Volume 5 Issue 3
Fall 2010
Australia Bans H1N1 Flu Shot
As the fall approaches, the media drumbeat to get the H1N1 flu shot will begin. Recently, Australia banned this flu shot in children due to increased vomiting, fever and seizures. Finland has followed suit due to increased narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness) in children. I will again advise against this flu vaccine and recommend immune boosting activities and supplements instead. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction boost immune function. Vitamin D levels of over 50 nanograms/ml boost immunity. Homeopathic Oscillococcinum has a good record of protection against influenza. Immunplex, Epimune Complex, Congaplex, Cataplex ACP and Zinc Liver Chelate from Standard Process are also helpful.
A recent Danish study showed that drinking an artificially sweetened soda increased the risk of premature birth substantially even when only one soda a day was consumed. Other studies show that people who habitually drink or eat food with artificial sweeteners gain more weight than those who do not consume them. I advise all my patients to avoid artificial sweeteners, although I do recommend the herbal extract stevia.
The latest massive recall of contaminated food involves chicken eggs infected with Salmonella bacteria. These eggs have been traced to one large producer, Quality Egg and Wright County Egg are owned by Jack DeCoster. His businesses have been cited for violation of food standards multiple times. The ongoing recalls of contaminated foods emphasize the benefits to your health of eating locally grown, organic foods if possible. Animals grown in crowded, unsanitary conditions are much more likely to become contaminated with bacteria, even if the animals are treated with antibiotics to prevent this.
Raw milk is an entirely different food than pasteurized milk. It contains enzymes, minerals, and healthy bacteria that promote health. Although the state and federal government have tried to eliminate raw milk as a consumer choice, many people consume raw milk safely. I recommend raw milk as another good food choice for those seeking good health. For more information on raw milk, visit the website www.organicpastures.com/faq. Raw milk is readily available here in California, unlike some states.
For those who like hard hitting news and information about natural treatments, check out the website www.naturalnews.com by Mike Adams. He takes no prisoners as he exposes the FDA, the cancer industry, politicians, big government and pharmaceutical corporations in the myriad ways they are willing to compromise the public health for the almighty dollar. Even if you disagree with some of his ideas, his viewpoint will have you reconsidering your approach to using prescription drugs for your health. For those who want to keep informed about news of institutional development in the alternative health field, I recommend John Weeks’ column www.theintegratorblog.com. As you follow what is happening quietly behind the scenes out of sight of the big media, you will see that a quiet revolution is starting to make major changes in how medicine and health care will be done in the future.
Another website of interest to fans of natural medicine is the website of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. The website has articles written about developments in the field of naturopathy and treatments using natural approaches. The website is www.naturalmedicinejournal.com.
On a personal note
I had a wonderful summer hiking and climbing. I attended my nephew’s wedding in Maine in late August. My daughter’s wedding is in October. My beautiful wife Valerie and I give thanks every day for our abundant life of excellent health, thriving families, good friends, rewarding and meaningful work and our incredibly rewarding marriage. I encourage everyone to focus on the good in your life and to work to improve those aspects that need improvement.
Daniel Blodgett MD