“On Tuesday, the Federal Government’s leading immunization advisory panel unanimously approved a sweeping list of vaccine safety research recommendations for the US Department of Health and Human Services, including several that are directly or indirectly linked to the vaccine-autism debate. The endorsement, from the highly influential National Vaccine Advisory Committee, will surely intensify the argument.”

In my humble opinion this is a big step forward and way overdue.  The proposed study is to be an observational one, looking at the outcomes of children who were vaccinated according to the recommended immunization schedule, children who were not vaccinated and children who were alternatively vaccinated.  And their reason for not looking at this sooner… for fear that a study of this kind may be unethical!  

“How and whether to conduct such studies — which would be costly, complicated and subject to ethical questions — is a hot-button question in itself. For example, prospective clinical trials, where children would be randomized into vaccinated and placebo groups, would be patently unethical, and therefore impossible.

But public participants in the NVAC process suggested an alternative plan: An “observational study” to look at “natural variation in vaccination schedules, including some children where vaccination is declined through parental intent,” the NVAC wrote. In other words, if parents decided not to vaccinate their kids on time, or at all — even after they had been strongly urged to do so — then it would not be unethical to enroll their children in an observational study of health outcomes.”

PUHHLEEZ…I find it unethical that our children are getting sicker and no one “official” is willing to  listen, until now.  I think the bottom line is and always will be cost and liability, not ethics. 

I commend the hard work of a passionate community who’s endless questioning is finally seeing results:

“Without influence from autism and vaccine safety groups, it is unlikely that the august NVAC (see roster of NVAC members, including experts from CDC, HHS, academia and the pharmaceutical industry) would have unanimously endorsed first-step measures to study and compare vaccinated, unvaccinated, and “alternatively vaccinated” groups of children for a number of immunological and neurological disorders — including autism.”

Keep fighting for what you know is right for your child!!

I also encourage you to read Dr. Sears’ take on these recent events in his article, “Government and CDC Finally Agree to do Extensive Research into Vaccine Safety . . . Maybe“.  He provides a great perspective on the issue.

Related Posts

I added my name to a petition calling for an update to these standards and I hope you will too.

Please SIGN THE PETITION!

The petition will be hand delivered to Congress June 24th. The more signatures we have, the greater our impact.

Thanks!

Even if global coverage on the potential swine flu pandemic may be an over-reaction, it’s clear that the outbreak is still a serious issue (which you can now follow via Google Maps). All things considered, the outbreak seems to be the tip of the proverbial iceberg. In addition to the other questionable agribusiness practices of “confined animal feeding operations” – a new study by the Soil Association suggests that the overuse of antibiotics could be a major factor in creating antibiotic resistant super-pathogens.

My family plan when it comes to swine flu prevention (same as during flu season; see related post):

• Wash Hands Frequently
• Plenty of Sleep
• Immune System Support Supplements (Immu-Max by Springboard & Vitamin C)
• Watch & Wait

Related Post: Surviving Cold & Flu Season with Kids

• Get Outside and Play - What better way to show appreciation for the Earth than to enjoy its wonders?  Take your kids out on a nature walk and discover all that mother nature has to offer.  Take binoculars or a camera and encourage your children to spot various items, scavenger hunt style.  It’s amazing the wonderment a simple  grasshopper can create for your children.  This is also a great way to encourage your child to appreciate nature and understand the importance of preserving it.
• Pick-up Litter - This activity is better suited for older children but young children can participate as “spotters”.  Go for a walk and pick up all the litter that you see.  And take the lesson further by sorting the trash and recycling what you can.
• Plant a Garden - We started our seasonal vegetable garden over the weekend.  The kids had so much fun digging in the dirt and are looking forward to harvest time.  It’s a great way to let your children know where healthy foods come from and reiterates the importance of preserving the earth so that nature’s abundance remains intact.
• Plan an Organic Feast of Whole Foods - Food processing takes it’s toll on the environment and our bodies.  Try creating a meal solely from whole foods (unprocessed in their natural form).
• Switch to Green Cleaning Supplies - Both my girls love to help me clean.  If I were using toxic conventional cleaners, I would never allow them to participate.  Since we use green cleaners, baking soda and vinegar, they are encouraged to do everything from spray windows, clean appliances and sweep the floor.  And even when they don’t participate, I’m left with the peace of mind that they won’t be exposed to a toxic residue.
• Sponsor an Environmental Cause - The threats are real.  Consider contributing to an environmental cause in honor of Earth Day.  Organizations such as World Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation and even Healthy Child, Healthy World are great ways to make a difference!

I look forward to reading your ideas, please leave a comment!

Quick post but a must share product.  My family and I moved into a brand new home a few years ago and within weeks our beloved pet dog, Sadie, vomited on our spotless carpet.  I did my best to get the stain up…even went to the lengths of using Resolve, which is definitely not a green choice but I was desperate!  Two years later, the stain remains…until today.   Recently, a friend of a friend, who has been in the carpet cleaning business for years, developed a non-toxic, bio-degradable, eco-friendly carpet cleaner that cleans spots out of carpet & upholstery, called Green Genie.  They’re in the process of launching it and I used it for the first time tonight on this two-year old stain.  I sprayed it on, enjoyed the pleasant, non-chemical scent for 2 minutes and then blotted with a soft cloth…end result, the stain is gone!!

While carpet is not the greenest of choices when it comes to flooring, it is found in many homes.  And I’ve had a hard time finding a “green”, eco-friendly carpet cleaner that actually works.   Given that I live in a house with two dogs and children, I’m elated that my search is finally over!!  Thank you Green Genie!  You must try this product.  Available on QVC, April 22nd (Earth Day) between 9 and 10.   And if you’re on facebook, vist their page and become a fan!

I just sent an email to newly-appointed EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to make that a reality: Why now?

1. New risk for babies A new report by scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found perchlorate contamination in 15 brands of powdered infant formula.
2. It is in our drinking water Perchlorate pollution has also been found in the drinking water of 28 states and territories. (Check out Environmental Working Group’s tap water quality database to see if yours is one)
3. This is the moment. During her Senate confirmation hearing, EPA head Lisa Jackson promised to act “immediately” to reduce perchlorate contamination in drinking water to protect children and pregnant women. Please join me in calling on EPA Administrator Jackson to make good her pledge. 

Send her an email today asking to keep perchlorate at safe levels in our drinking water.

The current law regulating toxic chemicals was passed in 1976. And it hasn’t changed since, even though 20,000 new chemicals have come onto the market since then.

Babies are born pre-polluted with 300 industrial chemicals in their bodies when they enter the world.

Environmental Working Group is asking for your voice to be heard. Do you feel it’s wrong that many products on the market today are responsible for children to be born with hundreds of toxins present in their newborn bodies? If so, sign The Declaration.

The Campaign tested 28 products and found that:

• Over 60 percent items contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. These included Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash and Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wash.
• Over 80 percent of products contained formaldehyde at levels ranging from 54 to 610 parts per million (ppm).
• Almost 70 percent of products contained 1,4-dioxane at levels ranging from 0.27 to 35 ppm.

All of these products were marketed as “gentle” and “pure.” Obviously they’re not.

Because these chemicals are considered contaminants and not ingredients, they are not required to be disclosed on labels. As a result, your child is exposed to toxic ingredients without you even knowing! Fight back and demand safer products for your children. Tell Congress you want safer cosmetics for babies, adults and everyone in between! In the meantime consider switching to California Baby or another organic alternative to limit your child’s exposure to toxic ingredients in the tub.

Read more Babyminding Posts about Unsafe Cosmetics & Bath Products:

Dare to Compare: Child Bodywash Product Comparison
How Safe are Your Baby Care Products?
Shop Smart: Choosing Safer Products for Your Kids

Every so often something comes along that actually makes your life easier. Right now is one of those times.

Healthy Child has aligned with WebMD, the #1 most-trusted site online for health information, to bring you the all-new Health eHome. This interactive, educational tool offers you the easy tips, practical solutions, and most trusted advice about healthy, safe, environmentally sensible living. (Life just got easier.)

Explore it, bookmark it, and refer to it whenever you read an alarming headline, hear a fellow parent express concern, or see a product claim that makes you wonder what you can realistically do to protect your health. We know you’re busy and you have better things to do with your time, so we’ll try to make it all quick, easy, and maybe even entertaining (RSS the blog for that part).

Please always remember, while trying to protect your health and the planet can seem very overwhelming, every little bit you do helps. Promise. Try to live with this mantra in mind: No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.

So, visit the Health eHome when you can get those free 10 minutes and pick one thing to do today. It matters! And you’ll be joining a movement of parents eager to create a healthier tomorrow for our children.

I dare someone to ask me what’s wrong with HFCS.  I can guarantee it won’t result in a blank stare.  Here are a few facts about HFCS so you’re prepared to answer when someone asks you what’s wrong with HFCS:

• Studies have shown that half of the HFCS used is contaminated with mercury.
• HFCS has been linked to behavior disorders in children.
• HFCS can has been shown to a contribute to the rise of obesity & adult onset diabetes.
• HFCS is a chemically processed food additive that our bodies can become addicted to and left wanting more (which makes it hard to consume in moderation as the commercials encourage).

Related Babyminding Posts:
High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated with Mercury!
How a Child’s Diet Affects Behavior