Naturopathic News

Naturopathic Doctor interviewed regarding Swine Flu2010-01-07

Dr. Chris Maloney, ND interview about the Swine Flu. To listen, go to: http://archives.weru.org/wp-content/2009/HealthOps-20091007.mp3

Naturopathic medicine can lessen effects of flu2010-01-07

The following article appeared in the Kennebunk Journal on 10/29/09 A link to the article online can be found at: http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/view/letters/7024718.html Concerned parents need more than reminders to get children vaccinated. According to peer-reviewed studies, the "regular" flu vaccine has no effect on the new H1N1 virus (CDC and Australian Pandemic report, Aug. 2009). If the new swine flu vaccine conforms to the regular models, it will only provide 6 percent to 15 percent protection against the flu (Cochrane compilation of all studies). It will have no effect on deadly complications in any population group (Cochrane). No study of flu vaccinations has shown any benefit for children under 2, and every year half of those killed from vaccine side effects are under 2 years old. (Cochrane and CDC data for the last 10 years). Those promoting vaccination should provide published research to inform patients. Parents waiting for vaccinations can provide their children with black elderberry, which blocks the H1N1 virus. A single garlic capsule daily cuts in half the incidence and the severity of a flu episode for children. We all need to remember that increased stress doubles the risk of contracting the flu and losing sleep over it can raise your risk of the flu fivefold. Supplying children with probiotics (yogurt, fermented products, capsules) can lessen the nausea and diarrhea associated with this flu strain. We can weather this flu season with common sense and wise choices. Dr. Christopher Maloney Augusta Dr. Maloney is licensed by the state of Maine as a naturopathic doctor, who, according to state law may use and order for preventative and therapeutic purposes natural therapies and medications, including natural antibiotics and topical medicines.

The Diseases and Their Vaccines by Dr. Morgan J. Titus Rau, ND2009-10-08

MMR: MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA Measles, Mumps, and Rubella viral infections are often subclinical, meaning that the child may be fighting the virus but not express any serious symptoms. Antibody titers may show existing natural immunity due to past infection, though the person may not remember ever having the disease. Common reactions to MMR Vaccination: fever and rash 7-10 days after vaccination (usually due to the measles component). Measles (Rubeola) The infectious agent associated with measles is the Rubeola virus. Measles is a highly contagious infection spread by respiratory droplets. Measles outbreaks are common in both the immunized and non-immunized communities. Hospital or clinic waiting rooms have been shown to account for up to 45% of known exposures to measles. Measles was considered to be eradicated from the U.S. in 2000. An average of 150 cases are reported in clusters yearly in the U.S. These cases have been related to measles imported from other countries. No deaths were reported in the recent outbreaks. The incubation period after exposure is 8-12 days, with onset of the rash around 14 days. Patients are contagious for 2 days before the onset of symptoms until 5 days after the appearance of the rash. Symptoms include a red rash on the face, neck, and abdomen that spreads from the head to the feet, sore throat, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen. Complications of the disease include dehydration, diarrhea, otitis media, pneumonia, croup, myocarditis, pericarditis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and encephalitis. Mortality from the disease occurs in 1-2 of every 1000 cases in the U.S. Approximately 1 in 100,000 cases of measles cause a brain inflammation called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which is fatal. If the mother has experienced natural infection, passive immunity may be conferred to the baby for 6-12 months. Treatment of measles in the hospital includes vitamin A therapy, fever reduction, fluid replacement, and room humidification to help reduce cough. In general, measles is considered to be a mild disease of childhood. The measles vaccine is an attenuated live virus variety derived from chick embryo cell culture. Duration of immunity is unknown, although it appears to be limited. A booster is usually suggested when the child is 4- 6 years of age. Natural infection provides lifetime immunity. A shift in the incidence of measles occurred coincident with mass immunization. Prior to this period, measles was primarily a disease of childhood. Now infants and adults are at greatest risk for contracting a measles infection because the infant‟s vaccinated mothers do not pass on natural immunity, and the adult‟s vaccination „wears off‟ and no longer protects them from the disease. Unfortunately, these age groups are also at much greater risk for serious complications from the disease, which accounts for the increased mortality rate. Mumps The infectious agent associated with mumps is the mumps virus. Transmission of the disease is by respiratory droplet or direct salivary contact. In most years, there are less than 100 reported cases in the United States. In 2006 an outbreak of an imported virus resulted in 6500 reported cases. There were no deaths. 84% of those reported had previously been vaccinated. The incubation period after exposure is 12-25 days. Symptoms include painfully enlarged salivary glands, fever, anorexia, body aches, headache, and difficulty swallowing. Viremia may spread to the gonads, pancreas, and meninges. The disease is most contagious 1-2 days before swelling begins. Very rare complications include deafness, ocular involvement, sterility, and inflammation of the meninges, brain, ovaries, testes, pancreas, kidneys, thyroid gland, heart muscle, breast tissue, or joints. The meningitis associated with mumps virus is the most frequent complication, but it is usually the benign “aseptic” form. Treatment in the hospital is generally supportive (fluid replacement, rest, fever reduction, pain reduction, monitoring). The swelling disappears by 1 week, and if testicular pain occurs, it is usually gone by 4-6 days. Testicular atrophy is common, but infertility is rare. Mumps is typically a mild disease of childhood. Mumps is reported to have a <2% death rate globally. The mumps vaccine is an attenuated live virus variety derived from chick embryo cell culture. As with measles, the immunity provided seems to diminish over time. If the natural infection is contracted, it offers lifetime immunity. Significant numbers of mumps infection occur in those previously vaccinated against the disease. Rubella (German Measles) The infectious agent associated with German Measles is the Rubella virus. Transmission of this disease is by respiratory droplet or direct contact with nasal secretions. Rubella was considered eradicated in the U.S. in 2004 (less than 10 cases per year). Outbreaks in non-vaccinated individuals occurred in 1999 (83 cases) and 2001 (23 cases). Infection with rubella is contagious 7 days before the rash and 14 days after, but most contagious at the onset of the rash. Symptoms include a 3-day rash that does not coalesce, begins on the face, then progresses to the truck and extremities, conjunctivitis, arthritis, and lymph node swelling around the neck, ears, and back of the head. Rare complications include arthritis, encephalitis, bleeding, thrombocytopenia, orchitis, and neuritis. As a childhood infection, the disease is quite mild with very rare complications. This disease puts the unborn fetus at significant risk. This is especially true during the first trimester of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman acquires a rubella infection and passes it on to her baby, the developing fetus is at risk for congenital heart disease, eye and visual defects, deafness, mental retardation, and death. All girls of childbearing age should be screened for adequate anti-rubella antibody levels. If levels are inadequate, they should strongly consider being immunized. The rubella vaccine is an attenuated live virus variety derived from human tissue cell culture. Unlike the natural infection, which provides lifelong immunity, the protection derived from the vaccine is limited. Those who require absolute protection against infection are women of childbearing years. The full vaccination series is reported to be effective for up to 15 years in 90% of those vaccinated. If a girl receives immunization at a young age, she may not have the desired level of immunity when she needs it most. POLIO The infectious agent associated with polio is Poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. It is spread by the fecal-oral route. The disease is now quite rare. On average, 13 cases per year occur in the U.S. with virtually all cases resulting from the oral polio vaccine. Over 90% of polio cases present as minor illnesses. Paralytic cases are extremely rare. There is no allopathic treatment. Two polio vaccines are available. The Sabin oral polio vaccine (OPV) is an attenuated live virus version. It has the advantages of providing intestinal immunity and protecting against natural infection. On the down side, live poliovirus from the OPV can be shed in the stool. Transfer of virus in this manner can result in vaccine-associated paralytic polio in the recipient or in his/her social contacts. The injectable Salk inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is a killed cell version. It protects against stool transfer of live virus and paralytic disease, but it does not produce intestinal immunity. One vaccination strategy suggests giving the first two doses of polio vaccine in the injectable form and the third dose in oral form. HEPATITIS B The infection associated with Hepatitis B is a virus. Transmission of the virus to children is through birth to infected mothers, exposure to infectious maternal blood, saliva, stool, urine, or breast milk, or through contaminated blood products. Adult transmission is through unprotected sexual contact and shared needles. Neonates infected with HBV develop a disease pattern of hepatitis that closely resembles adult “chronic persistent hepatitis”. Long term prognosis is not known, though there is evidence of an increased risk of liver disease. Rare symptoms include acute hepatitis, jaundice, lethargy, failure to thrive, abdominal distention, and pale stools. Severe cases may show signs of hepatomegaly, ascites, and elevated bilirubin, and may be fatal. The most severe cases appear to be born to mothers that are chronic carriers of hepatitis B, not to those with acute hepatitis B. Treatment depends on symptoms and includes adequate nutrition and monitoring of liver function. Breastfeeding does not appear to increase the risk of postpartum transmission of HBV, especially if vaccination has been given to the infant. Vaccination against HBV can reduce the risk of Hepatitis B infection by 90%. Post-exposure vaccination is recommended for newborn infants of HBsAg-positive mothers. Vaccination is not effective for elimination of existing HBV infection. Pre-exposure vaccination is usually advised for individuals at risk of exposure to HBV (health care personnel, patients using hemodialysis, IV drug users, anyone participating in unprotected sexual contact). New guidelines in many states require that children be vaccinated against Hepatitis B prior to starting school. VARICELLA The infection associated with Varicella (Chicken Pox) is a form of herpes virus. It is transmitted by respiratory secretions, and usually occurs in childhood. Immunity from natural disease is usually life-long, but re-infection can occur (shingles). Chicken pox is most severe in immuno-compromised individuals, infants over 3 months of age, adolescents, adults, individuals on IV steroid or long-term aspirin therapy, and individuals with pulmonary disorders. Incubation is 10-21 days after contact, and the disease is contagious 2 days before the onset of the rash until 5 days after lesions stop appearing. Symptoms include crops of vesicles that appear anywhere on the body every 3 days. Congenital varicella syndrome is caused by maternal infection with varicella during the 1st or 2nd trimesters of pregnancy, and involves limb atrophy, scarring of the extremeties, central nervous system problems and eye problems. Complications include secondary bacterial infection, pneumonitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, hepatitis, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, bleeding, nephritis, transverse myelitis, encephalitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, arthritis, and death. Varicella is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of death. Adults who have never been exposed to chicken pox are 35 times more likely to die of varicella than healthy children who contract the disease. Treatment includes isolation, acyclovir (antiviral medication), avoidance of salicylates (aspirin), and rest. Vaccination against varicella began in 1995, and involves subcutaneous injection of the vaccine. Duration of immunity has been shown to persist for 10 years, and has been shown to have 84% efficacy. Breakthrough varicella is contracture of the disease despite vaccination, and now represents 25% of all varicella cases. Adults that were vaccinated against varicella have an increased risk of developing shingles. HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS The Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are over 40 types of HPV virus which can infect the skin and mucus membranes of male and female genitalia. Some types, considered “low risk”, cause genital warts. Others, considered “high risk”, may cause cervical cancer in women. At least half of all sexually active individuals acquire an HPV infection at some time. 90% of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 2 years. About 10% of women with “high risk” infections will have changes to the cells of their cervix that may become cervical cancer. Long-lasting infection may (rarely) progress to vaginal, vulvar, anal, or penile cancers. Regular papanicolau (“pap”) smear screening for cervical changes can monitor women‟s risk for developing cervical cancer. Condoms may reduce the risk of transmitting HPV, but they are not fully protective. Vaccination against 2 of the most common “high risk” strains (HPV 16 and 18) and 2 of the most common “low risk” strains (HPV 6 and 11) of HPV has been available since 2006. The vaccine also contains aluminum, yeast protein (caution to those with yeast allergies), and other additives. In June 2009, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System released statistics that, out of 25 million doses of the vaccine, 14000 adverse events had been reported. (It should be noted that VAERS reporting likely represents approximately 10% of the actual adverse events which occur after vaccination.) Of those reported, 93% were considered “nonserious”, including fainting and seizures. 7% were reported “serious”, including Guillan-Barre Syndrome, blood clots (related to concomitant oral hormonal contraceptive use) and deaths. The CDC has denied that the 43 reported deaths were vaccine-related. DTaP: DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, acellular PERTUSSIS Common Reactions to DTP Vaccination: pain at the injection site, mild – moderate fever (100o-104oF rectally), fussiness, swelling or redness at the injection site, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Less common reactions include anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, rash, Guillain Barre syndrome (polyneuropathy), and thrombocytopenia. When To Call The Doctor: If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms within 48 hours of DTP injection, call the doctor‟s office. The doctor will report the response to the Monitoring System for Adverse Events Following Immunization at the Centers for Disease Control. It may take up to a week for symptoms of brain inflammation, such as convulsions or altered states of consciousness, so monitor your child carefully. • High-pitched, persistent crying for more than 3 hours • Excessive sleepiness (difficult to wake the child) • Unusual limpness or paleness • Rectal temperature greater than 104oF (oral temperature 103oF or greater) • Convulsions Diphtheria The infectious agent associated with Diphtheria is a bacteria. It is spread by either direct contact or by droplets produced from sneezing or coughing. Diphtheria is a rare disease today, with the last reported imported case in 2003. 41 cases were reported between 1980 and 1995, 4 of which were fatal. Once a disease of childhood, most cases now occur in the indigent adult male population. In infants this disease usually occurs during the first year of life. The overall mortality rate is about 3.5-12% of all cases worldwide. Death may result from a membranous obstruction of the respiratory passages or from infection of the heart or nerves by the diphtheria toxin. If the mother is immune, passive immunity is conferred to the baby and lasts about six months. Symptoms of diphtheria include nasal discharge, a nasal or pharyngeal membrane, respiratory distress, stridor, cough, hoarseness, paralasis of the palate, neck swelling, cervical lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, otitis externa, or (in tropical areas) non-healing skin ulcers with a gray membrane. Rare complications include cardiotoxicity, neurologic toxicity, paralysis of the eyes or diaphragm, peripheral neuropathy, and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Conventional treatment of diphtheria includes antitoxin and antibiotics. It has also been treated using homeopathy with statistically significant efficacy. Delay of treatment increases mortality. The Diphtheria vaccine is a toxoid, meaning it is a formaldehyde treated diphtheria toxin derived from culture. Diptheria toxoid is part of the DPT injection. It can also be given alone or in combination with tetanus toxoid. In theory, toxoid type vaccines contain no bacterial components and are considered to be among the safest that are currently available. The vaccine is reported to be effective for up to 10 years. Tetanus The infectious agent associated with tetanus is a bacteria which produces a potent neurotoxin. The spores of this bacteria are commonly found in the soil. Infection usually occurs when a puncture, cut or abrasion is contaminated with the organism. The spores thrive in unclean wounds that heal at the surface level, leaving an anaerobic environment for the bacterium to produce the neurotoxin. Proper cleaning and healing of wounds is essential for the prevention of tetanus infection. Symptoms of tetanus include lockjaw (wrinkling of the forehead, distorion of the eyebrows and corners of the mouth), fever (later), tonic contractions of the muscle groups causing painful spasms and difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, flushing, and hypertension. Complications are related to the severe muscle contractions that can cause vertebral compression fractures, hemorrhages, respiratory failure, and aspiration pneumonia. Tetanus is now rare with an average of 43 cases reported in the U.S. per year. It occurs almost exclusively in the unimmunized or underimmunized. Death occurs in 30-90% of all cases of tetanus. In 2006 there were 290,000 deaths reported worldwide. Modern high-tech hospital care has significantly reduced the death rate from tetanus infection. It is still, however, a very serious disease. Regardless of underlying health and vigor, a child infected with Tetanus suffers a high risk for lockjaw or death. Treatment of tetanus is an emergency, and includes hospitalization, heart and respiratory monitoring, possible tracheostomy to prevent fatal laryngospasm, IV nutrition and hydration, antibiotics, sedatives, tetanus immune globulin or antitoxin, and neuromuscular blocking agents to prevent muscle spasms. The Tetanus vaccine is a toxoid, meaning it is a formaldehyde tetanus toxoid. It is part of the DPT injection. Tetanus toxoid can also be given alone or in combination with diphtheria toxoid. The toxoid type vaccines are considered among the safest currently available. The Tetanus vaccination is nearly 100% effective in producing immunity. It also has the best safety record of any currently used vaccine. Since the beginnings of tetanus vaccination, the occurrence of the disease has dropped from 40 / 10 million to 2 / 10 million. Pertussis The infectious agent associated with pertussis is a bacteria. It is spread by the respiratory droplet route and is highly contagious. Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, is not a rare disease. Approximately 2000 - 3000 cases are reported in the U.S. every year. The incidence of the disease tends to wax and wane (8000 cases were reported in 2002). There is a rising incidence of pertussis diagnosis since 1992 despite rising vaccination rates. This may be due to improved testing or previously overlooked cases being tested. Pertussis is considered endemic despite high rates of vaccination, as the effect of the vaccine wanes quickly. Many cases likely go unreported due to mild symptomology. Newborns are susceptible despite maternal immunity. Symptoms occur in 3 stages. The first stage lasts 1-2 weeks and appears as an upper respiratory infection (runny nose, fever). The second stage lasts 2-4 weeks and is characterized by a paroxysmal, whooping cough that can cause cyanosis and vomiting. The third stage, convalescense, lasts 1-2 weeks but the cough can persist for months. In children under one year of age pertussis can result in significant complications such as bronchopneumonia, encephalopathy, lung complications, or even death. In most cases the disease is not serious and can be effectively treated with conventional (antibiotics, cough suppressants, observation) and natural therapies. The pertussis vaccine is part of the DPT injection. It is a killed cell preparation derived from cultures of the Pertussis organism and is the most controversial vaccine of all. The medical and lay literature is filled with documented cases of serious side effects and death from this vaccine. A newer acellular vaccine (DTaP) is preferred and appears to have fewer side effects, but it is too early to know for sure. It is considered 88% effective. Booster vaccinations are sometimes recommended for adults, not because they are at serious risk of infection but because they risk spreading the infection to young infants. Deaths related to pertussis have been in children too young (<4 months) to receive the full vaccine series. HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA TYPE B (Hib) The infection associated with this organism is not the common viral flu. Hib is a bacterium found in some forms of meningitis, epiglottitis and pneumonia and is considered a medical emergency. The peak incidence is between 6 months and one year of age. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis include stiff neck (in older children, but in younger children with poor muscle tone, this symptom may not be seen), crying that increases when the child is picked up, and flaring of the skin when stroked. Symptoms of epiglottitis include anxiety, preference to sit up or lean forward with the head extended, labored breathing, drooling, inspiratory stridor (noisy inward breaths). If these symptoms occur, no one should attempt to open the mouth or examine the throat. Some of the consequences of Hib infection can be severe. Complications include seizures, long-term neurological complications, and hearing loss in up to 25%. Breast feeding longer than 6 months is protective against Hib. Day care outside the home is a major risk factor for contracting the disease. Approximately 500 cases are reported in the United States each year. 3-6% are fatal, 20% result in permanent hearing loss. The original version of the vaccine was made from polysaccharide components of the bacterial capsule. It produced inadequate immunity in children less than 18 months of age. The newer Hib vaccine is a conjugate of the bacterial capsule and a protein. Diphtheria or tetanus toxoid is commonly used as the conjugate protein, which means that Hib is given with the DTaP vaccine, and carried to the immune system by them. While reports of efficacy remain mixed, the conjugate vaccine is much more effective in the under 18 month old age group who are most at risk from Hib disease. Many studies show a 40-60% reduction in Hib associated disease from vaccination. Other studies show no effect from immunization, and a few studies actually demonstrate an increased susceptibility to Hib disease following immunization. Although the immunization is new, vaccine safety seems to be quite high with few reported side effects.

Vaccination: A Different Perspective by Dr. Morgan J. Titus Rau, N.D.2009-10-08

Vaccination is a subject that provokes heated debate regarding efficacy, necessity, societal obligation, safety and reliability. The debate over vaccination tends to be steeped in rhetoric, dogma and exaggeration. It is undeniable that vaccination can help prevent potentially life threatening illnesses. On the other hand, many serious side-effects have been linked to the process of vaccination. Based upon the current body of evidence, neither the extreme pro- nor anti-immunization position is completely defensible. Because adequate research has never been completed, the effects and side effects of compulsory childhood vaccination remain largely unknown. The vaccination decision is difficult and complex. To make an informed decision, you will need a balanced view of the available information. Your local department of health can provide literature in favor of vaccination. The information presented here should help balance your knowledge of the subject. Objective of Childhood Vaccination Vaccines are designed to artificially stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against specific bacteria and viruses. Antibodies are small proteins that aid in the destruction of invading organisms. Ideally the process would prevent some serious diseases of childhood, provide lifetime immunity from these diseases, and produce no side effects. Clearly vaccines can prevent some childhood illnesses. Unfortunately, no vaccine can provide 100% lifetime immunity, and no vaccine is entirely safe. Adequate research to assess the long term hazards of injecting foreign proteins into the bodies of young children does not currently exist. The question then becomes, how well do vaccines accomplish the intended long range objectives and at what cost to the recipient? Public Health vs. The Right of the Individual Those promoting compulsory childhood vaccination cite the concept of herd immunity as the overriding benefit. When high levels of immunity to a specific disease exist within a population, that disease cannot spread uncontrollably throughout the members of a population. If everyone in society receives the recommended vaccinations, a critical mass of individuals may become immune and the population acquires herd immunity to the disease in question. According to public health philosophy, the moral obligation of receiving vaccinations is implicit within the social contract of living in a society. The risks associated with vaccination are deemed acceptable in light of this greater good. However, when pressed many people in the field of public health acknowledge that the safest scenario is an unimmunized person in a fully immunized society. In regard to immunization, the perspective of the individual is in opposition to that of society. As a parent in the middle of the immunization decision, your main concern is what’s best for your child. An inherent conflict exists between any implied social contract of those living within a society and the individual’s right to refuse medical treatment based upon informed consent. Naturopathic Perspective It is obvious that germs contribute to the development of disease, and that vaccines can generate protective levels of immunity to certain diseases. However, the infectious agents are not the only factors to consider. The individual’s health and constitution as well as his/her social and physical environment are also crucial determinants. In other words, a strong and healthy body is not fertile ground for the spread of infection and disease. The naturopathic community does not have one unified position on the topic of vaccination. The final decision rests with responsible parents. We recognize the complexity of the decision, and encourage parents to carefully consider many factors in the light of existing knowledge. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS Position Paper on Childhood Vaccinations WHEREAS the American Association of Naturopathic Doctors (AANP) is a strong proponent of preventive medicine and of the protection of children and adults from the serious consequences of infectious disease; WHEREAS naturopathic doctors, as primary care providers, are morally obliged and legally mandated to uphold and carry out the public health laws and should be authorized to administer vaccinations in all jurisdictions where naturopathic licensure is available; WHEREAS all doctors are ethically obliged to give parents accurate and current information on both the benefits and risks of childhood vaccinations, i.e., parental “informed consent,” such as required by the public health clinics of the United States Public Health Service; and, WHEREAS it is well documented that some of the current childhood vaccinations have been associated with significant morbidity and are of variable efficacy and necessity. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that it is the position of the AANP that: Safer, more effective vaccinations should be developed, and more research should be conducted on possible short-term and long-term adverse effects of vaccines currently in use. All doctors should be attentive to the proper use of vaccines, avoid their administration to individuals with conditions that contraindicate their use, and accurately chart the vaccination, including parental refusal for any vaccines and any adverse effects. All doctors should obtain from parents signed informed consent by providing printed information describing the risks of the infectious disease, the risks and benefits of childhood vaccinations, and other options. Consent forms describing such information should be provided in a form and manner which would allow responsible parents to make informed decisions regarding the vaccination of their children. All doctors should respect that the parents or guardians have both the responsibility and freedom to decide within the range of options provided for by state law whether or not their children should receive vaccinations. There are several criteria to assess prior to making any decision. 1. What is the risk (or probability) of this child contacting the causative agent of the disease in question? It makes little sense to vaccinate an infant against an agent he/she will not likely contact. For example, children who receive care primarily in the home incur less exposure than children in day care. A child who is not crawling or walking is unlikely to have exposure to tetanus. 2. What are the consequences of the natural infection? Illness in childhood plays an important role in the development of the child’s immune system. Giving children time to be ill and to recover is an important part of their growth and can promote a healthy adulthood. “An increasing number of reports describe how chronic illnesses such as eczema, asthma, or multiple sclerosis, have been cured through a serious childhood illness suffered in later life.”1 Study the material that follows, and do your own research in this area. The potential consequences of infection are also considered in light of the individual. A healthy child, in a healthy environment, who receives good medical care during an illness is much less likely to develop serious complications. Your naturopathic doctor can help you create a lifestyle. 1 Thompson, John. Natural Childhood. Simon & Schuster, 1994: New York, NY. Page 276. that supports health in a balanced way. However, there are no guarantees that any child will not acquire a disease or develop significant complications from disease. Children of excellent health can get sick. 3. Is there a safe vaccine available? Because we have no adequate methods of investigation, the opinions on both sides of the safety issue are largely speculative. Pro-immunization advocates will acknowlege occasional side effects to vaccination, but they consider this to be a rare and mostly benign event. No one knows if any of the currently available vaccines are entirely safe. Some side effects are well documented in the current research literature. Immediate side effects such as anaphylaxis and encephalitis are obvious, but even these are vastly under-reported. For instance, the risk of aseptic meningitis after the MMR vaccination was found to be 62.5 times higher than previously reported after a new and better reporting system was developed. It is also well known that live virus vaccines depress some parameters of immune function and can remain latent (dormant) within the body. Also, vaccines may contain chemicals such as formaldehyde and phenol that are known toxins and carcinogens. They may also contain potential contaminants such as bacterial endotoxins, non-filterable viral particles of the immunizing agent, unintended viruses or viral particles, and possibly even non-human tissues and viruses. On a more speculative level, we can never know what the individual’s total lifetime response will be to vaccination. We have no way of knowning what long range effects vaccines will have on immune function. We don’t know how vaccination will effect the health and longevity of the individual. Many potential side effects are delayed and may not seem connected to the vaccination. Some of these under scrutiny include recurrent otitis media, asthma, allergy, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, minimal brain damage, autism, learning disabilities, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, auto-immune disease, cancer and almost any chronic degenerative disease. 4. Is the immunity conferred by the vaccine solid and long-lasting? In contrast to the natural infection, most vaccines do not confer life-long immunity. Receiving a vaccine during infancy places an individual at potential risk later in life. Many minor childhood diseases have serious consequences when contracted as an adult. In addition, maternal passive immunity suffers when vaccines fail to provide life-long protection from infection. A pregnant mother passes antibodies through the placenta to her fetus. A baby born of a mother fully immune to a specific disease has protection from contracting that disease for several months post-partum. A woman who was vaccinated as a child may not have the life-long immunity provided by the natural infection. It is unlikely she will have an adequate level of immunity to pass protective antibodies to her developing fetus. 5. Is the route of vaccine administration compatible with the route of natural infection, and are the appropriate elements of the immune system stimulated? The natural immunity of a healthy person is based upon a series of bodily defense layers which include the skin, nose, throat, digestive system and finally the bood. In contrast, vaccinations inject large amounts of antigens directly into the blood stream, thereby bypassing several important layers of the immune system. If a vaccine is to be used at all, it would be ideally administered via the same route as the natural infection. Only the trivalent Sabin oral polio and the tetanus toxoid vaccines are congruent with this criterion. 6. What is the particular child’s health history? Was the child breast fed for at least six months? Was the mother healthy and properly nourished during the nursing period? Was the child infection-free during the nursing period? If the answer to any of these is no, the child has a greater chance of sustaining infection from an exposure to a disease. 7. What is the child’s current health status? Does the child seem to have a competent immune system? Does the child catch every cold and flu that comes his way? Does it seem likely the child’s immune system is prepared to deal with childhood illness? 8. Are alternatives available, and if so, are they safe and effective? A healthy child with a history of being breast fed by a vigorous mother is in itself a natural alternative to vaccination. Vaccines deprive a child’s immune system from experiencing natural infection. It is believed by many experts in the field of immunology that the immune system needs the experience of challenge by natural wild viruses in order to properly mature. Minor childhood illnesses could actually be friends in disguise — compelling the immune system to become strong and better able to defend the body. Some parents deliberately expose their children to measles, mumps and other minor childhood diseases. General supportive care, with the support of a doctor, during the typically mild course of the natural disease provides the child with life-long immunity. Absolute Risks and Contraindications to Vaccination 1. Routine vaccination should be deferred in a child:  during an acute febrile illness.  with eczema or any acute skin rash.  undergoing immunotherapy. 2. Vaccination should be avoided in a child:  allergic to any vaccine component (note: some vaccines are cultured on chick eggs).  with altered immunity or immunodeficiency.  with previous history of significant adverse reaction to vaccinations. How to Minimize the Risks of Vaccination If you have made the decision to vaccinate, the following guidelines may help minimize any potential risks or side effects. 1. If possible, breast-feed your child for at least six months prior to vaccination. Live a lifestyle that is conducive to optimal health for both mother and child. 2. Make sure the child has no fever, infection, or any form of illness at the time of immunization. 3. Delay immunization as long as possible. The child’s immune system will better tolerate the insult and the immunity will more likely be life-long. 4. Supplement nutrients to optimize your child’s response to the vaccination and minimize any side effects. Ask your doctor for specific recommendations. 5. Give each antigen separately. That is, don’t give combination vaccines as MMR or DPT. 6. Eliminate the risk of vaccine associated paralytic polio and the shedding of live polio virus from the stool of immunized children with the following protocol: give the injectable vaccine (IPV) for the first two doses; give the oral polio virus vaccine (OPV) for the remaining doses. Some Potential Options After studying and thoroughly considering the current body of knowledge, you must make a decision. It is appropriate to base your decision on the individual child at a particular point in the child’s life. Things may change in your life, or in the life of your child, which may cause you to modify your decision at a later date. Some possible options include: 1. Immunize fully according to the schedule and guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2. Immunize fully, but modify the schedule. Wait until the child could potentially come into contact with the pathogen. For example, don’t give tetanus until the child is at least crawling or walking. The infant’s immune system may not be mature enough to handle the insult of an immunizing agent injected directly into his/her blood stream. By delaying the inoculation as long as possible, you increase the likelihood that your child’s immune system will effectively deal with the vaccination. Immunity is more likely to be life-long if the vaccine is delayed until age four. The timing of inoculations suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics is designed to establish immunity in a child before he/she has the chance of exposure to the natural infection. Some infections, such as pertussis, are much more serious for infants than for older children. Your decision to delay immunizations must be weighed against all other factors. 3. Immunize partially—either according to the recommended or a modified schedule. 4. Defer all immunizations at this time. Remember, this decision is never permanent or final. You can always choose a different option at a later date. Summary There is no doubt that the most currently used vaccines do confer varying degrees of immunity with little known risk. It is the risk that cannot be assessed which causes concern for doctors who are committed to the first principle of healing, “Do No Harm.” The final decision on vaccination rests with responsible parents. No one knows for sure whether immunizations are worth the risk or not. There is no one right or wrong answer. There is only what is right for you and your child at any given point in time. Carefully consider the available literature, and trust your parental intuition. In any case, the decision is difficult. It will require a certain amount of faith in one’s philosophy of health and disease as well as faith in the safety and efficacy of the particular type of treatment chosen. Selected Readings on Immunization Vaccination, Viera Scheibner, Ph.D., New Atlantean Press, 1993. This book provides an excellent review of the scientific literature on immunization. It is compelling and extensively referenced. Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent’s Guide: How to make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives. Aviva Jill Romm. Healing Arts Press (September 1, 2001) This book is an excellent information resource for parents. Vaccination and Immunization: Dangers, Delusions and Alternatives, Leon Chaitow, The S.W. Daniel Company Limited, 1987. This book covers the history of immunizations, explains immune function in relation to vaccines versus natural immunity, and how to enhance immune function naturally. It covers homeopathy, botanicals, osteopathy, acupuncture, and nutrition. The Immunization Decision, A Guide for Parents, Randall Newstaedter, North Atlantic Books, 1990. Available from the Homeopathic Educational Services. This book gives information about infectious diseases in lay terms, the vaccines, and their side effects. It also gives support to parents who choose not to immunize according to the standard schedule and gives lists of resources, organizations, homeopathic information and books. Dangers Of Compulsory Immunizations, How to Legally Avoid Them, Tom Finn, Family Fitness Press, 1988. Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective?, Neil Z. Miller, New Atlantean Press, 1992. Available from the New Atlantean Press. Endorsed by the National Vaccine Information Center. Covers current studies and graphs, heavily and thoroughly referenced, easy to read. Resource for laws governing vaccination in different states. “Vaccination, The Rest of the Story, A Selection of Articles, Letters and Resources”, Peg O’Mara, Mothering Magazine, 1992. Available from Mothering, PO Box 2208, Albuquerque, NM 87103-2208 A Shot in the Dark, Why the P in the DPT vaccination may be hazardous to your child’s health, Harris L Coulter, Avery Publishing Group, 1991. Immunization Resource Guide, Available from Ohio parents for vaccine safety. Excellent booklet that includes book reviews, resource listings for organizations and publishers, and general vaccine information. Vaccination, Social Violence And Criminality, Harris L. Coulter, North Atlantic Books, 1990. Maximum Immunity, Michael Weiner, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1986. Your Personal Guide to Immunization Exemptions, Grace Girdwain, Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc., Pittsburgh, 1992. Sutphen, Sussan MD, MEd: "Vaccine Preventable Illnesses: Are They Under Control?". MedScape CME. December 6, 2006 Cave and Mitchell: "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations" 2001; Grand Central Publishing. Sears, Robert MD: "The Vaccine Book" 2007; Little, Brown & Company Publishing James Keith Colgrove: "State of Immunity: The Politics of Vaccination in the Twentieth Century America". 2006; University of California Press Joanna Karpasea Jones: "Vaccination: Everything You Should Know About Your Child's Jabs and More" 2006; Meadow Books. Link, Kurt. "The Vaccine Controversy: The History, Use, and Safety of Vaccinations" 2005; The Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. Buccholz U et al: "Varicella outbreaks after vaccine licensure: should they make you chicken?" Pediatrics. 1999;104:561-563. Arvin A. "Varicella zoster virus". Clin Microbiol Rev. 1996;9:361-381. Talan D et al: "Tetanus immunity and physician compliance with tetanus prophylaxis practices among emergency department patients presenting with wounds." Ann Emerg Med. 2004;43:305-314. World Health Organization: www.who.int United States Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov Guris et al: "Changing epidemiology of pertussis: increased reported incidence among adolescents and adults 1990- 1996." Clin Infect Dis. 1999;28:1230-1237.

Naturopathic Lectures at the Common Ground Fair- Unity, ME - Sept 25-27, 20092009-09-24

Join MAND's very own Naturopathic Doctors for a weekend of fun and informational lectures taking place all weekend at the MOFGA Common Ground Fair in Unity, ME. All lectures are free with the price of admission. See you there! Speaking schedule: Joyce Young is Sat 10:00-10:45, Environmental Medicine from a Naturopathic Perspective Richard Maurer is Sat 2:00-2:45, Fat Back Diet Anne Jacobs is Sat 4:00-4:45, Naturopathic Supportive Treatment in Cancer Care Laura Bridgman is Sun 12:00-12:45, Understanding Homeopathy Morgan Titus is Sun 2-2:45, Childhood Vaccinations: A Naturopathic Perspective

Problems in Pediatrics Conference ~ July 6-10, 2009 ~ Colby College, Waterville, ME2009-07-02

This is an exciting continuing education opportunity for NDs in Maine! Location: Colby College, Waterville, Maine Costs: MDs: $445. Hospital interns, residents, physician assistants, RNs and retired physicians: $250. Who Should Attend: Practicing pediatricians, family physicians, pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals For the past 30 years, Colby College has offered a pediatric course as part of Colby's continuing medical education programs. This summer's course will provide a balanced update on a wide range of current, clinically relevant topics for the practicing pediatrician. The course features 45-minute lectures followed by 15-minute discussions. The faculty initiates the topics and facilitates the following discussions in a relaxed forum, which encourages the mutual exchange of views and data and allows ample time for participant-faculty interaction. Colby has been host to educational programs for the medical and allied health professions since 1945 and is the only private liberal arts college in the nation accredited to offer Category 1 credit of the Physician's Recognition Award of the American Medical Association. Each summer the courses attract registrants from all across the country, and this diverse geographic representation enhances the exchange of ideas that course participants especially value. Our friendly, courteous staff, small course size, accessible faculty, and timely topics make a CME program at Colby a quality experience. This educational experience is relaxed and informal. Come join us in Maine this summer. Who Should Attend Practicing pediatricians, family physicians, pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health care professionals. Course Objectives The Colby College Problems in Pediatrics course is intended to provide practical, up-to-date information for practicing pediatricians, family physicians, and other health care professionals. The overriding goal of all Colby CME is to improve the knowledge and competence of physicians. Each day of the course will combine lectures and interactive case studies. In addition, interactive case studies will be presented and discussed. As a result of attending this conference, participants will: learn what the current research says about evaluating and treating a variety of conditions such as childhood anxiety, bipolar disorder and autism learn some tools they can use immediately in their practices in managing children with behavior problems gain a better understanding of best practices and appropriate treatment approaches for infants and young children who are under stress or who have been traumatized current research will outline the effects of the environment and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on fetal and newborn development Contact Information Special Programs 4730 Mayflower Hill Waterville, Maine 04901-8847 phone: 207-859-4730 fax: 207-859-4734 e-mail: summer@colby.edu Room and Board All meals and lodging are available at the College for an additional $285, a fee that also covers campus recreational facilities and the lobster bake. Charges for family members, covering all of the above except seminar tuition, are as follows: spouse $199 other adult $285 children ages 10-16 $169 children ages 3-9 $129

MAND Annual Conference - March 6th2009-02-20

Join us for the MAND Annual Conference at the Harraseeket Inn - Freeport, ME ** 8:30am - 5pm. ** The format this year will be a round table discussion of five topics led by NDs from our association. ** For more information contact Dr. Morgan Titus, ND - 207 872 5450

The Integrative Healthcare Symposium - NYC - January 17th, 18th, 19th2008-09-17

At the Integrative Healthcare Symposium, January 17-19, 2008 in NYC, you’ll gain a whole perspective with full access to the most up-to-date, scientific and clinical applications in integrative medicine. Visit www.ihsymposium.com.

NHAND 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - November 7th, 8th2008-09-17

Pharmaceutical Perspectives VIII: Integrative Partners in Health * Date: 7-8 November 2008 * Location: Courtyard by Marriott Nashua, NH * For more information, visit www.nhand.org/pp.php

First Annual CNPA Conference - October 18th2008-09-17

* Topic: Insurance and Practice Management * Time: 8:30am- 5:30pm * Location: West Hartford Universalist Church, 433 Fern St., West Hartford, CT 06107 * For more information, visit www.cnpaonline.org