Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Manipulating the numbers ... avoiding the real question.

“There are three types of lies ... lies, damn lies and statistics.” Whether it was Benjamin Disraeli or Mark Twain who said it, the truth of the phrase is perfectly demonstrated by the recent statistical manipulation of some very questionable, indeed non-existent numbers. In the name of making vaccination mandatory across the globe, Bill Gates’ Project Tycho puts forward their case. 

But with recent research (including studies from our very own University of NSW) linking the rise of a virulent vaccine resistant whooping cough strain to vaccination itself, we should be very wary. The foremost question with which scientists should concern themselves, rather than investing millions of dollars to play computer games with Magical Numbers, is to determine whether the DPT vaccine is responsible for the emergence of vaccine-resistant pertussis outbreaks. And while they're researching, parents would do well to ensure immune competence of their children by means that don't involve vaccination. Ideally, the story starts before conception, but it's never too late to get started and the details are right here! 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Make your insides happy now - the benefits are life-long!

I haven’t been on my Probiotic soapbox for quite a few weeks ... but having recently seen the beautiful healthy babies that result from robust probiotic and nutritional supplementation that starts before conception and goes throughout pregnancy, I can’t help myself.

My enthusiasm for high potency probiotics as a foundation, health-promotion measure at any age or life stage is further confirmed by three recent research items.


While all three stories give support to the importance of probiotics in staying well, the last item is particularly interesting, clarifying the way the microbes in out gut communicate "across kingdoms" to influence our human cells.   

Here's your link to the best probiotic for the job of keeping all systems functioning optimally, throughout life!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

A longer, healthier life ... starts before conception!

A new study, published in Health Affairs suggests that studying how to promote vitality and longevity (in other words, how to delay ageing) could actually be a more effective way to prevent disease than the current research focus on single issues like heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and so on.

I absolutely agree and made a comment to the effect that the healthy ageing story must start before conception. As I’ve been saying for years, we must give the next generation the healthiest possible start if we are to ever reduce the incidence of chronic degenerative disease at the other end. Prof. David Barker, CBE, head of Dept. of Developmental Origins of Health & Disease, Southampton Uni leaves us in no doubt, stating ... “Preventing heart disease and type 2 diabetes needs to begin before a baby is even conceived.” 

I also commented that having worked in the area for more than 30 years I am confident that new, interactive, entertaining, engaging, motivating Apps and Monitors will reach and inspire prospective parents where health professionals, institutions and governments have failed to act!
 

Friday, February 7, 2014

Thinking regular mammograms? Then think again ...

This is a surprisingly honest appraisal from UK’s National Health Service. The information leaflet published in 2013, has been distributed to 3 million women between 50 and 70 years of age, who are invited to undergo annual mammograms. The leaflet warns that the technology is three times more likely to pick up a benign abnormality than it is to reveal a life-threatening tumour. That wouldn’t be so bad except that the diagnosis of benign issues such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) can lead to unnecessary chemotherapy or mastectomy.

Of course there have been a lot of experts warning against placing trust in mammograms for a very long time - but this frank assessment from a government institution is a real change of pace! Of course the reality needs to be made clear to women - for every 1300 lives saved, 4,000 women undergo unnecessary radiation or surgery! However Oxford University made an even more damning appraisal of these figures - stating that they relate to a time before women were aware of the many protective diet and lifestyle measures. If more recent figures were used say the researchers, “mammography is hardly saving any lives at all!”

Want to know more about just one of those highly protective, easy-to-implement measures? It’s breastfeeding, and the longer the breastfeeding period, the greater your level of protection! 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Time to get rid of the sickness model

The Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia (CHC) has called on the government to change its health focus from supporting what it calls “an ailing and expensive illness model” to one that promotes wellbeing.

I agree with CHC that it's time for a government to depart from the current, deeply flawed model! 

Hon. Peter Dutton (while still in opposition) invited me to Canberra to discuss the promotion of wellness care before conception and ever the optimist I hope something may yet come of those discussions. Dutton certainly indicated he wanted to make better use of our highly trained Australian pharmacists! The vehicle for the promotion of preconception care through community pharmacies is already in place, we just need someone with the resolve to make its promotion mandatory rather than voluntary. Then we need incentives that make it an attractive proposition for prospective parents to adopt.  

And the time is right. On Australia Day, Tim Conolan was named Australia's Local Hero for 2014, having established TLC for Kids, a charity that supports sick Australian children. Tim estimates TLC has helped 700,000 sick kids.

I'd like to think there's enthusiasm somewhere (beyond my own continuing endeavours) for reducing the number of sick kids!