Swine Flu Shot

Is the Swine Flu shot: Safe? Effective? Should I get swine flu shots?

Let's talk safety first.

You may have heard reports that both the British Health Protection Agency and the US Centers For Disease control have sent out letters to neurologists in Britain and the US asking them to look out for an increase in a brain disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome - and to notify their respective governments of all cases of this disease that they diagnose in patients that have received the swine flu shot.

Guillian-Barre Syndrome is a disease that attacks the lining of the nerves, leaving them unable to transmit signals to the muscles. This can cause partial paralysis and, if it affects the lungs, can be fatal.

The concern of the British and US governments is based solely on the fact that a similar swine flu vaccine killed more people than it helped in the US in 1976.

The British and US governments simply view their warning letters to neurologists as a reasonable precaution under the circumstances.

Next is effectiveness:  There has been debate if one or two shots are required to give adequate protection against the swine flu.  Some scientists still think two shots are best.  However, a person will probably only receive one so that as many people as possible can be vaccinated.

Second, the swine flu vaccine does not protect against the seasonal flu and vice versa. 

There are people for whom the swine flu or any other type of flu can be deadly.  The people at highest risk are young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with preexisting diseases like diabetes.

The interesting part is these are the people for whom the flu shot is not very effective.  The best way to protect these people is to immunize everybody else so that they never get exposed.

Most immunizations make sense from a public health perspective, which is why they are so strongly supported by the medical community.

However for healthy individuals with strong immune systems and no preexisting diseases, the risk benefit ratios are not so clear cut.  Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits.

Thirdly, should you get a swine flu shot?

If you are a healthy individual, that is a very personal decision and I won't presume to make it for you. I've just given you some facts that you may not have known about to ponder as you make that decision.

For people who are at risk for developing severe complications from the swine flu itself (young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with preexisting diseases like diabetes) this is a decision that you should make in consultation with your physician."

If you'd like another option that only has side benefits, go here. 

Thank you Dr. Chaney for providing this information. 

Always here to help.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Fish Oils and the heart

Recently there was another news story about fish oils.  The story talks about over the counter fish oils.  So let's look at over the counter supplements.

Questions that you should ask are:

1. Does the manufacturer conduct any testing on the raw ingredients that go into the supplement?
2. Many fish contain mercury.  Does the the company have a purification process in place to remove the mercury?  After all, if you're going to take a supplement, it is intended to be good for you.
3. Do they guarantee what's in the label is in each and every tablet, caplet, capsule, etc?
4. Is it important to you that the supplement has been approved by the FDA?

Okay question 4 is a trick question because no, supplements aren't approved by the FDA.  But if you look further into the FDA, you'll find that basically they receive their money from pharmaceutical companies.  So how often do they deny the approval of a prescription?

Be careful on what fish you eat.  Farm raised Salmon have many things in them that aren't good for you.  If you think about Atlantic Salmon, well how many cruise ships, naval ships, submarines etc are in those waters and release body waste, fuel, etc.  Go here to see which is the best salmon.

In reality it is difficult to get everything we need from our food supply.  That is why supplements are essential.  They don't replace food and they are not a crutch for bad diet.  They are a part of a healthy lifestyle formula (healthy diet, exercise, supplements)

If you'd like to take a look at the story I referred to click here.

Want to know what is a high quality fish oil supplement looks like?  Go here.

Before you go "fishing around" on the internet or your local store, contact me at marybeth@mamabearproductions.net.  I provide Nutrition Consultations and we work together so you have optimal health.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net

Are you washing your clothes in toxins?

Generally people know that what we breathe, drink, eat affects our health.  But if you think about it, what is the quickest way to get anything into the body?  Through our skin.

Pharmaceutical companies know this.  How many prescriptions are now in a patch form? 

When thinking about your purchases for laundry products, ask yourself:

1. When you wash your clothes, what do you use? 
2. Do you look at the ingredients?
3. Is price important?
4. Powder or liquid?
5. Fragrance?
6. Do you use fabric softener?
7. Do you use a separate laundry detergent for your baby/children?

Let's look at these questions and provide some answers.

1. Store bought products have name brands and generic.  Price may be a concern to you and whether you are on a septic field or sewer can determine your decision.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not good for anyone.  Ingredients are listed in order of how much is in the product.
3. Look at how much each load requires to get your clothes clean.  Just because a container is larger than another brand, doesn't mean you will get more loads washed.
4. People use liquid because it typically doesn't back up piping or septic fields.  There are non toxic and biodegradable laundry products so you have the flexibility of using either.  Well known brands such as All and Tide actually have each granule coated with plastic to make clothes whiter and brighter, which is not good for piping and septic fields.
5. Clean doesn't have a smell.  I realize it is good to put clothes on that smell like the outdoors, and you can still have that smell if you want to hang them on a clothesline.  Fragrances have a negative impact on all of us, especially those with allergies and asthma.
6. Fabric softeners are good to prevent static cling and yes can make clothes smell nice.  Fragrances are toxic.
7. If you feel you should use a separate laundry detergent for your baby/children than the adults, think about this....those chemicals are still lingering in the washer and dryer.  Why not use a laundry detergent and fabric softener that is safe for everyone in the family?

Home is and should be the safest place on earth.

Happy laundering.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net