The US has approved its first over-the-counter birth control pill, broadening access to reproductive healthcare for millions.
Regulators in the US have approved the nation's first over-the-counter birth control pill in a landmark decision that will soon allow people to obtain contraceptive medication as easily as they buy eyedrops.
The Food and Drug Administration cleared once-a-day Opill to be sold without a prescription, making it the first such medication to be moved out from behind the pharmacy counter. The manufacturer, Ireland-based Perrigo, won’t start shipping the pill until early next year, and there will be no age restrictions on sales.
Hormone-based pills have been the most common form of birth control in the US since the 1960s. Until now, all of them required a prescription.
Medical societies and women’s health groups have pushed for wider access for decades, noting that an estimated 45% of the 6 million annual pregnancies in the US are unintended. Teens and girls, women of colour and those with low incomes report greater hurdles in getting prescriptions and picking them up.
The challenges can include paying for a doctor's visit, getting time off from work and finding child care.
“This is really a transformation in access to contraceptive care,” said Kelly Blanchard, president of Ibis Reproductive Health, a nonprofit group that supported the approval. “Hopefully this will help people overcome those barriers that exist now.”
Perrigo says Opill could be an important new option for the estimated 15 million US women who currently use no birth control or less effective methods, such as condoms. They are a fifth of women who are child-bearing age.
But how many women will actually gain access depends on the medication's price, which Perrigo plans to announce later this year.
“The reason why so many of us worked tirelessly for years to get over-the-counter birth control pills is to improve access ... cost shouldn’t be one of those barriers,” said Dr Pratima Gupta of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Most older birth control pills cost between €13 to €26 for a month's supply without insurance coverage.
Over-the-counter medicines are generally much cheaper than prescriptions, but they typically aren’t covered by insurance.
Women’s health advocates hope the decision paves the way for more over-the-counter birth control options and, eventually, for abortion pills to do the same.
Those of us who care, know quite a bit about the dirty truth about our water supply here in America. We also do not need the government to give us the truth although they should make that a high priority, but a large percentage of Americans believe that it is the duty of the gov to create a safe existence in relation to the integrity of our water supply. Unfortunately, a great many here in the states believe the gov is actually responsible for the toxicity or at best, they are allowing it to remain as such. To think that still in 2023 in this amazing blessed by God, Country and first world scenario...that we have to find alternative ways to safe water and that includes spending precious money on filtration/reverse osmosis systems for our own homes, is pretty unfortunate.
The Dailymail this past week posted two in depth articles about the poisonous water we are being exposed to and the most egregious states of poor health and chronic illness' plaguing their populations.
Let's look at one title alone on this article from TDM:
What is a forever chemical? They are PFAS chemicals and that stands for perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are called "forever" because they do not break down easily in the environment and build up in the body over time.
How sick is that title??? Cancer and infertility. How refreshing is the cold glass of tap water, now?
The DailyMail goes on to say:
In the most comprehensive study of its kind, researchers from the US Geological Survey tested water sources at more than 700 locations across the country for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These microscopic, man-made chemicals can take thousands of years to break down in the environment or in the human body, hence the name 'forever chemicals'.
The report found that 45 percent of drinking water sources contained at least one PFAS - with highest concentrations in the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard and Central/Southern California. The team's testing was limited to 32 types of PFAS out of more than 12,000 that exist, meaning thousands of the chemicals could have gone undetected. If that's the case, it may indicate that the problem is even larger than the study conveys. Researchers set out to determine levels of PFAS in water sources across 716 unique sites nationwide, including both urban and rural areas.
Over the course of five years spent collecting samples to detect PFAS levels, the team concluded that taps in densely populated urban centers were generally more laden with the forever chemicals than taps in rural parts of the country.
This is due to the fact everyday home products from frying pans to food packaging contain PFAS that leach into the water supply, and urban areas tend to be situated closer to manufacturing plants.
The main purpose of PFAS compounds is to repel water and oil, which is what makes non-stick cookware so much easier to clean and why certain jackets and tents can withstand rain.
PFAS can seep into the water supply by simply washing the dishes. The compounds can also seep into our food if the packaging is made to be grease-resistant - think fast food cheeseburgers - or if the non-stick coating on pots and pans begins to deteriorate.
PFAS are also common in pesticides used to feed crops, which produces chemical-rich runoff that can enter the drinking water supply.
Last year, Texas Tech University researchers examined 10 common insecticides being used on cotton fields, but can work for food and other crops.
They found PFAS in seven of the 10 insecticides, with levels of PFOS – which has been strongly linked to cancer – as high as 19m parts per trillion (ppt) in one insecticide.
Here is the second article:
North Carolina and Iowa drinking water is worst for 'forever chemicals' after industrial waste was dumped into rivers for DECADES: Toxins are up to 46,000 times higher than EPA limit (read full story here)
Brunswick County, N.C. and Quad Cities, Iowa, have significantly higher levels of PFAs in their drinking supply
North Carolina at large has been known to have significant issues with PFAS pollution as the state has a large number of military bases, airports and industrial sites. PFAS are commonly found in firefighting foam and gear, which has led to contamination of military bases and airports.
The problem is particularly grave along the Cape Fear River partly because of the DuPont plant in Fayetteville and its spin-off, Chemours.
According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the DuPont chemical company dumped PFAs for over four decades into the river, which supplies drinking water for around 350,000 North Carolinians.
Many of the area's residents have claimed over the years that they got cancer from the contamination. Back in 2019, scientists recommended expanding an investigation of suspected thyroid cancer clusters in the area, as reported by NC Newsline.
In 2017, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority filed a lawsuit against the company over their dumping of toxic materials in the river, and in 2020 the state's Attorney General filed another.
'Everyone should have the freedom to turn on their tap without the fear they are drinking poisoned water,' he tweeted. 'We need to take immediate action to remove these toxins from our water.'
Experts said the findings were 'frightening' given the scale of the problem and the link between the toxins and serious health conditions like cancer, infertility, birth defects and hormone issues.
Dr. Mercola has a great set of at home water systems, here, and here is an important column on this topic from him.
How Safe Is Your Drinking Water?
If you feel parched nowadays, there are so many beverages available to quench your thirst. However, none of these drinks will ever be able to take the place of good old water.
Water is the still best beverage and the healthiest way to stay hydrated. The reasons are simple. You only need to remember that your body is composed of approximately 60 percent water. Water is a primary component of all bodily fluids, including blood, urine, lymph, digestive juices and sweat. It also supports vital chemical reactions that regulate our body functions.
If you want to stay healthy, maintaining the quality of your drinking water is a must. But you can’t tell if your water is safe by the way it looks, tastes or smells. Water safety experts have recently discovered a new and toxic threat in the water supply – disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
The Dangers of Disinfection Byproducts
Water providers use chlorine as a disinfectant. Aside from chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide are the other common disinfectants used at water treatment facilities to kill harmful, disease-causing microorganisms in the water.
You probably haven’t heard of DBPs before. Disinfection byproducts are formed when the disinfectants react with natural organic matter like decaying vegetation in water and are more than 10,000 times more toxic than chlorine, making them the worst type of contaminants.
The two most common disinfectant byproducts formed when chlorine is used are:
• trihalomethanes (THMs) and,
• haloacetic acids (HAAs)
Trihalomethanes are Cancer Group B carcinogens, meaning they’ve been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. DBPs have also been linked to reproductive problems in both animals and humans. A study found that men who smoke and drank chlorinated tap water for more than 40 years increased their risk of bladder cancer by 50 percent compared to male smokers who drank non-chlorinated water.
Another study showed that individuals on a low-fiber diet and consumed chlorinated water for more than 40 years doubled their risk of rectal cancer.
But drinking chlorinated water is not the only way DBPs can get inside your body. You’re also exposed to trihalomethanes if you shower, bathe and swim in chlorinated water. The cancer risk from skin exposure while swimming was over 94 percent of the total cancer risk resulting from being exposed to THMs!
Trihalomethanes in chlorinated swimming pools have also been linked to spontaneous abortion, stillbirths and congenital malformations.
To give you an idea how dangerous THMs are, Environment Protection Agency (EPA) regulations only allow water providers to have a THM level of 60 parts per billion. However, water companies are resisting this regulation because they feel it would be more expensive to remove DBPs from their water and are pushing to elevate the EPA standard.
Ideally, the safest DBP level should be ZERO. This goal is likely impossible to achieve.
If you get your water from a private well, DBPs are not an issue because most, if not all, private well water systems do not use chlorine.
Other Contaminants in Your Water
Aside from DBPs, a comprehensive survey of drinking water in the U.S. reveals that your drinking water may also contain a number of pharmaceuticals and hormonally active chemicals, including:
• Atenolol – a beta-blocker used to treat cardiovascular disease
• Atrazine – herbicide banned in the European Union linked to the decline of fish population and in changes in animal behavior
• Carbamazepine – a drug used to treat bipolar disorder • Estrone – an estrogen hormone blamed for causing gender changes in fish
• Gemfibrozil – a fibrate (drug used to lower lipid levels)
• Meprobamate – a tranquilizer used by psychiatrists
• Naproxen – a painkiller and anti-inflammatory linked to an increased number of asthma cases
• Phenytoin – anticonvulsant used to treat epileptics
• Sulfamethoxazole – an antibiotic • TCEP – a reduction agent used in molecular biology
• Trimethoprim – another antibiotic
Water safety expert Robert Slovak’s advice is to request a water quality report from your local water provider at least once a year to see how safe your tap water is. He recommends using a reverse osmosis filter to help remove DBPs and various pharmaceutical agents from your water at home.
Using a reverse osmosis filter is an important decision you can make but it may not be enough to protect you from water contaminants because you’re still exposed to toxins whenever you shower or bathe, wash your hands, rinse fruits and vegetables and clean dishes, glasses and other utensils.
This is Jennifer again right here! I cannot get out of this blue box.
So, in summary, do whatever you can to protect your family and your pets from this utter poisonous, life altering nonsense! Please share in the comments what systems you may have and how they are faring for you. God gave us a noggin to use to protect ourselves and to live in the healthiest state of being and while we still have the freedom to choose a safer option, why not take the time to do so! Your life depends on it!
If the Social Security Administration had been around in 1776, the Founding Fathers might have retired on disability instead of giving birth to a nation. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other leaders of the American Revolution suffered chronic effects of diseases like smallpox, tuberculosis and malaria, and were devastated by the deaths of their children.
In her 2013 book "Revolutionary Medicine, The Founding Fathers and Mothers in Sickness and in Health," Jeanne Abrams, a professor at the University of Denver, explained how the primitive health conditions in the 18th century affected not only ordinary colonists, but the leaders of the fledgling nation.
As America prepares to celebrate its 240th birthday — looking great for her age, we might say — Abrams spoke with The Deseret News about the health of the Founding Fathers and their families.
Deseret News: You say that Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were as well versed in medicine as any contemporary learned medical practitioner. (And they didn’t have Google.) What accounts for their knowledge?
Abrams: Jefferson was notoriously skeptical of physicians, although he was friends with a number of them. He is reputed to have said that whenever he saw two or more physicians conversing, he looked up to see if there were any vultures hovering overhead. He thought doctors as a whole killed more patients than saved them. He took what today we would term a more holistic approach to medicine, for he felt the body had a natural ability to heal itself if radical and heroic measures such as bloodletting weren’t introduced, and he thought people should understand the basics of medicine and be able to treat their families at home for at least common, more minor illnesses.
As for Franklin, we all think about electricity and his famous experiment with the kite and the key, but most people don’t know he also was responsible for a number of important medical inventions. I wear bifocals, as do millions of people today, which were one of his innovations. He also came up with a flexible urinary catheter (to help his brother, who had a prostate problem), and he experimented with using electrical impulses to reduce palsy.
Deseret News: How was pain treated in revolutionary America?
Abrams: They had apothecaries, and many early Americans made their own concoctions from medicinal herbs. Jefferson used thyme and lavender grown at Monticello for stomach problems and headaches. Abigail Adams applied cabbage leaves for aches and pains. They had receipt books — we call them recipes — that were handed down in families. For pain, they often used herbal remedies, an infusion made from willow bark which is akin to aspirin, and they used a lot of laudanum, which was a liquid distillation of opium to alleviate discomfort and insomnia.
In that era, people still looked at health in terms of the four humors (Hippocrates’ theory that blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm had to be balanced in the body). If you had a fever, perhaps it was because you had too much blood and some needed to come out, hence the almost ubiquitous use of bleeding for almost all illnesses.
Deseret News: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were the opposite of today’s anti-vaxxers — they advocated inoculation against disease, despite popular opposition. How did colonial inoculation differ from the shots our children get today?
Abrams: Inoculation put the live virus into bodies. It was controversial because it presented some danger. It could blow up to a full-blown case of smallpox, and people died from that. They also didn’t understand completely the parameters of the contagious period, when people were actively contagious and could spread the smallpox. Still, inoculation had a much lower rate of mortality than acquiring it the “natural” way, so it was a significant improvement in treating the disease.
In 1776, Boston allowed smallpox inoculation for a short time, and Abigail Adams and her four children were inoculated; one became extremely ill, and she witnessed the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston while she may still have been contagious and possible spread the illness.
Franklin lost his own young son to smallpox and so became a vocal advocate for inoculation, which he felt could save lives. At his own expense, he published a pamphlet on how to inoculate for smallpox, and because he knew it was an expensive procedure for the working class, he arranged for free inoculation of poor children in Philadelphia.
And Washington insisted that all troops of the Continental Army be inoculated against smallpox, probably one of his most important decisions during the Revolutionary War.
Deseret News: Alexander Hamilton is the most popular founding father right now, because of the Broadway musical. What can you tell us about his health?
Abrams: Alexander Hamilton was one of the victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic that killed 10 percent of the population of Philadelphia, but fortunately he had a relatively mild case and recovered. By that time, he and Thomas Jefferson were political enemies. Jefferson would become head of the Republican-Democratic Party, and Hamilton was one of the leaders of the Federalists. Jefferson thought Hamilton was simply faking when he first claimed to have yellow fever.
That infamous epidemic closed down the American government, which was then located in Philadelphia as the nation's temporary capital, and people were divided along political lines on how best to treat the disease and what caused yellow fever. No one at the time understood that it was a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.
Deseret News: Health officials say obesity has reached epidemic levels in America. Were any of the founders overweight or obese?
Abrams: Most of the founders were quite lean; remember, people in those days walked or rode horseback to get around so there was definitely more exercise, and they didn't have to contend with the opportunities technology has provided for increased sedentary leisure, prolific food and beverage choices, and less exercise.
Franklin was tall and muscular most of his life, as were Washington and Jefferson. Franklin and Jefferson were both advocates of healthy living and great fans of adequate exercise, and Franklin was almost manic about the benefits of fresh air and good eating and sleeping habits. Jefferson in particular ate little meat, but emphasized vegetables and fruit in his diet and daily exercise. John Adams was corpulent and was sometimes mockingly referred to as "His Rotundity" by his political detractors, but ironically he lived the longest of the founders, until the age of 90, and for the most part he was quite healthy.
Deseret News: Washington had severe dysentery during the French and Indian War and suffered from the effects of smallpox and tuberculosis. How did he continue? Were men and women of that era just hardier than people today?
Abrams: Washington was sick a lot of the time. They all were. He suffered from smallpox but fortunately recovered, and if you recover, you’re immune for life. Most people in the South had recurrent malaria, which affected both Washington and James Madison significantly. Mortality rates were very high in early America, and over a quarter of children died before they grew up. Even measles was a devastating epidemic.
There used to be a theory that early Americans, because they knew they would lose children, kept an emotional distance from their offspring. But when you read the letters of the founders, you know that’s not true. They grieved deeply.
Jefferson was predeceased by five of his six children, and Martha Washington outlived all four of her children. John Adams lost four of his six children. When he was in Philadelphia at the Constitution Convention, Abigail Adams gave birth to a stillborn baby, and — this was especially poignant for me — she wrote to him that it was God’s will, and he wrote back, “Isn’t it a wonder how much someone can miss someone they’ve never met?”
I don’t think the founders were hardened to loss, but they went on with stoic fortitude. It’s a wonder they were able to accomplish all they did from a political standpoint, given the backdrop of their tragic family lives.
Are you going through boxes of tissues weekly, finding yourself consumed with congestion and sneezing fits and wondering if it will ever end?
Here at The Plain Truth Your Health Today Online, we want to share health information that is not only off the beaten path and interesting, but that can actually help you.
Here is a compilation of a great videos on the topic that will hopefully result in some understanding but more importantly, RELIEF!
What exactly are allergies?
Dr. Berg Shares the Missing Link Connecting Your Allergies to Lack of Folate
He further explains how natural histamines can help... Here is a great acupressure technique to help ease allergy symptoms and drain your sinus'.
Maybe herbal relief also will help...
Feeling the sniffles? Check out these herbs for allergy relief
Naturalnew.com
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Most people often rely on over-the-counter medications for addressing allergic reactions. But there are some natural herbal remedies that you can try to provide relief from allergies, and minus the potential side effects. These include the following:
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is used nowadays for less serious conditions like allergies, sore throat and inflamed tonsils. But according to functional medicine specialist Dr. Sobia Khan, the herb has been a go-to remedy for respiratory issues centuries before antibiotics were developed. Mullein's soothing properties make it a "friend" to the lungs.
Mullein contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids that protect cells from free radicals. It is also good for the lymph glands, a bonus for the immune system during allergy season. Moreover, the herb also possesses antiseptic and antiviral properties that stop pathogens in their tracks.
Goldenrod
Often considered a weed, the perennial goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) shouldn't be dismissed as such because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. It is well-known as a decongestant – effectively relieving blockages in the upper respiratory tract. This quality makes goldenrod a good choice for allergies, influenza, sinusitis or the common cold.
S. canadensis owes its medicinal properties to beneficial plant compounds it contains. Flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Meanwhile, saponins in goldenrod enhance the immune system and help it ward off harmful pathogens. (Related: Stop spring allergies with these 5 easy-to-source herbs.)
Stinging nettle
Aspiring gardeners often link stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) with a painful encounter. However, the Arizona-based Sinus & Allergy Wellness Center considers it one of the most effective herbs for allergic rhinitis. In fact, stinging nettle has been used back in Ancient Greece for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Outside its painful quality, stinging nettle is a powerful antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial and analgesic. It can reduce allergy-related inflammation without producing any adverse side effects. As a bonus, the leaves of stinging nettle can be cooked and added to salads, soups or stews – much like most green, leafy vegetables.
Horehound
A bitter herb of the mint family, horehound (Marubium vulgare) is often used in cough drops that help loosen mucus – making it one of the most ingested herbs in the United States. Given its potential to help suppress a nasty cough, the herb also shows potential to treat seasonal allergies. Horehound can relieve stuffiness, so it's ideal to take it when the allergy-related sniffles hit.
M. vulgare's medicinal properties stem from its plant compounds, such as trace amounts of volatile oils, alkaloids, flavonoids and diterpenes. Marrubiin, the most active diterpene in horehound, is responsible for the herb's expectorant properties. Moreover, the bitter-tasting marrubiin increases the flow of saliva and gastric juice – stimulating the appetite as a result.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is more than just a cooking herb: It also helps address inflammation caused by allergic reactions, thanks to its bioactive compound rosmarinic acid. One study published in International Immunopharmacologyexpounded on this anti-inflammatory effect.
According to the study authors, rosmarinic acid greatly decreased the inflammation in mucus cells and hyper-secretion of mucus cells in an animal model of asthma. They also found that the plant compound reduced the number of goblet cells that trigger mucus hyper-secretion. Goblet cells often multiply in response to different factors such as cigarette smoke, particles and toxins.
It is best to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito and here is why...getting bitten by a mosquito could result in a great deal of health issues and even death. Let's look at what happens when you get bitten by a mosquito!
By Jennifer Rae Vliet
What Happens To Your Body When It's Bitten By A Mosquito
BY JOEY KEOGH from TheList.com Mosquitoes must find nothing more delicious than human skin. That's how it feels when you're covered in itchy bites, agonizing over how to avoid scratching. So what really happens when these deadly insects bite us?
The female mosquito lands on your skin and extends her proboscis (a narrow part of the mouth used to retrieve blood) into it as she tries to locate a yummy blood vessel. Mosquitoes aren't teeny vampires, though, they just need protein-rich blood to produce eggs and propagate their species.
The mosquito injects us with a vasodilator, which keeps blood flowing rather than clotting while it feeds. It is this injection of the mosquito's saliva that causes the problem. As Dr. Renee Matthews, MD notes, our body reacts pretty strongly to this. "When a mosquito bites us, our body's immune system creates histamines, causing the skin around the mosquito bite to itch," she advises. Still, you might not notice right away and may even start itching hours later. Likewise, "Redness and swelling are part of the immune reaction, as well."
The Purpose for Mosquitos according to ThoughtCo.com in a column on The Most Interesting Facts About Mosquitos
Why Do Mosquitoes Exist?
Basically, mosquitoes exist because they're next to impossible to wipe out. Species don't exist in a vacuum; as long as they can find food and don't have environmental pressure against them, they'll continue. Mosquitoes are millions of years old as a species. In the ecosystem, they do serve as food for other species (birds, frogs, and fish) and as pollinators. The larvae eat detritus in the water, helping to clean it. There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes, but only about 200 bite humans.
So, whats the big deal? Dr. Josh Axe reports that you can actually acquire parasites from a mosquito bite...
How does someone become infected with a parasite?
Believe it or not, a relatively high percentage of adults living in the United States may carry parasites. Where and how does somebody get infected with a parasite?
Parasites are generally acquired from consuming contaminated food or water, but people with imbalanced gut flora, leaky gut syndrome or a weakened immune system may be more susceptible. Some can also be spread through the bite of a mosquito or sand fly, or transmitted to humans from animals such as cows and pigs that are infected with parasites like Cryptosporidium or Trichinella. (SOURCE)
Look what is happening right now in Peru
Brimful clinics, cemeteries as dengue ravages Peru
Piura (Peru) (AFP) – Two months after cyclonic downpours flooded the town of Catacaos in northern Peru, dozens of inhabitants lie sick and dying of dengue, a disease carried by mosquitos attracted by stagnant water.
Near the border with Ecuador, Peru's Piura region is battling a new health crisis even as the South American country is still recovering from the world's highest reported Covid-19 death rate.
This time it is an epidemic of dengue, a viral disease with symptoms ranging from fever, headache and joint pain to bleeding, organ failure and sometimes, death.
The virus is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that lays its eggs in standing water, of which there is a lot in Piura since cyclone Yaku hit northern Peru in March.
Dozens of people were killed and thousands affected as rivers burst their banks, destroying homes and infrastructure.
Half of the Piura region's 416 clinics were damaged by the cyclone that also paralyzed the local economy as thousands lost their ability to survive from informal jobs.
By June 13, Piura had reported 82 dengue deaths -- including 11 children -- and more than 44,000 infections since the start of 2023, said the region's rights ombudsman Cesar Orrego.
This was about a third of the national toll of 248 deaths and more than 146,000 infections.
We have lost control" of the epidemic, vector-borne diseases expert Valerie Paz-Soldan of the Cayetano Heredia University in Lima told AFP.
On Thursday, Peru's health minister resigned over her handling of the crisis.
Most of Piura's 1.8 million inhabitants live along the coast.
In Catacaos, an agricultural area, Yaku turned roads into rivers, destroyed the drinking water and sewerage systems, and ruined mango, grape and rice crops.
Water accumulated in open tanks, hollows and containers, multiplying mosquito breeding grounds. In the heart of Catacaos, the football field is still water-logged.
Multiple fumigation efforts failed to stop the epidemic spreading like wild-fire through the town's rickety homes. (SOURCE)
Then we have the Gates meddling in on nature and we know how things go when The Gates' viewpoint on sustaining life goes...this in its best estimation may sound good to environmentalists but the lack of trust with anything "Bill Gates" related needs to be heavily noted here.
A Company Just Released 150K Genetically Modified Mosquitoes in the United States
Genetically modified mosquitoes were just released in the US for the first time, thanks to a biotech firm funded by Bill Gates.
he Bill Gates-backed biotech firm Oxitec is going ahead with plans to release hundreds of millions of gene-altered mosquitos in Florida in order to test an experimental new form of population control, the company confirmed in a press release. The initial batch of mosquitoes was released this week.
The controversial project, conducted as part of a partnership between the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) and Oxitec, will see six locations in the region host Oxitec’s gene-hacked male Aedes aegypti mosquitos over the next few months.
Oxitec — which announced a collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2018 — says the new tests could help to greatly reduce populations of the mosquito breed, which is responsible for spreading diseases such as dengue and malaria.
As Oxitec emphasizes in its press statement, the company's mosquitos are male and, therefore, do not bite.
Instead, they are intended to reduce the number of potentially disease-transmitting female Aedes aegypti by introducing a self-limiting gene that sees offspring die before reaching adulthood.
The firm says the Aedes aegypti accounts for only 4 percent of the mosquito population in the Florida Keys, but is responsible for almost all disease transmission. The company also states that community support for the project is "high."
Controversy amid global plans to gene-hack mosquitos
Still, the method is controversial due to the fact that a genetically altered species is being released into an ecosystem with potentially unknown consequences. Critics have also pointed to the fact that this may open doors for firms to use gene-altered invasive species for other uncontrolled projects.
Oxitec faced a backlash in August 2020, when it originally released its Florida Keys plans. In a press statement at the time, Dana Perls, the food and technology Program Manager at Friends of the Earth, said that "the release of genetically engineered mosquitoes will needlessly put Floridians, the environment and endangered species at risk in the midst of a pandemic."
The Oxitec technology has already been tested in São Paulo, Brazil, where after 13 weeks, it suppressed up to 95 percent of the mosquito species.
Oxitec's isn't the only method for gene-altering mosquitos to curb their populations — this month, it was announced that researchers from Imperial College London have successfully altered the gut genes of mosquitos to spread antimalarial genes to their offspring. The same team had previously used the gene-editing tool CRISPR to eradicate a population of Anopheles gambiae in a lab. (SOURCE)
Mosquitos are something to avoid and something to respect all at the same time. I personally do what I need to do to keep from being bitten by them and if I happen to get the unfortunate bite, I always have The Bug Bite Thing tool at the ready. This is not a paid sponsorship but worth the mention because this little tool can help reverse what the mosquito deposits into your skin if you can get to it asap.
God had a purpose for all of His creations and expects us to be good stewards of our land and all that He has given us dominion over. There is a way to protect human life first and foremost and we are so advanced that all's it takes is research on ways to handle the problems that mosquitos can cause. When you look around and gene altering endeavors, it is imperative to look ahead and see how that is going to affect the cycle of life for other species but once again, human life is a priority and as you can clearly see, things can get out of hand and very quickly. The liberal agenda and their displaced compassion to a large degree and an outright mission to punish those of us that want to put humans first. They do not want us to harm life and protect even the flea; and by doing so, they have really tilted the scale and have caused a lot of harm to humankind.
In 2011, the state of California banned the usage of an incredibly effective enzymatic treatment of 2-{1-Methyl-2-(4-phenoxphenoxy) ethoxy} pyridine. By doing so, they actually caused what exterminators were calling a SUPER FLEA. They cared more about the fleas then everybody and every other living thing instead. By not being allowed to control the flea population, animals suffered GREATLY and thus as a result, PEOPLE SUFFERED. Exterminators were using their strongest chemicals and still couldn't control the problem. Outside critters suffered, birds, racoons, squirrels, you name it. FINALLY, they allowed the product back into the state in 2017. It was A LONG 6 years, let me tell you!
The bottom line is, get educated, protect yourself, and let's fight for life and be good stewards with what God has given to us, use our noggins and do what needs to be done as God would see fit!
Dr. Mercola reported back in 2019 that colon cancer was on the rise. Many other outlets are reporting the same thing in recent news. What is going on and how can we decrease our chances of getting colorectal cancer?
First and foremost, one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies is to adhere to God's Food Law's as they were put in place by our Creator for a reason. Adam and Eve were given these food laws! Doing research on this topic and educating oneself on a preventative lifestyle for all cancers is always a good idea.
The following featured posts do not necessarily express the views of The Plain Truth. We are sharing other opinions and will sometimes offer a commentary on anything we may disagree with.
Here is Dr. Mercola's column:
Colorectal cancer in younger adults on the rise
Colorectal cancer is often thought of as a disease that affects older adults, but new statistics say otherwise. Rates of colorectal cancer in men and women under the age of 50 have risen in recent years, and scientists are concerned the spike may continue. When diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is curable. With a healthy diet and physical activity, up to 50% of cases are even preventable. But lack of awareness in younger patients may be playing a large role in the increase.
Not only have researchers seen a spike in the number of cases in men and women in their 20s and 30s, but they believe the increases are accelerating. Dr. Darren Brenner, lead author of a colorectal cancer study published recently in the journal JAMA Network Open, said, “We thought that this trend would slow down or level off after people first noticed it a few years ago.But every year we keep seeing the increase in colorectal cancer among young people, and it is very alarming.”
In the study, Brenner and his colleagues found an increase of 3.47% in colorectal cancer rates among Canadian men under 50, between 2006 and 2015. Between 2010 and 2015, rates among women under the age of 50 increased by 4.45%. Researchers believe colon and rectal cancers may be decreasing among older adults due to increased awareness and use of screening tests, such as colonoscopies. Colonoscopies are able to recognize and remove colon polyps before cancer has a chance to develop.
Colorectal cancer is largely linked to lifestyle habits, so like many types of cancer, it is often preventable. Research suggests that only 5 to 10% of cancer cases are due to genetic defects, while the rest are linked to environment and lifestyle factors. Making healthy choices today can help significantly lower your risk of colorectal cancer, along with other types of cancer and serious health issues. Top tips to help prevent colon cancer include:
Eat more vegetables — Vegetables contain an array of antioxidants and other disease-fighting compounds that are very difficult to get anywhere else. They’re also one of the best forms of dietary fiber. Studies have repeatedly shown that people with higher vegetable intake have lower rates of cancer.
Eat more fiber — Dietary fiber has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, particularly incident colorectal adenoma and distal colon cancer. Further, for every 10 grams of fiber you add to your daily diet, your risk of colon cancer decreases by 10%.
Optimize your vitamin D levels — Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Research has shown those with higher blood levels of vitamin D were less likely to develop colorectal tumors.
Avoid processed meats — The nitrates found in processed meats are frequently converted into nitrosamines, which are clearly associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.
Be knowledgeable about red meat consumption — Research suggests that people who eat the most red meat (in one study this was 5 ounces a day) have a 24% greater risk of colorectal cancer than those who eat the least.
Exercise — Studies suggest physically active men and women have about a 30 to 40% reduction in the risk of developing colon cancer compared to those who are inactive.
Maintain a healthy weight and control belly fat — Studies have linked obesity to an increased risk for about a dozen different cancers, including cancer of the colon.
Limit your alcohol intake and quit smoking — Both excessive alcohol intake and smoking are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
The Dailymail.com even covered the topic this past March of 2023:
Mystery of colon cancer epidemic among young people: Rates have doubled among under-55s since the 1990s — and experts don't know why
"Experts are not sure what is behind the shift, but unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles have all been blamed for the higher rates.
Cancers of the colon and rectum are the third most common type in the US and the third leading cause of death of both men and women.
It is most often diagnosed in people aged 65 to 74. Early warning signs including blood in feces, abdominal pain and unintended weight loss.
These are often missed in younger age groups, with doctors instead believing they are warning signs of another illness instead of cancer associated with the elderly.
Dr Rebecca Segel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author, said: 'We know rates are increasing in young people.
'But it's alarming to see how rapidly the whole patient population is shifting younger, despite shrinking numbers in the overall population.
'The trend toward more advanced disease in people of all ages is also surprising and should motivate everyone 45 and older to get screened'.
The truth of it is, we all have cancer cells in our body, it is just when they start teaming up and clustering where we have a problem. Here are some excellent videos from Dr. Berg on the truth about polyps and preventative actions measures to lessen the potential of cancers and that increase the function of the body to fight cancer cells."
Dr. Berg explains cancer like this: cancer is a dysfunction of your mitochondria (inside your cells) it changes and starts to adapt to an ancient metabolic pathway that involves fermentation of its fuel; it loses its mortality and keeps reproducing and it is also a sugar hog. When they do a pet they scan areas of higher levels of glucose metabolism.
He says that lowering any inflammation in the body is paramount to cancer prevention and highlights how important your diet is which obviously is a main contributor to inflammation.
As you can see and hear, there are many triggers that lead someone to being more susceptible to different types of cancers and there are so many people suffering that have followed a very straight and narrow diet and lifestyle. The Plain Truth is that God has given us great help in how to live an amazing life! He loves us. (John 14:21) He wants the best for us. He wants to bless us and make our food amazing (Isaiah 1:19) and heal our land (2Chron 7:14) and take our sickness away (Exodus 23:25) and set us high above all the nations of the earth! (Deut 28:1)
God wants the best for His Family, for us, for we are His children! Here are some featured writings from The Plain Truth on His dietary laws.
