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

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

n.

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

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.

OC

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

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

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.

OC

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

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.

OC

* 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

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.

OC

Charlie Brown at UNEP, INC2 Meeting

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#

OC