Playing online casino Malaysia through Alibaba33 online casino Malaysia can be a fun and rewarding experience for those who enjoy playing games for fun. trusted online casino malaysia alibaba33Bet on your favourite slots, live, sporting events and win big! If you enjoy sports, slots like Mega888 ewallet Alibaba33 online casino Malaysia has something for you.

Viagra Malaysia treat erectile dysfunction with the original ED treatment that has helped men feel confident in bed for decades. We’ll connect you with a licensed viagra malaysia healthcare provider to evaluate if our prescription ED treatments could be right for you, including super-affordable generic Viagra viagramalaysiaofficial Viagra is an oral ED medication that works by suppressing an enzyme in the body called PDE5.

Category: Blog - Organic Lifestyle Magazine Category: Blog - Organic Lifestyle Magazine

Why Are My Plants Turning Yellow?

Are the leaves of one of your favorite plants turning yellow, but you can’t tell why? There are several possible causes for the discoloring of foliage.

Here’s an infographic created by Safer Brand to help you figure out what might be happening to make your greenery go yellow, and how you can go about fixing it.

infographic by Safer Brand - yellow leaves

The Problem: Not Enough Sunlight

Some plants are happiest in the shade while others like to be in full view of the sun — or even a bit of both. It’s important to know what your plant requires for optimal health.

When you purchase seeds or an established plant, the label should specify its ideal sun conditions. You’ll know your plant craves more sunlight if the leaves are drooping and their color looks faded.

The Solution

This is a simple fix! Find a sunny spot and you’ll have a greener plant.

The Problem: Bugs

There are a variety of pests that can harm your plants, including mites, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and scale whiteflies. Some of these insects you’ll be able to see, while others are so tiny you’ll only know they’re there from the telltale signs of them.

Bugs are like vampires in that they can suck the sap of the plant — the blood of the plant world, if you will. As a result of the attack on the plant, the overall health of the greenery diminishes and the leaves yellow.

The Solution: Wash Up

To deal with an insect infestation, you can wash the plant — repeatedly if you have to. Use neem oil or horticultural soap to wipe the plant. You can buy the soap or even make it yourself.

The Problem: A Lack of Nutrients

Plants need more than a dozen essential minerals in order to flourish, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and others. If a plant is deficient in one or more of the needed nutrients, you’ll see it in the plant’s appearance. The lack of a specific nutrient shows up differently from one plant to the next.

The Solution: Add Nutrients

Once you figure out what nutrient(s) are lacking in your plant, you can add what it’s missing. There are a variety of products which can help you do this. They’re available at most garden centers and hardware stores.

The Problem: Too Much or Too Little Water

Plants, like humans, need moisture to survive. Humans can feel very unwell if we guzzle gallons of water or if we’ve gone too long without it.

Plants are no different — they are affected by the amount of water they have (or don’t have).

If a plant is in dense or poorly drained soil, it can become waterlogged, making it impossible for the roots to absorb the oxygen they need to properly function. Root damage increases the longer the plant has to deal with reduced oxygen supply.

Ultimately, the roots get damaged when overwatered and some may even die. This makes it impossible for the rest of the plant to get the necessary nutrients and water needed to sustain life.

If your plant is curling up, or its leaves are wilting, you might be under-watering it. The pores on the surface of leaves, called stoma, let air into a plant. If a plant doesn’t have enough water, it closes up the stoma to prevent any evaporation of the precious little moisture it still has. This results in wilting.

The Solution: Rethink Your Plant’s Bedding

If the soil around your plant is dense and doesn’t drain well, add mulch around plants or throughout the entire flowerbed. You can also add organic matter, including compost, to help boost drainage.

Remember: A dry soil surface isn’t always a true sign of a plant needing water. Even if the surface of the soil is dry to the touch, it doesn’t mean the roots are dry, as well. Test the moisture content lower in the plant’s pot or plot to truly gauge if water is needed.

Keeping your plants happy and healthy can be a bit of a process. It can take time and some problem-solving skills to get just the right combination of growing conditions. If you pay attention to the appearance of your florae, including the yellowing of the leaves, you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments.

Recommended Reading:
Sources:



UK Upholds Radical New Tobacco Laws

In 2014, the UK passed a new law aimed at drastically reducing tobacco’s marketing appeal. The law, of course, was challenged by four of the world’s largest tobacco companies, British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International, and Philip Morris International. The High Court dismissed all grounds of their case.

Uniform Packaging for Cigarettes

The new law calls for uniform packaging for cigarettes. All cigarette packages will be a uniform color, a drab olive green. The package must include pictures that are health warnings, which must cover 65% of the front and back. Additional warnings are required on the top. No promotional statements (such as “free of additives”) will be allowed. The brand name of each company will be the only distinguishing factor, but the name will be presented in a uniform font. Hand rolled tobacco packages will be the same color.

The new regulations will not allow companies to promote their products. The marketing power of trademarks and promotional statements will be eliminated.

The new law and separate EU laws are all aimed at smoking reduction. These laws include the elimination of 10 cigarette packs; menthol cigarettes and skinny cigarettes will be banned by 2020. New rules will regulate e-cigarettes and herbal products as well.

Previous Smoking Regulation Laws in the EU

At this time, 17 European countries have adopted smoke-free laws regulating public smoking. Ireland, Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Spain, Hungary, and the UK have instituted a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, in workplaces, and on public transport. Limited exceptions are allowed.

The 2001 EU directive on tobacco products banned terms like “mild,” “low tar,” and “light, and required packaging to include 2 warnings. The first compulsory warning is either “tobacco kills” or “tobacco can seriously harm you and others around you”. The second can be chosen from a list of 14 choices. One example is “smoking causes fatal lung cancer”. The directive also set maximum limits for nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide in cigarettes and banned snus (an oral tobacco product that is still legal in Sweden).

Televised tobacco advertising and tobacco sponsorship were prohibited in 1989. In 2003, the Directive on Tobacco Advertising banned cross-border advertising of tobacco products in printed media, radio, and online services and prohibited sponsorship of cross-border events.

Current Statistics Regarding Smoking in the U.S.

The CDC states that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States with 1 in 5 deaths (480,000 deaths per year) attributed to the practice. Their latest statistics for the year 2014 report 16.8% of American adults (18 or older) were current smokers. That’s 40 million smokers. This percentage is down from 20.9% in 2005.

The percentage of the population who smoke does vary from state to state and region to region as well as age, gender, education, income, disability, and sexual orientation.

The highest percentage of adult smokers live in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Guam (25.3% – 29.2%); the lowest live in Utah and California (9.7% < 13.6%).

Regions Ranked According to the Percentage of Residents Who Smoke:

  • West – 13.1%
  • Northeast – 15.3%
  • South – 17.2%
  • Midwest – 20.7%

Percentage of the Population Who Smoke According to Age:

  • 18–24 – 16.7%
  • 25–44 – 20.0%
  • 45–64 -18.0%
  • 65 and older – 8.5%

Other Interesting Stats

Statistics showed higher use among men (18.8%) than women (14.8%).

Americans below the poverty level were more likely to smoke (26.3%) than those at or above the poverty level (15.2%).

Americans with a graduate degree ranked the lowest (5.4%). It is interesting to note that those who obtained a GED were the most likely to be smokers (43%), nearly twice as likely than those who never completed high school (22.9%) and fully twice as likely as those with a high school diploma (21.7%).

Lesbian/gay/bisexual adults were more likely to be smokers (23.9%) than straight adults (26.6%).

Native American and Alaskan Native Americans ranked the highest (29.2%) while non-Hispanic Asian Americans ranked the lowest (9.5%).

Adults with limitations/disabilities were more likely to smoke (21.9%) than adults without limitations or disabilities (16.1%).

Conclusion

It will be interesting to see how the new laws affect sales in the UK and EU and whether the U.S. would ever consider a similar action. Considering the power of the corporate world in the U.S. economy and politics, it is unlikely.

Recommended Reading:
Sources:



Prevent Dementia Naturally

Dementia is not a normal part of the ageing process. In the developed world, dementia currently affects three in ten people over 70 years of age, with approximately 70% caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia is caused by chronic reduced blood flow to the brain, typically as a result of stroke. It is responsible for 20-30% of dementia cases and can often coexist with Alzheimer’s disease. At least 10% of people diagnosed with dementia have mixed type. There is currently no medical cure for dementia.

The overlap between risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease is important. Naturopathic preventative strategies look to uncover the “triggers” for disease, which may be related to diet, lifestyle, toxins in the home/work environment, constitutional susceptibility and/or other factors. Using natural strategies to reduce risk is vital for prolonged health and enjoyable older age.

The naturopathic view of health, which emphasises prevention, is that all disease starts with disruption to the body’s balance, and that the two pillars governing health are toxicity and deficiency.  It is for that reason naturopaths advocate the reduction of toxins in our everyday lives and eating a wide-ranging, healthy, balanced diet consisting of organic (ideally) whole foods.

High blood levels of homocysteine (an amino acid connected with unfavourable health conditions) increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.  Homocysteine is reduced by B-vitamins, so increasing B vitamins, in particular B12, B9 (folate), and B6, is a good step for protecting long-term health. B vitamins are water soluble and readily excreted so it’s important to top up every day. This is one of the many reasons why you need a good diet.  A good quality food-state multi B-vitamin supplement can help boost levels. B12 is particularly important for vegetarians/vegans who may not get enough from plant foods. Keep an eye on homocysteine levels (tests are available).  An optimal homocysteine level is 7–9 umol/L; anything outside of that range should be addressed. Vitamins interact with one another; excess B9 can mask B12 deficiency (a further cause of dementia!). Seeing a naturopathic nutritional therapist to address your diet, and if supplementing, to get the levels and vitamin forms right for you, is best, as levels required for a therapeutic effect are often well above the recommended daily amount.

Boosting fish intake is also preventative. Studies have shown that fish eaters (as little as one serving per week) have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease and better cardiovascular health. Choose oily fish like sardines, small mackerel, and salmon; they are rich in healthy fats and vitamin B12. Flaxseed (linseeds) and walnuts are good vegetarian sources of oils supportive of cardiovascular health. Eat them fresh and unheated.

Avoid farmed fish (less nutritious and often polluted), swordfish, shark, flake or rock salmon, and Big Eye tuna, as high levels of mercury in these larger fish, from pollution in our seas, are toxic to the brain and other organs. Some medication and vaccines contain mercury. Many medications interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 and other important nutrients. Pesticides, chemicals in products, processed foods, cookware, and smoking, can all contribute disease risk factors. Your naturopath can support you in reducing your toxic load.

Increase antioxidant intake, particularly vitamin E rich foods, as vitamin E is linked with reduced rates of inflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. Try more sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach. Antioxidants reduce inflammatory processes linked to ageing and tissue deterioration, including delicate tissues of the brain. Natural antioxidants are believed to prevent amyloid-beta deposition (Alzheimer’s sufferers have deposits of this in the brain), so berries, brightly coloured fruit and vegetables, and raw nuts are all on the menu.

An estimated 50% of cases of vascular dementia result from high blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure can be reduced naturally by adopting a plant based diet. A higher ratio of potassium to sodium is effective in reducing hypertension. In practical terms, this means ditching processed, packaged ready-made foods and eating more vegetables and fruits. Ideally we would like a ratio of 5:1 in favour of potassium to sodium. Keep sodium intake low, check your packeted foods – stay under 1.5gm per day (this is the equivalent of about 4g of Himalayan salt which is our preferred salt). Avocado, spinach and tomato are all rich in potassium; bananas and potatoes are too, but are best taken in moderation due to their high sugar content. Steam or bake, do not boil your vegetables, as potassium and other nutrients will leach into the cooking water.

The DHA found in fish oil reduces blood pressure; a further reason why some people like to eat fish at least three times a week. Keep red meat consumption low; excessive iron in the blood is damaging to the body and linked to atherosclerosis/cardiovascular disease. Red meat, if taken, should be limited to once or twice per week and preferably are grass-fed, organic cuts.

Autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the arteries, such as lupus, can contribute to vascular dementia. Keep inflammation down to prevent additional problems. Turmeric taken either as a supplement or added to your meals can help reduce inflammation. Half a teaspoon of the dried herb taken with some cracked black pepper to enhance absorption, is a great start.  Put it in savoury dishes or in warm almond milk. Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compounds, so eat them daily. To avoid pesticide residues, opt for organic produce wherever possible.

Diabetics have two to four times the chance of developing cardiovascular disease and have increased risk of both high blood pressure and stroke. Keep your sugar and insulin down by investigating a low Glycemic Load (low GL) diet and maintaining a sensible weight. Being overweight in mid-life is a risk factor for developing dementia including Alzheimer’s disease (although being overweight in late-life appears to be protective of dementia development). Lowered weight equals lowered blood pressure, too. Brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days a week is ideal to reduce weight and reduce stress levels, both of which are big contributors to cardiovascular problems.

Herbal Gingko biloba extract has been proven to assist with cerebral vascular insufficiency (lack of blood flow to the brain) and improve thinking, memory, and social behaviour. White willow Salix alba is used similarly to aspirin for blood thinning and anti-inflammatory properties. Aortic GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) 50-100mg per day have been used successfully to rejuvenate blood flow to the brain (available online or in health food stores) and can be used alongside certain blood thinning medication in stroke rehabilitation. An herbal or naturopathic practitioner can advise you on appropriateness and dose of these therapeutics.

Naturopaths acknowledge that physical, mental, and emotional needs must be met for abundant health.  More than 20% of people with physical signs of dementia in brain tissue (post mortem) showed no outward signs of mental decline. Amazingly, keeping the mind active and engaged, through language, social interaction, and coordination tasks can help the brain to form new connections, compensating for the loss of function in other areas.

Dementia

Whilst it is preferable to attend to risk factors in regards to the prevention of disease, and given that there is no current cure, what can we do from a naturopathic perspective if our loved one currently suffers dementia? Here are some therapeutic options to target problems associated with dementia such as memory loss, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and depression, aggression, and loss of appetite.

Use Essential Oils

Try a few drops of pure essential oil in an oil burner, on the pillow or in the bath depending on time of day. Do not leave an open flame unattended. Use lemon balm for cognition and to ease anxiety, lavender to combat aggression and insomnia, sweet orange to uplift the spirits and reduce aggression, and rosemary to enhance memory and stimulate appetite.

Keep the Diet Plant Based

Maintain a low glycemic load. Minimise processed packaged foods and stick as close to nature by purchasing organic, local, and seasonal wherever possible.

Increase Antioxidants

Taking vitamins C and E together reduces dementia risk and can protect from additional oxidative stress, thus slowing cognitive decline. Foods to include for vitamin C and E include red peppers, Kiwi fruit (with the skin on), broccoli, and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Take B-vitamins

Taking B-vitamins has been found to reduce brain atrophy and reduce homocysteine levels, which are linked to disease progression and cognitive decline. B12 and folate deficiency induce cognitive impairment, so be sure there are significant levels in the diet and include supplementation to boost levels. Thiamine (B1) at 3-8g per day has shown mild improvement of Alzheimer’s type dementia.

Include Fish Oils

Whilst evidence has not been established for fish oils to improve health once dementia has been diagnosed, there is evidence that omega 3 oils help the brain to utilise B-vitamins to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in pre-dementia.

Try Drinking a Litre of Mineral Water Daily

The risk of Alzheimer’s disease is higher in areas with higher aluminium (a neurotoxin) levels in the water (the main source of circulating aluminium in the body). The silica content in mineral water mops up aluminium, so look for high silica content brands, preferably in glass, as chemicals in plastic are deleterious to health. In one small study 35mg/L silicon in mineral water improved cognition in some participants and slowed deterioration in others.

Drink Cherry Juice

In a recent trial, 200ml daily of anthocyanin-rich (69mg per 100ml) cherry juice improved measures of memory and cognition compared to a placebo juice in mild-to-moderate dementia patients. Choose organic, unsweetened juice for maximum benefit from these phytonutrients.

Music Therapy

Listening to music, musical games, singing, and using musical instruments can all be beneficial to dementia sufferers in regards to behaviour and cognition. Background classical music or nature sounds can be very soothing.

Massage

Aggression, anxiety, and depression can all be reduced by touch-based therapies. Combining these therapies with aromatherapy may enhance their benefits.

Author

Gemma Hurditch is a Naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science in Complementary Medicine.  She lectures at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) in the UK.

Related Reading:
Related Products:



Is Diabetes Caused by Sugar or Bad Genetics?

To put it simplistically, sugar feeds the worst of our gut flora, including parasites, non-beneficial bacteria, and Candida. This opens the doors to all sorts of disease. People whose calorie intake is 25% sugar or more are three times more likely to die of heart disease. Fructose, one type of sugar we’ve recently started consuming in much larger quantities, even has the power to alter our genes and increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s, ADHD, or other brain issues, though this author suspects that all food has the power to alter our genes one way or another, hence the importance of a healthy diet.

We tell kids that too much sugar isn’t good for them. We tell them this all of the time, and we heard it all the time, but that message often dies off once we reach adulthood. The rotten teeth, mood swings, and hyperactivity that we warn the little ones about are problems many adults deal with due to consuming too much sugar! Unless you’re overweight or developing diabetes, conventional medicine is content to pay lip service to the dangers of sugar.

Why Quality Matters

It’s difficult to find definitive information regarding sugar. Arguments over how bad sugar really is tend to end up with someone claiming, “Even fruit has sugar,” followed by “Everything must have sugar to survive,” followed by a general throwing up of the hands and a return to previous eating habits out of confusion and frustration.

Or was it just the justification we wanted?

If I’m going to eat sugar anyway, why not eat what I want?

But that’s a reductive and damaging argument that we know on some level is wrong. We ask children to eat an apple instead of drinking a soda. If health is the objective, it’s time we adults heed the same advice.

Fruit contains fructose, yes. But it also contains antioxidants,  vitamins, and the fiber needed to slow down the actual absorption of the fructose. Incidentally, whole raw foods generally have the nutrition that our beneficial flora prefer. Synthetic or refined forms of fructose don’t have any of these benefits, or any health benefits, as it’s derived from corn starch or sucrose (table sugar, basically) and devoid of any actual nutrients. Comparing the synthetic or refined fructose to the sugar that’s in an apple is like handing someone that apple and a piece of paper and claiming they’re the same thing since they both come from trees. Refined, processed sugar isn’t good for you, and not all sugars are equal.

Sugar Is All Around You

So, it seems easy to move forward here. No sugar in the morning cup of tea, lay off the desserts, and stop using… vegetable broth? Say no to granola?

Sugar is not just an after meal treat. Once you decide to limit your sugar intake, you will find that most of the food people regularly consume, processed foods, are products containing sugar to deliberately mask the taste of nutrient-void, bland, preservative-laden ingredients. People have become accustomed to sugar being slipped into everything. We know sugar is incredibly addictive.

The FDA claims to be trying to get labels changed in an effort to better indicate hidden sweeteners, but there are only two options right now. Learn your sugars (from glucose to stevia to xylitol to corn syrup), read labels, and cook more of your own food at home from scratch.

But…But, It’s Genetic!

While it’s absolutely true that some people are predisposed to certain conditions through their genes, science is learning that what you eat actually changes your genes. Fructose, according to a recently released UCLA study, is the difference between knowing your mother has diabetes and actually developing diabetes yourself. The majority of genes that can be altered by the consumption of too much fructose are associated with inflammation, cell communication, and metabolism regulation. It’s no surprise, then, that possible conditions from consuming enough fructose to alter the brain’s genes include Alzheimer’s, ADHD, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s, and depression, to name a few.

Nature has a way of balancing things though; the right foods can play a role in rebuilding you and making you stronger. People who eat the best diets deserve the best DNA, right? Be sure to check out Healthy Sugar Alternatives & More to get to know your sweeteners.

Related Reading:
Sources:



Late Onset ADHD – Young Adults Are Developing ADHD, Shows New Study

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is making the news again. No it is not another plea to stop medicating children, and it’s not another argument about how normal children can’t or shouldn’t be expected to sit still in a classroom. The current news is that young adults with no prior history of ADHD are now being diagnosed with the disorder.

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

The following is the current CDC diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The CDC uses the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V – the diagnostic manual for mental health professionals). ADHD diagnosed as follows:

Inattention: Six or more symptoms of inattention for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months, and they are inappropriate for developmental level:

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
  • Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
  • Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
  • Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
  • Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
  • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
  • Is often easily distracted.
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16, or five or more for adolescents 17 and older and adults; symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the person’s developmental level:

  • Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
  • Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
  • Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
  • Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
  • Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor”.
  • Often talks excessively.
  • Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
  • Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

In addition, the following conditions must be met

  • Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
  • Several symptoms are present in two or more setting, (e.g., at home, school or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
  • There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
  • The symptoms do not happen only during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).”

Late Onset ADHD

The late onset ADHD was found through a longitudinal twin study of 2232 children born in England and Wales from January 1, 1994 to December 4, 1995. Researchers found the following, “Among 166 individuals with adult ADHD, 112 (67.5%) did not meet criteria for ADHD at any assessment in childhood.”

The actual cause of ADHD is officially unknown. If we stop being distracted by the myths associated with this disorder (that this it doesn’t exist, that it is over diagnosed, etc.) and realize the significance of this new finding, we might see ADHD for what it is – a horrific and alarming result of our toxic lifestyle.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder associated with both structural and chemical alterations in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. In other words, ADHD is a set of symptoms exhibited due to damage to the brain. Currently, 11% of American children are diagnosed with this disorder.

ADHD, autism, chronic autoimmune diseases, and a host of other diseases continue to rise along with the recommended number of vaccines and the daily chemical exposure we all experience through our environment and through our food. It’s time we wake up, use our common sense, and stop poisoning our children and young adults.

Related Reading:
Sources:



Mumps Outbreak at Harvard University Affecting Vaccinated Students

As of May 12th, 59 Harvard students have been diagnosed with the mumps. The outbreak began in February. Numbers continue to rise despite the fact that the MMR vaccine (a live attenuated combination vaccine that includes weakened measles, mumps, and rubella viruses) is required for all students.

In March, the local public health department reported that all of the students who had contracted the mumps had received their MMR vaccinations – 2 MMR vaccines.

On their website the CDC states, “The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus and two doses are about 97% effective.” Although this outbreak appears to be a clear case of vaccine failure, students are now being advised to get a booster shot.

On their site, the CDC also continues to claim viral shedding of live virus does not occur with the MMR shot. Several studies have found otherwise. It does seem counterintuitive to try and battle this outbreak by giving booster shots. First, the vaccine failed. Second, the recipient’s immune system would receive a third assault along with exposure to all of the known risks. Third, vaccine shedding may cause infection.

Outbreaks of mumps have been occurring on both high school and college campuses among the vaccinated for years. In 2006, many college campuses experienced outbreaks with more than 6,500 reported cases.

Here are the annual numbers of confirmed mumps cases as reported by the CDC from 2010 until now.

  • 2010 – 2,612
  • 2011 – 370
  • 2012 – 229
  • 2013 – 584
  • 2014 – 1,223
  • 2015 – 1,057

The CDC’s preliminary case count for 2016 as of April 29 is 727.

Mumps is a virus that is spread through saliva and mucous. Those infected are believed to be contagious before they become symptomatic and up to five days after initial symptoms occur. Coughing, sneezing, talking, sharing cups or eating utensils, and touching surfaces that have become contaminated will spread the disease.

While mumps is generally a mild disease, it can cause complications including:

  • encephalitis – inflammation of the brain
  • meningitis – inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and the spinal cord
  • mastitis – inflammation of breast tissue in post-pubescent females
  • oophoritis – inflammation of the ovaries in post-pubescent females
  • orchitis – inflammation of the testicles in post-pubescent males
  • deafness

All of these complications and more are listed as possible side effects of the MMR vaccine on the package insert.

In regards to the current outbreak, once again, there is no explanation as to why the MMR is not providing protection from the virus. Instead, students will be put at risk for vaccine injury with a third dose of an ineffective vaccine.

Related Reading:
Sources:



John Oliver on Studies, Our Faith in Science, and Vaccine Skepticism

John Oliver and I don’t agree on everything, like vaccines and about ten other things that immediately come to mind, but I like his show. I think it makes a huge, positive impact in the world. This week’s episode was no exception as John explained the major problems with scientific studies and summed them up by saying, “There is a lot of bullshit currently masquerading as science.”

I don’t give any credence to scientific studies myself unless I’ve had time to read and understand them, which can be surprisingly difficult and time-consuming. But reading the actual study is the first essential step because the version you hear from mainstream media may not even resemble the original study or its findings.

Take the chocolate study John speaks of in this episode, for instance.

This small study compared the effects of high versus low flavonoid chocolate consumption during pregnancy. The study concluded that there was  no significant difference in the rate of preeclampsia between the two groups. There was nothing interesting about this conclusion, or the study for that matter. But to gain attention, the press release written for the study was titled, “The Benefits of Chocolate During Pregnancy.”

Mainstream media further skewed the message as they reported, “Turns out, if you’re pregnant, eating 30 grams a day of chocolate, that’s about 2/3 of a chocolate bar, not the whole chocolate bar, could improve blood flow to the placenta and benefit the growth and development of your baby, especially in women at risk for preeclampsia or high blood pressure.”

This is a time when the words, “A new study shows…” hold little to no meaning.

This is not at all what the study was about or what it concluded. The news report was pure misinformation the viewer was supposed to believe because it was “science.” And of course, as is usually the case, the miss-information was skewed to benefit advertisers and other interest groups who control the media.

Years ago a headline like that may have caught my attention, but now I would see it for what it is – a vague fluff piece, mainstream junk media.

Today, if I was interested in the subject, I’d track down the original study even though I might have to pay for it and I would read several other studies about the subject as well. I would look for answers like whether or not the study sample was large enough, whether proper scientific standards were met, such as a double blind or a control group. I would never accept media’s version, any more than I would accept the conclusion of a poorly structured or executed study.

Unfortunately, John Oliver is himself a victim of the media’s distortion. His statement that science has proven vaccines do not cause autism shows that he is not aware that the pharmaceutical companies conducted those studies and that he, himself, has not looked into the actual research. On the other hand, he shouldn’t have to. No one has the time to research everything, not the right way. This is what makes people like Paul Offit so disturbing. He has actually done the research. He knows better, and he chooses money over truth and integrity.

We live in an interesting time. We are seeing a huge shift in mainstream’s awareness of the risks with vaccines, antibacterial soaps, prescription drugs, genetically modified foods, refined foods, pesticides, herbicides, WIFI, cellular, and the chemicals in our home and bath products. This is a time when the words, “A new study shows…” hold little to no meaning.

Recommended Reading: