Healing Sports Injuries FAST!

When athletes get injured, they want to heal STAT so they can get back into the game ASAP! There are certain products, services and devices that help to speed up the healing and recovery process for athletes as well as non-athletes from injuries such as slip and fall, accidents, and even degeneration due to aging.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist, and Athlete, I have come across many helpful holistic healing agents* in my practice and I've also had the opportunity to test many of them out on myself (*holistic meaning non-toxic, non-drug, natural remedies). The following recommendations contain hyperlinks to the best products that I am aware of:

SPORTS MEDICINE RECOMMENDATIONS

For muscle tension I use topical magnesium spray. It's great for shin splints, muscle strains ("pulling" a muscle) and tight and sore muscles etc. Magnesium is an essential mineral for muscle relaxation. Epsom salt baths are effective because it is essentially a magnesium soak (and the Mg gets absorbed through the skin). I recommend 2 cups of the salt per warm bath with 1 cup baking soda (for detox, assisting with lactic acid removal) plus 10 drops peppermint essential oil (another natural muscle relaxer) for best results. 

Floatation tanks are amazing because they contain 1,000 lbs. of epsom salts and it relaxes the mind and body (remember, so much of sports is mental)! Float 8 located at 714A NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 has several floatation pods. My favorite room is the "cabin" because it has a high ceiling. They have an option for relaxation music or quiet, LED lights or dark. The no sound no light option is called sensory deprivation and some people report deep meditative experiences. Use discount code ag-547460 for $20 OFF your first float!

I also take magnesium orally. This is a powder that can be added to water. I recommend drinking it during workouts. I alternate with BRCAAs (branch chain amino acids for building lean muscle) in my water during workouts and sometimes I also use collagen (to offset wear and tear and prevent degeneration of the joints, especially the knees).  

Another topical ointment that is a must have in every athlete's home is arnicare. It is used for pain, inflammation and bruising and injuries where the skin is not broken. When the skin is broken, it may be taken orally to help the body heal itself faster.

There are various different herbal pain patches available (look for ones with menthol, and herbs that stimulate blood flow that have excellent reviews) that can be left on for 12 hours such as this one for knee pain. These types of patches are good because it is similar to kinesiology taping which stabilizes the injured joint and helps with alignment. There are countless menthol products such as biofreeze, IcyHot, and many others that have the same effect. The patch just keeps the substance in contact with the skin for a longer amount of time so it doesn't rub off on clothes or sheets.

Nutrition can help or hinder the body to heal! Fruits and vegetables and clean protein and lots of water help the body to heal itself by supporting the immune system. Drink smoothies, soup, and have fresh wholesome food when you are injured or sick to get the most vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients as possible. Dehydration can also contribute to muscle pain and subpar function and performance of the body. Sugar suppresses the immune system. Additives, preservatives, food coloring, artificial sweeteners and chemicals in the food (even pesticides) are substances which contribute to poor mental and physical health. 

Make sure you are well hydrated.  Avoid "energy" drinks.  They have too much caffeine and can cause dehydration, anxiety and heart problems.  Because athletes sweat a lot, we should also be putting electrolytes in our water to replenish what we excrete! Alkaline diet is anti-inflammatory so be mindful of eating more greens and fish and less meat and dairy.  The herbalist known as Dr Sebi helped people to heal from so-called "incurable diseases" using the foods in the book link.  As Hippocrates said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food!"  Alkaline water machines can be expensive but may be worth the investment.  You can also add chlorophyll drops to your water to make it more alkaline.

For a balanced diet, many athletes use the zone diet: 30% fats, 30% protein and 40% carbs. We all have different caloric needs based on our age, height, weight, genetics, physical activity, metabolism etc. Some athletes are trying to gain muscle mass and others may be wanting to get more lean. Using FREE Apps such as Better Human or My Fitness Pal can help athletes and nonathletes alike to obtain their fitness goals by tracking the foods that they consume and making sure they are eating in accordance with their goals. My favorite protein powders, health promoting supplements and nutritional products can be found here.

Acupuncture is great to keep the body balanced with optimal blood and energy flow. It can be used for prevention, maintenance, and treatment. Most acupuncturists also provide suction cup therapy (for muscle relaxation), infrared therapeutic heat, ultrasound therapy and other techniques that also help to stimulate and speed up the healing process of the body. According to the World Health Organization acupuncture is proven to be safe and effective in treating over 40 different conditions including: sciatica, sprains, tennis elbow, low back pain, knee pain, post operative pain, neck pain, periarthritis of the shoulder, and more! Get $25 OFF your first session when you mention this blog at Mibaso.org

Elite Athletes and Olympians Use Suction Cup Therapy!

I also go for regular tune ups with my chiropractor. I like to make sure that my spine and hips are in alignment, especially when I participate in high impact sports such as running and pole vaulting. In South Florida, I recommend Jillian Duquette. She is gentle and gets the job done without using excessive force. If you see her, please tell her that I referred you!

Many chiros and physical therapists use TENS units in their practice to contract and relax muscles which promotes circulation, lymphatic drainage, and healing. These devices are very inexpensive and can be utilized at home. Bruce Lee allegedly used TENS units to make himself look more muscular before shooting a movie!

Massage can also help to rehabilitate after injuries.  Sports Massage can be deep and painful and experienced practitioners can be expensive.  For affordable Swedish (relaxation) massage, I recommend supporting local massage schools such as Aveda.  Massage devices such as this one can be helpful as well and are often used by health care practitioners such as physical therapists and chiropractors. Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy are also worth looking into for energy healing.  Reiki is used in hospitals. They call it Healing Hands.

Yoga/Stretching, Foam Rollers and Exercise Bands are also very important. Flexibility is a key component to help people to bounce back from injuries faster. People who are more flexible are less likely to get hurt when they fall or have an accident that would otherwise hurt someone whose body is less limber. There are countless YouTube videos for Yoga, even specialty videos for specific concerns from herniated discs and beyond. Like everything, consistency is key. So daily practice, even 10 minutes per day is ideal. Exercise bands are ideal for resistence training. They help to rebuild muscle strength and improve range of motion without using heavy weights. Foam rollers allow self-massage and can be very beneficial.

If you have access to an infrared sauna or cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, those can also be utilized for athletes to help heal all kinds of injuries and ailments. They can be expensive therapies so it may not be so accessible for everyone (see Groupon for local deals and discounts). Some sports centers have ice baths for their athletes which would have the same effect as the cryotherapy. Ice and cold is best when the injury is acute (fresh, just happened). When it is sub-acute (up to 12 weeks post injury), alternating heat and ice (always end with ice) is a form of hydrotherapy which has the effect of pumping the blood through the body and helping the healing process. For a sprained ankle for example, put a hot pack (or enema bag) on the area for 3 minutes and then a pack of frozen peas or ice on the area for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle 3 times. The entire treatment takes just over 10 minutes and helps to promote healing.

Cabbage poltice is great for reducing inflammation. Watch this video to learn more about this cheap and effective home remedy:

I recently injured my shoulder (I could not lift up my arm) and had access to try a device utilizing PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) Therapy. It uses magnetic therapy to positively charge the cells in the body to aid microcirculation and promote healing. I can't say I understand exactly how it works but it is backed by 100s of scientific research studies and my experience with the treatment was very positive. In just a few sessions over the course of a week, the improvement has been dramatic! It's not 100% gone yet but I consider the speed of the healing process remarkable.

This 6 minute video gives a nice overview on this modality:

Post Haste Pharmacy in Hollywood, FL has this $6,000 full body Bemer mat and they sell 1 month treatment packages for only $99 (please tell them I referred you if you go). Or you can buy a disposable $22 device to treat small specific areas for about 25 hours of battery life (then you throw it away). I bought this home device and am happy with it (I sleep with it on). There is another option for about $1800 you can have your own full body mat set and have treatments in the comfort of your home for the entire family. I think this option would be ideal if you can spring for it (they offer payment plans too)! Just read the reviews, it even works on pets! (and comes with a 3 year warranty). NOTE: PEMF Technology is contraindicated in anyone who has metal in their body and not recommended for anyone with a history of cancer.  Consult with your primary care physician before starting this or any new therapy.

BALANCE AND MODERATION

As eager as we are for instant gratification, some things can't be rushed.  Ultimately healing takes time and returning to a sport before the body is ready can lead to more debilitating injuries.  It's okay to rest!  Listen to your doctor and your body, don't rush it.  Sleep is important for healing.  Make sure you are getting enough good quality sleep.  Experts agree that over-training is detrimental to progress and increases injury risk.  We often put too much pressure on ourselves.  It's important to participate in sports for our health and wellbeing and because we love it.  When we put too much pressure on ourselves it can backfire and the stress causes us not to perform our best.  Do things that nurture your spirit such as walking in nature, going to the beach (getting fresh air), music, art, dance, journaling etc.

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

Many people in the pole vault community follow Team Hoot on social media.  Shawn Francis is a tremendous resource for athletes.  His podcast contains numerous interviews with all kinds of experts who address the mental and emotional aspect of sports.  I highly recommend it!  As he says, "it's 80% mental and the rest is in your head."  So to be the best at your sport, you have to be your best mentally.  To cultivate a more relaxed and focused mind, meditation is a great tool and practice.  Here is a free guided meditation created by yours truly as well as some positive affirmations.  Hope you enjoy them!

One of my favorite remedies for stress and anxiety is Rescue Remedy.  It is available in many forms and flavors and there is a formula for pets too (when loud noises scare them such as fireworks or thunder).

The beauty of Naturopathic Medicine is that the treatment and the prevention strategies are often very similar.  So see what resonates with you from this blog and ask your health care provider to create a plan to put some of these strategies into action.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

I wish I knew all this stuff when I was in high school, lucky you!!! 😊

Your partner in sports, health & wellbeing,
Ahuva Gamliel, ND, AP

DrGamliel.com

PS Text me if you would like a customized optimal health plan (786)537-0771 

DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this blog is meant for educational purposes only.  It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.  If you have a health concern or medical condition, please consult with your doctor before utilizing any of the information in this blog.  Thank you!

No Gym? No Problem & NO Excuses!!!

Our fitness, health and wellbeing is in our hands regardless of what is going on externally. It is a responsibility that we cannot afford to ignore.  Exercise is crucial not only to achieve and maintain optimal physical health and wellbeing, but also for our mental and emotional wellness--to prevent or reduce anxiety and depression by secreting vital neurotransmitters from our brains that make us feel good.

Cross country high school race, San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon, Hollywood Beach 5K, Tour De Broward 5K 

INTENTION

I am sharing these FREE Tips and CHEAP Tools for health and fitness training because it's important to me to practice what I preach and I am passionate about sharing my experience and knowledge with others so that they can also achieve their 

optimal health and wellbeing. 

FITNESS IN THE AGE OF THE PANDEMIC
Well, times they are a changin' here in Florida with another round of business closures. And we gotta work with what we've got.  LA Fitness in South Florida was closed from March until June due to the pandemic but when they opened up, although I came on opening day, it was not the same.  It was nice on reopening day that all of the free weights were in their place for a moment but there were new challenges that made returning there undesirable.  Even though they set up sanitization centers, require masks, and took away 1/2 or more of the cardio equipment and also taped up every other machine, I didn't feel comfortable working out in the gym.  Even though I am not afraid of getting sick, I felt like there were the same amount of people there and half of the equipment so I felt like people were too close for comfort to me.  So back to square 1...

Due to the resurgence in case numbers, there is even talk of parks and beaches in South Florida closing again.  Walking, jogging, and riding your bike outdoors is challenging during monsoon season/ summer in Florida with our daily unpredictable rain storms.  Take advantage of good weather days by talking a walk in the park if it is open or around your neighborhood (with a good breathable mask if you have to).  I love using my ankle weights when I go for a walk or even going up and down a step in the park for 20 minutes to get more out of my workout.  Try it!

While exercising, I always wear my sweat bands.  I have different colors to match different outfits. I use the one on the right wrist to wipe sweat off of my face and I put ~10 drops of essential oils on the sweatband of my left wrist and sniff it for a burst of energy while I am training. I love using the wrist bands for cycling and running.  When you start to feel a little sluggish, it helps to put more pep in your step! Essential oils have great health benefits such as rosemary for memory, peppermint for sore muscles, ginger for inflammation, lavender for tranquility, and frankincense for immune function.

Another important exercise tool to have is an exercise mat.  The one in the link is great because you can roll it up and put it in your car and take it to the park or beach (if those options are available where you live). You can use it for doing planks, sit-ups, pushups, yoga, mat pilates, stretching and more.  It is especially important on hard surfaces such as tiles, hardwood floors and even the outdoors to protect your joints and provide padding and comfort for ease of movement.  When using the ab roller, for example, an exercise mat is important for cushioning and protecting the knees. I recommend doing 3 sets of 10 repetitions 3 times per week.

EASE OF IMPLEMENTATION
*The blue hyperlinks throughout this post are provided for your convenience.  If you have Amazon Prime, these items can be shipped to you very quickly and you can implement these recommendations pronto!

Notice my secret weapon sweat bands locked and loaded!

Another great workout that only takes a few minutes is jump rope. Many boxers use jump ropes as a means to quickly elevate heart rate, pump blood to the muscles and warm up for a more strenuous workout.  It is a great form of cardiovascular workout as it boosts circulation and coordination and does not require much time at all. If you have knee, hip or spine injuries this is not the activity for you--more non-impact options below.  Alternate activities that are similar to jumping rope and require no equipment include jumping jacks and burpees.  These also achieve the same kinds of benefits.

Jumping is fun because it connects us with our inner child.  I am a strong believer that whatever form of exercise(s) you chose to do, it should be FUN/enjoyable!  Otherwise if it is just a chore to check off your list, it is easy to push it off and eventually it can stop becoming a habit, and we want to build a lifetime of physical activity to prevent all the potential illnesses that go hand in hand with a sedentary lifestyle.  If you want to nurture and honor your inner child, consider getting a mini-trampoline and using that as an instrument of fitness and fun while living your best life. You can even get one with a handle bar for additional safety and balance by holding on while you do twists or splits in the air, if you are so inclined. So go ahead and jump for joy!

Notice my secret weapon sweat bands 

locked and loaded!

You can take exercise bands with you where-ever you go because they are compact and fit into your purse, backpack etc.(I store them in the small pouch under my bicycle seat) to get a little resistance training in. This helps to keep your muscles strong and prevent muscular atrophy.  Add these resistance bands to your gear for an additional strength training options.  When I ride my bike to the beach and back (12 miles roundtrip) I like to wear my neoprene shorts to make me sweat more (this helps with reducing excess water weight, inflammation and inches). I also like to wear them in the swimming pool for triathlon training because it makes me more buoyant and simulates salt water buoyancy. When the shorts are in the laundry, I alternate using my neoprene belt. The belt is also great to wear while weight training for back support and it also helps with maintaining good posture.

 Sunset resistance band training. 

Notice anything on my wrists?

As you can see, the good news is that there is plenty you can do at home or outside without needing a gym or relying on public parks to be open! Exercise is vital not only for physical health and wellness but also for mental health!  Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which are neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and preventing and treating depression and anxiety. 

There are so many benefits to exercise and you only need 20 minutes per day.

MEASURING PROGRESS/ SUCCESS
When you start working with a personal trainer, they take before and after measurements.  I encourage you before starting an exercise program (first consult with your primary care provider) to also take your own measurements.  You will be shocked and happily surprised at how much your body can transform in 1 week, 3, weeks,6 weeks etc.  Taking weekly measurements helps you to see results and improvements and motivates you to continue. This scale, for example, give you your weight, body mass index (BMI), % body fat, muscle mass, hydration and bone mass.  For a small investment, I think it's gives you a lot of valuable data to measure your progress and keep you on track. Also, sometimes you may have a stall in weight loss but may still be losing inches.  We all know that muscle weighs more than fat so I recommend to also take circumference measurements with a measuring tape of the abdomen, hips, (and chest, arms and legs optional) so that you can have more evidence of your success and progress.  If you already have a scale you love, you can opt for the hand held BMI and body fat measuring devices such as this one. I use all 3 of these in my practice to get the most information and to track the most transformation.

LOW IMPACT SPORTS
A non-impact sport that is great for anyone with joint or spine issues is swimming.  If you have access to a clean pool or safe open water, take advantage of that and swim.  Swimming is a great workout and also doesn't take long to boost your heart rate and derive health benefits such as improving metabolism and more.  I love my goggles (seen in the left photo below) that I bought online and use them every time I train for the swimming portion of my triathlon.  They provide great protection from the sun and the elements.

Swimming is a great full body sport and easy on the joints!

Let's talk more about cardiovascular exercise.  What additional options do you have? We can't always rely on the outdoors because of problematic weather such as thunder and strong winds which make it unsafe to be outside sometimes.  So we need to have more viable inside options.  You can dance, watch a yoga video, find tai chi, qi gong, zumba, belly dancing or other movement videos on DVD or online and do them daily.

I enjoy using my cycling peddler. I used to keep it under my desk in my office and use it at work! It's compact and stores easily in a closet at home.  The pro of this device is that since there is no computer, I can use it on Shabbat (the Sabbath) but the con is that it is a bit flimsy so in order to make it work, I have to prop it up against something so that it doesn't move.  Here is a demo video that I made for a friend of mine using light hand weights. This item is a must have for the home for upper body workouts! There are heavier, sturdier versions of this device which may be a better buy for most people, like this one. I like to listen to educational videos and lectures while I am working out. It makes the time pass faster.

Demo of peddler with hand weight exercise workout

I also love my little stepper It is very compact and I can do it in my bedroom while watching TV.  Even though it comes with built in resistance bands, I like to alternate with using my hand weights.   For upper body workout, I recommend this pull up bar device is easy to assemble and even easy to pack in a suitcase (been there done that!). You will be surprised at how much you can improve.  In the beginning if you can't do pull ups, just jump up and hold yourself in position to build your upper body strength until you can go up and down.

SELF CARE AT HOME
Getting to physical therapy appointments and other health care sessions can be more tricky now that social distancing measures prevent offices from having people in the waiting room.  Well, the good news is that there are things you can do at home. If you have any herniated discs, for example, I have found that the best therapy for me was ordering this inversion table.  In 2008 when I was 8 months pregnant I had a slip and fall injury and herniated 2 discs in my neck.  The nerve damage was so severe that I could not make a fist with my right hand (and I am right handed). I had to learn to brush my teeth with my left hand.  The inversion table healed me (Thank G-d). It is easy to assemble and the best investment I could have made!

A trick of the trade that Bruce Lee allegedly used on his whole body to tone and exercise his muscles is a TENS machine.  This device helps the muscles to passively contract and relax producing a boost in metabolism and resulting in better muscle tone and definition.  If you have any pain condition it can be used as physical therapy.  I used it when I was training for a body building competition and it seemed to work for me.  I recommend doing two 15 minute cycles on different settings, for example vibration and tapping.  

Working your muscles out in ways that they are not used to can make them sore.  A foam roller allows you to use your own body weight to self massage your tight to sore muscles and helps to bring relief to any discomfort.  

NUTRITION 

They say that 6 pack abs are made in the kitchen, so exercising without eating right won't get you far.  I use these glass meal prep containers to prepare healthy meals.  They are oven and dish washer safe. I love them and have traveled with them.  They are very practical and really a necessity if competing in body building, but also good to take to work or other places to be prepared with good food.  

The following natural supplements are also very helpful and beneficial in fitness training. L carnitine is an amino acid used in the fitness industry for fat burning. Unlike the hundreds of products on the market that promise results, this one actually delivers! When training for competition, I took 3 shots per day.  Now I take 1 shot per day and I add it to my daily morning organic green tea.  I steep 2 green tea bags (anti-oxidant) in 52 oz of boiled water with a pinch of fresh grated ginger (for digestion and circulation). If I don't have fresh ginger then I replace 1 tea bag with a bag of organic ginger tea. I add benefiber 1-2 packs because the Standard American Diet only has 8g of fiber and the recommended daily allowance is 25g per day. I add 1 dropper full of chlorophyll (alkaline pH, detox/cleanse and nutrient rich) and the juice of 1 lemon or lime.  When lemons are 89 cents each and limes are 10 for $1, I go for the limes! This is what I drink every morning and it's delicious!

This is my favorite amino drink that I use during workouts.  I also add a scoop of vitamin C powder.  

If you want a PLAIN protein powder that has no taste which you can add to recipes such as bread, pancakes, or any baked goods or if you are vegetarian or vegan and putting it into your sauces and recipes, this is my recommendation and what we use in my home.

For fruit smoothies, acai bowls, and coffee mixes (as an alternative to milk), I like to blend Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein Powder. It is vegan and kosher and yummy! They also have a delicious mocha flavor.

For chocolate flavor, I use this one.  It is much more expensive but it is much more than just a protein powder.  It has additional ingredients which would be equivalent to taking an additional 2 bottles of supplements, which in my humble opinion, justifies the price.  It's a quality and packet with vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and enzymes.

For those who are burning the candle at both ends, working late hours and not getting enough sleep, adrenal support may be in order.  I am preparing a talk on this topic and will post it to my blog ASAP! It's going to be called: Sugar, Sex, and Salt--what is the common denominator?

Bee pollen is a good source of natural energy and nutrition. It can be added to a smoothie or on oatmeal etc.

CONCLUSION

In life pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.  We can be triumphant in difficult times despite the extenuating circumstances.  We cannot use the global crisis as an excuse to fall into poor health and wellbeing.  We must do what is within our power to control and that is: what we eat and how we move our bodies!

 One of our patients has lost over 50 lbs during quarantine

 from March to July! Her cholesterol dropped 100 points and her triglycerides dropped 25 points. You can do it too!

If you need help with figuring out what to eat to reach your health and fitness goals, 

please reach out! mibaso.org 

(786)537-0771 M-F EST

Telehealth & mobile services Are Available!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Most of you know me as a health care practitioner (Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncture Physician). In Florida, Acupuncturists are primary care providers and we can bill some insurances. What you may not know about me is that I am a certified group fitness* and certified mat pilates* instructor since 2002.  I taught mat pilates at various gyms in Seattle, Washington while attending graduate school and have been a competitive athlete for the last 4 decades.  My love for sports started in elementary school.  I played indoor speed soccer, soft ball, basketball and ping pong competitively in after school tournaments at the Boys & Girls Club and I also performed in ballet, tap and jazz dance recitals.

*Aerobics Instructor, Aerobics & Fitness Association of America                           

*Pilates Instructor, NDETA: A National Fitness Professional Training Association  

Because of my athletic inclination, I was regularly chosen as team captain in PE (physical education) at school and I dominated in hand ball, tetherball, kickball, dodge ball and color war and led our team to victories.  In high school, I competed and lettered in varsity track and field and ran cross-country.  In college and beyond, I took surfing, martial arts and kick-boxing, yoga, African dance and tennis (no credit courses) because I always like to try new things and expand my sports repertoire with new skills that help in my overall athletic performance (now known as cross-training but didn't exist then).  In graduate school, I took up Latin Ballroom dancing, started running half marathons, marathons (even a rollerblading marathon around Lake Washington in the rain!) and ultra-cycling events (inter-state!).

After grad school, I competed in dozens of 5K races (even came in top 3 a couple times) and in a couple of body building competitions (and even got a trophy and a metal).  This coming fall, (unless the events are rescheduled due to the pandemic again), I am scheduled to compete in my first Spartan (mud obstacle) race and my first sprint triathlon.  Now that you have a little taste of my athletic background, you can understand why it is important to me to share with you the methods that I personally use to stay fit regardless of quarantine or no quarantine. 

Vax Facts (part 2) A Conscientious Decision Against Vaccinations

A Conscientious Decision Against Vaccination

By Ahuva Gamliel, ND, AP

This is part II of my objection to vaccination.  After part I, my pediatrician asked me to reconsider vaccines for Pertussis, and Meningitis due to HIB.  I went back to the books to gather more information about all childhood vaccines.

The book referenced here is called “The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child” by Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP.  In Dr. Sears pro-vaccine book, he gives me all the reasons and reinforces my decision NOT to vaccinate.  Here I go, bug by bug:

HIB (the bacterial flu bug)

This vax is typically given at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months, by AAP guidelines. 

According to Dr. Sears, “severe cases of this disease are now extremely rare.”  There are only about “25 cases per year in the United States in kids under five years of age.”  And, “a breastfed baby who does not attend day care is at a particularly low risk of catching this illness” (p. 9).  My guess is that those 25 cases were in children who have weak immune systems, live in unhygienic circumstances and were possibly malnourished or impoverished without access to appropriate medical care.

He says that he hasn’t seen a single case of HIB in 10 years of practice and that since the disease is so rare, HIB isn’t the most critical vaccine (p. 12).

Dr Sears states that in the vaccine trials, “more babies who received the vaccine caught a serious HIB infection than those who didn’t get the vaccine!” (p. 8).

It seems to me that the risks of the side-effects of the vax such as Guillain-Barre syndrome are more common and more threatening than the bug itself. 

According to the CDC, “The risk of Hib vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small.”  http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#hib

CONCLUSION:  My baby is breastfed and not in day care.  Therefore, she is at low risk for catching HIB, which is anyway a rare bug with rarely grave consequences.  Since the vaccine is known to have caused serious harm or death, why would I want to take that “small” chance???  No thank you!  We’ll stay healthy with breastmilk and naturopathic medicine and if need be, antibiotics!

Pneumococcal Disease (Pc)

This vax is also given at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months.

Despite the fact that the Merck manual states: “Immunogenicity and protective effects in children less than 2 years old have NOT been clearly shown” (page 1155).  “This vaccine is NOT recommended for children under 2 years old!” And that “The vaccine may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis…”

Dr Sears says that one of the side effects of this aluminum containing vax, is the “higher than average rate of seizures and other standard side-effects” (p. 20).

He says that “another reason some parents might decline this vaccine is that if their baby is breastfed and not in a large group day care, he has a lower than average risk of catching this disease.”

He says, “I’ve seen only one serious case of Pc infection in my office in my ten years of practice.”

Pc is treatable with antibiotics (oral or IV depending on the severity of the case).

CONCLUSION:  Based on the data above: we are not at high risk, the serious cases of this condition are rare, the side-effects of the vax are high, and the disease is treatable with ABT, my research supports my gut feeling against vaccination!

DTP

This aluminum and formaldehyde containing vax is given at 2, 4, 6, an 18 months.

The DT vax without the P also has “trace amounts” of mercury (less than 0.3 micrograms vs the 25 micrograms in the less expensive version).  If you want the low mercury form you have to ask for it!

Potential vax side-effects: shock, seizure, brain and nerve damage and dysfunction, Guillain Barre syndrome, encephalopathy, need I say more?

According to Dr Sears, Diptheria is extremely rare in the USA, virtually “nonesistent,” (p. 38).  He says, “I have never seen any diphtheria or tetanus in my office.”  It occurs in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Europe.  So we won’t be going to those places anytime soon!

Tetanus is not a disease of infancy.  It is very rare when it does occur in a child.  Virtually all cases occur in adults (by then hasn’t the vax effect worn off?  I know Heb B is only good for 10 yrs! And then boosters are needed.)    

Tetanus vax is available by itself but it “isn’t officially approved for younger kids yet” (p. 42).

As of 2007, there is no pertussis only vax available.

Pertussis is most serious in the first 6 months of life.  Although it is common (he sees one case per month), in his experience, all babies who were hospitalized for pertussis “pulled through without any trouble” (p. 45).

There is no pertussis only vaccine, as of 2007 (p. 38).

CONCLUSION:  Why inject my child with toxic substances to avoid diseases that are virtually non-existent in the USA, not occurring in children, and conditions treatable with ABTs that “run its course” without complications???  Seems like a no-brainer to me!

Hep B

This aluminum and formaldehyde containing vax is given at birth, one month, and six months.

Possible effects include: lupus, visual problems, severe rash, bleeding disorders, liver damage, arthritis, seizures, multiple sclerosis, Guillian-Barre syndrome, nerve dysfunction and more!

“The ONLY babies who actually need this birth dose are those born to a mom with hep B” (p. 53).  Yet it is given to ALL babies born in hospitals without discussing it with the parents first.  Why?  Uncle Sam and big pharma have a ve$ted interest in “protecting” everyone.  Good grief!

In infants and children is extremely rare (p. 51).  From birth to fourteen years there are only ~130 confirmed cases each year.

In most adults it passes without much consequence.  And when treated appropriately, 1/3 of people are cured, even kids. 

CONCLUSION:  We’ll consider this one when she’s a little older (teenager) and she’ll get it for sure if she goes into the medical field (since it is a blood born or sexually transmitted disease).

Rotavirus

Vax is given at 2, 4 and 6 months.

5-10% of infants experience “side-effects” of the vax including: seizures, intussuseption (life-threatening intestinal blockage!) that sometimes requires surgery.

Virus causes diarrhea (12 foul smelling stools per day) and vomiting.  This can lead to dehydration and worse.

It can be caught in day care centers that do not disinfect their toys daily and due to caretakers who do not wash their hands between diaper changes. 

By age 3 most kids have caught this bug as least once.  This exposure leads to life-long immunity.  Dr Sears says that, “infants who are breastfed and not in day care have a fairly low risk of catching this disease during the first year of life” (p. 69).

Treatment includes taking a probiotic powder and avoiding cow milk.  Easy enough!

CONCLUSION: We are at low risk, and the treatment has no side-effects while the prophylaxis may.  So we’ll skip this one!

Polio

Vax containing monkey kidney cells and human proteins (from embryos?) is given at 2, 4, 18 months and 5 years. 

According to Dr Sears, “there haven’t been any cases of  polio in the US since 1985 , when an immigrant came in with the disease.  No US-residing citizen has contracted wild polio (not caused by the vaccine) since 1979” (p. 72).  “The chance that an unvaccinated child will catch polio while living in the US is very close to zero (p. 77).

Side-effects of vax:  8 children each year in the US were being paralyzed by the vaccine” until the early 2000s!” (p. 75).

Certain countries in Africa and Asia have polio problems and vax should be considered when traveling to those countries. 

CONCLUSION:  Based on low risk, gross ingredients, and geographical considerations, we’ll skip this one for now.

MMR

Vax given at 1 and 5 yrs of age.

Measles is no longer a common condition.  We have only 50-100 cases reported each year (p. 80).  It is not usually a serious condition.  It usually passes in a week or so without any trouble.  Complications are extremely rare (p. 82).  If the disease occurs, it must run its course.  High dose vitamin A therapy can be used to lessen the duration and severity of the disease.

“THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FROM MEASLES, MUMPS, OR RUBELLA ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE VACCINES THEMSELVES!!!” (P. 82)

Mumps is not common.  In the past decade only about 250 cases have been reported each year in the US (p. 83).  According to Dr Sears this is not a disease to worry about in children.  For teens and adults, it can be more serious…

Rubella in children the disease is often so mild that is often goes unnoticed! (p. 84).  But because rubella can cause serious birth defects, “we vaccinate kids to protect pregnant teachers and mothers and their soon to be born babies”  (p. 85).  So the vax isn’t even to protect my child!  What the ???  I have to dump toxins and aborted fetal tissue etc in my kid to MAYBE help someone else.  No way, Jose!

“In the past few years, only about 20 cases have been reported each year in the US” (p. 85).  This condition is “virtually unrecognizable in children” and usually harmless for adults. It is not a fatal disease.  It runs its course and then provides immunity.

1/20 kids gets the general (mild) side-effects (such as aches, rash, and fever) which can occur up to 2 weeks after the vaccination.  The other possible side-effects listed in the product insert include: diabetes, bleeding disorders, life-threatening rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), nerve inflammation and dysfunction, eye inflammation and visual dysfunction, deafness, seizures, Guillain-Barre syndrome, inflamed pancreas, joint and muscle soreness, chronic arthritis, encephalitis, encephalopathy, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, autism, and even rare deaths from unknown causes!!!

Dr Sears says that “since the fatality or complication rates from these childhood diseases are fairly low,” there is no “ammunition” to convince parents to give their children this vaccine.

CONCLUSION:  All 3 of these viruses are uncommon and self-resolving without consequence.  The potential hazardous effects from the side effects of the vax are horrible.  I’ll have to take a PASS on this one.

Chickenpox

Vax at 1 and 5 yrs is made with MSG, gelatin, guinea pig embryo cells, human embryo lung cells, cow fetus etc.

Side effects include: bleeding disorders, Guillain Barre syndrome, encephalitis, severe life-threatening rash, cardiac events, etc.

Chickenpox is usually harmless and is only serious for people with compromised immune systems.  It is treatable with acyclovir.  If started within 72 hours of the beginning of the rash, it can make this condition less bothersome.  There is also a chickenpox antibody injection that can be given to people who are expected to suffer a severe course of the illness (such as elderly and immune compromised/HIV infected etc). 

Some kids may have had the condition without even showing symptoms.  If that is the case, a blood test can be done to see if they were exposed enough to become immune (p. 106). 

Dr sears says that if my unvaccinated child does not catch chickenpox by age 11, that I may want to get the shot then if the blood test shows she is susceptible.  He says that most parents would rather let their child get chickenpox and get it over with, than get the vaccine and have it wear off later.

CONCLUSION:  If someone has chickenpox, I’ll make sure Ariella plays with them so she can get this condition over with and be immune for later when it could be a problem.  The vax is unnecessary. 

Hepatitis A

This aluminum and formaldehyde containing vax is given at 12 and 18 months.  Most cases occur between ages 5-14.

Side-effects include: seizures (1/100 children age 12-23 months), Guillain Barre syndrome, encephalitis, encephalopathy, nerve problems, and multiple sclerosis.

“Most children who get the virus don’t have any symptoms at all” (p. 109).  Only 30% of infected kids six years and under even act sick with hep A.  Kids 6-12 are more likely to feel sick but their symptoms are usually mild.  Teens and adults recover in a few weeks with no ill effects.

Exposure to this condition yields lifetime immunity.  So it is better to get it young, get through it easier, and be protected for the future.

Dr Sears says that even in an outbreak, the vaccine isn’t critical since hep A is harmless to a young child! (p. 113).

States affected by this condition are Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Idaho, Nevada and California.  Other areas of the country see very little of hep A (p. 111).

Dr Sears says that you should get the combination Hep A and B vaccine if you “plan to go to a Third World country and get a tattoo, eat questionable food from a street vendor, and have unprotected sex with a stranger” (p. 117).  Glad to see the dude has a sense of humor

CONCLUSION:  We live in Florida, not one of the affected states, and it is a rather benign self-limiting condition.

Flu

Given at 6, 12 months and then once a year. Vax contains mercury, gelatin, formaldehyde, MSG

Possible side effects include: Guillain Barre syndrome, encephalopathy, facial and arm paralysis, visual problems.

Virtually all cases of the flu pass without consequence.  And the disease isn’t usually treated anyway, so why bother with the vax? 

There are less than 60 deaths per year in children up to 14 years old.  Complications of the flu usually occur in the elderly or people with chronic heart, lung, or immune system diseases (p. 121-123).  Children with asthma, diabetes or chronic health diseases are recommended to take the vaccine but otherwise healthy people do not need the shot.

People who SHOULD NOT be given the vax include those with: egg allergy, past history of Guillain Barre syndrome, and children routinely taking aspirin.

Antivirals can make the course of the disease milder.

Dr Sears says, “I feel that the potential severity of the flu for infants and children has been hyped up by the media.  The actual number of fatalities on this age group every year is extremely small.  Combine this with the high rate of side effects and the unusual chemical additives in the shot, and it’s no wonder some parents shy away from making this a routine vaccine for their kids” (p. 134). 

CONCLUSION:  See highlighted paragraph above by Dr Sears from p 134 of his book.  It summarizes my sentiments very nicely!

   

Meningococcal Disease and Vax

Given at 12 yrs old or upon entry to college or military.  Approval for children as young as age two is pending as of 2007.

Side effects:  Guillain Barre syndrome etc.

The condition occurs in dormitories but is not very common except in Africa in the “meningitis belt.”

CONCLUSION:  My daughter is not at risk for this rare condition as of now and the safety of this vax has not been proven.  I refuse to let my daughter be a guinea pig for drug companies to test their toxins on.  Sorry.

HPV

Vax for this STD is given at 12 yrs old. 

We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

FINAL ANALYSIS

According to Dr Sears, sometimes diseases such as pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis A, the flu, and rotavirus aren’t even recognized and the patient recovers without ever getting diagnosed (p. 31).  Furthermore, having exposure to these bugs grants lifetime immunity for prevention of future illness in the same individual.  He says that even mild cases of Pc or hepatitis may be self-limiting without necessitating treatment.

The issue of mercury in vax is still a concern.  Even when “thimerosal-free” vax are given, it’s not that they contain NO mercury, it’s that they contain LESS mercury.  You see, the big pharma can’t stand the thought of losing all that money on vax they already produced with mercury so what they did was to FILTER out the mercury in the vax so as not to lose all that product and money and market them as “thimerosal-free” even though they STILL contain mercury (p. 35).  The amount of mercury is ~1% of what used to be there.  Not all vax have mercury in them, but I recommend that a parent read the drug “product inserts” to see exactly what their child is being injected with so that they are not mislead by labels that are purposely deceitful.

One of the reoccurring themes in Dr Sears’ book was that children who are breastfed and not in day care are at low risk for these childhood illnesses.  He says that the reason why many of these seemingly unnecessary vax are given is in order to keep these illnesses away from out population forever.

Another reason cited for giving vax to children who don’t need them, was in order to protect the adults, especially pregnant women who work with them.  Excuse me?  You want me to inject my child with heavy metals, toxins, and other GROSS ingredients in order to protect YOU?  Are you kidding me?  If you want to use children as human shields, maybe you should market your toxic DRUGS to mothers of Hamas children.  They don’t seem to mind the idea!

Finally, to my dear pediatrician: I hope that this second research paper has convinced you that I have done my homework on this matter and that my decision NOT to vaccinate is based on thoughtful consideration, factual information, and most of all LOVE for my daughter and my innate motherly instinct to protect her from harm and to serve as her advocate as G-d has appointed me to do.  My motherly instincts tell me that there is something terribly wrong with the standard of care today and I will not ignore my gut feeling to follow the masses into their fate.

So to accuse me of “procrastinating” by not vaccinating “on schedule” is an insult to my intelligence and my right to choose.  I have made a deliberate decision not to vaccinate based on the information presented here, and not based on fear and ignorance.

Finally, you suggested, that both mothers of vaccinated and unvaccinated children should pray on their decision.  Here is my prayer. 

A Mother’s Prayer

Master of the Universe!

Creator of light and darkness,

Day and night,

Good and evil,

Life and death…

In your infinite kindness,

I beseech you to

Protect Your child

Who is in my care

You, the Creator of health and illness (sheloh nidah)

Please, Dear G-d, support me in my decision

Of keeping Your child, entrusted to me, safe from harmful and toxic substances.

Grant her total health and wellness-

That she should not fall ill to any predatory bug, critter, or any other ailment for that matter.

For in Your hands lies the fate of every one of Your children.

In Your Heavenly hands I entrust my spirit and my daughter’s.

Thank You Heavenly Father for supporting me in my decision

To guard Our daughter from dangerous medications with harmful side-effects.

Amen.

Sincerely,

Ahuva Gamliel, ND, AP
www.mibaso.org

Vax Facts (part 1) A Conscientious Decision Against Vaccinations

Dear Dr. Soandso,

Thank you very much for the brochure on vaccinations. After reading the information presented in the brochure, I turned to the Merck Manual to research the incidence, risks, side effects, and treatments for the preventable diseases that children are routinely immunized for.

I want you to know that I am open minded and I will change my mind on any of these vaccines if you can rationally justify their use and convince me of their necessity.

Here is what I found in the Merck Manual (MM) which both allopathic and naturopathic doctors consider the “bible” of medicine:

HEPATITIS B

This condition is transmitted through body fluids. If the mother is tested during pregnancy and does not have it, the child is not at risk of transmission. This is assuming that the mother is not a prostitute or IV drug user so she would not acquire the disease in the future and transfer it to her child in her breast milk.

According to my research, this vaccine was made mandatory in order to protect the sub-population of children of prostitutes and IV drug users (or recipients of tainted blood transfusion). Because this group could not be identified, in the interest of herd immunity, it was instituted for all children.

As a phlebotomist and lab tech in college, it was mandatory for me to receive 3 doses of the Hep B vaccine. In medical school instead of getting the vaccine again, I did a blood test, which showed that I still had Hep B antibodies in my blood. Therefore, my child should have the antibodies too.

Moreover, she is not receiving blood transfusions and will not be sexually active for many years. We will cross that bridge when we get there.

CONCLUSION: HEP B Vaccine is NOT indicated at this time because my child has no risk for acquiring the disease as of now.

DIPTHERIA (part of DtaP)

This was fascinating! Right out of the Merck Manual, “Infections CAN occur in immunized persons and is most common and severe in those partially immunized. Communicability in treated persons usually lasts for less than 2 weeks. In patients treated with appropriate antimicrobials, communicability lasts 4 days (page 2303).” According to the MM, this disease is treated with procaine penicillin.

Considering those facts, which were left out of the brochure for vaccinating (go figure!), it seems that the horse- derived antitoxin may not necessarily even be of benefit since immunized people can still acquire the disease!

The CDC brochure does state that, “Before the vaccine, diphtheria caused as many as 15,520 deaths in children during one year.” They do not state if that is a worldwide statistic or in the USA. I suspect it is worldwide and primarily in third-world countries where antibiotics were not readily available. Furthermore, the children who died of this or other bacterial/viral infections, most likely had weakened immune systems due to malnutrition and poverty conditions such as poor sanitation and hygiene.

CONCLUSION: Diphtheria is an uncommon condition (especially now that everyone else is vaccinated) and the vaccine may not even be protective against the condition. The disease is treatable with antibiotics therefore it does not pose a threat to my child’s life and there is no data to support injecting my child with this horse-derived vaccine that contains the following toxic substances and heavy metals: formaldehyde, aluminum, ammonium, and thimerosal (mercury). Note that heavy metals stay in the body forever and cause numerous health conditions unless eliminated via chelation therapy. Thanks, but no thanks!

TETANUS (part of DtaP)

This disease is not communicable from person to person. It lives in the soil and enters the body through cuts and puncture wounds (such as rusty nails).

Treatment: wound debridement (cleaning), general support, and antibiotics based on culture results.

CONCLUSION: If my child steps on a rusty nail, or gets a puncture wound and exposes it to soil we will immediately go to the doctor to receive appropriate care to prevent infection and complications such as sepsis. Therefore, I conclude that this toxic vaccine is not warranted. It is generally given along with diphtheria and pertussis and the combination vaccine contains: formaldehyde, aluminum, ammonium, and thimerosal (mercury). No thank you!

PERTUSSIS (Part of Dtap)

According to Merck, “Antibiotics given in the catarrhal stage may ameliorate the disease. The drug of choice is erythromycin (page 2308).”

Again, frightening and misleading statistics were purposely given by the CDC in order to make the vaccine seem lifesaving and necessary, when in fact, modern medicine can treat the condition in 14 days on antibiotics!

CONCLUSION: If my child gets whooping cough, we will immediately go to the doctor to receive appropriate care to prevent progression of the illness. Because it is a condition treatable in 2 weeks, I conclude that this toxic vaccine is not warranted. It is generally given along with diphtheria and tetanus and the combination vaccine contains: formaldehyde, aluminum, ammonium, and thimerosal (mercury). Yuck, Yuck, and YUCK!

The CDC website lists the following possible side effects to the DtaP Vaccine:

From http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#hepa

Moderate Problems (Uncommon)

· Seizure (jerking or staring) (about 1 child out of 14,000)

· Non-stop crying, for 3 hours or more (up to about 1 child out of 1,000)

· High fever, 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (about 1 child out of 16,000)

Severe Problems (Very Rare)

Serious allergic reaction (less than 1 out of a million doses) Several other severe problems have been reported after DTaP vaccine. These include:

· Long-term seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness

· Permanent brain damage.

HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B (Hib)

According to the Merck Manual, “Haemophilus species are normally found in the upper respiratory tract and RARELY cause disease! (page 1166).

Antibiotic treatment varies depending on the site of infection.

According to the brochure, this condition was responsible for the death of 600 children a year (before the vaccine). I suspect that those 600 children were immune compromised, malnourished, probably not breastfed, without medical access and/or lived in poverty conditions with poor sanitation and hygiene. I doubt if any of them were the children of naturopathic doctors!

The vaccine contains ammonium-sulfite, and thimerosal.

CONCLUSION: This is a RARE condition, which can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

PNEUMOCOCCUS

“Pneumococci commonly inhabit the human respiratory tract, particularly in winter and spring, when they may be cultured from up to half of the population!” Merck Manual page 1154.

The patients most susceptible to serious and invasive infections are those with serious debilitating diseases or

immunologic deficiencies. Pneumococcal pneumonia is highly prevalent among gold and diamond miners in South Africa and New Guinea (page 1154). Another reason not to marry a gold-digger…LOL!

This vaccine is recommended at 2,4,6, and 12 months of age despite the fact that Merck says that, “Immunogenicity and protective effects in children less than 2 years old have NOT been clearly shown” (page 1155). Merck says, “This vaccine is NOT recommended for children under 2 years old!” And that “The vaccine may not be effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis…”

Treatment: antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: Based on the above information and low risk factors, we’ll take the treatment over the prophylaxis.

POLIO VIRUS

There hasn’t been a single case of polio in the USA in over 20 years due to sanitation and clean water supply.

Merck says, “Overt disease is rare. Even in epidemics, the ratio of inapparent infections to clinical cases is > 100:1… Poliomyelitis may soon be eradicated worldwide! (page 2341).

Between 1980-1994 there were 124 cases of vaccine-induced paralytic poliomyelitis! (Merck 2342).

BTW The vaccine is made with monkey kidney cells!

CONCLUSION: If the condition is almost non-existent, why bother!?!

INFLUENZA

The scare-tactic data of soaring high death rates provided by the CDC in their brochure was from between the years 1918 and 1919. Hello? We have antibiotics since the 1940’s!!! That data is totally and completely IRRELEVANT! Are you kidding me? Using pre-antibiotic information to scare stupid people into taking the vaccine so big pharma and the gov can make more money off of us! Good grief!!!

The CDC has the audacity to state, “Before the vaccine” prior to their ridiculous statistics in order to make it look like the vaccine is what saved the day. NO, it should say before antibiotics, sanitary water, and hygienic living conditions!!!

Granted the flu is a virus, if it is left untreated the weakened immune system is susceptible to a super-imposed bacterial infection, which is what all those millions of people died from! No one EVER died from the FLU!!! See Merck page 1288, “ Although even healthy people demonstrate defects in lung clearance and ventilation for several weeks after acute illness, RECOVERY IS THE RULE in uncomplicated influenza.”

The CDC website says the following about potential adverse effects:

Severe problems:

· Life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

· In 1976, a certain type of influenza (swine flu) vaccine was associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, flu vaccines have not been clearly linked to G.B.S. However, if there is a risk of G.B.S. from current flu vaccines, it would be no more than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated. This is much lower than the risk of severe influenza, which can be prevented by vaccination.

From http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#hepa

Treatment: rest, naturopathic or homeopathic remedies, hydration, symptomatic relief to prevent bacterial super-imposition and appropriate antibiotics if super-infection occurs.

CONCLUSION: The CDC brochure is purposely misleading people into erroneous thinking by deliberately presenting skewed data! This is totally unethical and nothing less than outrageous! No one ever died from the flu. We can successfully treat it with modern medicine!

MEASLES (part of MMR)

Merck says, “In healthy, well-nourished children, measles has a low mortality rate unless complications ensue (page 2324).” The vaccine is not 100% effective. 5% of immunized children do not develop the antibodies (which is the protection against the disease) after vaccination (Merck 2099)! 15% of vaccine recipients develop flu-like symptoms, which last 7-11 days after the shot. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a slow virus infection of the CNS (central nervous system) associated with wild variants of measles virus. Whether measles vaccination “is associated with” (that’s candy-coating for “causes”) SSPE is UNKNOWN! (Merck 2099). OMG!

The MMR vaccine contains aborted fetal tissue and gelatin.

CONCLUSION: Keeping the child healthy and strong means we don’t have to worry about this one.

MUMPS (part of MMR)

This condition occurs in crowded places… and infants up to 1 year ordinarily are immune (Merck 2325)

It is less contagious than chickenpox or measles. The vaccine is not 100% effective. 5% of immunized children do not develop the antibodies after vaccination (Merck 2099)!

Prognosis is excellent in uncomplicated mumps (Merck 2327).

Note: The MMR vaccine contains aborted fetal tissue and gelatin. Rare reactions to vaccine include: encephalitis, seizures, nerve deafness, parotitis, purpura, rash, and pruritis (Merck 2099).

CONCLUSION: Risk factors are low since others are immunized and we don’t live in a crowded place. If she did get it, the prognosis is excellent so we won’t sweat it!

RUBELLA (part of MMR)

The disorders caused by rubella are transmitted from the pregnant mother to the baby! When I was pregnant, I was tested for rubella and did not have it. Therefore, my child does not have it!

Merck says, “In the USA, incidence is now at its lowest point in history!” (page 2327). And that, “Rubella requires little or no treatment.”

Note: The MMR vaccine contains aborted fetal tissue and gelatin.

The CDC lists the following possible reactions to the MMR vaccine:

Moderate Problems

· Seizure (jerking or staring) caused by fever (about 1 out of 3,000 doses)

· Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints, mostly in teenage or adult women (up to 1 out of 4)

· Temporary low platelet count, which can cause a bleeding disorder (about 1 out of 30,000 doses)

Severe Problems (Very Rare)

· Serious allergic reaction (less than 1 out of a million doses)

· Several other severe problems have been known to occur after a child gets MMR vaccine. But this happens so rarely, experts cannot be sure whether they are caused by the vaccine or not. These include:

o Deafness

o Long-term seizures, coma, or lowered consciousness

o Permanent brain damage

CONCLUSION: You heard Merck! Incidence is LOW and it does NOT require treatment!

VARICELLA (chickenpox)

Vaccine contains: MSG (a neurotoxin), guinea pig embryo, and aborted fetal tissue! Ewww!

Merck says, “Some infants have partial immunity, probably acquired transplacentally, until age 6 months (page 2330). And that the “nature of this disease” is “commonly benign.” Merck also states that, “Waning immunity in vaccine recipients…remains a concern undergoing prospective evaluation (page 2100).”

CDC Website lists the following possible outcomes from the vaccine:

Moderate to Severe Problems

· Seizure (jerking or staring) caused by fever (less than 1 person out of 1,000).

Note: MMRV vaccine has been associated with higher rates of fever (up to about 1 person in 5) and measles-like rash (about 1 person in 20) compared with MMR and varicella vaccines given separately.

CONCLUSION: This is not a life-threatening illness. We can deal with this virus if it happens by boosting the immune system with natural remedies!

HEPATITUS A

This condition is contracted via contaminated food/drink. It usually occurs in developing countries.

The CDC website says:

A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of hepatitis A vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. (ref: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#hepa

So they admit that the vaccine CAN cause harm or death. YIKES!!!

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_A

Hepatitis A does not have a chronic stage and does not cause permanent liver damage. Following infection, the immune system makes antibodies against the hepatitis A virus that confer immunity against future infection.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1991 reported a low mortality rate for hepatitis A of 4 deaths per 1000 cases for the general population but a higher rate of 17.5 per 1000, in those aged 50 and over. Death usually occurs when the patient contracts Hepatitis A while already suffering from another form of Hepatitis, such as Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C or AIDS.

Young children who are infected with hepatitis A typically have a milder form of the disease, usually lasting from 1-3 weeks, whereas adults tend to experience a much more severe form of the disease.

CONCLUSION: Based on the statistics sited above, my child is not as great risk for this treatable condition. Since Hep A is not a life-threatening illness, it is therefore not a necessary vaccination, in my humble opinion. I do not feel the risks (death etc) outweigh the benefits.

MENINGOCOCCUS

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meningococcal_disease

Meningococcal disease is not as contagious as the common cold (which is spread through casual contact), it can be transmitted through saliva and occasionally close, prolonged contact with an infected person. Further complicating efforts to halt the spread of meningitis in Africa is the fact that extremely dry, dusty weather conditions which characterize Niger and Burkina Faso from December to June favor the development of epidemics. Overcrowded villages breeding grounds for bacterial transmission and high prevalence of respiratory tract infections, which leave the body more susceptible to infection, also encourage the spread of meningitis. Most frequently hit are 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa's so-called "meningitis belt." This is an area where the disease is endemic: meningitis is "silently" present, and there are always a few cases.

According to the CDC brochure, there were (only) an estimated 125 deaths due to meningococcal disease in the US in 2004 (presumably children with sub-optimal immune status). Infants younger than 12 months of age have the highest rates of the disease, yet the vaccination is typically given at 11-12 years of age.

Merck says, “Certain other chemoprophylaxsis are recommeded, even though evidence from clinical trials is lacking!” (Page 1123)

CDC website says these are possible side-effects of the vaccine: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#hepa

Mild problems

Up to about half of people who get meningococcal vaccines have mild side effects, such as redness or pain where the shot was given.

If these problems occur, they usually last for 1 or 2 days. They are more common after MCV4 than after MPSV4.

A small percentage of people who receive the vaccine develop a fever.

Severe problems

· Serious allergic reactions, within a few minutes to a few hours of the shot, are very rare.

· A serious nervous system disorder called Guillain-Barré Syndrome (or GBS) has been reported among some people who received MCV4. This happens so rarely that it is currently not possible to tell if the vaccine might be a factor. Even if it is, the risk is very small.

CONCLUSION: The incidence is so small that the chances of having a complication due to this bacterium are negligible. If the bacteria is contracted and promptly treated, complications can be avoided.

ROTAVIRUS

Rotavirus spreads via direct contact with infected people or contaminated objects. It causes diarrhea. If left untreated it may result in dehydration and eventually death.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotavirus

By the age of five, nearly every child in the world has been infected with rotavirus at least once.[2] However, with each infection, immunity develops, subsequent infections are less severe,[3] and adults are rarely affected.[4] There are seven species of this virus, referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Rotavirus A, the most common, causes more than 90% of infections in humans. There are (only) 20-60 deaths per year in the USA due to severe dehydration.

By the age of five, nearly every child in the world has been infected with rotavirus at least once.[2] However, with each infection, immunity develops, subsequent infections are less severe,[3] and adults are rarely affected.[4] There are seven species of this virus, referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Rotavirus A, the most common, causes more than 90% of infections in humans.

Rotavirus infections rarely cause other complications and for a well managed child the prognosis is excellent.

CONCLUSION: Considering the low mortality of this condition and the fact that an infection promptly treated has excellent prognosis, I would therefore be inclined to think that this too is an unnecessary vaccination.

MY HUMBLE FINAL ANALYSIS

I found the brochure of the CDC to be extremely biased and fear-based. It is clear that the layperson reading it would be convinced to do all the vaccines based on the one-sided information provided. Any uneducated adult reading that brochure would come away thinking that it would be neglectful and unthinkable NOT to vaccinate based on the horrendous pictures of the disease infected individuals, several of which were CLEARLY from third-world countries (see tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles).

Even the Merck manual states that most of the bacterial/viral infection-related deaths happened in immune compromised individuals such as those in third-world countries, IV drug users, HIV infected, elderly or young and that the prognosis of those conditions is worse if the treatment is delayed. Therefore, a breastfed, strong child who lives in America under sanitary conditions, and who is otherwise healthy does not seem to be at risk for the fatal statistics presented by the CDC. If the child is sick and taken to the doctor immediately, the appropriate therapy may be promptly applied thus preventing the possible sequelae presented in the CDC literature.

In the CDC brochure, they do admit that “No medication is 100% safe,” but they downplay the potential adverse reactions by claiming that the benefits (to the population) outweigh the risks (to the individuals). This is the argument that they constantly make. They claim that there is “no credible data to suggest thimerosal in vaccines poses a health risk.” If that is true then why was over 1.5 BILLION DOLLARS awarded to families by the US government due to vaccine related injuries and deaths?!? (ref: www.vaccinenation.com)

They purposely hide the “evidence of harm.” The studies that are done to “prove” that vaccines are safe are done by universities but they are funded by the Big Pharma who have a ve$ted interest in those results which means those data are NOT reliable since it is tainted.

On the CDC website, they say that, “Like any medicine, a vaccine is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.” However, in the section entitled “What is a Vaccine Made of? They purposely omit things like formaldehyde, heavy metals, aborted fetal tissue, guinea pig embryo and horse tissue.

The vaccine industry is playing on the fear of the parent. The government and big pharma pretend to be interested in “protecting” the people but are really interested in keeping their billion-dollar corrupt business partnership running. It is outrageous!

Any conscious adult who did a little research would find that there is NO data to support giving all 14 CDC recommended vaccinations to every child born in the USA.

As more and more parents are becoming enlightened on this matter, they will find ways to truly do what is in their child’s best interest. With the multi-media avenues that are being utilized to educate the public on health concerns, it is just a matter of time before this vital information reaches everyone. Then doctors and the government will not be able to control the masses so that they may make a profit. And let us say, Amen!

THIS IS A ***MUST SEE*** 90 minute documentary called Vaccine Nation!

By Ahuva Gamliel, ND, AP
www.mibaso.org