Parental Decisions for Vaccines

This week taking our son to the doctor for his annual check-up renewed my putting faith in medical science by giving my permission to administer him with three vaccines. I agreed without hesitation but past memories of our child, like all kids and some adults, freaking out to get shots did cross my mind. Giving him my cell phone to play a game worked as a distraction. It’s been a parental decision that we’ve made since he was born over a decade ago when I did much more research about the safety of vaccines. Many of us have heard the reports linking vaccines to autism. Myths about vaccines are discussed on PublicHealth.org.

For many years I did not take a flu vaccine due to my severe egg allergy. I started taking the flu shot about five years ago after new vaccines became available made without eggs as described by the Mayo Clinic.

I just heard a news report from a doctor saying about 50% of the people might not want to take a future vaccine for Covid-19. However, according to InfectionControlToday.org quoting Dr. Paul Ehrmann, “Some diseases, like measles, require as much as 95 percent of the population to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity.”

Apparently, vaccines have worked so well to eradicate diseases that now people especially in developed countries wonder if they are still necessary. According to OurWorldInData.org, “what percentage of the public think vaccines are safe? What share thinks they are ineffective? And what share denies their importance? In this post we present the global data on attitudes to vaccination. Here is a summary of the results:

 92% of people in the world think vaccines are important for children to have;

• 7% of people globally disagree that vaccines are safe. But this differs considerably between different countries: France topped the list with 33% disagreeing;

• Globally, 5% of people disagree that vaccines are effective. But skepticism is high in some countries, ranging from 28% in Liberia to less than 1% in Bangladesh and Egypt;

• In many countries few people disagree that vaccines are safe and effective, but the share of people who “neither agree nor disagree” can be more than 50%.”

Providing vaccines is a primary mission of CDC and WHO as well as groups like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Let’s hope and pray that new, low cost vaccines become available to fight viruses and other diseases and then we need to trust the medical professionals to accurately tell us the risks and the benefits.

Statement From Former Gov. Scientists & Public Health Officials Calling for Science-based Response to the Serious and Growing COVID-19 Pandemic

I’m honored to join my peers in commending current gov scientists, researchers, and public health officials who are prioritizing the well-being of Americans above politics amid this devastating pandemic. Sign on here. #LetScienceSpeak

We are scientists and public health experts who have dedicated our careers to promoting the health of all Americans. In the past, we have pursued that mission within different components of the federal government, whether in advisory roles to Congress or within the executive branch under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The offices in which we served had different roles but shared a common goal of saving lives and advancing public health through scientific research, public education, and informed policy.

We have gathered with one voice because the clear and present danger of the continued spread of COVID-19 hangs above us. Unless science and expertise guide our preparation and response to the serious and growing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, our nation will again suffer avoidable death and disruption. Together, we commend our fellow scientists and public health experts currently serving in government who are holding steadfast to the principles of scientific integrity and independence. We call on them to continue pursuing their mission to advance public health, regardless of politics.

Having served in these same roles, we understand the immense responsibility of controlling the spread — and potential resurgence — of COVID-19, which has already killed more than 129,000 Americans and 530,000 people worldwide. As our society and economy reopen, the American public, healthcare workers, and state and local officials across the country are looking to the federal government to ensure that we put the worst behind us. The federal government, after all, plays the lead role in pandemic preparedness and response activities, from stockpiling essential medicines and supplies, to coordinating hospital surge capacity, to supporting vaccine development and providing guidelines on mitigating the spread of disease.

For the federal government to fulfill this role, independent and sound science must be the driving force behind its efforts. Research and data must inform production and allocation decisions for vital supplies such as personal protective equipment and ventilators; basic accounting for new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths; and plans to develop vaccines and treatments. Science should steer decision-making and policy, even as our elected leaders weigh competing priorities. Scientists working for the United States government are some of the best in the world, and their work has been vital in combating many of the epidemics in the 20th and 21st centuries, from HIV to SARS, from H1N1 influenza to Ebola. They are working tirelessly right now to save lives in the face of this novel coronavirus.

But at great cost to our country, science and expertise have been marginalized in our government’s response to the pandemic thus far. Far too often, political expediency has won out over scientists’ advice. The federal pandemic response has muzzled key public health experts within the government and pushed them aside in decision-making processes. In short, the independence of our public health institutions has been compromised. If we continue to cast aside the scientific advice of our own experts, the consequences for the nation will be dire. Indeed, sidelining science has already cost lives, imperiled the safety of our loved ones, compromised our ability to safely re-open our businesses, schools, and places of worship, and endangered the health of our democracy itself.

The novel coronavirus has starkly reshaped our global reality. It is highly likely to continue spreading, either through one large, sustained wave, or resurging in multiple waves. To save lives, we must let science guide us and let scientists speak. Congress must more rigorously oversee the pandemic response and any attempts at political inference in scientific decision-making, while federal inspectors general must be allowed to conduct their oversight functions without fear of retaliation. Data from our federal agencies must be more accessible to outside experts, and the processes generating data on the pandemic more transparent. When federal employees speak out about interference in science, the law must better protect them. Finally, this global pandemic demands a global solution. Our scientists must be free to coordinate with their peers around the world to surmount COVID-19.

To the federal employees working on the frontlines of this pandemic, preparing our country for any resurgence of COVID-19, we say: keep speaking out. We support you. You stand as a bulwark against the spread of misinformation and the diversion of public health policies and programs to suit political goals. The health of the American public and the integrity of our august scientific and public health agencies depend on you.

(If you are a former government scientist or public health official and would like to add your name to this statement, please complete this form. Protect Democracy will update this list with new signatories until July 20th.).

Mastering Metrics

The book: Bad Data: Why We Measure the Wrong Things and Often Miss the Metrics That Matter by Peter Schryvers provides many examples and stories where obsession for collecting data has unintended consequences. One of my favorite stories is the Cobra Effect. As background, he describes how public schools so focused on testing to get federal funding led to widespread cheating. In India, the British colonist offered to buy poisonous cobras from locals in an effort to remove them. However, Indian people began growing more cobras to sell and when the British found out and stopped paying money, the Indians then freed their home-grown snakes. That created a bigger cobra problem than in the beginning! That might explain why I saw so many snake charmers during my visit to Mumbai 25 years ago.

Other interesting examples include the New York Police Department’s effort to get precincts competing based on crime statistics leading to under reporting and not listening to citizen complains that led to loss of trust. The author states that TRUST is one of the main reasons metrics are being collected in schools, homes, businesses and more.

More precisely, lack of trust affects everything from health care, environmental solutions, to worker productivity. Doctors rated on performing high-quality procedures leading to positive outcomes may not take on risky patients that could hurt their rating. Environmental trade-offs comparing light bulbs or where to live must consider total costs and not just obvious factors. A real-estate agent may show you less expensive homes far away from your workplace that will cost you more when factoring in transportation costs to work and shopping.

Bad Data was published in early 2020 but I wish it could have covered the Covid-19 pandemic. Schryvers discusses misunderstanding metrics to measure disease effects on a population. He lists three metrics: prevalence, incidence, and mortality. Prevalence is the number of people affected divided by population (usually 100,000 people). Incidence is the number of people contracting the disease over a period of time like in one year. Mortality is the number of people dying from the disease. He states decrease in prevalence of an illness may sound like good news but actually means fewer people are living with the disease as more people are dying quickly. Therefore, we must think critically when people are citing comparisons in these and other metrics. Testing for Covid-19 comes to mind when comparing total numbers of tests given for a country must consider the “per population” to be meaningful.

One of the best examples of a solution for the ills of Metrics is what the author calls Gateways. Khan Academy, is the non-profit that offers free videos online for mastery of education. The book is well worth reading to hear many great examples, including how Salman Khan started making videos to share with his family and became a worldwide sensation. Imagine taking middle school kids for a summer class and start at 1+1 to correct any gaps in knowledge. There is an interesting TED talk by Sal Khan talking about how even an A students scoring anything below 100% will accumulate gaps in understanding subjects that need to be corrected in order to advance to higher learning (like becoming a doctor) and this takes a longer time than offered by traditional academia where tests are timed and classes progress at the same pace. We are enjoying the Khan Academy videos that teach math, history and interviews with famous icons like Bill Gates and Elon Musk.

In summary, it’s all about Lifelong Learning and finding the correct metrics and gateways for learning from our collective experiences which is key to staying alive especially with challenges with Covid-19, Climate Change, Economic Recessions and Depressions, and surviving/overcoming related calamities.

We Have the Power to Heal Ourselves and Our Environment

Our hearts go out to all the families worldwide that are fighting to survive the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that we are spending more time at home, we can find healthy activities to keep our minds and bodies strong. While it is important to stay informed, do you agree that an overdose of the doom and gloom news can be extremely depressing? In addition, stress caused by the pandemic including diminishing grocery supplies can be toxic to our peace of mind.

Check out the movie Heal, currently showing on Netflix and other streaming services. The theme of the movie discusses the mind-body connection to keeping healthy and healing from disease. The conclusion of the movie states,

“The human body is capable of miraculous things.It It is an intelligent system, deeply connected to our minds and the world around us, and brilliantly designed to self regulate and heal. By detoxing our environment, the air we breath, the food we eat, the water we drink and the products we use, we support the healing process.”

These are topics frequently mentioned in this blog and is the overall objective of Conserve & Prosper LLC. We cannot ignore the threat of the pandemic and having a clear awareness is vital. As the movie states, we need to keep the faith! We have the power to heal ourselves and the environment.

Covid-19: Unique Prevention and Treatment Advice from my Preferred Doctor

Over the past several years I have seen many doctors to resolve health issues.. I’ve found that the doctors available on my medical insurance were limited to the tests they could order resulting in an inability to resolve my complicated illnesses as I described on January 26th.

Over a year ago I reported on finding an incredible doctor who I’ve now seen twice and paid out of pocket for information that has greatly improved my health! Guarneri Integratve Health at Pacific Pearl in La Jolla, CA, founded by Dr. G. who began as a New York cardiologist, expanded to integrative eastern and western medical treatments focusing on prevention of diseases.

Here is news shared by email to their patients that is newsworthy consisting of a letter from Dr. Guarneri, on March 12th, additional information the next day, and ideas for being home sent on March 16th :

March 12, 2020

Dear Patients,

At Pacific Pearl La Jolla we believe that a healthy immune system is the key to preventing viruses and infections and chronic diseases such as cancer. In light of concerns regarding the Coronavirus we recommend the following:

1. If you are not feeling well, please call the office and speak with a team member as soon as possible. You have your private access via your VIP membership to utilize phone, email and text to your Pacific Pearl Provider team.  

2. If you are feeling well, you have the option of doing your follow-up routine appointments, lab and testing review by phone. Since we are a Membership Medicine practice, our priority is to meet your health care needs. 

3. Non-members who have had appointments with our providers will be accommodated if possible. We are encouraging you to consider becoming a VIP Member for ease of access to our health care team.

4. You are welcome to come in for a preventative IV immune-boosting infusion, especially if you are planning to travel. I do those myself routinely and strongly recommend them.

5. You are welcome to sit in our infrared sauna for about 15-30 minutes. Coronavirus dies in high heat. We have other therapies, such as acupuncture, naturopathic treatments and Healing Touch.

6. Please pick up or have us send you our viral prevention nutraceutical package which includes nutrients, essential oils and two face masks (as available). 

7. Remember, love is greater than fear. Wash your hands, watch funny movies to boost your immune system and know your team at Pacific Pearl La Jolla is here for you.

March 13, 2020

Dear Patients and Friends,

Many of you have reached out asking additional questions about coronavirus prevention, symptoms and more. We are committed to keeping you informed.

The information we provide comes from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and UCSD molecular virologist James Robb, M.D. Of course, we are all learning about this new virus, and facts change quickly. This email covers the best, most recent information available. To keep up with day-to-day changes in coronavirus information, please go to the Centers for Disease Control website.

Some Coronavirus Facts

• If you have a runny nose, you may have a simple common cold.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Coronavirus starts with a dry cough and sore throat, followed by fever and possibly pneumonia. 

• It seems that the virus is less harmful to children and young adults.

• Older adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and cancer are at higher risk.

• It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

The Symptoms

• Coronavirus first infects the throat. You'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days.

• The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.

• With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing. 

If you develop any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek immediate attention.

Steps to Take If You Are Feeling Ill

• Call your healthcare provider. Follow their instructions.

• Separate yourself from other household members, including pets.

• Wear a face mask.

• Cover sneezes and coughs.

• Don't share personal household items like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. If another uses these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before you use them.

• Clean hard surfaces (such as counter-tops) daily.

• Monitor your symptoms closely.

• If the doctor asks you to come in or if you go to the hospital, wear a face mask to protect others. Let them know when you will arrive in advance so they can prepare.

• The decision to discontinue self-isolation should be carried out with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments.

Mind Body Spirit Approaches to Staying Healthy

• Do your best to avoid crowds and sick people.

• Travel only if you absolutely must. Avoid non-essential travel.

• Stay hydrated and gargle with a simple solution of salt and water daily.

• Can't emphasize enough - drink plenty of water and wash hands frequently!  

• Prioritize foods with phytonutrients, such as dark berries and leafy greens.

• Get a good night's sleep.

• Watch funny movies and limit your news consumption.

• Practice favorite mind-body exercises such as meditation and yoga.

• Remember to take a deep breath. Breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 2 seconds and out for 7 seconds will put your body into a state of relaxation.

Those concerned may want to consider a preventative IV immune-boosting infusion, our viral prevention nutraceutical package or time in our infra-red sauna.

As mentioned in our email from yesterday, if you are not feeling well, please call the office at 858-459-6919 and speak with a team member as soon as possible. VIP members are utilizing phone, email and text to connect with the Pacific Pearl provider team.  Non-members who have had appointments with our providers will be accommodated if possible. We are encouraging you to consider becoming a VIP Member for ease of access to our health care team.

March 16, 2020

Dear Patients and Friends,

COVID 19 is probably going to be with us for some time. Unfortunately, we do not know for how long. Additionally, it is unclear how severe an outbreak might be in the United States.  

Thankfully, there are many things we can do as individuals and communities that may be helpful. It is important to remain calm and think clearly. Remember that our positive attitudes go a long way in protecting health, enriching our daily lives, and supporting the ones we love.   

Here is a list of things one can do at home to help in these uncertain times:

• Meet with household members, other relatives, friends and neighbors to discuss what role each individual might take should there be a COVID 19 outbreak in your own community. 

• Plan ways to care for those who are perceived at greatest risk.

• Know your neighbors and come up with a neighborhood plan.

• Identify aid organizations in your community i.e. Scripps Hospital, UCSD, and The Red Cross. San Diego Department of Public Health, San Diego Center for Stress and Anxiety, supermarkets.

• Create an emergency contact list i.e. of family, friends, neighbors, doctors, carpool drivers and teachers.

• Designate a “sick” room in your home should someone become ill.

If you have been diagnosed with Covid 19, you must SELF QUARANTINE for 14 DAYS. 

In addition, if you are around or have been around someone who is ill or traveled from a high-risk location where Covid 19 is prevalent, you also must SELF QUARANTINE for 14 DAYS from last known contact with the sick individual or location even if you have no symptoms.

Good things to have at home regardless of this crisis: (dose and amount of any medicine or supplement listed below as recommended by your doctor):

• Thermometer

• Aspirin

• Ibuprofen or Naproxen (do not use if you have high blood pressure)

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 

• Over the counter cold medicine of your choice; if you have high blood pressure Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold or Flu per package labeling directions

• Herbal Teas, (Yogi- throat comfort, breathe deep, cold season, immune support)

• Consider an air purifier

• Supplements that support immune function

• Vitamins that support immune function

• Probiotics 

• Gastro ULC or Pepto-Bismol

• Imodium A-D 

• Stay hydrated, use electrolyte tablets (NUUN, Liquid IV, or Vitalyte) added to 8-12 oz of water, Pedialyte or Gatorade zero as needed

• Any Cleaning Product known to kill COVID 19 on Surfaces Such As:

• Clorox Brand Regular Bleach and Cleaners (any bleach product should be diluted 1/3 cup in 1 gallon water of 4 teaspoons bleach in 1 quart water)

• Purell Cleaners and hand sanitizers

• Lysol Brand cleaners

• Micro-Kill Bleach Germicidal Bleach Solution (Medline Industries)

• Micro-Kill Bleach Germicidal Bleach Wipes (Medline Industries)

• CaviCide Bleach (Metrex) 

• CaviCide1 (Metrex )

• Disposable Gloves 

• Face Masks

Please remember that there are only shortages that we create. There is no worldwide shortage of toilet paper or paper goods unless we create it. Buy in the amounts that you would as if shopping for the week. 

Positive ways to say entertained:

• Read a good book

• Exercise

• Call friends and family

• Take a walk

• Meditate

• Pray

• Breathwork

• Do Sudoku

• Do a jigsaw puzzle

• Play cards

• Do a crossword puzzle

• Watch a funny movie

• Play a board game 

• Play charades

Remember to practice good personal hygiene:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Wear a mask if you are sick.

• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.

• Keep your hands away from your face.

• Clean surfaces and objects daily.

• Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

• Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds frequently throughout the day especially after using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing, or being out in public.

• Socially Distance yourself from others, stay 6 feet away from your neighbor, avoid handshaking and crowds.

Helpful Websites:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/community_epidemiology/dc/2019-nCoV.html

Finding Nature’s Fountain of Youth

Remember the story of Ponce de Leon who sailed from Spain to Florida about 20 years after Columbus looking for the fountain of youth? He searched for spring water that could heal all ailments to live a long life.

My growing up with asthma, the fountain of youth seemed magical to think that nature could heal us. I’ve learned to control asthma by living in a healthy environment with clean air and exercise. We’re still looking for the mythical fountain of youth but know so much more about living a healthy, balanced lifestyle by combining the best from western and eastern practices to conserve and prosper!

When I developed acid reflux as a young adult, I tried various antacids which did not solve the problem. I explored various treatments like Ayurvedic medicine that focused on my diet to eliminating toxins. This helped tremendously but did not solve the problem until many years later I learned about Celiac disease and needed to go “gluten-free.” That was over seven years ago when it was hard to find many wheat-free options.  Now there are so many great gluten-free foods and meals at restaurants available! But just because the food is gluten-free it still many not be healthy if loaded with sugar or salt. In general, reducing carbs and eating more fish, fruits and vegetables keeps us from gaining weight.

Recently, I’ve been learning more about the effects of stress causing inflammation that can lead to many diseases. Check out the website and publications by Dr. Mimi Guarneri, a cardiologist who speaks passionately about her work in Integrated Medicine. Listening to Dr. G’s audio tapes on the Science of Natural Healing, I had no idea that my frequent sinus infections could be caused by eating too much cheese and other dairy products!

So nature does provide us a fountain of youth when we care for our environment and are careful with what we eat and drink!

Fighting for Our Health, Lives, and Climate

Today, 200 countries including the United States agreed to implement the Paris climate accord. What does this mean? See the latest from BBC News!

Also today in the news, a U.S. District Court judge in Texas ruled that the Affordable Care Act is illegal.

In my opinion, fighting for our health care and the climate directly affects the lives of humans and all life on Earth.

Mining coal can cause black lung disease. Burning coal can cause air pollution. Air pollution causes asthma and other illnesses. Illnesses will be covered by the Affordable Care Act rather than having insurance companies say people cannot get health insurance. Obtaining health insurance is currently difficult to afford due to the lack of competition, cuts in the program, and greed by many in the system.

The same can be said for drilling and burning other fossil fuels that contribute greenhouse gases that are causing global temperatures to rise, altering our weather patterns, making storms more severe, melting glaciers, raising sea level, and affecting all life on the Planet.

So we must keep working for our survival and challenge those you are in denial!