Fever is one of the most common reasons that parents seek medical attention for their children. Parental concerns arise in part because of the belief that fever is a disease rather than a symptom or sign of illness. Twenty years ago, Barton Schmitt, MD, found that parents had numerous misconceptions about fever. These unrealistic concerns were termed "fever phobia."
In a recent study from the Department of Pediatrics out of John Hopkins’ Bay New Medical Center, a total of 340 caregivers were interviewed. Fifty-six percent of caregivers were very worried about the potential harm of fever in their children, 44% considered a temperature of 102 degrees F to be a "high" fever, and 7% thought that a temperature could rise to 110 degrees F if left untreated. Ninety-one percent of caregivers believed that a fever could cause harmful effects; 21% listed brain damage, and 14% listed death. Strikingly, 52% of caregivers said that they would check their child's temperature once an hour when their child had a fever, 25% gave antipyretics for temperatures less than 100 degrees F, and 85% would awaken their child to give antipyretics. Fourteen percent of caregivers gave acetaminophen, and 44% gave ibuprofen at too frequent dosing intervals.
In a study looking at how 161 pediatricians treat children's fevers, researchers found that half tell parents to give both ibuprofen and acetaminophen in alternating doses. According to Dr. Clara E. Mayoral and her colleagues at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York, this strategy could put children at greater risk from the drugs' side effects, which include liver damage. “Parents need to understand that fever is not necessarily a bad thing,” Dr. Mayoral said. “It’s the body’s response to infection. Treating the fever does not treat the underlying cause.” Their report is published in the May issue of Pediatrics. Of the 73% of caregivers who said that they sponged their child to treat a fever, 24% sponged at temperatures less than 100 degrees F; 18% used alcohol. Forty-six percent of caregivers listed doctors as their primary resource for information about fever. Caregivers who stated that they were very worried about fever were more likely in the past to have had a child who was evaluated for a fever, to have had blood work performed on their child during a febrile illness, and to have perceived their doctors to be very worried about fever. Compared with 20 years ago, more caregivers listed seizure as a potential harm of fever, woke their children and checked temperatures more often during febrile illnesses, and gave antipyretics or initiated sponging more frequently for possible normal temperatures. Fever phobia persists.
Tylenol is not in our house. The body heals itself with no interference, and the increased temperature is a process to destroy the bacteria. Chiropractic care allows the immune system to function at 100% thus allowing the body’s defense to work properly. Reducing the fever with drugs allows the bacteria to continue to grow. As I tell each patient, it is your call and decision, just make sure chiropractic care is a part of that decision.
For additional information, please call Northgate Chiropractic at
(206) 367-2224.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thinking outside the box
New gene therapy halts 2 boys' rare brain disease---and how did they do it? With the HIV virus. No joke--an inactivated virus is introduced for the restorative genes to hitch a ride into the body on, essentially. Pretty neat. What do you think about harnessing the power of a deadly virus for good? How does this fit with your concept of wellness and the body's inherent ability to heal? Read the article below.
New gene therapy halts 2 boys' rare brain disease
AP
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard, Ap Medical Writer – Thu Nov 5, 5:12 pm ET
WASHINGTON – French scientists mixed gene therapy and bone marrow transplants in two boys to seemingly halt a brain disease that can kill by adolescence. The surprise ingredient: They disabled the HIV virus so it couldn't cause AIDS, and then used it to carry in the healthy new gene.
The experiment marks the first time researchers have tried that long-contemplated step in people — and the first effective gene therapy against a severe brain disease, said lead researcher Dr. Patrick Aubourg of the University Paris-Descartes.
Although it's a small, first-step study, it has "exciting implications" for other blood and immune disorders that had been feared beyond gene therapy's reach, said Dr. Kenneth Cornetta, president of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.
"This study shows the power of combining gene therapy and cell therapy," added Cornetta, whose own lab at Indiana University has long researched how to safely develop gene delivery using lentiviruses, HIV's family.
The research was published in Friday's edition of the journal Science.
In 20 years of gene therapy research, there have been few home runs and some headline-making setbacks — including a risk of leukemia caused by otherwise successful gene therapy for another rare disorder, "bubble boy disease." That's a risk that specialists hope a lentivirus-based gene therapy will eliminate.
Best known from the movie "Lorenzo's Oil", adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, is a rare genetic disease that, in its most devastating form, destroys the coating of nerve fibers in boys' brains. Without that coating, called myelin, the neurological system breaks down. The disease typically strikes between the ages of four and 10, leading to blindness, deafness, dementia and loss of muscle control, and killing them within a few years.
Bone marrow transplants can halt ALD by letting new myelin-forming stem cells take root. But it's difficult to find a matching marrow donor, and the transplant itself is very risky.
So what if stem cells from the boys' own bone marrow could be genetically corrected, eliminating the ALD mutation? To do that, Aubourg's team had to overcome a technical hurdle: Gene therapy works when scientists harness deliver a healthy new gene by attaching to a virus that can harmlessly infect cells. But none of today's so-called gene therapy "vectors" could penetrate enough of the stem cells needed for an ALD treatment to work.
Unlike most viruses, HIV can penetrate stem cells, and it sticks permanently. So Aubourg's team removed the genetic parts of HIV that make it dangerous, leaving basically a scaffolding to carry the new therapeutic gene.
Then they culled stem cells from two 7-year-old boys in the early stages of ALD, and mixed in the healthy gene. The boys underwent bone marrow-destroying chemotherapy and then had their genetically corrected stem cells reinserted.
Two years later, the boys have shown no sign of worsening brain damage and are functioning well with 15 percent of their blood cells producing the healthy protein, said Aubourg, who plans to test the experimental procedure in more patients. An advocacy group, the Stop ALD Foundation, is working to raise money for a similar U.S. study.
___
On the Net:
Science Web site: http://www.sciencemag.org
New gene therapy halts 2 boys' rare brain disease
AP
By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard, Ap Medical Writer – Thu Nov 5, 5:12 pm ET
WASHINGTON – French scientists mixed gene therapy and bone marrow transplants in two boys to seemingly halt a brain disease that can kill by adolescence. The surprise ingredient: They disabled the HIV virus so it couldn't cause AIDS, and then used it to carry in the healthy new gene.
The experiment marks the first time researchers have tried that long-contemplated step in people — and the first effective gene therapy against a severe brain disease, said lead researcher Dr. Patrick Aubourg of the University Paris-Descartes.
Although it's a small, first-step study, it has "exciting implications" for other blood and immune disorders that had been feared beyond gene therapy's reach, said Dr. Kenneth Cornetta, president of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.
"This study shows the power of combining gene therapy and cell therapy," added Cornetta, whose own lab at Indiana University has long researched how to safely develop gene delivery using lentiviruses, HIV's family.
The research was published in Friday's edition of the journal Science.
In 20 years of gene therapy research, there have been few home runs and some headline-making setbacks — including a risk of leukemia caused by otherwise successful gene therapy for another rare disorder, "bubble boy disease." That's a risk that specialists hope a lentivirus-based gene therapy will eliminate.
Best known from the movie "Lorenzo's Oil", adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, is a rare genetic disease that, in its most devastating form, destroys the coating of nerve fibers in boys' brains. Without that coating, called myelin, the neurological system breaks down. The disease typically strikes between the ages of four and 10, leading to blindness, deafness, dementia and loss of muscle control, and killing them within a few years.
Bone marrow transplants can halt ALD by letting new myelin-forming stem cells take root. But it's difficult to find a matching marrow donor, and the transplant itself is very risky.
So what if stem cells from the boys' own bone marrow could be genetically corrected, eliminating the ALD mutation? To do that, Aubourg's team had to overcome a technical hurdle: Gene therapy works when scientists harness deliver a healthy new gene by attaching to a virus that can harmlessly infect cells. But none of today's so-called gene therapy "vectors" could penetrate enough of the stem cells needed for an ALD treatment to work.
Unlike most viruses, HIV can penetrate stem cells, and it sticks permanently. So Aubourg's team removed the genetic parts of HIV that make it dangerous, leaving basically a scaffolding to carry the new therapeutic gene.
Then they culled stem cells from two 7-year-old boys in the early stages of ALD, and mixed in the healthy gene. The boys underwent bone marrow-destroying chemotherapy and then had their genetically corrected stem cells reinserted.
Two years later, the boys have shown no sign of worsening brain damage and are functioning well with 15 percent of their blood cells producing the healthy protein, said Aubourg, who plans to test the experimental procedure in more patients. An advocacy group, the Stop ALD Foundation, is working to raise money for a similar U.S. study.
___
On the Net:
Science Web site: http://www.sciencemag.org
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Our Patients Speak
“Our Patients Speak”
I first visited Dr. Lachuta in April of 2008 after I read an ad for Northgate Chiropractic in the Seattle Times. I had severe lower back pains day and night, and I’d taken codeine pills prescribed by my Medicare doctor for at least 9 years or more.
For the past 10 years, my normal activities were interrupted daily by pain while I worked or relaxed with friends. When I read Dr. Lachuta’s ad in the paper, it moved me to make an appointment. I had tried acupuncture, chiropractic, and medical doctors in the past, but none of the various care worked. The codeine pills resulted in constipation, and only worked for a limited, and were no help really.
Only Dr. Lachuta’s single treatment removed the lower back pain, and I have never had these pains to this day. If I believed in God I could say Dr. Lachuta’s treatments were God-given.
I began to see results from chiropractic care after my first session. It has changed my life to not have lower back pain, and can only be described as miraculous due to the adjustments. I swear to anyone who has lower back pain to see Dr. Lachuta. I have found my God in Dr. Lachuta and I spread my relief to all others; for curative powers, GO TO DR. LACHUTA.
~Florence Gross, 90, MSW (Masters of Social Work- from University of Toronto, ranking amongst top social work in the world).
10/03/2009
I first visited Dr. Lachuta in April of 2008 after I read an ad for Northgate Chiropractic in the Seattle Times. I had severe lower back pains day and night, and I’d taken codeine pills prescribed by my Medicare doctor for at least 9 years or more.
For the past 10 years, my normal activities were interrupted daily by pain while I worked or relaxed with friends. When I read Dr. Lachuta’s ad in the paper, it moved me to make an appointment. I had tried acupuncture, chiropractic, and medical doctors in the past, but none of the various care worked. The codeine pills resulted in constipation, and only worked for a limited, and were no help really.
Only Dr. Lachuta’s single treatment removed the lower back pain, and I have never had these pains to this day. If I believed in God I could say Dr. Lachuta’s treatments were God-given.
I began to see results from chiropractic care after my first session. It has changed my life to not have lower back pain, and can only be described as miraculous due to the adjustments. I swear to anyone who has lower back pain to see Dr. Lachuta. I have found my God in Dr. Lachuta and I spread my relief to all others; for curative powers, GO TO DR. LACHUTA.
~Florence Gross, 90, MSW (Masters of Social Work- from University of Toronto, ranking amongst top social work in the world).
10/03/2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
HELP BLISS SOAPS!
Our friends, Bliss Soaps on Capitol Hill, have fallen victim to a fraud scheme that has unfortunatly in this tough economy left them unsure of their ability to maintain operating expenses! Help a neighbor out---take advantage of the amazing deal they are offering to boost their immediate sales and a make a turn around that will allow them to keep their doors open! Read below for the full story, and visit the shop at
http://www.blisssoap.com/
or
619 Broadway E
Seattle, WA 98102-5025
(206) 322-7627
10/29/2009
Dear Valued BLISS Soaps Customer;
BLISS Soaps has unfortunately fallen victim to a fraudulent business deal. Many local customers may recall a large soap, lotion, facemask and eye cream order that we were working on as they came to visit the store. The order was made, delivered and distributed to the Cruise-line executives ahead of schedule. Emperors Essentials, the company that commissioned BLISS Soaps to fulfill this contract fraudulently reversed ALL of the payments that were made to us. After researching the company, we discovered that the couple who own Emperors Essentials; Robert Friend, Jr., and Shao Mei Wang operate 4 charities in Gig Harbor, Washington. 1) National Association of Disabled Police Officers. 2) American Veterans Coalition. 3) (Childrens) Cancer Assistance Network. 4) Disabled Firefighters Foundation. All 4 charities are fictitious and an estimated $5,000,000.00 was raised for the charities and around 2 cents per dollar was used as assistance. If you hear of these in the future, DO NOT DONATE.
The devastating to BLISS Soaps came at such a time that we may not recover the funds in time to maintain operations.
In an effort to make this a win-win situation for both of us, we are offering this 4 day only Internet, call-in and walk-in special in an attempt to earn pre holiday revenue.
All orders over $50.00 will be doubled and the next 5 future orders over $50.00 will be given a $15.00 credit.
All orders received in the next 4 days will be filed and a VERY special future offer will be offered to you in our Dec E-mail.
ALL orders place in the next 4 days EVEN orders under $50.00 will be given the Special December offer.
To call in your orders, please call 1-206-322-SOAP 7 days 4-10 Pacific Time
Internet orders, please only order ½ of what you would like as we will simply double the order received.
Thank, you for your past and continued patronage and hope to hear from you soon.
Phil & Chuck
BLISS Soaps
http://www.blisssoap.com/
or
619 Broadway E
Seattle, WA 98102-5025
(206) 322-7627
10/29/2009
Dear Valued BLISS Soaps Customer;
BLISS Soaps has unfortunately fallen victim to a fraudulent business deal. Many local customers may recall a large soap, lotion, facemask and eye cream order that we were working on as they came to visit the store. The order was made, delivered and distributed to the Cruise-line executives ahead of schedule. Emperors Essentials, the company that commissioned BLISS Soaps to fulfill this contract fraudulently reversed ALL of the payments that were made to us. After researching the company, we discovered that the couple who own Emperors Essentials; Robert Friend, Jr., and Shao Mei Wang operate 4 charities in Gig Harbor, Washington. 1) National Association of Disabled Police Officers. 2) American Veterans Coalition. 3) (Childrens) Cancer Assistance Network. 4) Disabled Firefighters Foundation. All 4 charities are fictitious and an estimated $5,000,000.00 was raised for the charities and around 2 cents per dollar was used as assistance. If you hear of these in the future, DO NOT DONATE.
The devastating to BLISS Soaps came at such a time that we may not recover the funds in time to maintain operations.
In an effort to make this a win-win situation for both of us, we are offering this 4 day only Internet, call-in and walk-in special in an attempt to earn pre holiday revenue.
All orders over $50.00 will be doubled and the next 5 future orders over $50.00 will be given a $15.00 credit.
All orders received in the next 4 days will be filed and a VERY special future offer will be offered to you in our Dec E-mail.
ALL orders place in the next 4 days EVEN orders under $50.00 will be given the Special December offer.
To call in your orders, please call 1-206-322-SOAP 7 days 4-10 Pacific Time
Internet orders, please only order ½ of what you would like as we will simply double the order received.
Thank, you for your past and continued patronage and hope to hear from you soon.
Phil & Chuck
BLISS Soaps
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Is chiropractic not covered in your employer-sponsored health plan??
Is chiropractic care not covered by your employer sponsored health plan? Do yourself and your coworkers a favor by starting an initiative to get coverage included on your plan, or a plan that includes chiropractic! Now don't start an uprising, but make an educated pitch to your superiors about why such a change is necessary, or even desired.
-Cost-effective health care keeps workers well and at work!
-Cost-effective health care OPTIONS keep your company from shelling out the major bucks by covering the smaller costs upfront to keep you healthy!
Its a win/win! Use a study like this to support your argument:
Study Finds the Availability of Chiropractic Care Improves the Value of Health Benefits Plans
* Press Release
* Source: Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP)
* On 3:30 pm EDT, Tuesday October 20, 2009
CARMICHAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A report, prepared by a global leader for trusted human resources and related financial advice, products and services, finds that the addition of chiropractic care for the treatment of low back and neck pain will likely increase value-for-dollar in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans. Authored by Niteesh Choudhry, MD, PhD, and Arnold Milstein, MD, the report can be fully downloaded at: Full Report.
Executive Summary:
Low back and neck pain are extremely common conditions that consume large amounts of health care resources. Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, are used by almost half of US patients with persistent back-pain seeking out this modality of treatment.
The peer-reviewed scientific literature evaluating the effectiveness of US chiropractic treatment for patients with back and neck pain suggests that these treatments are at least as effective as other widely used treatments. However, US cost-effectiveness studies have methodological limitations.
High quality randomized cost-effectiveness studies have to date only been performed in the EU. To model the EU study findings for US populations, researchers applied US insurer-payable unit price data from a large database of employer-sponsored health plans. The findings rest on the assumption that the relative difference in the cost-effectiveness of low back and neck pain treatment with and without chiropractic services are similar in the US and the EU.
The results of the researchers’ analysis are as follows:
* Effectiveness: Chiropractic care is more effective than other modalities for treating low back and neck pain.
* Total cost of care per year:
-For low back pain, chiropractic physician care increases total annual per patient spending by $75 compared to medical physician care.
-For neck pain, chiropractic physician care reduces total annual per patient spending by $302 compared to medical physician care.
Cost-effectiveness: When considering effectiveness and cost together, chiropractic physician care for low back and neck pain is highly cost-effective, represents a good value in comparison to medical physician care and to widely accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds.
These findings, in combination with existing US studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, suggest that chiropractic care for the treatment of low back and neck pain is likely to achieve equal or better health outcomes at a cost that compares very favorable to most therapies that are routinely covered in US health benefits plans. As a result, the addition of chiropractic coverage for the treatment of low back and neck pain at prices typically payable in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans will likely increase value-for-dollar by improving clinical outcomes and either reducing total spending (neck pain) or increasing total spending (low back pain) by a smaller percentage than clinical outcomes improve.
Accordingly, this report was commissioned by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (www.f4cp.com) to summarize the existing economic studies of chiropractic care published in peer-reviewed scientific literature, and to use the most robust of these studies to estimate the cost-effectiveness of providing chiropractic insurance coverage in the US.
Gerard Clum, DC, spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and president of Life Chiropractic College West, says, “While some studies reflect cost efficiencies and others clinical efficiencies, these findings strongly support both for chiropractic care of neck pain and low back pain.”
About F4CP
A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) embraces a singular mission to promote positive press for the profession in national, regional and local media. Through effective and ongoing initiatives, the Foundation’s goal is to raise awareness to the many benefits provided by doctors of chiropractic. The F4CP relies upon strategic marketing campaigns that span prominent spokespersons, monthly press releases, public service announcements, and advertisements in high-profile media outlets. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit us on the web at www.foundation4cp.com or call 866-901-f4cp.
Contact:
For Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP):
Stephen Mittler, 201-641-1911 x35
smittler@cpronline.com
-Cost-effective health care keeps workers well and at work!
-Cost-effective health care OPTIONS keep your company from shelling out the major bucks by covering the smaller costs upfront to keep you healthy!
Its a win/win! Use a study like this to support your argument:
Study Finds the Availability of Chiropractic Care Improves the Value of Health Benefits Plans
* Press Release
* Source: Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP)
* On 3:30 pm EDT, Tuesday October 20, 2009
CARMICHAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A report, prepared by a global leader for trusted human resources and related financial advice, products and services, finds that the addition of chiropractic care for the treatment of low back and neck pain will likely increase value-for-dollar in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans. Authored by Niteesh Choudhry, MD, PhD, and Arnold Milstein, MD, the report can be fully downloaded at: Full Report.
Executive Summary:
Low back and neck pain are extremely common conditions that consume large amounts of health care resources. Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, are used by almost half of US patients with persistent back-pain seeking out this modality of treatment.
The peer-reviewed scientific literature evaluating the effectiveness of US chiropractic treatment for patients with back and neck pain suggests that these treatments are at least as effective as other widely used treatments. However, US cost-effectiveness studies have methodological limitations.
High quality randomized cost-effectiveness studies have to date only been performed in the EU. To model the EU study findings for US populations, researchers applied US insurer-payable unit price data from a large database of employer-sponsored health plans. The findings rest on the assumption that the relative difference in the cost-effectiveness of low back and neck pain treatment with and without chiropractic services are similar in the US and the EU.
The results of the researchers’ analysis are as follows:
* Effectiveness: Chiropractic care is more effective than other modalities for treating low back and neck pain.
* Total cost of care per year:
-For low back pain, chiropractic physician care increases total annual per patient spending by $75 compared to medical physician care.
-For neck pain, chiropractic physician care reduces total annual per patient spending by $302 compared to medical physician care.
Cost-effectiveness: When considering effectiveness and cost together, chiropractic physician care for low back and neck pain is highly cost-effective, represents a good value in comparison to medical physician care and to widely accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds.
These findings, in combination with existing US studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, suggest that chiropractic care for the treatment of low back and neck pain is likely to achieve equal or better health outcomes at a cost that compares very favorable to most therapies that are routinely covered in US health benefits plans. As a result, the addition of chiropractic coverage for the treatment of low back and neck pain at prices typically payable in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans will likely increase value-for-dollar by improving clinical outcomes and either reducing total spending (neck pain) or increasing total spending (low back pain) by a smaller percentage than clinical outcomes improve.
Accordingly, this report was commissioned by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (www.f4cp.com) to summarize the existing economic studies of chiropractic care published in peer-reviewed scientific literature, and to use the most robust of these studies to estimate the cost-effectiveness of providing chiropractic insurance coverage in the US.
Gerard Clum, DC, spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress and president of Life Chiropractic College West, says, “While some studies reflect cost efficiencies and others clinical efficiencies, these findings strongly support both for chiropractic care of neck pain and low back pain.”
About F4CP
A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) embraces a singular mission to promote positive press for the profession in national, regional and local media. Through effective and ongoing initiatives, the Foundation’s goal is to raise awareness to the many benefits provided by doctors of chiropractic. The F4CP relies upon strategic marketing campaigns that span prominent spokespersons, monthly press releases, public service announcements, and advertisements in high-profile media outlets. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit us on the web at www.foundation4cp.com or call 866-901-f4cp.
Contact:
For Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP):
Stephen Mittler, 201-641-1911 x35
smittler@cpronline.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Swine Flu--Why Shouldn't You Vaccinate?
Why Shouldn’t I Vaccinate?
Flu vaccines are created to target the specific strains of flu determined by the government to be a prevalent health concern for the season. Not all strains are included in the vaccination, and you are not protected from exposure to a different strain than what you are vaccinated for. This is why there is a separate vaccine for H1N1 this year, because it came on the radar too late to be included as a strain in 2009 seasonal flu vaccination. But, getting vaccinated does not guarantee you will not get sick from any strain.
If you are concerned over the “Swine Flu” hype, educate yourself. The hype is due to the lack of immunity to this new strain; more people will likely catch the flu this season than average. But, swine flu is still just a seasonal flu with seasonal flu symptoms and should not be considered drastically more dangerous that “regular flu,” depending on who you are. These target groups are described by the CDC as people who are more likely to catch the disease: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. If you fall in one of these groups, protecting yourself against the flu may be more of a challenge this year than last. But before you decide to vaccinate, consider the following.
According to the CDC, the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines being approved by the FDA will be manufactured in several formulations. Multi-dose vials will contain thimerosal as a preservative. Multi-dose vials of seasonal influenza vaccine will also contain thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that was used for decades in the U.S. in vials containing more than one dose to prevent the contaminating growth of microorganisms. Concern and outrage in the 1990’s over the effects of thimerosal on general health and the speculation in it’s contribution to autism led the CDC and FDA to continually evaluate new scientific information about the safety of vaccines. However, according to the CDC website, “People have a right to expect the vaccines they receive are safe and effective. The CDC and FDA also hold vaccines to the highest standards of safety. Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative, and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children under six years of age have been thimerosal-free…” Except for the influenza and H1N1 vaccines, the website admits.
Why Should I Vaccinate?
To be fair, vaccinations can be a calculated risk. If you care for others or are a healthcare provider, you are a “gateway” to spreading seasonal flu. Or, if you fall into one of the categories most likely to be at risk of coming down with the flu, and also are at risk of developing more health-threatening side-effects or complications, you may want to discuss vaccination with your doctor.
This article serves to aid awareness about the use of vaccines. Research is the best way to keep yourself informed! Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention online to learn more about season flu and H1N1, and read their detailed Q&A about vaccinations. Make a good choice for yourself! http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Flu vaccines are created to target the specific strains of flu determined by the government to be a prevalent health concern for the season. Not all strains are included in the vaccination, and you are not protected from exposure to a different strain than what you are vaccinated for. This is why there is a separate vaccine for H1N1 this year, because it came on the radar too late to be included as a strain in 2009 seasonal flu vaccination. But, getting vaccinated does not guarantee you will not get sick from any strain.
If you are concerned over the “Swine Flu” hype, educate yourself. The hype is due to the lack of immunity to this new strain; more people will likely catch the flu this season than average. But, swine flu is still just a seasonal flu with seasonal flu symptoms and should not be considered drastically more dangerous that “regular flu,” depending on who you are. These target groups are described by the CDC as people who are more likely to catch the disease: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. If you fall in one of these groups, protecting yourself against the flu may be more of a challenge this year than last. But before you decide to vaccinate, consider the following.
According to the CDC, the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines being approved by the FDA will be manufactured in several formulations. Multi-dose vials will contain thimerosal as a preservative. Multi-dose vials of seasonal influenza vaccine will also contain thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that was used for decades in the U.S. in vials containing more than one dose to prevent the contaminating growth of microorganisms. Concern and outrage in the 1990’s over the effects of thimerosal on general health and the speculation in it’s contribution to autism led the CDC and FDA to continually evaluate new scientific information about the safety of vaccines. However, according to the CDC website, “People have a right to expect the vaccines they receive are safe and effective. The CDC and FDA also hold vaccines to the highest standards of safety. Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative, and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children under six years of age have been thimerosal-free…” Except for the influenza and H1N1 vaccines, the website admits.
Why Should I Vaccinate?
To be fair, vaccinations can be a calculated risk. If you care for others or are a healthcare provider, you are a “gateway” to spreading seasonal flu. Or, if you fall into one of the categories most likely to be at risk of coming down with the flu, and also are at risk of developing more health-threatening side-effects or complications, you may want to discuss vaccination with your doctor.
This article serves to aid awareness about the use of vaccines. Research is the best way to keep yourself informed! Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention online to learn more about season flu and H1N1, and read their detailed Q&A about vaccinations. Make a good choice for yourself! http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Write Us a Review!
Hi Friends and Patients,
If you've appreciated our service, do us a favor by helping us pass the word along! Write us a review on Yelp so others may find us for care, too!
-Go to www.yelp.com/seattle
-Type "Northgate Chiropractic" into the Search tab
-Click on Northgate Chiropractic
-Click on "Write a Review"
-Please create a profile (if you do not have one)
Thanks for your continued support!!
Northgate Chiropractic
If you've appreciated our service, do us a favor by helping us pass the word along! Write us a review on Yelp so others may find us for care, too!
-Go to www.yelp.com/seattle
-Type "Northgate Chiropractic" into the Search tab
-Click on Northgate Chiropractic
-Click on "Write a Review"
-Please create a profile (if you do not have one)
Thanks for your continued support!!
Northgate Chiropractic
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