Everyone's all astir over the new "Obamacare" health plan, and it's really no wonder. Anytime big government gets involved, it always seems to lead to a disaster. What is really scary is this bill is supposedly over 1000 pages long, and when questioned on more than one occasion about something specific in the bill, President Obama says he "wasn't aware" it was part of the bill. I would think reading this thing and possibly taking a few notes would be a major priority since he wants to get it passed so bad. Of course, what do I know? I'm just one of the millions of Americans that has to live with the outcome, just like you.
I've never understood how insurance companies could complain about the high cost of healthcare (being the reason behind raising premiums) but never want to pay for preventative care.
About that Swine flu shot...
I'm seeing signs all over the drug stores to get your flu shot (with them of course). The flu shot the government is after everyone to get which is supposed to protect against the Swine Flu isn't even out yet. I guess the good news is instead of having to get 4 flu shots as it was when I first started reading about the new vaccine, now we're down to 2. I personally am not a fan of any flu shot, least of all one that has never been tested for safety in humans.
If that doesn't scare you, this should. Not only do they have no idea how it will react in children,
but the 2006 Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (the PREP Act) allows the DHHS Secretary to invoke almost complete immunity from liability for manufacturers of vaccines and drugs used to combat a declared public health emergency. This law removes your right to a trial jury unless you can provide clear evidence of willful misconduct that resulted in death or serious physical injury. But that's not all. First you must apply for and be granted permission to sue by the DHHS Secretary. Isn't that a bit like putting the fox in the hen house?
What it boils down to is we, the public at large are nothing more than "lab rats". The government and drug makers will worry about the side effects when they start getting reports, until then they'll just keep inoculating. In 1976 more people died from the vaccine (25) than from the flu (1). They ended up pulling the vaccine after only 10 weeks. Now, in a secret letter to neurologists because it seems to be linked to some killer nerve disease, there seems to be the same problem with this vaccine as there was then, plus one. They are using an ingredient they have no studies on at all to fall back on, to predict how humans will react. You can read the whole article about the secret letter here. I think I'll take my chances with the flu. In our county, they aren't even going to try to give it to everyone. They announced it would be too big an undertaking.
And then, last but not least...
Has anyone noticed how they are using pharmacists, nurses, doctors girlfriends to advertise Alli these days. Ever since they came out with the news that it seems to be linked to liver damage, I don't see much of Wynonna Judd as spokesperson. Feel free to read "I Knew Alli Was Too Good To Be True" here.
Health Care Reform?
Swine Flu Vaccine- Deadly or Preventative?
I'm getting a bit spooked lately. We're coming to the end of summer and soon the leaves will be turning color to bring our attention to fall. The children are getting back to school and soon will be bringing home the sicknesses ever present when a bunch of school children first get back together. In most places October marks the beginning of flu season and we see the warnings and advice to get our flu shots before the flu gets us.
What spooks me this year is they are already talking about getting flu shots and making it mandatory for school children due to the Swine Flu breaking out last year. I'm supposed to believe that this year's flu vaccine is perfectly safe for my children, my 78 yr. old mother and myself, even tho I can't see how they have had time to go through any testing or trials. Usually it takes years for Big Pharma to bring a product to market, even when they fudge the tests and lie about the outcomes. How is it that they can have a flu vaccine that is going to protect, is perfectly safe, and not harm my family even though they've only been working on it since last year?
As if that is not scary enough, they are suggesting Tamiflu for pregnant women. This is because complications may arize from the flu that require hospitalization. One example I saw on the noon news, they were actually giving the woman a double dosage, even though they have no idea what the effect will be on her unborn child. According to the "Patient Information" sheet supplied by the maker of Tamiflu, "Tamiflu is normally not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown." We're supposed to put our faith and trust in these doctors.
Once again I will have my family skip flu shots this year and use natural health measures to boost immunities rather than take a chance on Big Pharma's help. I don't want to find out later that it's hurting more people than helping as in the case of when they were going to make Gardasil mandatory.
First up is more Vitamin D. From an article I read they have basically come to the conclusion that flu season hits when it does because we are not out in the sunshine as much. The days are shorter and colder and our exposure to sunlight, especially on rainy days is minimal. A nationwide study in the U.S. found about 9 percent of the children were vitamin D deficient but 61 percent of them were vitamin D insufficient. Researchers are looking at possible new recommendations regarding how much Vitamin D and calcium we should be taking given these new statistics. Right now the recommendations are to aim for 800-1000 IU of vitamin D each day with at least 400 IU coming from food sources if possible. A multivitamin-mineral supplement may be the way to go to make up the remainder if you find that you are low in other key nutrients as well. If not, you could take a vitamin D supplement with calcium to help with healthier bones as well. When selecting a vitamin D supplement, select one that contains cholecalciferol or D3 if possible because of its better absorption. In addition, to maximize your supplement absorption, take your supplement with a meal or snack that contains some fat.
Even though it's taken some bashing in the papers, I personally am also a big fan of Echinacia. It comes in either a tablet or liquid form. For my family it has helped cut short colds and stopped colds from taking over when taken in advance to being exposed. I also believe in taking plenty of vitamin C. Being a smoker I use up just about all I take in. They say if you smoke you should take up to 3000 mg per day. The current recommendation from the FDA is only 250 mg which is just what's needed to prevent Scurvy. The more useful recommendation is approx. 1000 mg. per day according to the studies I've read.
One of the biggest things is to not believe everything Big Pharma puts out. Do some research on your own, and don't panic. For more information regarding symptoms, etc. see my post Swine Flu-Fact or Fiction