Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Vaccine

2007-07-26T16:51:41Z

Carmentalksnews:

[[Image:Vaccine.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Avian flu vaccine development]]
A '''vaccine''' is an injection of a specialized [[protein]] designed to create an immunity to a particular disease (see [[antigen]]). The primary mechanism that a body uses to identify infections is a protein molecule called an [[antibody]].

If the body has a particular antibody for a particular disease it can identify the infection early on and the [[immune system]] can destroy it. Vaccines work by exposing the body to a form of the disease in such a way that it will not cause illness but allow antibodies to develop. This confers a level of immunity to the organism vaccinated.<ref>http://www.howstuffworks.com/immune-system7.htm How stuff works: Antibodies</ref>

There are four major types of vaccines and they are differentiated by what antigen is used. Live attenuated vaccines are created from the actual disease in question, however before injection the [[pathogen]] is [[attenuated]] (weakened) by growing successive generations of lines in poor nutrient conditions. It is possible for these vaccines to still cause an infection. Inactivated vaccines are created from pathogens that have been killed, usually with the use of a preservative [[formaldehyde]]. Toxoid vaccines are created by using toxins produced by the pathogen, before injection these toxins are exposed to heat and chemicals that eliminate their effect, [[antibodies]] will still be produced to these deactivated toxins. Finally, component vaccines use pieces of the pathogen in the injection. These pieces often of identifying protein segments that allow antibodies to be produced.<ref>http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4866,00.html The Main Types of Vaccine </ref>

Only live attenuated vaccines can still cause infection.The other three types of vaccines can cause illness, but this is an allergic response not due to the disease itself. Very rarely a serious disease known as [[eczema vaccinatum]] can emerge. Vaccines that use pieces of pathogens often use a [[carrier virus]] in the injection. Those with very weak immune systems that are exposed to such a vaccine can become infected with the carrier virus and develop [[eczema]]. A recent case of this was reported in the United States after a military man was vaccinated with small pox and his two year old son became ill. <ref> http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/183349/soldier_infects_toddler_son_with_lifethreatening.html AP article on eczema vaccinatum </ref>

Since the adoption of vaccination, however, many diseases have been curbed. [[Polio]], for example, killed over 3,000 people in the United States in 1952 [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1952_2.pdf], and inflicted such noted persons as President [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt]], actor [[Alan Alda]], and musician [[Itzak Perlman]]. When doctors began using a vaccine to fight polio, it practically eradicated the disease in the developed world.

Other diseases that have been curbed since the invention of vaccines include [[smallpox]] (previously a yearly killer of thousands worldwide), [[measles]], [[mumps]], [[rubella]], and [[typhoid]].

However, while most scientific observers have attributed the dramatic fall in infectious diseases to the appearance of widespread vaccination, renowned neurosurgeon and nutritionist [[Dr. Russell Blaylock]] suggests otherwise. He believes, for example, an abundance of evidence has shown that improved public health measures and nutrition - not vaccines - have played the major role in the sudden decline in most of the infectious diseases plaguing mankind.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/blaylock/1a.cfm vaccination]. Blaylock Wellness Report.</ref> Likewise, there is growing evidence that vaccinations are not providing the protection that they are touted to provide. For example, all cases of polio occurring after the introduction of the polio vaccine have been traced to the vaccine itself. Other vaccines, such as those for diphtheria and pertussus, have been shown to have high failure rates.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/blaylock/1a.cfm vaccine]. Blaylock Wellness Report.</ref>

== Influenza Vaccine and microevolution==

The flu vaccine is an excellent example of modern vaccination. Due to the change in [[allele]] frequency over time in the population of the influenza virus, which scientists describe as microevolution, new influenza vaccines are created each year. According to the [http://www.cdc.gov/ CDC] <ref>"Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, What you need to know," a publication of the Center for Disease Control, 2006. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-flu.pdf</ref>,
<blockquote>
Influenza viruses are always changing. Therefore, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended.
</blockquote>
Since production of the vaccine must begin many months before the influenza season starts models of the population genetics of the virus must be produced. <ref>http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v5/n3/full/nrd1988.html Influenza vaccines </ref> The success of vaccinations programs in the face of rapid microevolution of the influenza virus is dependent on the accuracy of these predictions.<ref>http://www.nature.com/news/2003/030324/full/030324-5.html Flue evolution modeled </ref> The [[National Institute of Health]] recently assigned $26 million dollars to establish a research center to better develop molecular models of influenza. <ref> http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-8024.html $26 million NIH contract to establish new flu/bird flu Center of Excellence </ref>

==Herd immunity and mandatory vaccination==

An important concept in vaccine planning is [[herd immunity]]. This is the idea that when a certain percentage of a population is vaccinated, those within the population who are not vaccinated are protected from the disease. This is a fairly straight forward concept; if 90 percent of a population is immune, then the chances that a carrier of the disease will come into contact with a non-immune member of the population (or "herd") is low. <ref>http://www.mathepi.com/maindir/herd.html The mathematics of herd immunity</ref>. Herd immunity is the goal of most vaccination programs as it is the point where a disease can start to be eliminated altogether from a population.

For example, in 1962 Japan instituted mandatory vaccination against influenza in school children. This continued until 1987 when the program was changed to optional; it was abandoned in 1994. Approximately 85 percent of children were estimated to have been vaccinated. <ref>http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=387431 Control of Influenza </ref> Several studies examined the mortality rates due to influenza during this period of time and revealed that the death rates due to influenza in all population groups was drastically decreased, including older adult populations. Since there was no increased rate of vaccination in these populations, the decreased mortality was caused by herd immunity effects of vaccinating so many children. <ref>http://www.newsrx.com/newsletters/Vaccine-Weekly/2001-04-11/200104113335VW.html Mandatory Vaccination of Japanese Schoolchildren Demonstrates "Herd Immunity" </ref> Many researchers have written that this and other evidence argues strongly for mandatory vaccination programs world wide as a means of controlling many diseases and preventing a [[pandemic]].<ref> http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1360502 Herd Immunity</ref>

The USA has mandatory vaccination according to an official CDC schedule. Enforcement is left to the states. Most states have medical and religious exemptions. Some states make it very easy to opt out of vaccines, while other states strictly enforce compliance for school attendance. The difference in vaccination rates between these states is actually very slight, and not nearly enough to affect herd immunity.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Medicine]]

Fluoride

2007-07-26T16:13:51Z

Carmentalksnews:

Fluoride is a chemical element that is a common food and water additive throughout the developed world. It is commomly thought to work to prevent tooth decay.

==Anti-Fluoridation Movement==

In 1978, Michigan became the first state to repeal mandatory fluoridation laws, leaving the decision to local jurisdictions. Many municipalities have since mounted successful challenges.inking water.

==Avoiding Fluoride==

The best way to avoid fluoride is to have your own source of water, such as a spring or well. Additionally a small number of communities in the United States do not practice fluoridation, but most do. If you are not sure whether your community does or not, you can purchase a home test kit. Do not trust the fluoride information self-reported by your local water company.

Bottled water used to be a good alternative, but many bottlers now add fluoride. Look for spring water or filter your own using a "[[reverse osmosis]]" filter.

Nearly all bottled beverages, including soda, beer, and baby formula, use fluoridated water. Use dehydrated products and rehydrate them yourself. When possible, make your own wine and fruit juices (commercial juices are either rehydrated or come from fruit irrigated with fluoridated water).

Other sources of fluoride include animal bones (found in deboned animal products like McNuggets and fish sticks), Teflon-coated pans, most cosmetic dental inserts, shellfish, and bananas.

According to renowned neurosurgeon and nutritionist [[Dr. Russell Blaylock]], individuals should also do their best to avoid teas high in fluoride, toothpaste with fluoride, vaccinations since they contain fluoride and aluminum, pesticides or herbicides near or in your home, and medications containing fluoride.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/blaylock/4a.cfm fluoride]. Blaylock Wellness Report.</ref> He also suggests not using lemon in your tea since it increases aluminum absorption enormously.

===Footnotes===
<references />

[[category:health]]

Fluoride

2007-07-26T16:10:49Z

Carmentalksnews: /* Avoiding Fluoride */

Fluoride is a chemical element that is a common food and water additive throughout the developed world. It is commomly thought to work to prevent tooth decay.

==Anti-Fluoridation Movement==

In 1978, Michigan became the first state to repeal mandatory fluoridation laws, leaving the decision to local jurisdictions. Many municipalities have since mounted successful challenges.inking water.

==Avoiding Fluoride==

The best way to avoid fluoride is to have your own source of water, such as a spring or well. Additionally a small number of communities in the United States do not practice fluoridation, but most do. If you are not sure whether your community does or not, you can purchase a home test kit. Do not trust the fluoride information self-reported by your local water company.

Bottled water used to be a good alternative, but many bottlers now add fluoride. Look for spring water or filter your own using a "[[reverse osmosis]]" filter.

Nearly all bottled beverages, including soda, beer, and baby formula, use fluoridated water. Use dehydrated products and rehydrate them yourself. When possible, make your own wine and fruit juices (commercial juices are either rehydrated or come from fruit irrigated with fluoridated water).

Other sources of fluoride include animal bones (found in deboned animal products like McNuggets and fish sticks), Teflon-coated pans, most cosmetic dental inserts, shellfish, and bananas.

According to renowned neurosurgeon and nutritionist [[Dr. Russell Blaylock]], individuals should also do their best to avoid teas high in fluoride, toothpaste with fluoride, vaccinations since they contain fluoride and aluminum, pesticides or herbicides near or in your home, and medications containing. <ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/blaylock/4a.cfm fluoride]. Blaylock Wellness Report.</ref> He also suggests not using lemon in your tea since it increases aluminum absorption enormously.

[[category:health]]