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Pneumonia Shot Dangers: What You Need to Know

Vaccine (journal) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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"It can be more serious than you think," says a brochure handed out at doctors' offices across the United States. "And you may be at risk." The brochure is for Prevar 13, a vaccine designed to protect against 13 strains of pneumococcal pneumonia. People as young as 50 are at risk, it continues as it urges immunization for adults 50 years and older, and for children six weeks to five years of age. But even the brochure that advocates vaccination admits, "There have been no controlled trials in adults demonstrating a decrease in pneumococcal pneumonia or invasive disease after vaccination with Prevnar 13."

Wait ... doctors are urging tens of millions of people to have this vaccine, yet there are no trials proving that it is effective? "Yes," says Dr. David Brownstein, author of the newsletter Dr. Brownstein's Natural Way to Health. "We don't have any proof that this vaccine works," he tells Newsmax Health. "In fact, there's hardly any information on this vaccine at all.

"I think it is shameful that this vaccine is recommended for prevention of pneumonia when there are no controlled studies showing it is effective," he says. "This is another example of a poorly studied vaccine — just like there are no controlled studies on the flu vaccine, either."

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Headline/pneumococcal-pneumonia-DrDavid-Brownstein-vaccines-Prevnar-13/2013/06/19/id/510814#ixzz2WlPTL9JW
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Scientists scratch surface of itching's origins

itch (Photo credit: brontosaurus)

(CBSNEWS) — Feeling itchy? Scientists may have discovered the mechanism of how our body initiates an itch.

A study using mice conducted at the National Institutes of Health showed that a molecule called natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) may be the culprit behind that pesky itch. This specific molecule sets off a chain reaction, leading to what our brain perceives as an itch, or what is medically known as pruritus.

“Our work shows that itch, once thought to be a low-level form of pain, is a distinct sensation that is uniquely hardwired into the nervous system with the biochemical equivalent of its own dedicated land line to the brain,” senior author Mark Hoon, a scientist at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the NIH, said in a press release.

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Learning to Render Fat

Gaye Levy

Activist Post

Old habits die slowly. For years we have been told that animal fat is bad and to be honest, I personally subscribe to a diet plan that is primarily plant based. That said, there is a place in my diet and my kitchen for organic meat and meat products, including the fat that is typically discarded after the fact.

For the longest time, something I absolutely tossed out was cooking grease. Healthcare experts, government and public health agencies and even the editors of popular cooking magazines all jumped on the fat is bad bandwagon. Low fat was good, no fat was better and animal fat? Forget it.

The result of all this blather was an epidemic of obesity and heart disease as well as a bunch of inexplicable diseases. Now understand this: I am not a medical professional and by no means am I suggesting a diet heavy on animal fat. But, as with everything else in life, a bit of fat used in moderation may not be so bad and most certainly can add a dimension of flavor and satiety to your food.

Stop genetically modified organism(s) - GMO. Read comments! (Photo credit: artist in doing nothing)

Pigs fed a diet of only genetically modified grain showed markedly higher stomach inflammation than pigs who dined on conventional feed, according to a new study by a team of Australian scientists and U.S. researchers.

The study adds to an intensifying public debate over the impact of genetically modified crops, also known as GMO.

The study was published in the June issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Organic Systems by researchers from Australia who worked with two veterinarians and a farmer in Iowa to study the U.S. pigs.

Lead researcher Judy Carman is an epidemiologist and biochemist and director of the Institute of Health and Environmental Research in Adelaide, Australia.

The study was conducted over 22.7 weeks using 168 newly weaned pigs in a commercial U.S. piggery.

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Health-News/gmo-foods-pigs-study/2013/06/11/id/509365#ixzz2W04jzeBg
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Turmeric Produces 'Remarkable' Recovery in Alzheimer's Patients

"...they came to recognize their family within 1 year treatment."

Sayer Ji
Activist Post

Turmeric has been used in India for over 5,000 years, which is likely why still today both rural and urban populations have some of the lowest prevalence rates of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the world. A recent study on patients with AD found that less than a gram of turmeric daily, taken for three months, resulted in 'remarkable improvements.'

Alzheimer's Disease: A Disturbingly Common Modern Rite of Passage

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), sadly, has become a rite of passage in so-called developed countries. AD is considered the most common form of dementia, which is defined as a serious loss of cognitive function in previously unimpaired persons, beyond what is expected from normal aging.

A 2006 study estimated that 26 million people throughout the world suffer from this condition, and that by 2050, the prevalence will quadruple, by which time 1 in 85 persons worldwide will be afflicted with the disease.[1]

Given the global extent of the problem, interest in safe and effective preventive and therapeutic interventions within the conventional medical and alternative professions alike are growing.

Beyond Viagra: Choosing the Right ED Drug

viagra is a commercial produced medicine containing Sildenafil citrate, which is used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998, the “little blue pill” has become a household name and part of our culture. But these days there are a host of lesser-known erectile dysfunction drugs on the market, including Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn and Stendra. Dr. David Samadi, vice chairman of the Department of Urology and Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, makes sense of all the choices and offers advice on deciding what’s right for you.

While commercials advertise the possible side effect of erections that last longer than four hours, Dr. Samadi says he has never seen that condition and men should not fear it.

“What I want people to know is that there are a lot of good treatments out there,” he says. “Talk to your urologist and individualize the care, and we’ll see what’s the best for you. You should enjoy a great quality of life and sex is a big part of this.”

SPECIAL:The Real Cause of Prostate Issues. See the Photo.

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Headline/Viagra-ED-drugs-erectile-dysfunction-DrDavid-Samadi/2013/06/07/id/508709#ixzz2Vkp3r9vV
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President Obama's 23 Executive Actions; Federal Spy Doctors, Forced Medication & Involuntary Commitment

On Wednesday, President Obama announced the creation of 23 'executive actions' pertaining to 'gun violence reduction', in response to the Sandy Hook school shooting. He even brought children on stage with him, high-fived, and hugged the kids before signing the actions, which to some, resembled tyrants in the past who used children as props in their propaganda campaigns.

There was talk in the media of a possible federal ban on certain types of assault rifles, and/or ammunition, however none of the twenty-three executive actions call for a physical ban of anything. There are orders dealing with background checks, information evaluation, new federal programs, and even five orders dealing with 'health care', in relation to gun violence.

Surely these orders will make it slightly more difficult for some Americans, in the future, to obtain firearm protection, but, in my opinion, the main purpose of these executive orders is to further the federal governments involvement into your life through the health care system.

Of the twenty three executive orders, the one that seems the most disturbing to me is number sixteen, which states, "Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes." There was already concern that the Affordable Care Act intruded on doctor/patient confidentiality, and this new executive order furthers those concerns. Essentially, the federal government will spy on you through your medical doctor. Last month, I reported on a federal program to also turn your local religious leaders (priests, pastors, reverends, etc.), into spies for the federal government.

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HFCS Food for Bees Found to Increase Colony Collapse Disorder

Heather Callaghan

Image

Activist Post

A study released on Monday shows that cheaper honey substitutes such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sugar (made from genetically modified sugar beets) are contributing to massive bee death via Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) by depriving bees of crucial nutrients, which weakens their immune systems.

Sadly, U.S. bee keepers were devastated by the loss of nearly one-third of their cross-pollinating, food co-creator colonies this past winter alone. That finding is close to the yearly average decline over the past six years, making the cumulative data a great concern for the species and crops. Scientists still like to play it safe and say the decline that's damaging the food supply is largely unexplained, but neonicotinoid pesticides have one of the biggest roles in the loss. And, they have everything to do with why HFCS fed to bees is further killing them.

According to researchers at the University of Illinois in the study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on May 28:

1. Prevent Digestive System Cancers (Photo credit: TipsTimes)

Stomach problems are among the most common health complaints, but many people suffer in silence. Dr. Steven Lamm, author of the best-selling book No Guts, No Glory, says that many patients are embarrassed to talk about problems like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, so they go untreated. And even when they do see a doctor, treatment is often unsuccessful.

Dr. Lamm is referring to two specific conditions — chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although both disorders afflict men and women, more women suffer from them. IBS is a complex functional gastrointestinal disorder that presents with either constipation or diarrhea, or alternates between both. It also causes pain. Patients may first ignore their symptoms or blame stress and simply live with it, according to Dr. Lamm.

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Headline/stomach-problems-inflammatory-bowel-syndrome-chronic-idiopathic-constipation-IBS/2013/06/05/id/508262#ixzz2VR03GwMe
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End your cravings for chocolate by simply paying more attention to your thoughts say scientists

It is the news that chocoholics have been waiting to hear - scientists have found a 'cure' to end chocolate cravings.
Unfortunately, it involves will power and some strict mental discipline.
Scientists believe they have discovered the secret to cutting down your chocolate consumption.

Scientists say that the mind has the power to end chocolate cravings - but chocoholics may find this easier said than done

Chocoholics who find it impossible to stop themselves from indulging in their favourite treat should turn to a technique called 'cognitive defusion', they say.
Essentially, the process involves learning to recognise that 'you are not your thoughts' so you become better at resisting temptation.
Dr Katy Tapper, of City University London, and Kim Jenskins, of Swansea University, said their findings could help many people seeking to switch to healthier diets.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2334290/End-cravings-chocolate-simply-paying-attention-thoughts-say-scientists.html#ixzz2VBmUCOqh
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Dick Van Dyke Traces Mystery Illness to Dental Implants

Dick Van Dyke at the 40th Emmy Awards Rehearsal, August 1988 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke says he has solved a medical mystery that has baffled him and his doctors for years. The cause of pounding headaches that have plagued him for seven years are his titanium dental implants, he says.

Fans and friends of the 87-year-old star had been concerned about his health ever since he canceled a public appearance in April and announced that he was fatigued and suffered from insomnia as a result of an undiagnosed neurological disorder.

Van Dyke was so desperate that he appealed for help from his fans through Twitter. "My head bangs every time I lay down," he said. "I've had every test come back that I'm perfectly healthy. Anybody got any ideas?"

The beloved star of TV's The Dick Van Dyke Show and the movie Mary Poppins added, "It's been going on for seven years. I've had every test you can think of, including an MRI and spinal tap."

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Headline/Dick-Van-Dyke-mystery-illness-dental-implants-titanium/2013/06/03/id/507736#ixzz2VBk6hkwo
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Top Doc: Beware of New Diabetes Medication

An alarming link to pancreatic cancer should prompt users of the new diabetes drug Januvia to seek safer alternatives, says renowned physician Chauncey Crandall, M.D.

Dr. Crandall’s advice for diabetes patients: First try to manage your health with improved diet and fitness, which can often be as effective as drugs. For those who require medication, choose an older drug — such as the longtime diabetes medicine metformin — as first-line defense. Only those who don’t benefit from older drugs with a long record of safety and effectiveness should consider a newer medicine like Merck's Januvia.

"I think the bottom line is that all drugs carry risks," Dr. Crandall tells Newsmax Health. "Many have great benefits, but all have side effects and risks. The longer I’ve been in medicine the more I observe this, so we always need to weigh the risk-benefit ratio."

Dr. Crandall adds that he is particularly "suspicious"of new drugs, pushed by drug companies as better alternatives to tried-and-true treatments in heavy marketing campaigns aimed at doctors.

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Health-News/januvia-diabetes-warning-drug/2013/05/31/id/507400#ixzz2V47JHEEs
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Pesticides, Country Living May Increase Risk of Parkinson's Disease

CoQ10 Found to Cut in Half Heart Failure Death Rate

chemical structure of Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Regular doses of the dietary supplement Coenzyme Q10 cut in half the death rate of patients suffering from advanced heart failure, in a randomized double-blind trial.

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Researchers also reported a significant decrease in the number of hospitalizations for heart failure patients being treated with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). About 14 percent of patients taking the supplement suffered from a major cardiovascular event that required hospital treatment, compared with 25 percent of patients receiving placebos.

In heart failure, the heart becomes weak and can no longer pump enough oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. Patients often experience fatigue and breathing problems as the heart enlarges and pumps faster in an effort to meet the body's needs.

The study is scheduled to be presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, in Lisbon, Portugal.

"CoQ10 is the first medication to improve survival in chronic heart failure since ACE inhibitors and beta blockers more than a decade ago and should be added to standard heart failure therapy," lead researcher Svend Aage Mortensen, a professor with the Heart Center at Copenhagen University Hospital, in Denmark, said in a society news release.

Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/Health-News/CoQ10-coenzyme-heart-failure/2013/05/25/id/506372#ixzz2Ue7Srkru
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