ways of helping them to cope with the condition.”</p> <p>"Although there has been a significant amount of research on tinnitus, most of this has focused on developing a better understanding of the cause and therapy rather than on its impact on patients or ways of helping them to cope with the condition.” But steps can be taken to treat or alleviate tinnitus in many cases. </article> <article> <h1>Stunningly Beautiful Photos, Part II</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:35:15 GMT</p> Take a look at some more of these incredible photos!<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div> <br /> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Top 'Safe' Cell Phones That Aren't Safe</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:52:11 GMT</p> <p>By Camilla Rees, Founder of <a href="http://www.electromagnetichealth.org/">www.Electromagnetichealth.org</a></p> <blockquote> <p>Just prior to the recent Senate hearings on cell phone safety, Chaired by Senator Tom Harkin, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a new database for consumers ranking over 1,000 cell phones by the Specific Absorption Rate, known as the SAR value. </p> <p>The SAR value is a measure of the power of the cell phone and its potential for heating tissues. </p> <p>The SAR value has been available for some time through the FCC’s own databases but has never before been made available in one central, easily accessible source in the United States. Nor is the SAR value listed on box packaging of cell phones at the point of sale for comparison purposes. </p> <p>All that has changed. </p> <p>Within days of the EWG launching the new SAR value database, and issuing its 42-page report titled<em> "Cell Phone Radiation Science: Review of Cancer Risks and Children's Health"</em>, almost 500,000 people had accessed the database, indicating very encouraging new interest by consumers in cell phone safety. </p> <p>Consumers’ new awareness of the SAR value will be certain to influence phone selections going forward (though sales reps at T-Mobile and Verizon I quizzed a week later still knew nothing about it.)</p> <p><strong> It is important consumers realize that the SAR value, while providing information for comparison purposes between phones, is very limited in its usefulness as a measure of ‘safety.’</strong> We are greatly concern that people may be turning to the EWG database in droves not understanding just how limited a measure the SAR value is.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">What You Need to Know about Your Phone’s SAR Value</span></strong> </p> <blockquote> <p>1. <strong>The SAR value is only comparing the heating effect of different phones and does not give an indication that a cell phone is ‘safe,’</strong> or for that matter anything about the biological effect of cell phone use in a given person.</p> <p>2. <strong>The power, or heating effect, of the phone is only one of many possible factors impacting cell phone ‘safety.’</strong> Certainly it is useful to know if your phone has a high SAR value, but exposures to the radiation from the cell phone at non-heating levels have been linked to many serious biological effects, and the SAR value is not capturing anything about these harmful non-thermal exposures.</p> <p>3. <strong>SAR values are reported to the FCC by the manufacturer and have been known to vary from the reported number</strong> by a factor of two across models of the same phone. <br /> <br /> There is little or no ongoing monitoring of the SAR values submitted by manufacturers. <br /> <br /> In one case, Canada found cell phones with SAR’s of 2.5 W/kg (the limit is 1.6 W/kg) and rejected them, albeit a year after they had been on the market. According to Lloyd Morgan, B.Sc., in the U.S. the lack of independent monitoring would have assured this would never have even have been detected.</p> <p>4. <strong>The SAR value varies with the source of exposure and the person using the phone.</strong> For example, if you are in a rural area or in an elevator or a car, where the cell phone uses more power, your brain will get a greater exposure from the higher power required in these instances. <br /> <br /> Likewise, if you use a low SAR value phone for long durations, you will be more exposed than someone who uses a low SAR value phone infrequently. Neither is indicative of safety.</p> <p>5. <strong>Holding the phone in a slightly different way can actually render the worst SAR value phone better than the best SAR value phone</strong>. <br /> <br /> Lloyd Morgan, B.Sc., lead author of the new report “Cell phones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern” says<strong>:<br /> </strong></p> <blockquote> <p><em>“If someone has a cell phone at max SAR of 1.6 W/kg and another has the lowest SAR cell phone (0.55 W/kg), it is certainly better to use the latter. However as a result of the inverse square law, just holding the phone in a slightly different way can mean that the worse phone is better than the best phone. </em><br /> <em></em><br /> <em>For example if the worst phone is normally held 2 mm from the head but a particular user holds it 3.4 mm from the head, the effective SAR becomes 0.55 W/kg. The distance overwhelms the different SAR values.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>6. <strong>SAR values have been created based on simulations of exposure in a plexiglass head filled with fluid, not a human head</strong>, and many scientists consider them to be inaccurate and irrelevant at determining actual biological effects.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Scientists Revisit SAR Values</span></strong> </p> <blockquote> <p>At the recent <em>“International Expert Conference on Cell Phones and Health”</em> in Washington, D.C., organized by Dr. Devra Davis, PhD, MPH and others, the SAR value was discussed by many participating scientists. </p> <p>Dr. Martin Blank, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons stated: </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“The SAR is a measure of the energy deposition in radiofrequency. It is a pretty good measure of that but it is not a measure of biological effect -- biological activity. And when it’s being used that way, it gives results that are totally misleading or irrelevant.” <br /> </em></p> </blockquote> <p>He adds<em>:</em></p> <blockquote> <p><em>“By and large, more SAR means there is more energy around. Higher SAR is probably correlated with higher damage but it is not a measure of the damage and it may be not correlated at all with the damage.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>Alvaro Augusto A. de Salles, PhD, Professor, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS in Brazil, stated: </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“SAR values are based only on thermal effects. SAR is not a good reference to protect the population. Perhaps if they lower this 1.6 W/kg SAR limit at least 10-20x, I think it would be safer for the population. I think it would be reasonable. We have made calculations. </em></p> <p><em> Cell phones can operate with energy at least 100x lower. The technology is there—good quality communication and higher protection to the user. I am unable to tell you that this level will be safer, but the risk will be lower.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>Wilhelm Mosgoeller, MD of the University of Vienna Cancer Institute, who spoke at the International Expert Conference on genetic damage at non-thermal levels of exposure, had this to say about SAR: </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“SAR value is very good as long as we are talking about heating effect, like effects from the microwave oven. </em></p> <p><em>In the low dose, in the low intensity range we are dealing with biological effects which are clearly not linear to the SAR value, they are not linear to the energy transmitted and measured and communicated by the SAR value. So for the low intensity experiments, or the so called ‘athermal’ effects, we are very suspicious whether the SAR value is valid at all.” </em></p> </blockquote> <p>He didn’t rule out using the value of SAR for the time being, however, saying:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>“The problem is we don’t have a better measure than the SAR value at the moment. Before we skip the SAR value we need an alternative measure.”</em></p> </blockquote> <p>EMF expert Stan Hartman in Boulder, CO says: </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“From my perspective, comparing the “safest” cell phones is like comparing the “safest” cigarettes. None of them are safe, and these kinds of comparisons only serve to whitewash how irresponsible and inexcusable the whole technology is. </em></p> <p><em> Using the word ‘safer’ to apply to any brand just encourages peoples’ denial of the fact that all cell phones are a health menace from which we have hardy begun to see the consequences.”</em></p> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">How You Can Minimize the Risks to Your Health</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>As Magda Havas, PhD and I suggested in our book “Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution,” if you are concerned about the heating effect of cell phones, as measured by the SAR, we recommend you minimize your use of cell phones. </p> <p>Another option is to use an air tube earpiece to keep the cell phone away from your head, or alternatively, get in the habit of using the cell phone’s speakerphone. </p> <p><strong>Physical distance of the phone from your brain, and less usage of the cell phone overall, more so than simply choosing a phone with a lower SAR value, is probably a far better insurance policy.</strong></p> <p>Dr. Havas, who is Assoc. Professor of Environmental and Resource Studies at Trent University in Canada, says exposure guidelines for microwave radiation in the U.S. are based exclusively on short-term exposure to prevent thermal effects. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“If the radiation doesn't heat your tissue it is assume to be safe. Scientific studies demonstrate that this assumption is false. The antiquated guidelines developed decades ago need to be revised to take into account recent scientific studies. While lower exposure to microwave radiation may be "safer" it may not be "safe." <br /> </em></p> </blockquote> <p>It is important we recognize this and that we weigh the value of the SAR measurement in this light. </p> <p>Many, many biological effects occur at non-heating levels of exposure, including leakage in the Blood Brain Barrier and neuron death at only 0.012 W/kg (compared to the FCC exposure limit for this form of radiation of1.6 W/kg). </p> <p>The blood brain barrier leakage has been shown to continue as long as 50 days after exposure. </p> <p>Also of note, in a study by Henrietta Nittby et al (2009), the lowest exposure SARs were worse than the higher SAR exposures. Some scientists consider blood brain barrier effects at these very low levels of radiation exposure (i.e. 30-45x <em>lower</em> than the ‘Top 10’ lowest SAR<em> </em>phones ranked by the Environmental Working Group) to be of equal or even greater concern for the population than the increase in brain tumors from cell phone use that is expected.</p> <p>I would recommend limiting use of cell phones to emergencies. </p> <p>Personally, I use SKYPE as a substitute for a cell phone. SKYPE gives me the portability of one phone number and voicemail whether I am at home, the office or traveling, and by plugging in to a hard wire connection, I minimize my brain’s direct exposure to microwave radiation significantly.</p> <p>Camilla Rees, Founder, <a href="http://www.electromagnetichealth.org/">www.Electromagnetichealth.org</a></p> <p>Co-author, <em>“Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution”</em></p> <p>Co-author, <em>“Cellphones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern”</em></p> <p>EMF Adviser, Citizens for Health</p> </article> <article> <h1>Rocket Fuel Found In Most Powdered Infant Formula</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:49:44 GMT</p> <p>Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 15 brands of powdered infant formula are contaminated with perchlorate, a rocket fuel component detected in drinking water in 28 states and territories.</p> <p>The two most contaminated brands, made from cow’s milk, accounted for 87 percent of the U.S. powdered formula market in 2000, the scientists said. The CDC scientists did not identify the formula brands they tested.</p> <p>The CDC findings, published in the March 2009 edition of the Journal <em>of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology</em>, raise new concerns about perchlorate pollution, a legacy of Cold War rocket and missile tests. Studies have established that the chemical is a potent thyroid toxin that may interfere with fetal and infant brain development.</p> <p>The new CDC study provides some of the strongest evidence yet that a legally enforceable safe drinking water level for perchlorate should be a priority for the Obama administration. </article> <article> <h1>The Pandemic that DWARFS Swine Flu</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:29 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Addiction to prescription painkillers — which kill thousands of Americans a year — has become a largely unrecognized epidemic, experts say. In fact, prescription drugs cause most of the more than 26,000 fatal overdoses each year, says Leonard Paulozzi of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The number of overdose deaths from opioid painkillers — opium-like drugs that include morphine and codeine — more than tripled from 1999 to 2006, to 13,800 deaths that year, according to recently released CDC statistics. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In the past, most overdoses were due to illegal narcotics, such as heroin, with most deaths in big cities. Prescription painkillers have now surpassed heroin and cocaine, however, as the leading cause of fatal overdoses, Paulozzi says. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Experts say it's easy to see why so many Americans are abusing painkillers. As Americans age and carry extra pounds, more are asking for pain relief to cope with joint problems, back pain and other ailments. </article> <article> <h1>One More Reason to Ban Artificial Sweeteners from Your Diet</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:29 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Individuals who consume a diet high in artificially sweetened drinks are more likely to experience a decline in kidney function, according to two papers being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting in San Diego, California.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Research conducted by Julie Lin MD, MPH, FASN and Gary Curhan, MD, ScD, FASN of Brigham and Women's Hospital examined the influence of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages on kidney function decline in a group of 3,000 women subjects in a Nurses’ Health Study.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This investigation reported "a significant two-fold increased odds, between two or more servings per day of artificially sweetened soda and faster kidney function decline; no relation between sugar-sweetened beverages and kidney function decline was noted" said Dr. Lin.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This association persisted even after the study authors accounted for age, caloric intake, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease. </article> <article> <h1>Another Potentially Deadly HPV Vaccine On the Horizon</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:29 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A U.S. advisory panel has recommended the use of GlaxoSmithKline PLC's Cervarix vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in girls and young women.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended routine administration of Cervarix among 11- and 12-year-old girls as well as for older girls and young women who have not been vaccinated, Glaxo said in a statement. That includes females ages 13 to 25, the company said.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The vaccine won U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval last week and Glaxo expects it to be available later this year. It competes against Merck & Co's Gardasil HPV vaccine. </article> <article> <h1>More Evidence Good Food is Good for You</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:28 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Eating more plant-based foods, which are rich in substances called phytochemicals, seems to prevent oxidative stress in the body, a process associated with obesity and the onset of disease, according to findings published online in advance of the print edition of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">"We need to find a way to encourage people to pull back on fat and eat more foods rich in micronutrients and trace minerals from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and soy," said Heather K. Vincent, Ph.D., lead author of the paper and an assistant professor in the UF Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute. "Fill your plate with colorful, low-calorie, varied-texture foods derived from plants first. By slowly eating phytochemical-rich foods such as salads with olive oil or fresh-cut fruits before the actual meal, you will likely reduce the overall portion size, fat content and energy intake. In this way, you're ensuring that you get the variety of protective, disease-fighting phytochemicals you need and controlling caloric intake."</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The researchers studied a group of 54 young adults, analyzing their dietary patterns over a three-day period, repeating the same measurement eight weeks later. The participants were broken into two groups: normal weight and overweight-obese.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Although the adults in the two groups consumed about the same amount of calories, overweight-obese adults consumed fewer plant-based foods and subsequently fewer protective trace minerals and phytochemicals and more saturated fats. They also had higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation than their normal-weight peers, Vincent said. These processes are related to the onset of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and joint disease, she added.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Oxidative stress occurs when the body produces too many damaging free radicals and lacks enough antioxidants or phytochemicals to counteract them. Because of excess fat tissue and certain enzymes that are more active in overweight people, being obese can actually trigger the production of more free radicals, too. </article> <article> <h1>Children Who Drink Full-Fat Milk Weigh Less</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:28 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Eight-year-old children who drink full-fat milk every day have a lower BMI than those who seldom drink milk. This is not the case for children who often drink medium-fat or low-fat milk. This is one conclusion of a thesis presented at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The study showed that children who drink full-fat milk every day weigh on average just over 4 kg less. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The scientists also discovered a difference between overweight children who drink full-fat milk every day and those who do not. Children who often drink milk with a fat content of 3% are less overweight. The thesis shows also that the children eat more saturated fat than recommended, but those children who have a high intake of fat have a lower BMI than the children with a lower intake of fat.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The thesis also found 62 percent of the children had low levels of vitamin D in their blood. It can be difficult to obtain sufficient levels of the vitamin through the diet. </article> <article> <h1>How Does the Black Death Compare to Swine Flu?</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:28 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Swine flu. Bird flu. The media has everyone worrying about epidemics and pandemics. Yet there is nothing said about one of the great communicable diseases of all time: the plague. The Black Death. No, it is not extinct. There are new cases of plague in the United States every year, totaling over 400 cases since 1950. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And yes, there is a vaccination for it. So have you had your plague shot? You haven't? </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Why isn't your doctor urging you to get one? Do you know anyone who has had a plague vaccination? Then why is there no plague epidemic? And why is vaccination supposedly the only way to stop a flu epidemic? </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What is striking about the plague is that it is still around and practically no one gets it. One must keep in mind that this disease killed 50 million people. Eventually, the great Black Death epidemics ended. Somehow. The epidemics were not stopped by killing every flea, every rodent or every house pet. The epidemics were not stopped by antibiotics, nor were the epidemics stopped by mass vaccination. Neither was available. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So if the entire population of the USA is not vaccinated against the plague, why doesn't it spread now in 2009 the way it spread in the past, killing at least one in four? Generally, improved sanitation and improved nutrition are credited with such a victory. If these work with plague, they might make a rather big impact on the flu. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Flu shots can have serious side effects. Perhaps even more importantly, they are largely ineffective. Flu shots are big news, and not a few would say that they are big business. But there has been no governmental push whatsoever for plague vaccination.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">How come we supposedly need the one shot, and not the other? </article> <article> <h1>Experts Warn Tamiflu A Danger to Children and Should Not Be Used</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:34:26 GMT</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Parents are being warned not to give Tamiflu to children with swine flu because the risks far outweigh the negligible benefits. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Scientists said the powerful anti-viral puts children at higher risk of dangerous complications but has little impact on the length of their illness. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The study for a respected medical journal is the most extensive research of its kind yet carried out. It concluded Tamiflu also has very little impact on the spread of swine flu, and handing it out freely could actually increase the virus's resistance to the drug. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The research comes on the heels of a study which found half the children taking Tamiflu had side-effects such as vomiting, nausea and nightmares. The two experts behind the study, Dr. Carl Heneghan, a GP from the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, and Dr. Matthew Thompson, a GP and researcher at Oxford University, analyzed four studies of children aged one to 12 taking Tamiflu or another anti-viral, Relenza. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It found that these children were likely to get better less than a day earlier than they would with just rest and recuperation, while in two of the studies the benefit was not statistically significant. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Dr Heneghan said of Tamiflu: 'The downside of the harms [which can include vomiting and dehydration] outweigh the one-day reduction in symptomatic benefits.' Dr Thompson said otherwise healthy children with mild symptoms should be treated with rest and drinks to cool high temperatures but parents should be on their guard for any signs that their child is getting worse. </article> <article> <h1>A Review of Four Approved Swine Flu Vaccines’ Ingredients</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:37:41 GMT</p> <p>By Dr. Mercola</p> <blockquote> <p>I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I'm not anti-vaccines, but rather pro vaccine-safety. That means, I strongly believe that we should only inject substances into our bodies, and <em>especially</em> into the bodies of infants and the unborn, that have been rigorously studied and proven safe both short-term and long-term.</p> <p>As it stands now, we've spent decades injecting materials into the bodies of young and old alike, without sufficient amounts of safety testing of the ingredients, and our society is showing the signs of this neglect. </p> <p>Neurological dysfunction and disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's have been growing steadily and show no signs of slowing down.</p> <p>Mercury, in the form of thimerosal, is included in the majority of all flu vaccines as a preservative in multi-dose vials. Thimerosal-free single-dose vials are typically reserved for infants under the age of three, and pregnant women only. </p> <p>I recently published a long <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/17/Washington-Health-Department-Suspends-Mercury-Restrictions-for-Swine-Flu-Vaccine.aspx">list of studies confirming the health dangers of thimerosal</a> -- proof that those who claim "thimerosal has never been shown to cause any damage" are not telling you the truth. There's plenty of evidence to the contrary, and if you missed that article, I recommend you review it now.</p> <p>But thimerosal is not the only questionable and potentially dangerous ingredient in flu vaccines.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Adjuvants Explained</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>In order for a vaccine to be considered effective, your immune response to the vaccine should be to produce antibodies to the live or dead viruses in the vaccine (the antigen). An adjuvant is a substance added to a vaccine to improve your immune response to the antigen. The word comes from the Latin <em>adjuvare</em>, which means "to help." </p> <p>By adding adjuvants the vaccine can contain less viral antigens, which reduces production costs. </p> <p>Unfortunately, many of these adjuvants are highly toxic.</p> <p>There are several types of adjuvants. Some of the most commonly used ones include:</p> <ul> <li>Aluminium hydroxide </li> <li>Aluminium phosphate </li> <li>Calcium phosphate </li> </ul> <p>Other adjuvants include oil-based emulsions such as <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2009/07/17/squalene-the-swine-flu-vaccines-dirty-little-secret-exposed.aspx">squalene</a>, Squalene has not been licensed by the FDA for use in vaccines distributed in the U.S. yet, although squalene is an adjuvant used in vaccines distributed in Europe and other countries. </p> <p>GlaxoSmithKline's proprietary formula ASO3™ and Novartis' MF59™ are two examples of squalene adjuvants. </p> <p>As damaging as the neurotoxin mercury is, it's important to realize that aluminum is also a neurotoxin and <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/01/27/mercury-in-vaccines-was-replaced-with-something-even-more-toxic.aspx">aluminum-based adjuvants are estimated to be even MORE toxic</a> than mercury. </p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">GREAT NEWS -- No Squalene Allowed in US Swine Flu Vaccines!</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Fortunately, Americans can draw a sigh of relief as it pertains to squalene -- one of the most controversial of the adjuvants -- at least for now.</p> <p>Although vaccine manufacturers were pushing to be allowed to use squalene in many of the swine flu vaccines, and the US Department of Health and Human Services purchased <a href="http://qbit.cc/us-dept-of-health-and-human-services-purchases-over-400m-worth-of-toxic-vaccine-adjuvant-squalene/">spent more than $400 million of tax payers' money to stockpile the oil-based adjuvant</a>, their efforts have been unsuccessful so far. </p> <p>In order to legally allow unlicensed squalene adjuvants to be included in licensed H1N1 vaccines, the US government would have had to issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). </p> <p>There have been small H1N1clinical trials in which experimental squalene adjuvants were included and tested, which have been reported by various media sources, fueling the questions about its use. But that is different from an FDA licensed vaccine that is made available for general public use.</p> <p>To date, no EUA has been issued, so the swine flu vaccines licensed for use in the US do NOT contain squalene. However, it is still unclear whether the National Emergency declaration issued by President Obama on October 23, 2009, will cover adding novel adjuvants like squalene, or whether a separate EUA must be issued to allow the use of unlicensed adjuvants.</p> <p>The best way to confirm the existence of vaccine components is to consult the vaccine product manufacturer inserts. Below, you will find links to the inserts for the four H1N1 vaccines licensed for use in the US.</p> <p>You may also want to review the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/BloodVaccinesandOtherBiologics/VaccinesandRelatedBiologicalProductsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM175998.pdf">transcript of the July 23, 2009 meeting of the FDA Vaccines & Related Biological Products Advisory Committee</a> for more information on the discussion about whether the FDA should issue an EUA and allow unlicensed adjuvants in US vaccines. </p> <p>Thankfully, so far, the FDA has declined to approve squalene adjuvants for US H1N1 vaccines, but that does not mean that the drug companies will not continue to press for approval in the future.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Beware: European Vaccines May Contain Squalene</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Unfortunately, vaccine manufacturers have persuaded countries in Europe and elsewhere to add squalene to seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccines, so if you live outside the US, you will need to do some further research to determine which vaccines may contain squalene.</p> <p>A recent <a href="http://www.thelocal.de/national/20091012-22523.html">article</a> in the English version of the German news source <em>The Local</em>, for example, warns that the German Defense Ministry has ordered a special stock of H1N1 vaccines for their troops that will contain neither mercury nor adjuvants, whereas the general public will be given vaccines containing both.</p> <p>When checking for squalene, beware that the ingredient called MF59™ is an oil-in-water emulsion of squalene, Tween™80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), and sorbitan trioleate. </p> <p>MF59 is approved for human use in Europe, but not in the U.S.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Four Swine Flu Vaccines have Gained US FDA Approval</span></strong> </p> <blockquote> <p>Below I will review the list of ingredients for the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm182399.htm">four swine flu vaccines that gained U.S. FDA approval</a> on September 15. (As of this writing, GlaxoSmithKline is the only contracted vaccine manufacturer that has not yet gotten their swine flu vaccine approved.) </p> <p>Please note that there may be additional anti-virals available that are being used to treat swine flu, and/or swine flu vaccines on the market in other countries, but this article only covers the following four vaccines that have received FDA approval for use in the US:</p> <ul> <li><strong>MedImmune </strong>(intranasal spray) </li> <li><strong>Novartis </strong><strong></strong></li> <li><strong>Sanofi-Pasteur</strong><strong> </strong></li> <li><strong>CSL</strong><strong> </strong></li> </ul> <p>These companies, along with GlaxoSmithKline, have all been awarded contracts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for development and production of more than 195 million doses of swine flu vaccine. </p> <p>For more information, warnings and side effects of each ingredient, please follow the hyperlinks provided.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">MedImmune </span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>MedImmune, which is a subsidiary of London-based AstraZeneca, offers an intranasal spray that contains live attenuated virus. The package insert for MedImmune's intranasal vaccine can be found <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182406.pdf">here</a>.</p> <p>Please note that the adverse reaction information for MedImmune's vaccine is based on studies conducted with the seasonal flu version known as FluMist.</p> <p>Please review the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182406.pdf">insert</a> for numerous warnings, contraindications, and adverse reactions. </p> <p>Of special note are the warnings that it should not be administrated to children and adolescents (2-17 years of age) receiving aspirin therapy or aspirin-containing therapy, because of association of Reye's syndrome. </p> <p>In addition, it's important to realize that safety has not been established in individuals with underlying medical conditions predisposing them to influenza complications.</p> <p>MedImmune's vaccine also should not be administered to any individual with asthma, or children under the age of 5 with recurring wheezing because of the potential for increased risk of wheezing post vaccination.<br /> <br /> Lastly, please note that some viruses contained in this and other intranasal vaccines CAN spread from the vaccinated person to others. Hence, if a person has a compromised immune system, he or she could be placed at risk of infection from people who have been vaccinated. The ease of transmission appears to vary from strain to strain. </p> <p><strong>Dosing Instructions for MedImmune Intranasal Spray vaccine:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Children 0-2 years: Not approved </li> <li>Children 2-9 years: 2 doses, 0.2 ml each, approximately one month apart </li> <li>Children and adults between the ages of 10-49 years: 1 dose, 0.2 ml </li> <li>Adults 50-65: Not approved, as FluMist was found to have no demonstrable effectiveness in this age group </li> <li>Seniors 65 and over: Not approved </li> <li>Pregnant women: Not recommended <strong></strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Ingredients include:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Live, attenuated virus </li> <li><a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/21/MSG-Is-This-Silent-Killer-Lurking-in-Your-Kitchen-Cabinets.aspx">Monosodium glutamate</a>. MSG is a known neurotoxin and excitotoxin. </li> <li><a href="http://foodallergies.about.com/od/eggallergies/f/eggsinvaccines.htm">Egg proteins</a> </li> <li>Sucrose (table sugar) </li> <li>Dibasic potassium phosphate </li> <li>Monobasic potassium phosphate </li> <li><a href="http://www.healthdigest.org/topics/category/1271-gentamicin-sulfate-dosage-interactions-side-effects-how-to-use">Gentamicin sulfate</a> (antibiotic)<strong></strong> </li> </ul> <p>Intranasal vaccines do not contain thimerosal (mercury).</p> <p><strong>Questionable Efficacy…</strong></p> <p>According to the insert, FluMist has demonstrated a mere 44.5 percent reduction in influenza rate when looking at all strains, compared to <em>active</em> controls (other flu vaccines). </p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Novartis </span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>The package insert for Novartis' Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 Monovalent vaccine can be found <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf">here</a>. </p> <p>Again, the adverse reaction information for this swine flu vaccine is based on studies conducted with the seasonal flu vaccine Fluvirin, not the A(H1N1) vaccine itself. </p> <p>It is worth noting that the safety data for Fluvarin (upon which the safety data for the swine flu vaccine is based), was collected from 29 clinical studies over the past 27 years that included no more than 2,768 adults. </p> <p>In these studies, the subjects were observed for 30 minutes after vaccination, and were instructed to complete a diary card for the three days following immunization, to collect local and systemic reactions.</p> <p>So, keep in mind that the "safety data" for this vaccine is based on studying human subjects for FOUR DAYS. Not weeks, months, or years, to see if problems occur down the line.</p> <p>Please review the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf">insert</a> for numerous warnings, contraindications, and adverse reactions. </p> <p><strong>Dosing Instructions (intra-muscular injection):</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Children 0-4: Not recommended </li> <li>Children 4-9: Two 0.5 ml doses one month apart </li> <li>Children 9-17: One 0.5 ml dose </li> <li>Adults, 18 and over: One 0.5 ml dose </li> </ul> <p><strong>Ingredients include:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Inactivated A/California/7/2009(H1N1)v-like virus derived from cell-cultures using dog kidneys. Physorg.com <a href="http://www.physorg.com/news175767804.html">http://www.physorg.com/news175767804.html</a> recently reported that a Swiss authority overseeing medicine and therapeutical products had found bacterial contamination in test batches of the vaccine -- a charge that Novartis has denied. </li> <li>Single-dose vials contain 1 mcg of <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/17/Washington-Health-Department-Suspends-Mercury-Restrictions-for-Swine-Flu-Vaccine.aspx">mercury</a> per 0.5 ml dose </li> <li>Multi-dose vials contain 25 mcg of mercury per 0.5 ml dose </li> <li><a href="http://foodallergies.about.com/od/eggallergies/f/eggsinvaccines.htm">Egg proteins</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.rxlist.com/polymyxin-b-drug.htm">Polymyxin</a> (antibiotic) </li> <li><a href="http://www.drugs.com/mtm/neomycin.html">Neomycin</a> (antibiotic found in many topical medications). Neomycin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to fetuses. </li> <li><a href="http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/results.asp?sc=4">Beta-propiolactone</a> (a disinfectant). <a href="http://earth1.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/propiola.html">According to the EPA</a>: <em>"</em><em>No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of beta-propiolactone in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beta-propiolactone as a Group 2B, possible human carcinogen."</em> </li> <li><a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/toxics/nonylphenol_ethoxylates3.pdf">Nonylphenol ethoxylate</a> (NPE) (a toxic cleaning agent) </li> </ul> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Sanofi-Pasteur </span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>The package insert for Sanofi-Pasteur's Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 Monovalent vaccine can be found <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182404.pdf">here</a>.</p> <p>The adverse reaction information for Sanofi-Pasteur's vaccine is based on studies conducted with the seasonal flu version known as Fluzone. The safety data for infants under the age of 3 is based on adverse reactions of 19 children, reported within a mere three days of vaccination.</p> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/doctor.health"></a> <p>Please review the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182404.pdf">insert</a> for numerous warnings, contraindications, and adverse reactions. <strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Dosing Instructions (intra-muscular injection):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Children 0-5 months: Not approved </li> <li>Children 6-35 months: two 0.25 ml doses, approximately one month apart </li> <li>Children 36 months to 9 years: two 0.5 ml doses, approximately one month apart </li> <li>Children 10 years and older: one 0.5 ml dose </li> <li>Adults: one 0.5 ml dose </li> </ul> <p><strong>Ingredients include:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Inactivated A/California/7/2009(H1N1)v-like virus propagated in embryonated chicken eggs </li> <li>Prefilled pediatric syringes and single-dose vials are mercury-free </li> <li>Multi-dose vials contain 25 mcg of <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/17/Washington-Health-Department-Suspends-Mercury-Restrictions-for-Swine-Flu-Vaccine.aspx">mercury</a> per 0.5 ml dose </li> <li><a href="http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/results.asp?sc=7">Formaldehyde</a> (up to 100 mcg). Formaldehyde is classifed as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. </li> <li><a href="http://las.perkinelmer.com/content/MSDS/msds_n9300260_us_en.pdf">Triton-X 100</a> (<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WXH-4DDR0RH-11&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1061419690&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b5e9ef923e973ff65e">Polyethylene glycol P-isooctylphenyl ether</a>) is a toxic detergent </li> <li>Sodium phosphate </li> <li>Sodium chloride (table salt) </li> <li>Gelatin </li> <li>Sucrose (table sugar) </li> </ul> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">CSL Biotherapies, Inc. </span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>The package insert for CSL's Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 Monovalent vaccine can be found <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf">here</a>.</p> <p>The adverse reaction information for CSL's vaccine is based on studies conducted with the seasonal flu version known as Afluria. </p> <p>Here the safety data is based on adverse reactions reported within 21 days of vaccination. It's also worth noting that the safety assessment studies were done using mercury-containing placebos, which may significantly skew the data as the control group would most likely experience similar side effects of the thimerosal as those receiving the actual vaccine.</p> <p>Additionally, tucked away on page 10 it states that:</p> <blockquote> <p><em>"No controlled clinical studies demonstrating a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with Afluria have been performed."</em></p> </blockquote> <p>Please review the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf">insert</a> for numerous warnings, contraindications, and adverse reactions. </p> <p><strong>Dosing Instructions (intra-muscular injection):</strong></p> <ul> <li>Adults only, 18 years and older: one 0.5 ml dose </li> </ul> <p><strong>Ingredients include:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Inactivated A/California/7/2009(H1N1)v-like virus propagated in embryonated chicken eggs </li> <li>Single-dose vials are mercury-free </li> <li>Multi-dose vials contain 24.5 mcg of <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/17/Washington-Health-Department-Suspends-Mercury-Restrictions-for-Swine-Flu-Vaccine.aspx">mercury</a> per 0.5 ml dose </li> <li><a href="http://www.rxlist.com/polymyxin-b-drug.htm">Polymyxin</a> (antibiotic) </li> <li><a href="http://www.drugs.com/mtm/neomycin.html">Neomycin</a> (antibiotic found in many topical medications). Neomycin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to fetuses. </li> <li>Sodium chloride (table salt) </li> <li>Monobasic sodium phosphate </li> <li>Dibasic sodium phosphate </li> <li>Monobasic potassium phosphate </li> <li><a href="http://www.drugs.com/potassium_chloride.html">Potassium chloride</a> </li> <li>Calcium chloride </li> <li><a href="http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/results.asp?sc=200">Sodium taurodeoxycholate</a> (detergent) </li> <li><a href="http://foodallergies.about.com/od/eggallergies/f/eggsinvaccines.htm">Egg proteins</a> (ovalbumin) </li> <li><a href="http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/results.asp?sc=4">Beta-propiolactone</a> (a disinfectant). <a href="http://earth1.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/propiola.html">According to the EPA</a>: <em>"</em><em>No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of beta-propiolactone in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beta-propiolactone as a Group 2B, possible human carcinogen."</em><strong> </strong></li> </ul> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">How Effective is the H1N1 Vaccine, Really?</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p><strong><em>"Specific levels of HI antibody titers post-vaccination with inactivated influenza virus vaccine have not been correlated with protection from influenza virus. In some human studies, antibody titers of 1:40 or greater have been associated with protection from influenza illness in up to 50% of subjects." </em></strong><br /> <br /> You will find that paragraph in all the vaccine inserts. </p> <p>What that paragraph says, is that the vaccine only works in half, or less, of those individuals who attain the specified level of seroconversion after vaccination. The FDA defines seroconversion as achieving an antibody titer of 1:40. </p> <p><strong>This means that <em>if</em> a</strong> vaccine was <em>100 percent effective</em> at achieving this level of seroconversion, it would protect <em>up to 50 percent</em> of the recipients of the vaccine.<br /> <br /> But none of the vaccines are 100 percent effective at achieving seroconversion. </p> <p><a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf">CSL's vaccine insert</a>, for example, (see pages 11-12), states that their H1N1 vaccine provides seroconversion for:</p> <ul> <li>48.7 percent of people aged 18-65 </li> <li>34 percent for seniors, 65 and older </li> </ul> <p>That means that, <em>at best</em>, their vaccine works in one out of every four people! (49 percent of 50 percent). </p> <p>Which, of course, means that <strong>the vaccine does NOT work in three out of every four people…</strong> </p> <a href="http://www.mercola.com/Downloads/Swine-Flu-Posters.htm"></a> <p>Is it REALLY worth it?<strong> </strong></p> </blockquote> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Final Thoughts</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Hopefully, this compilation of data will help you weigh the risks and benefits, to make a more educated decision for yourself and your family. </p> <p>You can also print out these <a href="file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\Ami\Local%20Settings\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\Content.IE5\GRGQSLY9\.%20http:\www.mercola.com\Downloads\Swine-Flu-Posters.htm">fact-filled posters</a> that we created. Feel free to share them any way you like around your community, at local stores, offices, and schools.</p> <p>Lastly, please remember to bookmark the special section of my site devoted to all <a href="http://swineflu.mercola.com/sites/swineflu/home.aspx">the latest H1N1 Swine Flu Alerts</a>. It's an excellent go-to source to stay updated on all the new swine flu developments.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Why 20/20 Blasts Obama Care</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:06:33 GMT</p> ABC's John Stossel destroys Obama's anti-American 'Health Care' plan. </article> <article> <h1>The Great Orange Juice Scam</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:33:22 GMT</p> One of the great scams of the industrial food cartel is the so-called "fresh" orange juice sold in supermarkets.<br /> <br /> Some reality checks:<br /> <ol> <li>There is more vitamin c in a single orange than in a full glass of industrial orange juice. </li> <li>Truly fresh orange juice only lasts a few days. It if last for weeks (or months), it's an industrial product. </li> <li>Until the Florida orange growers launched a campaign in the early 20th century to deal with their surplus crop, the only people who drank orange juice were Floridians who had a tree in their backyard. There is nothing particularly healthy or natural about drinking orange juice -- and the industrial product is a total waste of money.</li> </ol> </article> <article> <h1>This Bee Product Has Enormous Benefits for Your Health</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:44 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">Various products derived from the beehive have been studied and propolis has proved to be a product having beneficial results for human health. Propolis (Pro-before, Polis-city = defense of the city), is the resinous substance that bees gather from the leaf buds of trees and certain vegetables. The bee gathers this and transforms it in order to disinfect the beehive, seal cracks, build panels, as well as using it as a microbiocidal agent, disinfectant and also for embalming intruders otherwise difficult to expel due to their size. Propolis is, thus, directly responsible for guaranteeing the asepsis of the beehives, locations prone to developing viruses and bacteria, given their conditions of temperature and humidity. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">Due to the great number of active ingredients present, tincture (alcoholic extract) of propolis is well known and used for its therapeutic properties, principally for its stimulant action on the organism's defense system. Notable amongst its properties are its antioxidant and anti-microbial action, its activity as a stimulant and its healing, analgesic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory activity. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> To date, in the literature consulted, no antioxidant capacity values have been found greater than those obtained for propolis, for any of the products/foods analyzed, using this type of methodology.<br /> </article> <article> <h1>France Finds Monsanto Guilty of Lying</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:44 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">France's highest court has ruled that US agrochemical giant Monsanto had not told the truth about the safety of its best-selling weed-killer, Roundup. The court confirmed an earlier judgment that Monsanto had falsely advertised its herbicide as "biodegradable" and claimed it "left the soil clean." Roundup is the world's best-selling herbicide.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">In the latest ruling, France's Supreme Court upheld two earlier convictions against Monsanto by the Lyon criminal court in 2007, and the Lyon court of appeal in 2008, the AFP news agency reports.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">Monsanto already dominates America’s food chain with its genetically modified seeds. Now it has targeted milk production. Just as frightening as the corporation’s tactics–ruthless legal battles against small farmers–is its decades-long history of toxic contamination. </p> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>One More Nail in the Coffin for High Fructose Corn Syrup</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:43 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">A sugary ingredient in processed snacks and soft drinks is putting millions at risk of high blood pressure, new research has revealed. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is abundant in many types of foods and beverages and was originally viewed as a "healthy" method of sweetening. Its introduction 20 years ago has caused consumption of the fruit sugar fructose to rise sharply, alongside increasing levels of obesity. Americans today consumed 30% more fructose than they did 20 years ago and up to four times more than they did 100 years ago, said the researchers. Large quantities of fructose cause the liver to pump fats into the bloodstream that may damage arteries.</p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> The study found that people who ate or drank more than 74 grams of fructose per day - equivalent to 2.5 sugary soft drinks - increased their risk of developing high blood pressure. Consuming more than 74 grams of fructose a day increased the chances of a reading of 135/85mmHg by 28 percent, the study found. It also raised the risk of higher readings of 140/90mmHg and 160/100mmHg by 36 percent and 87percent, respectively.<br /> </article> <article> <h1>Don't Be Fooled by Jury Duty Scam</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:43 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">The FBI is alerting consumers to an identity theft phishing scam related to jury duty. You get called by an alleged court officer who states that a warrant has been issued for your arrest for a failure to report for jury duty. </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> <p class="MercolaText">If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity and cancel the arrest warrant. This fraud is spreading quickly since it began in 2006 and has been reported in 11 states so far.</p> <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Where Do Nanomaterials Go in the Body?</h1> <p>Dr. Mercola — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:43 GMT</p> <p class="MercolaText">Tiny, engineered <a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/08/19/are-nanofoods-the-next-consumer-nightmare.aspx">nanomaterials</a> can already be found in many consumer products, and have been hailed as having widespread future uses in areas ranging from medicine to industrial processes. However, little is known about what happens if these nanomaterials get into your body – where do they go? NC State researchers are working to answer that question under a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). </p> <p class="MercolaText"></p> "There has been a great deal of research into the use of manufactured carbon nanomaterials in various products, but there are still a lot of questions about how these materials will interact with biological systems," says Dr. Nancy Monteiro-Riviere, a professor of investigative dermatology and toxicology at the Center for Chemical Toxicology Research and Pharmacokinetics at NC State and lead investigator of the study. "There is a crucial need to understand how these manufactured carbon nanomaterials will act once they are in the body – particularly where environmental or occupational exposure can occur." </article> </main></body></html>