Laguna Natural Health eNews and Tips

Caravan of Mothers to Commit "Milk" Crimes and Defy FDA -- LIVE BROADCAST NOW!

2011-11-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

A caravan of mothers is on the way today, NOVEMBER !, 201,1 to FDA's doorstep in Silver Spring, Maryland, to defy FDA interstate commerce and food safety law on raw milk in support of farmers across the nation willing to supply fresh milk to mothers across state lines risking their business to serve their customers.

Check out the breaking news and videos from the event at www.RawMilkFreedomRiders.com

That website also has a map of the location if you'd like to join in the caravan of moms who are planning on transporting raw milk across state lines, in direct violation of current FDA regulations (which make no sense). They plan on eating raw milk and cookies in protest while Robert Scott Bell and Adam Kokesh from Adam vs. the Manride along as "embedded reporters."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034027_raw_milk_protest.html#ixzz1cTHknfZM

Speakers Include: Joel Salatin, Mark McAfee, David Gumphert, Max Kane, Michael Schmidt, Liz Reitzig and many other mothers from across the nation.

Will the raw milk moms be arrested? Listen to Robert Scott Bells' LIVE BROADCAST! http://www.naturalnewsradio.com/

What "They" Want You to Believe About the New Vaccine Laws

2011-08-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

There's a new law in California requiring 7th -12th graders to get a Tdap Booster before returning to school this fall.

Is the vaccine mandatory? NO.

California maintains Medical and Personal Belief Exemptions, as permitted by law.

Medical Exemption
A licensed physician (MD or DO) who feels a vaccine is not indicated for a student because of medical reasons should submit to the school (via the patient’s family as needed) a written statement documenting the medical exemption. A form that can assist in this process is available to physicians. The school will place a copy of the completed statement in the student’s file
Personal Beliefs Exemption
A parent or guardian may have a child exempted from required immunizations if immunization is contrary to his/her beliefs. Schools have standardized procedures for parents and guardians who request a personal beliefs exemption.

If you don't live in California, check your state vaccine exemption laws. You may need to spend an extra minute researching the information, but it's well worth your time.

For more information: http://www.shotsforschool.org/immunizationlaws.html

The Council of Europe Calls for "Restricting or Prohibiting the Use of Amalgams"

2011-07-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Council of Europe calls for “restricting or prohibiting the use of amalgams”

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution on 27 May 2011 urging its 47 member countries to start “restricting or prohibiting the use of amalgams as dental fillings.”

Deputy Jean Huss, Luxembourg’s representative to the Council of Europe (not to be confused with the European Union), drafted the meticulously researched report that explains two major reasons behind this call to action:

Amalgam is a health threat: “...amalgams are the prime source of exposure to mercury for developed countries, also affecting embryos, foetuses (through the placenta) and children (through breastfeeding). Exposure to mercury can seriously affect the health of patients and dental professionals…”
Amalgam is an environmental threat: “...between 60 and 90 tonnes of mercury from dental surgeries are released into and contaminate Europe’s atmosphere, surface waters and soil every year.”

The Council of Europe’s ground-breaking resolution will have a favorable impact on the ongoing mercury treaty negotiations. With this resolution, the Council of Europe joins the growing international call for the amalgam phase-out that is already endorsed by the African region, the Arab League, and the United States government. (The Council of Europe's report observed that the U.S. position itself is “likely to change the global debate on amalgams.”)

Thank you to Marie Grosman, who testified before Monsieur Huss and the Council of Europe Sub-Committee on Health in preparation for this report and the resulting resolution. Marie is the life science lecturer who leads the mercury-free dentistry movement in France along with the group Non Au Mercure Dentaire. She also serves as Vice President for Europe, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, the coalition that represents our cause on the international front.

Charlie

Charles G. Brown
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice
President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
1 July 2011

And the Gurneys Continue to Stack Up in Canada...

2011-06-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate our long Independence Day weekend, I thought about the increased number of accidents and ER incidents typically predicated by usual holiday activities, and how life would be different if we, in the US, were subject to a socialized, government-run health care system.

The ObamaCare Health Care Reform Plan has long been compared to the government-run Canadian Socialized Health Care Program. There are some facts that we, as Americans, may not know.

Before we get into the down and dirty, I'll start with a true story as told to me by my friend, Mark. This incident occurred four years ago:

Mark's American aunt married a Canadian. They maintained two residences, one in Florida and the other in Toronto, Ontario. Mark's aunt was diagnosed with cancer while in Florida. They decided to have her tests performed there, but move to their Toronto home for treatment, as they qualified for Canada's socialized health care.

So off they went to Toronto. They took the required steps of first seeing a 'Primary Care Physician" to obtain the required prescription to see a Specialist. Even though they had the test results from Florida in hand, they had to satisfy Canadian law. Yes, LAW. The wait to see the specialist was 5 weeks...a wait time regarded by Canadian health care to be one on the 'short' side.

Mark's aunt died three days before her scheduled appointment with the specialist.

We don't have 5 week wait times in the US. In an emergency situation, a simple call to your doctor's office can get you seen the same day. In a US hospital ER, those more serious injuries are seen more quickly than those less seriously injured -- not necessarily so in the socialized medicine world.

I recently went to hear a Canadian-educated MD speak about both sides of the health care issue. He used to practice in Canada, but since moved to the US for many reasons. Let's just get right down to it.

Facts about the Canadian Health Care system:

1. Single payer system - government

2. Comprehensiveness

3. Universal

4. Portability - you can use it wherever you are in Canada

5. Accessibility - "reasonable access"

What is covered:

1. ALL hospitals are publically funded (by taxes, and are government-run)

2. Physician costs (are not set by doctors, but are determined by removed, non-medical parties)

What is not covered:

1. Prescription drugs - 10% of health care costs (CURRENTLY A CO-PAY IN MOST US HEALTH CARE PLANS)

2. Medical equipment - wheelchairs, etc. (CURRENTLY PAID FOR IN US BY MEDICARE)

3. Allied health providers - physical therapy, podiatrist, chiropractor, independent living help, etc. (CURRENTLY COVERED OR A CO-PAY IN MOST US HEALTH PLANS)

Common Fallacies:

1. The number of US uninsured has not changed since the 1970's. The population has grown, but the percentage is still between 16-17%.

2. There are actually more insured Americans than ever, but currently 14M legal Americans are without insurance, not by choice.

Points of interest and concern:

• Costs for pharmaceutical drugs have doubled, and represent 10% of current US health care costs.

• US government currently pays 45%* of medical costs.

• Canadian government currently pays 70%* of medical costs.

Participating in the Canadian health care plan requires a primary care physician, but there is a shortage of doctors in Canada due to restrictions because:

• Canadian government decides where doctor will practice, depending on their specialty.

• Government imposes ratio. When it's reached, it's capped.

• Government imposes restrictions on hospitals, based on funding. No funding, no care, and the hospital will close.

• Government rationing of ER and all other departments -- gurneys stack up in hospital hallways if there are not enough (funded) beds in the hospital.

• CAT Scan, PET Scan, radio therapy, etc., requires first seeing a primary care physician, then inside specialist 8-16 week wait. Then 4-8 week wait for tests. Total wait time can be 6-12 months for the scan.

• The doctor/patient relationship is key to well being, but has been disrupted by the Canadian health care plan.

• Significant caps on fees.

Socialized health care is dictated by the system (budget), and not the needs of the patient.

Once a highly regarded and respected position, Canadian doctors are now regarded as government employees, and no longer garner the respect doctors in other countries enjoy. There has been a significant reduction in Canadian medical school enrollment, creating a shortage of doctors. The 'best and brightest' no longer are attracted to this career choice, so the 'lesser qualified' are gaining entry to medical schools -- and graduating. The end result is lower quality of care.

There's even more decline in Canada:

• Crippling diseases still exist in Canada -- and they shouldn't.

• There are no longer research or drug companies in Canada, and only two manufacturers of vaccines in the world (one in the US).

The Law and Costs:

• Private insurance is ILLEGAL in Canada -- Doctors are fined, jailed and will lose their license to practice in Canada. Patients are fined and jailed.

• Care is not free, and has no known value (you're not writing the check).

• The less doctors do for you, the more money is left in the 'pot' for them to continue to work before reaching the cap.

• Cost shift from medical care to disability -

10.1% Canadian GDP (gross domestic product)

16% US GDP

Disability and unemployment costs are not figured into GDP.

• Canadian government charges values to keep budget balanced, meaning if one month has high costs, the available funding will be reduced the following month in order to keep the budget balanced.

Question:

If this system doesn't work for 33 million Canadian citizens, who would think it would be viable for 307 million US citizens?

*Suggestion to fix US Health Care: Eliminate the 3rd Party

US bureaucracy/administration/regulatory micromanagement is responsible for 1/3 of our medical costs. If we cut the micromanagement of our current system, our costs would be in line with those of the Canadian socialized health care plan -- and we would still enjoy high quality of care.

Oh, and the doctor who provided this information has been asked to return to Canada to practice. He has less than zero motivation to do so. He enjoys freedom to practice in the US, to get paid his self-determined fees, to live a high quality of life, to enjoy respect of patients and peers, and to be grateful for the privilege of living and working in the United States.

Happy Independence Day!

Dr Drew On the Death of Jeff Conaway: "Jeff is another pharmaceutical death from the overutilization of prescription drugs."

2011-06-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

We lost Jeff Conaway -- a tremendously gifted (and under-acknowledged) Broadway, TV (Taxi) and film actor (Grease), who recently became well known for his history of substance abuse.

Dr Drew Pinsky treated Conaway on Celebrity Rehab, and recently commented that there is no evidence showing Jeff died from an overdose stating, "This was aspiration with overwhelming pneumonia and sepsis."

Dr Drew also said Jeff's condition was inevitable because the actor had been a serious abuser of prescription drugs for years, and the constant substance abuse wore down his body.

Question: Who's monitoring the patient?

This story is nothing new. Anyone could read this and name at least a dozen other people who've died prescription drug-related deaths in recent years. So if we are aware of the problem, why does it continue? Have we really become this irresponsible?

It has been reported time and again that the US loses more people to overuse of prescription drugs than to auto accidents:

http://hometestingblog.testcountry.com/?p=4099

http://news.injuryboard.com/prescription-drug-deaths-surpass-fatal-auto-accidents-in-15-states.aspx?googleid=271936

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33091645/ns/health-addictions/t/drug-deaths-outpace-car-crashes-more-states/

http://promises.com/promisesnews/articles/overdose/drugs-causing-more-deaths-than-auto-crashes-in-many-states-2/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009985051_drugdeaths02m.html

When will it stop? When people are educated to cope with their issues using other (and safer) means.

Don't rely on anyone (or our government) to teach you how to take better care of yourself -- especially when any education may even slightly suggest the reduction of pharmaceutical use. It's up to each of us to step up, take responsibility and educate ourselves, our families and communities how to better manage our own health and well being.

It may surprise you to know that medical doctors do not receive nutritional training in medical school. They are taught to use pharmaceuticals as routine first line treatment. That said, I don't suggest going off drugs your doctor has prescribed for you without their knowledge. I do suggest learning about other means to assist with a given health issue. There are plenty of resources available -- especially with internet access. Seek the help of a naturopath, nutritionist or other holistic practitioner in your city who can assist with optimizing your lifestyle choices. That's right -- choices. There are usually plenty of choices in many cases -- many people aren't aware of them until they investigate their options.

So, dare to think outside the box, and find very simple, very available, and very inexpensive safe alternatives to assist with a myriad of health issues.

In the very best of health,

Stevie Nicks Confesses Her Biggest Mistake - Klonopin Addiction

2011-05-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

"Klonopin is a horrible, dangerous drug." ----Stevie Nicks

"I was really sick," she says. Even though her years of cocaine abuse left a hole in her head the size of a Sacajawea gold dollar, she claims that the Klonopin did far more damage. "It was not my drug of choice," she says. "I'm not a downer person. I was looking for things that made me want to clean the house and shop, write songs and stay up for four days. I was sad and I was sick. I didn't really understand right up until the end that it was the Klonopin that was making me crazy. I really didn't realize it was that drug because I was taking it from a doctor and it was prescribed. It just hit me really hard that that was the foundation for why I was completely falling apart."

The last time Stevie Nicks used cocaine onstage was in 1986, and then checked into the Betty Ford Clinic for treatment. But the drug prescribed to her by a psychiatrist was far worse, and Stevie became addicted to the tranquilizer, Klonopin.

Generally prescribed for seizures and panic attacks, experts say it should not be taken for more than nine weeks. Stevie says she took it for eight years, learning way too late that Klonopin is highly addictive and can have side effects like depression and weight gain.

"My woman's vanity could not deal with that at all. After being a rock 'n' roll sex symbol for all that time, and then all of a sudden to be 'little fat girl' was just so unacceptable to me. I could see the disappointment in people's faces when they'd see me walk in." It took 47 days for the singer to detox from the prescription drug, "...and it was horrible," she says. "My hair turned gray. My skin molted. I couldn't sleep, I was in so much pain. Legs aching, muscle cramps... The rock star in me wanted to get in a limousine and go to Cedar's Sinai and say, 'Give me some Demerol because I am in pain.' And the other side of me said, 'You will fight out this 47 days.'"

"Klonopin is a horrible, dangerous drug," says Nicks, an addict for eight years. "Doctors are dying to put you on drugs: 'Feeling a little nervous? Here, let's mask everything so you don't have a personality anymore.'

"The overwhelming feeling of wellness and calm equals blah, nothing. My creativity went away. The fabulous Stevie everyone knew just disappeared. I became what I call the 'whatever' person. I didn't care about anything anymore. I got very heavy. One day I looked in the mirror and said, 'I don't know you.' And I went straight to the hospital for 47 days."

Stevie is back to her music, with a new chart-topping album, "In Your Dreams", and performed her new single "Secret Love" live on Dancing with the Stars last night. A fall 2011 solo tour and a possible 2012 Fleetwood Mac tour are in the works.

Source:

http://www.benzo.org.uk/nicks.htm

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20063904-10391698.html

What You Need to Know About Bisphenol-A (BPA)

2011-05-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a hormone-disrupting chemical that lurks in food can linings, plastic food and beverage containers, and a slate of other consumer products. It has been linked with serious effects on human health such as:

• recurrent miscarriages in women

• neurological changes in children

• erectile dysfunction and hormonal changes in men.

Chemical industry lobbying has kept regulators from banning the use of BPA, but there is good news. A 2010 study found that BPA levels in five families dropped dramatically (by 60% on average) after just three days of not eating canned goods and food in plastic packaging.

Here are several more steps you can take to reduce your exposure to BPA:

• Avoid drinking out of plastic bottles. Use unlined stainless steel ones instead.

• Avoid canned foods and those that are sold in plastic containers.

• Buy products in glass or cardboard “brick-packaging” for a BPA-free alternative.

• Choose dried beans instead of canned ones, and stick with fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. If you can’t avoid canned fruits, vegetables, or beans, rinse the contents well before serving.

• Store leftovers in glass containers instead of plastic ones.

• Never microwave* food in plastic containers or while covered in plastic wrap. Use glass or ceramic containers instead.

• Don’t take receipts or wash your hands after touching one. The thermal paper used by many retailers for receipts contains high concentrations of BPA.

• Check recycling numbers on plastics. Types 3 and 7 are likely to contain BPA, so avoid these.

For Parents with Young Children: Unfortunately, many BPA alternatives are still being tested for safety and it is difficult to determine what products are truly better. For developing brains and bodies, cut to the chase and avoid plastics altogether.

• If you feed your infant formula, choose the powdered version instead of the liquid kind.

• Use glass or stainless steel containers for bottles and sippy cups.

• Avoid plastic toys, especially items that will be put into mouths.

Find out more about the harmful effects of BPA here.

* LNH does not suggest the use of microwaves in any case.

Acid Reflux Drugs Tied to Bone Fractures

2011-05-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

REPOST

By RONI CARYN RABIN/New York Times

Published: May 13, 2011

The analysis did not find a similar increase in fracture risk among patients taking older acid reflux medications, called histamine-2 receptor antagonists.A new analysis adds to growing evidence that people using proton pump inhibitors to control symptoms of acid reflux are more likely tofracture bones than those who do not.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration revised the label on proton pump inhibitors, or P.P.I.’s, to warn that they may raise the risk of fractures. In March, it removed the warnings from nonprescription P.P.I.’s, saying those were meant only for short courses of treatment while the fracture risk had been observed in long-term users.

The new analysis, published in the May-June issue of Annals of Family Medicine, examined 11 studies and found that patients taking P.P.I.’s were 29 percent more likely to get fractures.

The researchers also found that long-term users were 30 percent more likely to get fractures, and those taking high doses were 53 percent more likely to get hip fractures in particular.

Dr. Seung-Kwon Myung, a staff physician and senior scientist at the National Cancer Center in Seoul, South Korea, and one of the paper’s authors, said P.P.I. treatment may affect the intestine’s ability to absorb calcium. “Long-term or frequent use of P.P.I.’s should be avoided,” he said
.

Floridians Insist that FDA Act Now on Amalgam

2011-05-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

For the second time in 60 days, a “town meeting” conducted by FDA’s Center for Devices has turned into a major media event highlighting the agency’s failed amalgam policy. Texans confronted Center for Devices Director Jeff Shuren in March; Floridians turned out en masse in Orlando on March 5, outraged over FDA’s failure to protect even children from dental mercury. The event was not only front-page news in Florida – it reached press outlets clear across the country: the Los Angeles Times proclaimed that “Mercury in dental fillings comes under fire at FDA meeting in Orlando.”
Among the witnesses was the venerable Sam Queen, the long-time guiding hand of the mercury-free dentistry movement via his work with the Wallace Research Foundation, his treatise on mercury (co-authored with his wife Betty), and his Institute for Health Realities. Orlando dentist Jim Hardy, whose book Mercury Free has educated so many delegates at the mercury treaty negotiating sessions, testified. So did Bernie Windham, president of Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS), who presented his prodigious research on amalgam. They were joined by dentists, other health professionals, and consumers from all over Florida. Freya Koss of Philadelphia served as organizer, liaison with FDA, and press spokeswoman. (Dr. Shuren told Freya: “I see you more than I see some members of my family.”)
Just like in Texas, with cameras in his face, Dr. Shuren was compelled to answer for FDA’s inaction on amalgam – something FDA officials are able to duck when they sit behind their desks. And Dr. Shuren told the Orlando Sentinel that "If I had my druthers, I would like to say something this year,” noting that the agency would have to reconsider the scientific and legal issues surrounding the amalgam issue. It is hardly a timetable, but it’s more than FDA has been willing to say in Washington.
Please join our Florida team and our Texas team in speaking out about amalgam! I encourage you to drop Dr. Shuren a note at jeff.shuren@fda.hhs.gov
Remember that Dr. Shuren is very concerned that Europeans are being subjected to unsafe medical devices; he recently accused European device regulators of treating consumers as“guinea pigs.” It’s time to ask Dr. Shuren why FDA is using American children as guinea pigs for amalgam – a medical device for which even FDA admits "[v]ery limited to no clinical information is available regarding long-term health outcomes in pregnant women and their developing fetuses, and children under the age of six, including infants who are breastfed." Ask Dr. Shuren whether he seriously intends to stop using American children as guinea pigs for the amalgam industry this year.
Thank you!
-- Charlie
11 May 2011

Charles G. Brown
President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice

AB88 Passed! GE Salmon MUST be Labeled in California -- But There's More...

2011-05-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

On May 3rd, 2011, the California Assembly Health Committee passed AB 88, which requires all genetically engineered salmon sold in California to be clearly labeled. This is a first victory, and we thank all of you who took action to make it happen!

The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee where those members will decide if AB 88 (in terms of costs associated with its implementation) should go to the full Assembly for the final vote.

We need to persuade Appropriations Committee members to vote in favor of AB 88!

The Committee - see the list below - will make a decision on May 18th. It is most critical to persuade at least 8 of these members to vote "yes" to get the bill to full assembly.

What can you do? In brief:
1) check if any of the representatives below is from your district
2) if so, call them as soon as possible to tell them to support AB88 which protects your consumer rights (and let Stacey@responsibletechnology.org know you called)
3) email them or fax them a short letter that says you strongly support AB 88 and you count on them to also vote in favor. Please mention clearly in your call, phone message or written message that you live in the district (indicate city and leave a phone number if you are leaving a phone message).

This is a landmark bill and a serious test of our ability to influence legislators in regard to GMOs.

Thanks for taking action!

The Staff at the Institute For Responsible Technology

Appropriations Committee Members	District	Phone	District	Fax	E-mail
Felipe Fuentes - Chair	Dem-39	(916) 319-2039	818-504-3911	(916) 319-2139	Assemblymember.Fuentes@assembly.ca.gov
Diane Harkey – Vice Chair	Rep-73	(916) 319-2073	760-757-8084	(916) 319-2173	Assemblymember.Harkey@assembly.ca.gov
Bob Blumenfield	Dem-40	(916) 319-2040	818-904-3840	(916) 319-2140	Assemblymember.Blumenfield@assembly.ca.gov
Steven Bradford	Dem-51	(916) 319-2051	310-412-6400	(916) 319-2151	Assemblymember.Bradford@assembly.ca.gov
Charles M. Calderon	Dem-58	(916) 319-2058	562-692-5858	(916) 319-2158	Assemblymember.Calderon@assembly.ca.gov
Nora Campos	Dem-23	(916) 319-2023	408-277-1220	(916) 319-2123	Assemblymember.Campos@assembly.ca.gov
Mike Davis	Dem-48	(916) 319-2048	213-744-2111	(916) 319-2148	Assemblymember.Davis@assembly.ca.gov
Tim Donnelly	Rep -59	(916) 319-2059	760-244-5277	(916) 319-2159	Assemblymember.Donnelly@assembly.ca.gov
Mike Gatto	Dem-43	(916) 319-2043	818-240-6330	(916) 319-2143	Assemblymember.Gatto@assembly.ca.gov
Isadore Hall III	Dem-52	(916) 319-2052	310-223-1201	(916) 319-2152	Assemblymember.Hall@assembly.ca.gov
Jerry Hill	Dem-19	(916) 319-2019	650-349-1900	(916) 319-2119	Assemblymember.Hill@assembly.ca.gov
Ricardo Lara	Dem-50	(916) 319-2050	562-927-1200	(916) 319-2150	Assemblymember.Lara@assembly.ca.gov
Holly J. Mitchell	Dem-47	(916) 319-2047	310-342-1070	(916) 319-2147	Assemblymember.Mitchell@assembly.ca.gov
Jim Nielsen	Rep- 2	(916) 319-2002	530-223-6300	(916) 319-2102	Assemblymember.Nielsen@assembly.ca.gov
Chris Norby	Rep- 72	(916) 319-2072	714-526-7272	(916) 319-2172	Assemblymember.Norby@assembly.ca.gov
Jose Solorio	Dem-69	(916) 319-2069	714-939-8469	(916) 319-2169	Assemblymember.Solorio@assembly.ca.gov
Donald P. Wagner	Rep-70	(916) 319-2070	949-863-7070	(916) 319-2170	Assemblymember.Wagner@assembly.ca.gov

__________________________________________

Brain Injury and Depression: Physicians Working in the Dark -- So What Should We Do In the Meantime?

2011-04-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Review Reveals Only 2 Treatment Trials in This Large Patient Population

"April 25, 2011 — Despite the fact that depression after traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects up to 30% of patients — or approximately 360,000 individuals annually — an extensive analysis reveals a stunning lack of research into effective treatments."

source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/741448?sssdmh=dm1.682894&src=nldne

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem, especially among male adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24, and among elderly people of both sexes 75 years and older. Children aged 5 and younger are also at high risk for TBI.

TBI costs the country more than $48 billion a year, and between 2.5 and 6.5 million Americans alive today have had a TBI. Survivors of TBI are often left with significant cognitive, behavioral, and communicative disabilities, and some patients develop long-term medical complications, such as epilepsy.

Other statistics dramatically tell the story of head injury in the United States. Each year:

approximately 270,000 people experience a moderate or severe TBI,
approximately 70,000 people die from head injury,
approximately 1 million head-injured people are treated in hospital emergency rooms,
approximately 60,000 new cases of epilepsy occur as a result of head trauma,
approximately 230,000 people are hospitalized for TBI and survive, and
approximately 80,000 of these survivors live with significant disabilities as a result of the injury.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
TBI, also called acquired brain injury or simply head injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. The damage can be focal - confined to one area of the brain - or diffuse - involving more than one area of the brain. TBI can result from a closed head injury* or a penetrating head injury. A closed injury occurs when the head suddenly and violently hits an object but the object does not break through the skull. A penetrating injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.

*National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement, October 26-28, 1998. Rehabilitation of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury. Bethesda, MD, September 1999.

source: http://www.doereport.com/displaymonograph.php?MID=92

While the medical and pharmaceutical industries are spending billions trying to come up with a new magic bullet for depression, those who suffer from depression can go the tried and true "old skool" route by balancing their lifestyle choices.

Depression is more often caused by a lack of certain foods in the diet rather than something present in the diet. It is known that carbohydrates in the diet increase the brain’s production of serotonin. Also, the body needs the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in food proteins, to produce serotonin. So depression can sometimes be the result of a diet that is low in carbohydrates or tryptophan.

Here are some things you can do for yourself:

• drink plenty of pure water

• consume organic produce and hormone/antibiotic-free meats

• salmon, tuna, mackerel, spinach, fresh or frozen peas (not canned), chick peas, chicken and turkey are especially helpful

• prepare your own meals and serve yourself as if you were royalty

• get 20 minutes of sunshine a day

• exercise (in accordance with physical condition)

• have mercury dental amalgams ("silver fillings") removed by a properly trained biological dentist and replace them with biocompatible materials (see http://www.iaomt.org/patients/search.aspx)

• laugh often

• do something interesting and fun every day

• spend time with those who make you feel good

• read something interesting

• pray/meditate/quiet time

• get 8 hours of deep, restful sleep

• check folic acid iron, phenylalanine, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 levels

Avoid:

• sugar and foods that metabolize as sugar

• caffeine

• artificial foods

• refined foods

• food additives

• alcohol

• those who make you angry/upset

• too much television, computer, cell phone (EMF)

• grains, (except rolled organic oatmeal) especially if gluten intolerant

A balanced lifestyle is a proven way to rebalance the body, mind and spirit -- and some of it is FREE!

Feel GOOD!

source: http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/may2001/989491596.Ns.r.html

Lemons: Mood Elevator, Degreaser, Disinfectant and More!

2011-04-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Lemons can do a body good, inside and out. A study on the effects of aromatherapy found that lemons can give you a real pick-me-up. Lemons contain vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, and are considered a stimulant. Due to their low pH, lemons are alkalizing and antibacterial.

The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Allowing lemons to come to room temperature before squeezing makes the juice easier to extract. Lemons left unrefrigerated for long periods of time are susceptible to mold.

Squeeze lemon in your in water, tea, marinades, beverages, and for baking and garnish, and add lemon essential oil in candles, massage oils, scrubs and body lotions.

Lemon peel can be used as a wood cleaner and polish. It can also be used around the house as a degreaser, disinfectant, deodorizer, and stain remover.

GLOBAL HEALTH RADIO Premiers April 20, 2011

2011-04-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce the premier of Global Health Radio, the internet's newest "all-things-health-related" call-in talk show, Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 11:30am to 12:30pm PST on "Living Healthy for You" with Dr Cherilyn Lee. If you have internet service anywhere in the world, you can be a part of this event by logging on to www.innerlightradio.com and click on the appropriate icon.

April 20 show faqs: Are you 4/20-Friendly? 4/20-Curious? This show is all about "4/20", with our featured expert guests -- a medical doctor, a DUI attorney, a licensed grower and a licensed collective owner.

And I will be co-hosting! So adjust your time zone, log on and CALL IN!

**GLOBAL HEALTH RADIO will air on it's regularly scheduled time slot beginning Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from 2:30 to 3:30pm PST on www.innerlightradio.com.**

Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Health-Radio/175435249174356

and follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ocnaturaldoc

We look forward to hearing from you!

ONE LESS Demographic for Merck! FDA Rejects Gardasil for Use in Most Adult Women

2011-04-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

I wondered if I had read this correctly at first, but it's true. FDA announced it refused approval for Merck's HPV vaccine for use in women 27-45, as it had not demonstrated to 'prevent' HPV-related cervical cancer in women older than 26.

This is a real blow and setback to Merck's marketing department, as FDA had previously postponed and refused approval for this age demographic, even after requesting and reviewing additional studies.

The vaccine is already approved to protect against the 6, 11, 16 and 18 strains of the human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer, in girls and women ages 9 to 26. Gardasil is also approved to prevent genital warts, anal cancer, anal dysplasias and precancerous lsesions in males of the same age.

It's no surprise that Gardasil sales have slowed substantially, from $1.4 billion in 2008 to $988 million last year.

Gardasil has been a hot button for Laguna Natural Health. Read more about Gardasil in the LNH blog archives.

source: http://www.pharmalot.com/2011/04/fda-rejects-gardasil-for-use-in-most-adult-women/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pharmalot+%28Pharmalot%29

US Government Calls for the Phase-Out of Amalgam!

2011-04-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

In an extraordinary development that will change the global

debate about amalgam, the United States government has

announced that it supports a “phase down, with the goal of

eventual phase out by all Parties, of mercury amalgam.”

This statement – a radical reversal of its former position

that “any change toward the use of dental amalgam is likely

to result in positive public health outcomes” – is part of the

U.S. government’s submission for the upcoming third round

of negotiations for the world mercury treaty.*

While couched in diplomatic hedging – remember it is still

early in the negotiations – this new U.S. position makes three

significant breakthroughs for the mercury-free dentistry movement:

The U.S. calls for the phase-out of amalgam ultimately and recommends actions to “phase down” its use immediately. Incredibly, the government adopted three actions that the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and Consumers for Dental Choice proposed at the negotiating session in Chiba, Japan. Our key ally, The Mercury Policy Project, laid the groundwork for this success at a World Health Organization meeting in 2009!
The U.S. speaks up for protecting children and the unborn from amalgam, recommending that the nations “educat[e] patients and parents in order to protect children and fetuses.”
The U.S. stands up for the human right of every patient and parent to make educated decisions about amalgam.

What does this mean? Our position – advocating the phase-out of amalgam – is now the mainstream because the U.S. government supports it. Who is the outlier now? It’s the pro-mercury faction, represented by the World Dental Federation and the American Dental Association. With the U.S. continuing its leadership role in this treaty, we will broadcast the U.S. position to other governments around the world, encouraging them to support amalgam “phase downs” leading to phase-outs not only globally, but within each of their countries.

We applaud the U.S. government. But tough work lies ahead. For example, we must demonstrate to the world that the available alternatives – such as composites and the adhesive materials used in atraumatic restorative treatment (“ART”) – can cost less than amalgam and will increase access to dental care particularly in developing countries.

For now though, let’s mark this watershed in the mercury-free dentistry movement: the debate has shifted from “whether to end amalgam” to “how to end amalgam.”

-- Charlie

Charles G. Brown
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice
President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
5 April 2011

* The full text of the U.S. submission is available athttp://www.unep.org/hazardoussubstances/Portals/9/Mercury/Documents/INC3/United%20States.pdf Here is the excerpt on amalgam:

"We are aware that several delegations at INC-2 suggested mercury amalgam should not be included in Annex C, noting a number of difficulties and complexities related to this issue. The United States supports further consideration of dental amalgam by the INC such that the agreement is able to achieve the phase down, with the goal of eventual phase out by all Parties, of mercury amalgam upon the development and availability of affordable, viable alternatives. To the extent that Annex C is not structured to accomplish such a goal, the United States believes that a number of obligations could be considered within an appropriate operative paragraph of the agreement itself. Such a paragraph could commit Parties to phase down the use of mercury amalgam or address mercury releases through conducting and promoting further research on alternatives, mandating the use of separators in dental offices, promoting and incentivizing prevention strategies, educating patients and parents in order to protect children and fetuses, and training of dental professionals on the environmental impacts of mercury in dental amalgams, and to report on their progress in doing so to inform the Conference of the Parties on the progress being made to phase down amalgam use."

Superfoods: Cacao

2011-03-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

The word 'cacao' (pronounced ka-cow) actually means 'cocoa'. This superfood has been so highly valued over past generations that it was used as currency in Mexico City. These days, cacao is more affordable and is easily accessible.

Cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants (621!) and is an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is also known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium, and possesses many other essential minerals, such as chromium, in significant quantities. Cacao increases energy and enhances health.

We at LNH toss a few into smoothies for a little chocolatey goodness. They are NOT sweet -- we use the sweetness from the coconut water, hemp milk base or fruit as the 'sweetness' for the smoothie.

Look for 100% pure cacao beans that are certified organic, vegan and raw (dried at low temperatures to protect nutrients).

Enjoy!

Californians for Green Dentistry and Consumers for Dental Choice at the Long Beach Health Freedom Expo

2011-03-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

The Health Freedom Expo, the premier natural and alternative health event in the nation, will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, California on March 25, 26, and 27.* It features a glittering array of talented speakers each day, and dozens of booths.

Californians for Green Dentistry will have a booth, and we encourage you to stop by. At 3:00 pm on both Friday and Saturday (March 25 and 26), Charlie Brown will be at the booth to speak to volunteers and potential volunteers about the Californians for Green Dentistry project.

The Expo also features mercury-free dentistry activists as plenary speakers:

Saturday, 12:00 noon: Kelly Gallagher and Anita Vazquez Tibau will speak about our grassroots movement in California; their topic is “Californians for Green Dentistry: No More Mercury!” Kelly is the filmmaker, and Anita is the director of Californians for Green Dentistry.

Sunday at 12:00 noon, Charlie will speak on “The Battle to Ban Mercury Fillings: A Case Study for Grassroots Action.” Charlie will explain where we are and how we got there, and show how these strategies can be applied to other movements.

Hope to see you there!

Consumers for Dental Choice
Washington, DC

* link also available at www.healthfreedomexpo.com/site/

Texans confront FDA Center Director Shuren

2011-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Texans confront FDA Center Director Shuren
. . . now it's your turn

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration convened a Town Meeting in a Dallas suburb on March 10 – and our movement gave FDA a Texas-size welcome. Several dentists, a dental hygienist, and a number of victims of mercury toxicity turned out. Although the Town Meeting was open to any subject, amalgam dominated. The huge press coverage – the major Dallas TV stations and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram – was exclusively about mercury fillings!*

Presiding was the very man in charge of reconsidering FDA’s abysmal amalgam rule: Center for Devices Director Jeff Shuren. Dr. Shuren told the Texas press:

"Now, the [FDA scientific] panel did …point out that there may be certain populations who are more sensitive to dental amalgam, like young children and pregnant women."

and

"We may decide to change our current regulation and that could include changing the status of dental amalgam, which means it comes off the market or has other controls on it or we may decide to leave things as they are."

So FDA's point man on amalgam has announced that FDA is seriously considering protecting children and unborn babies from amalgam. Kudos goes to our outstanding Texas team:

The organizer of it all was Carol Ward, vice president, Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions. Thanks to Carol’s outreach, we had at least seven witnesses, including former president of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine Dr. Bill Glaros, who came all the way from Houston.
The press director was Virginia Pritchett of Mineral Wells, Texas. With her strong journalism background, Virginia secured a plethora of press.**
Texans who made this event a success include hygienist and author Carol Vander Stoep of Austin; dentists Dr. Bill Glaros of Houston, Dr. Allen Sprinkle of Arlington, and Dr. Daniel Strader of Dallas; and consumer advocates Randy Staudt of Austin, Kathairein Magdalena of Irving, and Elizabeth Hong of Dallas.

The FDA scientific panel has spoken: End amalgam now for children, end amalgam now for pregnant women. The people of Texas have spoken: Stop treating the children of America like guinea pigs. Now it’s your turn.

Please write Center Director Jeff Shuren at Jeff.Shuren@fda.hhs.gov or phone him at 301-796-5900, and ask him: When, Dr. Shuren, are you going to stop amalgam use in children and pregnant women, as the scientific panel advised? Here are some talking points:

Dr. Shuren, you recently stated that “Under the EU [European Union] system, the public are being used as guinea pigs….We don't use our people as guinea pigs in the U.S.” But FDA’s own amalgam rule promotes using children as guinea pigs for a mercury product that FDA knows can cause harm and admits is not proven safe for children.
FDA concedes that amalgam puts children and unborn babies are at risk: “The developing neurological systems in fetuses and young children may be more sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of mercury vapor.”
FDA admits that there is no scientific evidence that amalgam is safe for children and unborn babies: “Very limited to no clinical information is available regarding long-term health outcomes in pregnant women and their developing fetuses, and children under the age of six, including infants who are breastfed.”
FDA’s own scientific panel repeatedly told FDA to stop amalgam use in children and pregnant women: For example, Dr. Kotagal of the Mayo Clinic says “There really is no place for mercury in children”; Dr. Ismail says “children less than 6 years of age, I would restrict it significantly”; Dr. Thompson says “definitely not in pregnant women and definitely not in those below 6 years of age”; Dr. Fleming says we need contraindications for pregnant women; and Dr. Burbacher says “why put amalgams in children if we know they're going to live with that for the rest of their lives? And we don't know what that's going to do.” In other words, stop using children as guinea pigs for amalgam.

-- Charlie

Charles G. Brown
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice
President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
16 March 2011

* Links also available at http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/FDA-Hears-Concerns-Over-Dental-Fillings-117766113.html & http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/03/10/2913105/concerns-over-amalgam-fillings.html#tvg

** Link also available at http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/Group-confronts-CDRH-over-mercury-in-dental-amalgam-fillings-117773213.html

Does This Supreme Court Ruling Pave the Way for Big Pharma's Unaccountability?

2011-02-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a federal law bars lawsuits against drug makers over serious side effects from childhood vaccines.

By a 6-2 vote, the court ruled against Robalee and Russell Bruesewitz of Pittsburgh, who sued the drug maker Wyeth, in Pennsylvania state court for the health problems they claim their daughter, Hannah, now 19, suffered from a vaccine she received in infancy. The vaccine was made by Wyeth, now owned by Pfizer, Inc. The Bruesewitz's filed their lawsuit after the vaccine court rejected their claims for compensation.

According to the lawsuit, Hannah was a healthy infant until she received the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine in April 1992. Within hours of getting the DPT shot, the third in a series of five, she suffered a series of debilitating seizures. The suit says Hannah continues to suffer from residual seizure disorder.

The vaccine court has paid out more than $1.9 billion to more than 2,500 people who claimed a connection between a vaccine and serious health problems.

The drug companies worried that they would face a flood of lawsuits over the side effects of vaccines in the event of an unfavorable Supreme Court decision. They were especially concerned about claims from families of autistic children who say the vaccines, or mercury-based thimerosal, are linked to autism.

David Frederick, who represented the Bruesewitz family at the Supreme Court, said, "I'm disappointed for the families of victims of defectively designed vaccines, who now have no remedy at law for their injuries."

This makes me....well....I can't find the proper english to express my feelings about this subject. But I do have a word for the Supreme Court and Big Pharma:

ACCOUNTABILITY

The state of being accountable; liability to be called on to render an account; the obligation to bear the consequences for failure to perform as expected; accountableness.

And I do have questions:

• Did the US Supreme Court just give Big Pharma and other giants a hall pass for products that could cause potential harm to it's people?

• Is any decision-making group interested in the health and welfare of our people?

Commentary:

FDA has become very interested in putting the manufacturers of nutritional supplements and natural products under the microscope, clearing the shelves of natural products and putting natural product manufacturers out of business....but not until natural products became a multi-billion dollar industry.

This ruling also makes me very suspicious regarding the ADA and dental amalgam issues, as they must fear lawsuits over those who have been injured by mercury poisoning. In February, 1994 Sweden announced a total ban on the use of mercury fillings in young adults. Denmark, Germany and Austria followed suit. Dental schools in Switzerland and Japan no longer teach amalgam use as the primary source of dental care.

When will the US step up to behave as a first world country again?

FDA Misquotes Merck's Gardasil Claims

2011-02-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

The misinformation regarding Merck's billion dollar baby, Gardasil, has spiraled out of control. The FDA has claimed the three part intramuscular vaccine "prevents" cancer, yet Merck does not. In a recent article, the FDA also approved Gardasil "for the prevention of anal cancer", as claimed below:

"PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the vaccine Gardasil for the prevention of anal cancer and associated precancerous lesions due to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in people ages 9 through 26 years.

Gardasil already is approved for the same age population for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer and the associated precancerous lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in females. It is also approved for the prevention of genital warts caused by types 6 and 11 in both males and females.

Treatment for anal cancer is challenging; the use of Gardasil as a method of prevention is important as it may result in fewer diagnoses and the subsequent surgery, radiation or chemotherapy that individuals need to endure," said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research."

Note: The word "prevention" was erroneously used FOUR times in the opening paragraphs of this report.

More here:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-gardasil-approved-to-prevent-anal-cancer-112326644.html

So where did PRNewswire/USNewswire get this information? This claim is made on the FDA website:

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm237941.htm

Consumer facts:

Merck, the manufacturer of Gardasil, does not use the word "prevent" in it's claims regarding what the vaccine does, rather it claims it "protects against", and repeatedly so, as quoted directly from Merck's Gardasil website:

"INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL

GARDASIL is the only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.

GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.

GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months."

Merck clearly claims that Gardasil "protects against", and clearly states that is does NOT PREVENT all types of cervical cancer (as it only protects against 4 of the over 100 strains of HPV as mentioned above), and DOES NOT treat cancer or genital warts.

Now, who would YOU believe? We believe the manufacturer for many reasons -- legal liability being in the top five on the list.

source: http://www.gardasil.com/

So, what's the big deal?

The purpose of the FDA, as it is stated on their website, is as follows:

"The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation, and by regulating the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products.

The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods, and to reduce tobacco use to improve health."

Safety of drugs? Seriously? According to an article published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, unintentional poisoning from prescription opioids, sedatives and tranquilizers have surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of unintentional injury death, making prescription drugs the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the US.

source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-surprising-second-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-us.html#ixzz17ovCGPmg

As for our food supply....how are those "frankenfood" GMO/GE seeds and crops working out for ya? There's no nutritional value there, so the crops contribute to worldwide malnourishment and (US) over-feeding, which has been linked to many preventable diseases. GMO/GE seeds don't yield the crops promised -- at five times the cost to farmers. They aren't renewable, and pollute non-GMO crops and soils. And then there's that pesky toxicity-factor from the built-in pesticides/herbacides in every bite.

Back to Gardasil and vaccines...Did you know the FDA approves the use of Thimerosal? Thimerosal is used as a preservative in vaccines...even the ones that are 'thimerosal-free', as the FDA ruled that "Vaccines with trace amounts of thimerosal contain 1 microgram or less of mercury per dose", and are ok with them.

source: http://www.fda.gov/biologicsbloodvaccines/safetyavailability/vaccinesafety/ucm096228.htm

In fact, Thimerosal is mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin -- it breaks the blood-brain barrier, and contributes to a host of debilitating neurological disorders. It is a major polluter of the environment and health risk, and yet our FDA claims that mercury and thimerosal are 'safe'. Seriously? How are those mercury amalgams workin' out for ya? The EPA says you're 'overlimit' to spit in a sink if you have four in your mouth.

So much research, so much proof, yet so much misinformation continues to spread....to what end?

It is believed that the misinformation regarding Gardasil has confused the public, and given young men and women false hope and expectations regarding the purpose of the vaccine. It seems to have given it's users 'carte blanche' to have unprotected sex, as they believe that they are completely protected against HPV, genital warts, herpes and cancer...all untrue. It also contributes to the belief that Gardasil is mandatory for school aged children, while the controversy over mandating vaccines remains unconstitutional to date.

LNH believes everyone has a right to be informed of any and all health-related issues and risks. It has been reported that many doctors are not completely informing these children and their mothers of all sides of the vaccine issue...indications as well as contraindications. Perhaps they haven't been trained by their drug rep. Doctors are compensated for every Gardasil vaccine they sell to a patient. Allergic reactions are a risk when using drugs and vaccines, ranging from redness and swelling to paralysis to death.

Go to VAERS for more information: http://vaers.hhs.gov/index

Ask questions. Become informed. Knowledge is power.

The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry Makes Progress at the Mercury Treaty Negotiations

2011-02-15T10:39:00.001-08:00

The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
Makes Progress at the Mercury Treaty Negotiations

Round two of the mercury treaty negotiations, held in Chiba Japan, was a success. Our umbrella coalition, the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry – “the voice of dental patients worldwide” – effectively countered the pro-mercury World Dental Federation (known under its French initials FDI), a lobby group funded by amalgam manufacturers. You canview photos from the negotiations online.*

We could not have done it without our sensational team – a depth of talent from five continents, including Dominique Bally of Cote d’Ivoire, Dr. Lillian Lasaten-Ebuen of the Philippines, Dr. Naji Kodeih of Lebanon, Dr. Graeme Munro-Hall of Great Britain, Juliet Pratt of New Zealand, Dr. Dave Simone of the United States, Anita Vazquez Tibau of the United States, and yours truly. Each spoke publicly on your behalf during the negotiations; each educated delegates at our booth and at meetings; each worked with United Nations Environmental Programme officials to develop strategies for stopping mercury fillings. We reached out to government officials from around the world, armed with diverse backgrounds ranging from injured consumers to dentists to environmentalists and multilingual talents spanning from Spanish to Tagalog to Arabic to Portuguese to French (not counting my fractured French, which is amusing to all except those who really speak French). And we achieved several major milestones:

Our meeting kicked off with the announcement that the World Health Organization has withdrawn the biased paper that the American Dental Association so heavily cited as “reinforc[ing] dental amalgam as a safe and effective restorative material.”** The alleged WHO report had been passed off as the conclusions of the team of scientists, environmentalists, and dentists who met in November 2009 to discuss the future of amalgam. We exposed the paper as nothing more than a propaganda piece slapped together by a rogue dentist inside WHO who failed even to consult the other meeting participants before signing their names to his paper (needless to say they were furious; they did not remember ever declaring amalgam safe). Then, we organized the worldwide condemnation of this paper that led to its hurried retraction. You can learn how we accomplished this feat step-by-step by watching this video interview, courtesy of filmmaker Kelly Gallagher.***
Because of our work, the first draft of the treaty lists amalgam as one of only five mercury products to be phased out. While the war is not won, we did succeed in keeping it on the list for now.
Thanks to the efforts of our regional vice presidents Dr. Naji Kodeih and Dominique Bally, both the Arab League and the African region announced that they support the phase-out of amalgam and the promotion of alternatives.
We gained a valuable new ally dedicated to ending dental mercury: Health Care Without Harm. We congratulate Health Care Without Harm for convincing the Mexico City Health Secretariat to deauthorize the purchase of amalgam in the city’s hospitals and obtaining a discussion paper from Argentina calling for a phase down of amalgam and use of alternatives.
The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry welcomes Dr. Lillian Lasaten-Ebuen as our new Vice President for East Asia. She joins Anita, Dominique, Juliet, Naji, and Marie Grosman of France as a regional leader at the treaty negotiations. Servando Perez of Spain remains our First Vice President, Elisabet Carlsson of Sweden is our senior advisor, and Francesca Romana Orlando of Italy is our director of development.

But the bottom line: The delegates made no major decisions in this early round, not on amalgam, not on anything. Thus how amalgam will ultimately be addressed in this treaty will not be determined until the third negotiating session, to be held in an African city in October. Until all the nations re-convene for negotiations, our World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry will be active in each region of the world. I will provide details as they emerge.

-- Charlie

Charles G. Brown
President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice
15 February 2011

* links also available at http://toxicteeth.org/World-Mercury-Treaty-Gallery-2/

** link also available at http://www.ada.org/news/5082.aspx

*** link also available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGwHUSap5tg

The Power of Superfoods: Bee Pollen

2011-02-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Bee Pollen is the most complete food found in nature, and has 5-7 more times protein than beef. It is especially beneficial for the extra nutritional and energy needs of athletes and those recovering from illness. It is a natural antidote for fighting allergies, particularly hay fever and sinusitus. Research shows that pollen counteracts the signed of agin and increases both mental and physical capability.

Bee Pollen is a highly bioactive source of naturally occurring multi-vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes and more. Add to smoothies or take it by spoon, but it is important to start with only a few granules and work your way up to 1/2 to 1 heaping teaspoon twice a day, or as needed.

Look for fresh, whole granule, organic bee pollen at your local health food store. Keep refrigerated.

Safety Note:

LNH does not suggest the use of Bee Pollen for those who are knowingly allergic to bees, if you do not want to risk an allergic reaction. If you know you're allergic to bee stings, do not take bee pollen. If you decide to try Bee Pollen, start with small amounts to see if there are any symptoms present. Obvious signs of reaction are itchy throat, wheezing, coughing, hives and skin flushing. Some people have a several allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. The same reaction can occur with a bee sting. Anaphylactic shock is a true medical emergency, and 911 should be called immediately. Some repercussion s from this type of allergic reaction con include convulsions, breathing problems, unconsciousness and death.

There are no studies for pregnant and lactating women at this time. Although bee pollen may be beneficial, it is not suggested to use Bee Pollen since the side effects are unknown.

sources:

http://www.foodmatters.tv/Health_Resources/Bee_Superfoods

http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/Bee_Pollen_Side_Effects

http://ezinearticles.com/?Bee-Pollen-Allergy&id=453643

The Power of Superfoods: Chia Seeds

2011-02-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Omega 3 fatty acids are the building block of every cell in your body. We need Omega 3's for proper cell membrane formation and function.

Chia seeds* are an excellent vegetarian** source of omega fatty acids, are an easily digestible form of protein, and are full of vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber.

The chia seeds were eaten by Aztecs for strength, and was considered a staple food. We now use chia seeds as a staple in smoothies, on salads and in stir fries.

Chia seeds also

• promotes heart health

• increases energy

• regulates blood pressure

• reduces menopause symptoms

• promotes bone health

• promotes mental health

• provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis

• promotes prenatal health

• promotes breast health

• promotes prostate health

Nutrition facts:

2 Tbsp = 4.5 g fat (Zero saturated and trans fats)

Total Carbs = 7g

Dietary fiber = 6g

Protein = 3g

Source of Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, protein, phosphorus, antioxidants, iron, calcium and is an excellent source of dietary fiber.

No Cholesterol

No Sodium

No Sugars

Shop for raw, organic, vegan chia seeds, sourced directly from farmers and cultivated sustainable and in accordance with fair trade practices.

* Statements not evaluated by FDA.

** LNH promotes the optimization of healthy lifestyle choices, and is open to all dietary consideration.

Elk: Free Ranged, High Protein "Clean" Meat

2011-02-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Tired of beef, chicken, turkey and fish? They're excellent sources of protein, but sometimes we want something new and exciting.....have you tried Elk?

North American Elk was the diet of Native Americans, and is now part of our diet of lean, high protein, natural meats.

When ground elk is compared to pork center loin chops and choice beef bottom round, elk has 27% less calories and 57% less fat.

LNH suggests Blackwing Meats, as their products are free ranged, never confined to a feed lot, raised without added hormones or antibiotics, and are minimally processed.

Grill: Elk is best seared using medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side and then reduce heat to medium to complete cooking.

Broiler: Sear meat for 2 minutes per side to lock in moisture and then place in broiler at 350 degrees for 3 minutes or desired wellness. Occasional basting keeps meat moist.

LNH browns it on the stove top and uses it as the base for a meat sauce.

Yum!

Note:

As we promote the optimization of healthy lifestyles, LNH is open to all dietary considerations. Elk is part of a paleolithic program.

Charlie Brown at UNEP, INC2 Meeting

2011-02-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

The UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) meetings were held in Chiba, Japan, January 24-28, 2011.

The link below is to an interview with Charlie Brown, President of World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, at INC 2, the 2nd of 5 meetings of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on mercury by 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRkthWjoWQI&feature=player_embedded#

Gary Null's January 27, 2011 Interview with Dr Andrew Wakefield

2011-01-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

Did you know that military personnel are given experimental vaccines? It's true. Some of these healthy, young, brave men and women have never seen combat, yet experience serious biological disorders as a result of the vaccines.

Gary discusses the potentially astronomical costs associated with this issue in the US and UK, and examines if this could be the reason why the BMJ (British Medical Journal) went after Dr Wakefield in an attempted cover up.

Gary Null reviews Dr Andrew Wakefield's history, and investigates this complex case with the Dr Wakefield and the panel here:

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-gary-null-show-wnye/2011/1/27/the-gary-null-show-012711.html

Documents Prove Dr Andrew Wakefield's Innocence; BMJ and Brian Deer Caught Misrepresenting the Facts

2011-01-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

On January 6, 2011, we reported the compelling story about Dr Andrew Wakefield here:

http://lagunanaturalhealth.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-do-they-want-to-throw-dr-andrew.html

We now have great news!

According to Mike Adams, new documents have emerged which clear Dr Andrew Wakefield of allegations of fraud recently made by the BMJ (British Medical Journal) and its reporter, Brain Deer. This new evidence "completely negates the allegations that i committed scientific fraud. Brain Deer and Dr Godlee of the BMJ knew or should have known about the facts set out below before publishing their false allegations", says Dr Wakefield.

Dr Wakefield has been accused of completely fabricating his findings about these same children in this 1998 paper, but these document reveal that 14 months before Dr Wakefield's paper was published, two other researchers independently documented the same problems in these children, including symptoms of autism.

Dr Andrew Wakefield is the author of Callous Disregard, the book that exposes the truth behind conventional medicine's political witch hunt. The book is sold everywhere, including Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Callous-Disregard-Autism-Vaccines-Tragedy/dp/1616081694

Learn more about the story and case information here:

http://www.naturalnews.com/031116_Dr_Andrew_Wakefield_British_Medical_Journal.html

Video Clip from June 2010 UNEP Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden

2011-01-24T23:17:00.000-08:00

Here's an excellent video clip from the June 2010 UNEP meeting featuring testimony from Charlie Brown, President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry.

http://www.csn-deutschland.de/blog/en/united-nations-urged-to-ban-mercury-fillings/

So now we're in Chiba, Japan this week. Stay tuned...

UN Urged to Ban Mercury Fillings

2011-01-24T22:51:00.000-08:00

United Nations Urged to Ban Mercury Fillings

--International Delegates Meet in Japan--

Champions Gate, FL, January 20, 2010—Mercury, the main ingredient in “silver” or amalgam fillings, will be the subject of a United Nations conference to be held in Chiba, Japan on January 24-28.

Members of various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as dentists and scientists from groups such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), will be attending and urging a ban on products containing mercury, including dental amalgam. The deliberations serve as the second of five intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) meetings planned with the purpose of creating worldwide mercury regulations by 2013.

These meetings are the result of an agreement made by the Governing Council of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in 2009, when it was deemed necessary to create global standards addressing risks related to mercury, a toxic element phased out of many consumer products but still used in dental amalgam fillings.

On its website, UNEP cites reasons for recognizing the impact of mercury on human health: “Mercury can produce a range of adverse human health effects, including permanent damage to the nervous system, in particular the developing nervous system…[M]ercury can be transferred from a mother to her unborn child, [and] infants, children and women of child bearing age are considered vulnerable populations.”

Among the international delegates will be IAOMT dentist Graeme Munro-Hall of England, who represents a growing number of dentists and scientists from around the globe concerned about the toxic effects of mercury in silver amalgam fillings. Dr. Munro-Hall asserts, “International pressure to rid our world of toxic mercury will hopefully convince the FDA, CDC, NIH and ADA to acknowledge the perils of placing poison into the mouths of Americans.”

Attorney Charles Brown, President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, based in Washington, DC, made an impact on the first INC meeting in Stockholm last year and will also speak in Chiba. In a recent message to the World Health Organization, Brown stated, “UNEP has identified amalgam as one of the five major products contributing to the global mercury problem, so action is urgently needed.”

Scientific studies substantiating the hazards of mercury fillings will be discussed by various international experts and organizations. Research that links autism to fetal exposure from maternal fillings will be provided by Mark Geier, M.D., Ph.D. Data collected by Joachim Mutter, M.D., published last week in the Journal of Occupational Medicine & Toxicology, will also be presented. Dr. Mutter’s findings relate mercury fillings to various neurological diseases, ranging from Alzheimer’s to multiple sclerosis.

At an FDA Dental Products advisory panel meeting in December, it was recommended that FDA consider banning and/or issuing stringent warnings for mercury filling use in children, pregnant women and an unclassified hypersensitive population. Countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark have already banned the use of mercury in dentistry.

"Mercury Fillings A Health Threat?" WCVB (ABC)TV 5 Boston

In the United States, Maestro Ben Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, speaks publicly about his complete recovery from Ménière's Disease after having his fifteen mercury amalgam fillings removed. The neurological disease, Ben says nearly cost him his career.

•••

LNH Note:

Go Charlie!

Stunning Victory at UNEP: WHO Withdraws Notorious Petersen Paper

2011-01-24T19:42:00.000-08:00

Charlie Brown, reporting from Chiba (Japan):

The W.H.O. has withdrawn the notorious Petersen Paper, a propaganda project of its in-house dentist to claim that phasing out amalgam is not feasible and that amalgam is a safe product.

After a constructive meeting of many amalgam stakeholders in 2009, where an agreement was reached to "phase down" amalgam, WHO dentist P E Petersen was assigned to write up the notes. Instead, Petersen secretly assembled three other pro-mercury dentists, all from developed countries, and produced a paper denying progress could be made on amalgam and making a series of provably false claims about amalgam and about the progress of that stakeholder meeting.

After those attending the meeting proved that the Petersen Paper in no way reflected what occurred there, a world uproar ensued, led by leaders of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) showed great integrity, insisting that the Petersen Paper be withdrawn or else all reference to UNEP removed. Upon my written request, WHO's Assistant Director-General, Dr Ala Alwan, agreed to investigate the Petersen Paper, and to his credit, had the paper withdrawn.

It is being rewritten, and -- nota bene, my friends --

all claims that amalgam is safe are being withdrawn!

Likewise, all participants in the meeting are being asked to comment on the paper before it will be issued again. The new report of the stakeholder meeting of 2009 will likely be an honest project, and devoid of propaganda favoring Petersen ally the World Dental Federation.

Our movement for mercury-free dentistry has achieved a stunning victory.

Charlie Brown, President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
Chiba, Japan, 24 January 2011

Fitness Guru Jack LaLanne Dies at 96

2011-01-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

Health pioneer Jack LaLanne died of respiratory failure due to complications from pneumonia on Sunday in his Morro Bay home.

In 1954, Jack started performing stunts to garner attention for the health movement. To prove he wasn't "over the hill" at age 40, he swam the length of the Golden Gate Bridge. At age 60, he swam from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf handcuffed, shackled and towing a 1,000 pound boat. At age 70, he towed 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen's Way Bridge in Long Beach to the Queen Mary while handcuffed and shackled. Jack worked out 2 hours a day into his 80's.

Arnold Schwarzenegger recalled Jack performing chin ups at Muscle Beach in Venice, and no one could match him.

Jack's own father died of a heart attack at age 50. His mother 'spoiled him' with 'rewards' of cakes, pies and ice cream growing up. It wasn't long before Jack became a sugarholic -- His face was broken out, his temper had grown violent, he wore glasses, he was weak and skinny, and became unable to function well in school. He sought the help of nutritionist Paul Bragg who told him he was a "walking garbage can". Paul told him he could become whole again, but would have to change his ways. "That's what I wanted! I wanted to be an athlete, I wanted the girls to like me, and I wanted to be able to get good grades in school, and this man said I could do all that," LaLanne said.

He never ate another cake, pie or ice cream, nor did he have coffee or tea, from that day forward.

Jack became a star athlete in high school, and all his symptoms ceased. He didn't even need glasses anymore.

After high school, he started a business selling his mother's healthy breads and cookies. He also set up a gym and started training police officers and firefighters who couldn't pass their physicals.

Jack was ridiculed when he first started out. "When I first started out, I was considered a crackpot," he said. "The doctors used to say, 'Don't go to that Jack LaLanne, you'll get hemorrhoids, you won't get an erection, you women will look like men, you athletes will get muscle-bound' — this is what I had to go through."

In 1936, Jack opened his first real gym — LaLanne's Physical Culture Studio in downtown Oakland. Business was slow, so he went to a local high school and picked out the fattest ands skinniest kids offering (with parental permission) to "turn their lives around" the way his had been. Word of mouth spread, business boomed, and he opened other gyms.

He went on TV in 1952, but because he could only afford time in the early mornings, he found his audience was mostly young children. So he got a dog — Happy — to appeal to the kids, who were encouraged to go wake up their mommies for a workout. The show was eventually syndicated nationwide and ran for 34 years.

Jack met his wife, Elaine, and together forged an empire of nationwide gyms, supplements, workout devices such as the "Glamour Stretcher" and "JLL Stepper," and wrote several books. By the time he was in his 80's, the business consisted mostly of juicers, infomercials and lectures.

Jack received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002. He was thrilled that what he had been advocating for 50 years was taken seriously.

"Back then I was a crackpot; today, I am an authority," he said in 1998.

sources:

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-jack-lalanne-20110124,0,6764075.story

http://www.boomertoyou.com/2010/05/26/baby-boomer-celebrity-what-happened-to-jack-lalanne/

•••••

LNH Note

I credit Mrs Rodney, the woman who looked after us growing up, with having me in front of the TV so she could do her workout with Jack LaLanne AND keep her eye on me at the same time. As a toddler, I learned how to do jumping jacks from working out with Jack and Mrs Rodney -- I thought he invented them. Looking back, he was the first (aside from my parents) to inspire me to live a strong and healthy life with a positive outlook.

Thank you Mrs Rodney!

In the 90's, the second juicer I owned was from.....you guessed it.....Jack LaLanne. And how many times did i suggest this juicer to people who came to me to get healthy! It's effective, easy to clean, easily available, and waaaaay more affordable than Vitamix. It's still the perfect juicer to get people started on the path to optimizing their health. I now have several juicers, mixers, processors and blenders --- and i STILL have my Jack LaLanne juicer.

Thank you, Jack!

One of my early online groups was called "Guns 'n Poses", with Jack LaLanne as the poster child for the group. Some people didn't like the name because of the word 'guns', even though I posted a photo of Jack flexing his muscles at age 80. So I started another page called "The Garden of Eatin'". Now Saddleback Church is using that name for the new organic restaurant they're building on their Lake Forest campus.

It's thrilling for me now to look back and see how Jack inspired several generations to change the way the look and feel. He walked (and swam) his talk. His life's mission personifies this quote:

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."

Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher (1788 – 1860)

Jack's a legend and an icon, and will surely be missed by millions.

We Love Spinach!

2011-01-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

"I'm strong to the finish

'Cause I eats me spinach.

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man."

-- Popeye the Sailor Man

Spinach is one of our best sources of nutrition. It can be grown as a back yard crop or bought from your local market at affordable prices. It is a source of vitamin A, B6, C, folate, niacin, and traces of many other nutrients including thiamine and riboflavin. Spinach is rich in beta carotene, lutein and xanthene and chlorophyllin. It's also low in fat.

Spinach offers a wide range of benefits to most of our physiological processes, whether taken raw or cooked, such as:

• Good Eyesight: Spinach is a rich source of beta carotene, lutein and xanthene, all of which are beneficial for eyesight. Beta carotene is supplied to the eyes by cooked spinach. It can prevent vitamin A deficiency disease, itching eyes, eye ulcers and dry eyes.

• Age-related Macula Degeneration (AMD): AMD or Retinitis pigmentosa is responsible for causing blindness. It is due to the degeneration of lutein and xanthene which form central part of the retina. According to research conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, consumption of spinach can result in regaining of the two pigments and preventing AMD effectively.

• Blood Pressure: Spinach has high content of potassium and low content of sodium. This composition of minerals is highly beneficial for high blood pressure patients, as potassium lowers and sodium raises the blood pressure. Folate contributes in reducing hypertension and relaxes blood vessels, maintaining proper blood flow.

• Strengthens Muscles: A component of spinach, factor C0-Q10 which is an anti-oxidant, plays important role in strengthening muscles especially heart muscle which continuously pumps blood to all parts of the body. As per the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, C0-Q10 can be used to prevent and treat many cardiovascular diseases like hyperlipidemia, heart failure, hypertension and coronary heart diseases.

• Cataract: Lutein and zeaxanthin present in spinach act as strong antioxidants thus preventing the eyes from harsh effects of UV rays that lead to cataract.

• Atherosclerosis and Heart Attack: Atherosclerosis is caused due to hardening of arteries. A pigment named lutein found in spinach has been shown to reduce the occurrence atherosclerosis, heart attack as well as stroke. This is due to the fact that spinach proteins tend to reduce the cholesterol and other fat deposits in the blood vessels.

• Neurological Benefits: Several components of spinach like potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. According to Neurology, folate which reduces due to occurrence of Alzheimer's disease can be revived by spinach.

• Bone Mineralization: Spinach is a good source of Vitamin K, which functions in retaining calcium in the bone matrix thereby leading to bone mineralization. Minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus also help in building strong bones. This in turn can aid in the prevention of osteoporosis of bones.

• Anti-Ulcerative: It has been found that spinach and some other vegetables have the ability to protect the mucous membrane of stomach thereby decreasing the occurrence of gastric ulcers.

• Anti-Cancerous Property: Spinach made up of various important constituents has been found to be promising in fighting various types of cancer, such as bladder, prostate, liver and lung cancer. Different constituents in spinach like folate, tocopherol, and chlorophyllin act via different mechanisms to treat and protect patients suffering from cancer.

• Skin Protection: Different phytonutrients and pigments have been shown to protect the skin from harmful rays of sun including the UV rays. These not only protect, but also repair the damaged genes to some extent, thereby preventing skin cancer in the long run.

• Fetus Development: Folate found in spinach is needed by the growing fetus for proper development of new nervous system. Defects like cleft palate or spina bifida may occur due to deficiency of folate. Vitamin A offered by spinach is advised to be consumed in more quantities by the mother. Vitamin A is required in lung development of fetus as well as during breast feeding.

Protein Rich for Infant’s Proper Growth: Popeye the Sailor Man is known for his obsession for spinach. The cartoon was deliberately shown to eat spinach and get strong. Infants are advised to be fed with spinach which is a rich in protein, vitamins minerals and phytonutrients. These will result in proportionate development in their growing stages.

Raw or cooked, spinach is versatile. Use it as a salad base, toss some in a Vitamix for a smoothie base, add it to an egg scramble, and make it the last thing you add to a batch of soup. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can count on spinach as a source of vital nutrition. Remember, spinach "shrinks" as you cook it, so be generous in your portion. When cooking, we suggest steaming or "wilting" by cooking in low temperatures.

As always, we suggest organically grown produce to reduce your body's toxic burden.

NY County Water Supply Is Fluoride-Free

2011-01-21T00:37:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of controversy about fluoride in our water systems.

The US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced they were taking steps to create guidelines on and lower the fluoride in drinking water. Yet the Suffolk County Water Authority water supply has never contained fluoride.

Fluoride was originally added to water to prevent tooth decay. However, recent studies by the National Academics of Science show that fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes pitting and staining of teeth. Fluorosis occurs when an individual consumes an excess amount of fluoride during the tooth forming years before age 8.

The current recommended fluoride amount ranges from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L. In light of the new evidence, the HHS is proposing to limit the amount to 0.7 mg/L and the EPA is initiating review of the maximum amount allowed in drinking water.

“Today both HHS and EPA are making announcements on fluoride based on the most up to date scientific data,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water, Peter Silva. “EPA’s new analysis will help us make sure that people benefit from tooth decay prevention while at the same time avoiding the unwanted health effects from too much fluoride.”

The Suffolk County Water Authority follows a different school of thought however, and does not believe in putting fluoride into drinking water.

“Though many water providers are being scrutinized for their use of fluoride in drinking water, the Authority takes pride in its commitment to offering residents the safest and cleanest water possible and has never included fluoride in its water,” Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Szabo said. The Suffolk County Water Authority serves approximately 1.2 million residents.

source: http://www.longislandpress.com/2011/01/20/suffolk-county-water-authority-reminds-residents-of-its-pure-water-practices-amid-fluoride-controversy/comment-page-1/#comment-119031

•••••NOTE••••

LNH opposes the use of fluoride.

WalMart Launches Healthy Food Initiative

2011-01-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

WalMart, the world's largest retailer, announced today that it is launching a five year plan to provide customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. They will lower prices on fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of trans fats, added sugars and sodium in packaged foods sold under it's house brand, Great Value.

This initiative builds on the recent successes of Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign to end childhood obesity and promote healthy eating. Last month, the President signed into law the Health Hunger-Free Kids Act, a $4.5 billion measure to expand child nutrition programs and improve the quality of school meals nationwide.

WalMart's decision should certainly encourage other retailers to follow suit. Go to http://walmartstores.com/ for more details on this and other healthy eating-related stories.

Don't Ask, Don't Swill

2011-01-20T23:02:00.002-08:00

Pure, clean water.

That’s what the ads say. But what does the lab say?

Bottled water can cost up to 1,900 times more than tap water. You have a right to know what exactly is inside that plastic bottle.

Most bottled water makers don’t agree. They keep secret some or all the answers to these elementary questions:

Where does the water come from?

Is it purified? How?

Have tests found any contaminants?

Only one, Nestlé's Pure Life Purified Water, discloses its water source and treatment method on the label and offers an 800-number, website or mailing address where consumers can request a water quality test report. Among the ten best-selling brands, nine — Pepsi's Aquafina, Coca-Cola's Dasani, Crystal Geyser and six of seven Nestlé brands — don't answer at least one of those questions.

The industry's refusal to "tell all" about their bottled water leaves question marks looming above the heads of consumers. Seriously, what are they hiding?

Since July 2009, when Environmental Working Group released its groundbreaking Bottled Water Scorecard, documenting the industry's failure to disclose contaminants and other crucial facts about their products, bottled water producers have been taking withering fire from consumer and environmental groups.

A new EWG survey of 173 unique bottled water products finds a few improvements, but still too many secrets and too much advertising hype. Overall, 18 percent of bottled waters fail to list the source, and 32 percent disclose nothing about the treatment or purity of the water. Much of the marketing nonsense that drew ridicule last year can still be found on a number of labels.

EWG recommends that you drink filtered tap water. You'll save money, drink water that’s purer than tap water and help solve the global glut of plastic bottles.

We support stronger federal standards to enforce the consumer's right to know all about bottled water.

Until the federal Food and Drug Administration cracks down on water bottlers, use EWG's Bottled Water Scorecard http://breakingnews.ewg.org/bottled-water-2011-search to find brands that disclose water source, treatment and quality and that use advanced treatment methods to remove a broad range of pollutants.

source: http://breakingnews.ewg.org/bottled-water-2011-home

And wait'll you see who's on the bottom of the list....

House Vote to Repeal ObamaCare Passes 245-189

2011-01-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

The new Republican majority in the House of Representativs voted today on a bill promising the complete repeal of ObamaCare. The bill passed with a unanimous Republican vote along with the support of three House Democrats, proving that the demand to repeal ObamaCare is a real, bipartisan fight that will lead ot a serious debate in the Senate.

The way it's written, ObamaCare is a job-killing, micro-managing law that threatens to skyrocket insurance costs, bankrupt the federal government, and take away patient's choices. It was rammed through Congress last year by Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi without garnering a single Republican vote. In December 2010, a Virginia federal judge ruled the ObamaCare mandate on all Americans to purchase health insurance to be unconstitutional.

Source: FreedomWorks

Contact: FreedomWorks Jackie Bodnar 202.942.7652 jbodnar@freedomworks.org

http://classic.cnbc.com/id/41162327

Repeal ObamaCare Today

2011-01-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

As a nation, we are very concerned about the cost and availability of healthcare, which, when we think about it, really starts with the each of us....and the individual choices we make during our daily lives. We may think they're small --- for instance, what we have for lunch may not be as earth-shattering as finding the money for our kids tuition -- yet the truth is, many poor decisions may add up to make one costly health disaster.

I'm all about freedom....if you want health care, you should have it. And yes, it should be affordable to everyone. That said, I do not believe that socialized medicine is the answer. ObamaCare, as it's currently written, is NOT a viable, sustainable plan, and would prove itself a disaster on all levels if put into practice.

If you are pro-ObamaCare, please don't judge me too quickly...I'm on your side, too.

Below is the letter I sent to my representatives with my thoughts. As you can see, it's nothing fancy, and only took about 8 minutes to compose....not a lot of time in the big picture, as I've spent more time choosing which shoes to wear.

The vote is today.

I urge you to put your fingers to the keyboard and/or call your representatives...NOW! They're in the process of voting today.

********************

Repeal ObamaCare

We've been offered a poorly written, under-researched and outrageously expensive plan which will prove to be a failure of epic proportion if signed into law.

The cornerstone to ANY viable health plan is self-education. Let's face it...the public has become lazy and irresponsible for their own health over the last 50 years, expecting a "magic bullet" to fix all of their problems -- from obesity to GERD to Type II Diabetes, which are all largely preventable conditions. It's an unrealistic expectation, and has already proven itself ineffective and expensive in terms of money AND human lives. It is estimated that 100,000 Americans die each year from the use of prescription drugs -- that's 270 a day. NO ONE has died as a result of eating organic fruits and vegetables, getting proper rest and drinking pure water.

People have learned to rely on a medical model of pharmaceuticals, which only treat symptoms and do not offer the body nutritional support to heal itself (which it's designed to do).

Most medical school educations do not include nutritional education, but do include pharmaceutical training -- diseases are given names so that they can be more easily identified with a pharmaceutical drug (think "Geranimals" matching system). Therefore, it makes sense that allopaths do what they are trained to do --- prescribe drugs, which are limited to treating symptoms, but not provide vital nutrition to the body so that it may heal itself.

Allopaths/Medical doctors have a vital role in saving lives....that's what they are trained to do. But they are not well trained in optimizing daily lifestyle choices, unless they have gone off on their own and taken additional natural health related courses of education.

There is room for both schools of training -- allopathic and naturopathic -- we need both, and we really need to be looking at what is best for our people on every count, not just industry revenues. Aside from pharmaceutical and insurance, there are others.....

The food industry has offered up many processed foods which are void of valuable nutrition, yet are loaded with toxic food additives which have shown to cause reactions in the brain to 'want' these toxic foods more, much like causing an addictive response --- and we wonder why obesity is one of our top 3 national health problems -- which is COMPLETELY PREVENTABLE.

Aside from herbicides and pesticides, chemical companies have created very expensive GE and GMO seeds, which produce crops void of valuable nutrition, but high in toxic chemicals which create more health problems.

Question: If food is void of nutrition, why are we eating?

Another question: Why spend trillions on a health care plan when the top three and most costly diseases are PREVENTABLE? It just seems to be punishing those who live balanced, healthy, optimized lives for those who opt for fast/junk food, soda and sedentary lifestyle.

My Plan (off the top of my head):

• Nutrition education programs will be written, executed and mandated in school curricula.

• Parents will be required to participate in nutritional education program.

• Food industry will be required to clearly label all products containing any and all chemical food additives.

• Food manufacturers will be bonused for providing organic and whole foods to their product line.

• Food manufacturers will be assessed a fee by the insurance industry for producing fast foods, and those with chemical food additives. If these manufacturers produce products which make people sick, they need to 'pay the piper'.

• That said, those manufacturers will pass along the extra charges to their customers. Again, if these are the people who are driving up medical costs across the board, they need to be held accountable for their decisions.

• Industrial farms which use chemical herbicides and pesticides will be assessed a charge, as it has been proven that people become sick from these toxic chemicals in their food source.

• Factory farms (meat, poultry) and farmed fish companies will all be assessed charges for using chemical feeds and injecting foods with antibiotics/hormones and any other substance.

The bottom line here is responsibility and accountability. It's imperative to the sustainability of our nation and it's people to revisit the health care revision plan.

Respectfully, and in the very best of health,

Kristin Mills, ND, CNHP

9 Steps to Reverse Dementia and Memory Loss as You Age

2011-01-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

"The body is one integrated system, not a collection of organs divided up by medical specialties. The medicine of the future connects everything."

- Dr Mark Hyman

Dementia was the topic for a PBS TV panel at the recent AARP convention in Boston. Dr Mark Hyman was a speaker. There were experts on the panel, including a Harvard neurologist and a woman with mild cognitive impairment, and all agreed that memory loss is NOT a normal function of the aging process. Sadly, they didn't have much to offer in the way of prevention. Their only solution, according to Dr Hyman, was a "very bad a pretty ineffective selection of drugs with lots of side effects".

Dementia is on the rise. It's a big problem, and is growing every day. Ten percent (10%) of 65 year olds, 25% of 75 year olds and 50% of 85 year olds will get Alzheimer's disease -- at a cost of $60 billion a year to society -- with the number of cases expected to triple in the next few decades.

Dementia is now the 7th leading cause of death.

Is it preventable? I believe so. And so does Dr Hyman. He believes we can slow the trend and even reverse it.

Brain aging responds to all the same insults as the rest of the body -- stress, diet, toxins, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies, etc.

9 Steps to Reversing Dementia

Start by looking hard for correctable causes of memory loss. They include:

• Pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Low thyroid function
• Depression
• Deficiencies in B vitamins, especially vitamin B12
• Omega-3 fat deficiencies
• Mercury or other heavy metal toxicity
• Vitamin D deficiency
• High cholesterol
• Unique genes that predispose you to nutritional or detoxification problems

Doctors who practice Functional Medicine and follow Dr Hyman's principles discussed in UltraWellness can help you find these problems.

Once you identify the underlying causes of the imbalance, here are a few things that can help your mind get a tune-up:

1. Balance your blood sugar with a whole foods, low glycemic diet
2. Exercise daily — even a 30-minute walk can help
3. Deeply relax daily with yoga, meditation, biofeedback, or just deep breathing
4. Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement
5. Take an omega-3 fat supplement
6. Take extra vitamin B6, B12, and folate
7. Take vitamin D
8. Treat thyroid or low sex hormones
9. Get rid of mercury through a medical detoxification program

Dr Hyman says this is a start, but can go a long way to giving your brain a chance to heal and recover if you are already experiencing memory problems. If you're not suffering from cognitive decline, you should take these steps because they can help you prevent the aging of your brain and obtain lifelong health.

source:

http://drhyman.com/9-steps-to-reverse-dementia-and-memory-loss-as-you-age-2-3304/?utm_source=Publicaster&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=drhyman.com%20newsletter%20

issue%20#8&utm_term=Read+more

Monsanto & the Merchants of Death

2011-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

In the 1990s, Monsanto scientists gene-spliced corn, soy, cotton, and canola with foreign DNA, enabling these "Frankencrops" to survive massive doses of RoundUp, the #1 world-wide selling herbicide since at least 1980 (also brought to you by Monsanto). Farmers could repeatedly spray their fields with RoundUp, killing weeds but not the crop.

Unfortunately, the collateral damage of heavy RoundUp spraying includes groundwater pollution, toxic residues in crops, and destruction of essential soil microorganisms.

The Genetically Modified (GM) crops themselves create herbicide-resistant Superweeds and spread genetic pollution to organic and non-GMO crops as well as plant relatives. Last but certainly not least, Monsanto's GM foods have been linked to serious health damage - not only for animals, but humans as well.

Today, a major portion of cropland in the US is sown with Monsanto's "RoundUp Ready" corn, soy, cotton, canola, and sugar beets. Eighty percent of these GM crops are then sold as animal feed to the nation's 125,000 factory farms or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) that produce most of the non-organic meat, dairy, or eggs sold in grocery stores or served in restaurants, schools, and hospitals. The other 20% of Monsanto's Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are laced into non-organic processed foods (soy lecithin, corn or sugar beet sweeteners, cooking oils, etc.), and are found in every grocery store aisle.

There is a direct correlation between our genetically engineered (GE) food supply and the $2 Trillion the US spends annually on medical care, namely an epidemic of diet-related chronic diseases. Instead of healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, and grass-fed animal products, US factory farms and food processors produce a glut of genetically engineered (GE) junk foods that generate heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Low fruit and vegetable consumption is directly costing the United States $56 billion a year in diet-related chronic diseases.

Monsanto's GM crops are highly profitable for the food industry, turning cheap, federally subsidized, genetically engineered crops and GE-fed animals into cheap, ubiquitous, junky foods. But from the standpoint of public health and environmental sustainability, Monsanto and their factory farm collaborators are nothing less than merchants of disease and death.

A critical mass of consumers would turn away from GMOs and Factory Farmed meat, dairy, and eggs - if they knew what they were eating.

Please join and support the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) in their new Truth-in-Labeling campaign:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/donations.cfm

LNH NOTE: We've said it before, and we'll keep saying it -- Know your food source -- where it's grown, how it's grown. Read labels. Whatever you put in your mouth has a positive or negative impact on your body, mind and spirit. Don't believe me? Have you ever over-eaten? or took in more than your fair share of the 'party'? Then you know first-hand, not only did your body suffer, but your mood did, too. Chemicals, food additives, hormones and antibiotics driven into our food source make us feel sick and impede our quest for optimized health.

We suggest you consume organic, locally grown, hormone and antibiotic-free foods. If you don't have a local organic market in your area, look into a co-op. Information is available online to get started.

Healthy New Year!

Sharfstein Resigns!

2011-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

FDA scientific panel could have an impact on mercury treaty

14 days until mercury treaty negotiations, round two

Dear Friend,

We have news from Washington: Joshua Sharfstein, the FDA Principal

Deputy Commissioner who approved the abysmal amalgam rule after

Commissioner Margaret Hamburg claimed to be recused, has resigned.

Sharfstein’s exit allows new FDA leadership to take a fresh look at

amalgam, and we will continue to hold their feet to the fire. As Charlie

explained in his last email to you, the scientific panelists at the FDA

hearings told the agency to stop amalgam use in children, pregnant

women, and hypersensitive adults – and to put on consumer labeling

so everyone will know of amalgam’s toxicity!

We need to trumpet this good news from the scientists at the second

round of United Nations mercury treaty negotiations to be held in

Chiba, Japan two weeks from now. But Consumers for Dental Choice

still needs to raise $5600 to cover the expense of our international work

for this second negotiating session.

Please help us get our team – led by Charlie Brown – to Japan for the

mercury treaty negotiations!

As you’ll recall, last year Consumers for Dental Choice organized the

World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry; Charlie Brown was elected

president of this new coalition. Then, we led a delegation of dental

consumers and mercury-free dentists from all over the world at the

first session to negotiate a world mercury treaty, held in Stockholm

last June. Building a team of leaders from five continents, Charlie’s

hard-nosed approach is paying off – for us and for the children of this

world.

Already, Consumers for Dental Choice has achieved a historic

milestone on the world stage. The first draft of the international treaty

on mercury includes five products on the “phase out list”; amalgam is

one of them!

At the treaty negotiations, the tough work lies ahead. We must withstand

furious lobbying by the World Dental Federation (best described as an

“American Dental Association on steroids”) to keep amalgam on the treaty’s

“phase out list.” We must fight for specific steps the world can take to reduce,

then phase out, amalgam. FDA’s scientific panel has suggested a good start:

stop using amalgam in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant

women!

Folks, we ask for your help. Charlie Brown is now the world leader of our

movement, and it is essential he takes his seat at the table. Help our team get

to the second round of treaty negotiations now! Any amount you could

contribute would go a long way!

Please click here to donate via credit card* or mail checks to Consumers

for Dental Choice, 316 F St. NE, Suite 210, Washington DC 20002.

Thank you for your support as we enter the world stage!

Sincerely,
Sue Ann

Sue Ann Taylor
President, Consumers for Dental Choice
President, ZEEL-TV, Atlanta
6 January 2011

Click here to donate now!

* link also available at http://www.toxicteeth.org/donate.cfm

********

NOTE: LNH continues to support the tireless work of Charlie Brown,

Consumers for Dental Choice, and Californians for Green Dentistry.