Health News

Apr

2015

50,000 Costco Customers Urge Company to Reject GM Salmon

(NaturalNews) While popular food markets such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Kroger and Safeway have made it clear that they do not intend to sell genetically engineered fish, Costco remains silent on the matter. Their hesitation in declaring a voice when it comes to GM salmon has worried many who want to consume only wild-caught salmon instead of lab creations of the fish.(1)

The public’s dissatisfaction with Costco’s silence has become so heated that petitions and pledges have flourished. Most notable is the 50,000-signature goal that was set, and met, by Seattle, Washington’s Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ). The group is dedicated to keeping only fresh, wild salmon in Costco and urging the mega store to avoid getting caught up in GMO madness.(1)

“They’ve been evading saying they will sell it,” said Danielle Friedman, who is with CAGJ. In addition to obtaining signatures, CAGJ has also been involved in holding protests at the Seattle Costco in hopes of raising awareness about the issue and of course, getting the store to make the right decision.(1)

Several groups urging consumers to sign petitions, say no to GM salmon
SumofUs.org, a group of workers and consumers focused on preventing large corporations from gaining total control of human rights, including the foods they consume, has also gone the petition route. This particular pledge is called “Costco: Pledge not to sell GMO salmon” and features an image of a cartoon-like salmon with three eyes, a Costco tag attached to its side. As of this writing, they were approximately 2,000 signatures shy of their 50,000 goal.(2,3)

Another website involved in taking up this important cause is Change.org, which is requesting people petition against the possibility of Costco selling Franken-salmon. That petition says, “Tell Costco CEO Craig Jelinek: Say NO to Genetically Modified Salmon!” The page informs people of the dangers of eating GMO foods, reminding them that it’s been linked to allergy risks and worse, greater risks of an increase in growth hormone associated with cancer.(4)

Change.org even includes a letter to Jelinek, strongly urging him to turn keep customer health top of mind. It states, in part:

Genetically modified AquaBounty salmon has not been adequately tested for human or environmental safety. In some tests, the fish were show to have a 40% higher chance of causing an allergic reaction in humans. The fish also have high levels of a growth hormone linked to cancer. Please stand up for your customers today by refusing to sell genetically modified salmon at Costco stores.(4)

Many who have signed the Change.org petition have elaborated on the issue, expressing their desire for Costco to keep GM salmon out of their stores.

People angered over Costco’s silence: “Why add something this questionable?”
For example, Bonnie Barnett of Prescott, Arizona, wrote, “Costco does a great job of providing more choices in healthy foods every year. Why add something this questionable?”(4)

Mary Johnson, another person who signed the petition, agrees with Barnett. Johnson, who is from Chehalis, Washington, was even more direct in her anti-GM salmon stance.

“The Pacific Salmon is having a hard enough time already without the possibility of these Genetically Modified beasts escaping their pens and competing with them for food,” Johnson wrote on Change.org. “Please, we do not want to eat these fish, and we do not want them in our environment. GMO’s are not the answer to hunger, they are merely a vehicle with which corporate farmers and biotech firms can make more and more and more money at the expense
of the people and the planet.”(4)

It’s obvious that the majority of people oppose GM foods and absolutely do not want lab monster fish in their stores. The question is, will Costco heed the health warnings linked to such foods and more importantly, consider the thousands of signatures and the wishes of its customer base?

Sources:

(1) http://www.kirotv.com

(2) http://sumofus.org

(3) http://action.sumofus.org

(4) https://www.change.org

Jan

2015

Epidemiologist for CDC Says He’d NEVER Give His Pregnant Wife a Flu Shot

By Christina Sarich | Natural Society

Dr. William Thompson used to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, but Dr Thompson admits he would never give his pregnant wife a flu shot because many contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing adjuvant that he warns can be linked to toxic effects and “autism-like-features.”

You can watch a video here, uploaded by the Autism Media Channel, of Dr. Thompson speaking very clearly about his concerns. The question is – why is this not in the mainstream media? The notion that a CDC official would make this statement is very interesting.Dr. Thompson has co-authored papers on the subject that have shown up in the New England Journal of Medicine, one, for instance, titled, “Early Thimerosal Exposure and Neuropsychological Outcomes at 7 to 10 Years.” This paper was published in 2007.

He has said, specifically:

“I don’t know why they still give it to pregnant women . . . That’s the last person I would give mercury to.”

He also states that:

“. . .tics are four times more prevalent in kids with autism. . . There is biologic plausibility to say that thimersol is causing autism-like features.”

These findings have been dismissed even considering the fact that the New England Journal of Medicine is considered one of the most authentic journals in which to public’s medical information. It’s the CDC’s gold standard. The journal is even listed on their website as a reference point, yet they continue to promote vaccines containing thimerosal.

This adjuvant has been used in vaccines since the 1930s; however, the dosing schedule for vaccines has continued to increase since that time (and the American Dental Association also started telling dental patients that mercury fillings were O.K. to put in their teeth.)

The University of Calgary has a video showing what happens to a neuron at even low-level exposure of mercury – after only twenty minutes of exposure of mercury in tiny amounts, neurons began to rapidly degenerate.

A global treaty was even signed last year to reduce the prevalence of mercury. If even a former employee of the CDC says that thimerosal is dangerous, why then are vaccines still made with this adjuvant at all, and people not given very clear warning before they consent to an injection with this substance? The issue is with this additive.

The mainstream media continues to promote thimerosal-containing vaccines made by companies like the RAND corporation. Major retailers like Walgreen’s and CVS can’t wait to give you a flu shot. They even offered ‘flu shot’ gift cards over the holidays.

Source

Jan

2015

Half of Children Autistic by 2025, Warns Senior Research Scientist at MIT

By ANH-USA

Roundup Causes Autism says top MIT Scientist

Why? Evidence points to glyphosate toxicity from the overuse of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide on our food.

For over three decades, Stephanie Seneff, PhD, has researched biology and technology, over the years publishing over 170 scholarly peer-reviewed articles ^[1]. In recent years she has concentrated on the relationship between nutrition and health, tackling such topics as Alzheimer’s, autism, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the impact of nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins on human health.

At a conference last Thursday, in a special panel discussion about GMOs, she took the audience by surprise when she declared, “At today’s rate, by 2025, one in two children will be autistic.” She noted that the side effects of autism closely mimic those of glyphosate toxicity, and presented data showing a remarkably consistent correlation ^[2] between the use of Roundup on crops (and the creation of Roundup-ready GMO crop seeds) with rising rates of autism. Children with autism have biomarkers indicative of excessive glyphosate, including zinc and iron deficiency, low serum sulfate, seizures, and mitochondrial disorder.

A fellow panelist reported ^[3] that after Dr. Seneff’s presentation, “All of the 70 or so people in attendance were squirming, likely because they now had serious misgivings about serving their kids, or themselves, anything with corn or soy, which are nearly all genetically modified and thus tainted with Roundup and its glyphosate.”

Dr. Seneff noted the ubiquity of glyphosate’s use. Because it is used on corn and soy, all soft drinks and candies sweetened with corn syrup and all chips and cereals that contain soy fillers have small amounts of glyphosate in them, as do our beef and poultry since cattle and chicken are fed GMO corn or soy. Wheat is often sprayed with Roundup just prior to being harvested, which means that all non-organic bread and wheat products would also be sources of glyphosate toxicity. The amount of glyphosate in each product may not be large, but the cumulative effect (especially with as much processed food as Americans eat) could be devastating. A recent study ^[4] shows that pregnant women living near farms where pesticides are applied have a 60% increased risk of children having an autism spectrum disorder.

Other toxic substances may also be autism-inducing. You may recall our story on the CDC whistleblower ^[5] who revealed the government’s deliberate concealment of the link between the MMR vaccine (for measles, mumps, and rubella) and a sharply increased risk of autism, particularly in African American boys. Other studies now show ^[6] a link between children’s exposure to pesticides and autism. Children who live in homes with vinyl floors, which can emit phthalate chemicals, are more likely to have autism. Children whose mothers smoked were also twice as likely to have autism. Research now acknowledges that environmental contaminants such as PCBs, PBDEs, and mercury can alter brain neuron functioning even before a child is born.

This month, the USDA released a study ^[7] finding that although there were detectable levels of pesticide residue in more than half of food tested by the agency, 99% of samples taken were found to be within levels the government deems safe, and 40% were found to have no detectable trace of pesticides at all. The USDA added, however, that due to “cost concerns,” it did not test for residues of glyphosate. Let’s repeat that: they never tested for the active ingredient in the most widely used herbicide in the world. “Cost concerns”? How absurd—unless they mean it will cost them too much in terms of the special relationship between the USDA and Monsanto. You may recall the revolving door between Monsanto and the federal government, with agency officials becoming high-paying executives—and vice versa! Money, power, prestige: it’s all there. Monsanto and the USDA love to scratch each others’ backs.

Related URLs:

[1] over 170 scholarly peer-reviewed articles: http://people.csail.mit.edu/seneff/

[2] remarkably consistent correlation: http://themindunleashed.org/2014/10/mit-researchers-new-warning-todays-rate-half-u-s-children-will-autistic-2025.html

[3] reported: http://thecompletepatient.com/article/2014/june/9/its-everywhere-mit-scientist-presents-dire-portrait-damage-monsantos-roundup

[4] A recent study: http://news.discovery.com/human/health/autism-pesticide-link-found-in-calif-study-140623.htm

[5] our story on the CDC whistleblower: http://www.anh-usa.org/autism-vaccine-cover-up-latest-updates/

[6] Other studies now show: http://www.anh-usa.org/genetics-environmental-chemical-soup-autism/

[7] released a study: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/19/us-usda-pesticides-report-idUSKBN0JX2FZ20141219

[8] as we have previously reported: http://www.anh-usa.org/autism-diagnoses-have-risen/

[9] available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a52vAx9HaCI

[10] the shikimate pathway: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/09/monsanto-roundup-herbicide.aspx

[11] she notes: http://people.csail.mit.edu/seneff/glyphosate/Groton_Seneff.pdf

Dec

2014

Finding Happiness Through Suffering: 8 Ways To Find Light in the Darkness

The Mind Unleashed

The journey of life can feature mountain peaks of happiness and valleys of suffering. Unfortunately the moments of happiness tend to be fleeting and the moments of suffering seem to go on for forever. Did you know that it is possible to find happiness through suffering without having to look up at the next mountain peak you’re trying to climb? The key to finding happiness through suffering is to actively seek out contentment.

Being content in difficult times can be extremely hard to do. How is it possible to give thanks in the darkest of times? Here are some methods that have been proven to work.

#1. Stop comparing your life to the lives of others around you. When you’re in a deep valley and you see someone up at the summit of a mountain experiencing joy, it can hurt. A lot. You want to be on that summit of joy as well, right? The problem is that in looking at the lives of others, we’re missing the perfect moments that are surrounding us right now. By actively seeking the extraordinary when we feel like we are having an ordinary day, it becomes easier to be content in any circumstance that is faced.

#2. Strength is created through overcoming adversity. One common phrase we like to tell each other in the dark times is that “What doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.” Although that’s a hollow platitude when we’re in our darkest hours, there is some truth to those words.

Parents who have lost children to cancer become strong enough to help other parents in a similar situation.
Widows can console other widows.
Bullied children can become a counseling resource for kids who feel like they don’t fit in.

The experience of adversity is what creates the strength, especially when we find a way to blaze a trail through it.

#3. Little things are still able to bring you some joy. Imagine being in a dark room for longer than you remember. You’re hungry, tired, thirsty, and ready for the physical suffering to end. Loneliness, confusion, and perhaps anger are present as well, creating the circumstances of emotional suffering. Just a drop of water, a bite to eat, or some sunshine on your face will grant a respite and that brings joy. Even on the worst of worst days, if you can bring yourself toward something that you love, then a moment of joy can relieve the suffering. Those perfect moments eventually add up and bring you one step closer to the next mountain summit.

#4. Fate isn’t in control of your life. When we are encountering a valley of suffering, the typical question asked is this: Why? There really is no good answer to that question. We all ask it because we want a tangible explanation for our circumstances. If we get facts, then we can get out of the valley more quickly – at least that’s the theory. In reality, it is you who are in control of how you feel and what you want to do. External factors can try to affect your joy, but you either choose to allow those factors to influence you or to ignore them. Happiness is a choice that you can always make.

Dec

2014

City Goes Fluoride-Free for Christmas

by Christina Sarich

Overturning a 60-Year Public Health Hazard Law

As of December 31, the City of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada will be fluoride-free for the first time since October 4, 1954 – finally escaping from municipal water fluoridation toxicity in 60 years.

A vote to end fluoridation took place in November of this year, and it was unanimously accepted by the new Mayor and Council, expressing the wishes of Prince George residents.

The unanimous decision to end fluoridation comes with the dismantling and removal of all fluoridation equipment and hazardous waste storage tanks. This also means that as a province, British Columbia is now close to 98% FLUORIDE FREE – by choice.

Just to clarify, and to dispel the propaganda which states that fluoride is safe – calcium fluoride appears naturally in underground water sources and even seawater. Enough of it can cause skeletal or dental fluorosis, which weakens bone and dental matter. But it is not nearly as toxic, nor does it negatively affect so many other health issues as sodium fluoride, which is added to many water supplies.

Sodium Fluoride is a synthetic waste product of the nuclear, aluminum, and phosphate fertilizer industries.

This is why so many communities who look into water fluoridation ultimately end up discontinuing the practice. Actually, Most developed nations in the world have rejected fluoridation, including 97% of western Europe. This, while the United States fluoridates more than 70% of its water supplies. According to the British Fluoridation Society, there are more people drinking artificially fluoridated water in the United States than all other countries combined. But as mentioned fluoridation is ending in more US communities every day.