Unless you have been living on a different planet for the past ten years or so you will have heard of autism and the possible connection with the MMR vaccine. It’s a debate, which won’t go away.
Thousands of parents, myself included, are convinced our children were fine until given the triple measles, mumps and rubella injection.
Whilst we all agree it doesn’t affect everyone, we all know deep down it was the reason our normally developing children took a totally devastating and irreversible path. The problem is proving it. Within the health authorities there appears to be a gagging order in place.
Autism was described on the news the other day as a “living nightmare” and certainly it does affect everyone concerned, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty two weeks a year until eternity.
Not surprisingly, therefore, we would like to ensure other families don’t have to suffer in the same way.
Another person who felt the same concern was Doctor Andrew Wakefield who first highlighted the possible connection back in 1998 when he published an article in the Lancet. It was based on the research he and his fellow researchers Professors John Walker-Smith and Simon Murch had carried out at the Royal Free Hospital in London and suggested a link between the MMR, autism and bowel disease.
However, far from being pleased the reason for the autism pandemic (which has shot up from 1:2500 in 1993 to 1:100 in 2007) might have been discovered, the powers that be took umbrage and not only discredited and belittled his findings but hounded him out of UK.
So why were they so annoyed?
The establishment does not like anyone who stands up against them and dares to suggest their policies do not suit everyone. As a consequence of the Lancet report the uptake of the MMR vaccine plummeted.
Since you can no longer get single jabs in most areas parents were not having their children vaccinated. However, when I was a child they didn’t exist anyway and it was an accepted part of life that at some stage we would catch measles, mumps and chickenpox .
No-one I’ve ever heard of caught all three at the same time.
Vaccines have been developed to eradicate preventable, communicable diseases and the single jabs for measles, mumps and rubella had worked perfectly well up until 1988 when the triple was introduced.
However, someone somewhere decided rather than ask parents to take their young children for three different injections they would just combine the three live viruses and save time, money and stress.
The problem is the safety of the triple was never properly tested and several senior clinicians felt the decision to license it was premature. Just because they worked well separately did not mean combining the three live viruses would be a wise move.
Even if the safety data tests for the MMR were carried out for up to 63 days as we are led to believe that is still not long enough to establish autism, as often the symptoms form part of a gradual process.
The few people involved in the trials were asked to report "significant illness". Since autism is a multi-factorial disorder it affects each unique individual differently and we know it doesn’t affect everyone. Also, back then autism was quite rare so people would not have been looking for the same symptoms which are so common today.
The safety trials were flawed and the whole thing smacks a bit of not what you know but who you know. An article in the Sunday Times in 2001 revealed one third of the government committee advising on the safety of the MMR had financial interests in the drug companies making the vaccine so it’s not surprising the MMR was licensed.
Since then the autism rate has rocketed and now Dr. Andrew Wakefield is on trial by the General Medical Council. He may be struck off if found guilty.
And what is he guilty of exactly?
Well, it’s not for challenging the health authorities to get their heads out of the sand and admit the possibility there could be a connection between MMR and autism for some children. Instead it’s for being “irresponsible and unethical” in the way he carried out his research.
It seems to me the case for being “irresponsible and unethical” is being targeted at the wrong person although I don’t suppose the 1988 British Committee on Safety of Medicines would agree, do you?
Read Autism, Amalgam and Me - Jodi's Journey Continues to see why I think MMR contributed to my son's autism.
05/07/2007
Goodbye Wi-Fi
Until recently whenever I used my computer I felt really "weird".
I'd get a pain in my left temple and the left side of my face would burn. My lips and tongue would tingle, I'd get pins and needles in my toes and fingers, my chest would feel tight as though I couldn't breathe properly and I'd feel sick and disorientated. Also I felt the blood was rushing round my body much too fast.
As I said I felt really "weird" despite wearing two bio guard pendants around my neck to protect me from the electrosensitivity emitted from electro magnetic fields. I'm not sure if wearing two is really necessary but being surrounded by so many electrical gadgets I felt I needed all the help I could get.
So what's changed?
I got rid of the Wi-Fi internet connection in my house.
To read more of this Wi-Fi article
I'd get a pain in my left temple and the left side of my face would burn. My lips and tongue would tingle, I'd get pins and needles in my toes and fingers, my chest would feel tight as though I couldn't breathe properly and I'd feel sick and disorientated. Also I felt the blood was rushing round my body much too fast.
As I said I felt really "weird" despite wearing two bio guard pendants around my neck to protect me from the electrosensitivity emitted from electro magnetic fields. I'm not sure if wearing two is really necessary but being surrounded by so many electrical gadgets I felt I needed all the help I could get.
So what's changed?
I got rid of the Wi-Fi internet connection in my house.
To read more of this Wi-Fi article
27/06/2007
The Difference Between Men And Women
We all know men and women are totally different and not just physically. Our brains don’t work the same and it’s true to say we often don’t understand each other.
Males and females also do things differently as this e-mail I received today highlights.
MALE VS. FEMALE AT THE ATM MACHINE
A new sign in the Bank Lobby reads:
"Please note that this Bank is installing new Drive-through ATM machines enabling customers to withdraw cash without leaving their vehicles. Customers using this new facility are requested to use the procedures outlined below when accessing their accounts.
After months of careful research, MALE & FEMALE PROCEDURES have been developed.
Please follow the appropriate steps for your gender.”
1. Drive up to the cash machine.
2. Put down your car window.
3. Insert card into machine and enter PIN.
4. Enter amount of cash required and withdraw.
5. Retrieve card, cash and receipt.
6. Put window up.
7. Drive off.
1. Drive up to cash machine.
2. Reverse and back up the required amount to align car window with the machine.
3. Set parking brake, put the window down.
4. Find handbag, remove all contents on to passenger seat to locate card.
5. Tell person on your mobile phone you will call them back and hang up.
6. Attempt to insert card into machine.
7. Open car door to allow easier access to machine due to its excessive distance from the car.
8. Insert card.
9. Re-insert card the right way.
10. Dig through handbag to find diary with your PIN written on the inside back page.
11. Enter PIN.
12. Press cancel and re-enter correct PIN.
13. Enter amount of cash required.
14. Check makeup in rear view mirror.
15. Retrieve cash and receipt.
(Unfortunately a lot of that is true!)
To read more differences between males and females see my Just For Fun page at www.jeanshaw.com
Males and females also do things differently as this e-mail I received today highlights.
MALE VS. FEMALE AT THE ATM MACHINE
A new sign in the Bank Lobby reads:
"Please note that this Bank is installing new Drive-through ATM machines enabling customers to withdraw cash without leaving their vehicles. Customers using this new facility are requested to use the procedures outlined below when accessing their accounts.
After months of careful research, MALE & FEMALE PROCEDURES have been developed.
Please follow the appropriate steps for your gender.”
MALE PROCEDURE:
1. Drive up to the cash machine.
2. Put down your car window.
3. Insert card into machine and enter PIN.
4. Enter amount of cash required and withdraw.
5. Retrieve card, cash and receipt.
6. Put window up.
7. Drive off.
FEMALE PROCEDURE
1. Drive up to cash machine.
2. Reverse and back up the required amount to align car window with the machine.
3. Set parking brake, put the window down.
4. Find handbag, remove all contents on to passenger seat to locate card.
5. Tell person on your mobile phone you will call them back and hang up.
6. Attempt to insert card into machine.
7. Open car door to allow easier access to machine due to its excessive distance from the car.
8. Insert card.
9. Re-insert card the right way.
10. Dig through handbag to find diary with your PIN written on the inside back page.
11. Enter PIN.
12. Press cancel and re-enter correct PIN.
13. Enter amount of cash required.
14. Check makeup in rear view mirror.
15. Retrieve cash and receipt.
(Unfortunately a lot of that is true!)
To read more differences between males and females see my Just For Fun page at www.jeanshaw.com
18/06/2007
Smiling Is Infectious And Certainly Makes You Feel Good
If ever I am feeling a bit down I just smile. There's something about the action that just makes me feel better even if I have nothing specific to smile about, and I just love the following poem.
Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the 'flu
When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realised I'd passed it on to him
I thought about that little smile then realised its worth
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth
So if you feel a smile begin don't leave it undetected
Let's start an epidemic quick and get the world infected!
Today, however, I had good reason to smile. I received the following in an e-mail from a very good friend and although I've read them before they just brightened up my day.
Hope they do the same for you.
On a Restroom DoorToilet
Out of order. Please use the floor below.
In a Laundromat
Automatic washing machines. Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.
In a London department store
Bargain basement upstairs.
In an office
Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.
In an office
After tea break staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.
Outside a second-hand shop
We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?
Notice in health food shop window
Closed due to illness.
Spotted in a safari park
Elephants please stay in your cars.
Seen during a conference
For anyone who has children and doesn't know it, there is day care on the 1st floor.
Notice in a farmer's field
The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, however, the bull charges.
Message on a leaflet
If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.
On a repair shop door
We can repair anything. (Please knock hard on the door – the bell doesn't work).
www.jeanshaw.com
Smiling
Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the 'flu
When someone smiled at me today I started smiling too
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realised I'd passed it on to him
I thought about that little smile then realised its worth
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth
So if you feel a smile begin don't leave it undetected
Let's start an epidemic quick and get the world infected!
Today, however, I had good reason to smile. I received the following in an e-mail from a very good friend and although I've read them before they just brightened up my day.
Hope they do the same for you.
Did I Read That Sign Right?
On a Restroom DoorToilet
Out of order. Please use the floor below.
In a Laundromat
Automatic washing machines. Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.
In a London department store
Bargain basement upstairs.
In an office
Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.
In an office
After tea break staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.
Outside a second-hand shop
We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?
Notice in health food shop window
Closed due to illness.
Spotted in a safari park
Elephants please stay in your cars.
Seen during a conference
For anyone who has children and doesn't know it, there is day care on the 1st floor.
Notice in a farmer's field
The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, however, the bull charges.
Message on a leaflet
If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.
On a repair shop door
We can repair anything. (Please knock hard on the door – the bell doesn't work).
www.jeanshaw.com
15/06/2007
Autism - Dancing on Hallowed Ground
If you read my last post you will remember I mentioned Ely Cathedral. Over the years this amazing building been famed for its choirs and organ recitals. It has been featured on the television on several occasions but on Saturday evening it was the host to my son’s dance group.
The Lantern Dance Theatre Group is an integrated company with almost half the performers having severe learning difficulties. However, the “normal” dancers are amazing with them and the performances are brilliant.
This latest performance was quite adventurous with three different pieces of music which actually comprised five different dances. It lasted about an hour and a half which is a long time for anyone to stay quiet.
My autistic son was brilliant though and even when he was not performing and had to stand waiting in the back room ready to come on he remained relatively silent. This was just as well as sounds echo in the vast high ceilinged building covered in amazing stone carvings.
However, it would not have mattered because Jodi is accepted as he is and although the dancers are very serious about their work he is not seen as a distraction. Infact, they see my son as a tonic - a light relief when they are stressed. At eighteen he still possesses that child like innocence with no need to pretend. He often expresses in his own way the things the others might wish to.
The performance touched everyone and there was an air of disbelief at the end. The production was well attended and the comments were far more than that it was "nice". People were genuinely moved.
However, they said things like, “That’s amazing – you wouldn’t think “they” would be able to do that”.
Why not?
Just because someone has a disability it doesn’t mean they can’t necessarily do things. Autism may not be the best diagnosis but it’s not life threatening and the possibilities are endless. All it takes is opportunity and a bit of give and take.
Inclusion can make a big difference to people's lives and not just for the people with a disability. Ask anyone who is involved. (See my Autism and Interdependence post of 18th May)
The Lantern Dance Theatre Group is an integrated company with almost half the performers having severe learning difficulties. However, the “normal” dancers are amazing with them and the performances are brilliant.
This latest performance was quite adventurous with three different pieces of music which actually comprised five different dances. It lasted about an hour and a half which is a long time for anyone to stay quiet.
My autistic son was brilliant though and even when he was not performing and had to stand waiting in the back room ready to come on he remained relatively silent. This was just as well as sounds echo in the vast high ceilinged building covered in amazing stone carvings.
However, it would not have mattered because Jodi is accepted as he is and although the dancers are very serious about their work he is not seen as a distraction. Infact, they see my son as a tonic - a light relief when they are stressed. At eighteen he still possesses that child like innocence with no need to pretend. He often expresses in his own way the things the others might wish to.
The performance touched everyone and there was an air of disbelief at the end. The production was well attended and the comments were far more than that it was "nice". People were genuinely moved.
However, they said things like, “That’s amazing – you wouldn’t think “they” would be able to do that”.
Why not?
Just because someone has a disability it doesn’t mean they can’t necessarily do things. Autism may not be the best diagnosis but it’s not life threatening and the possibilities are endless. All it takes is opportunity and a bit of give and take.
Inclusion can make a big difference to people's lives and not just for the people with a disability. Ask anyone who is involved. (See my Autism and Interdependence post of 18th May)
Why Did Harley-Davidson Come To Littleport?
I live in a small village called Littleport which is set in the fenland countryside of East Anglia. Close by is the city of Ely which boasts a very famous cathedral dating back over 1000 years. The Ship Of The Fens which took 300 years to build towers over the flat landscape and attracts many visitors.
Not so Littleport – at least not normally.
However, last weekend was a bit different.
Suddenly our quite streets came alive to the distinctive sight and sound of hog riders as they rode their Harley Davidson’s
Why did they come?
Well William S Harley of the Harley-Davidson name was born here and still has relations in the area. We’ve got an expensive metal statue of a Harley bike opposite St George’s Church, an estate agent named Harleys and also a shop selling the bikes.
Yes, Littleport is doing its bit for international relations and apart from the Littleport Riots in the 1800’s and the terrible floods in 1947 that’s probably how Littleport will be remembered.
If you want to know what I think about the place you can read my poem
Littleport
Set within the fenlands is the village I call home
Littleport’s expanding fast, it certainly has grown
The locals are all friendly and most will say “hello”
They’ll smile and pass the time of day – it wasn’t always so
Back in the 1800’s that may not have been the case
For taxes led to riots causing havoc in the place
Some labourers went to prison, five hung by their necks
Others went to New South Wales, names changed to keep respect
Years have passed now senseless crime gives Littleport a name
Like vandalism, petty theft by people with no shame
If punishments as years before were deportation, hanging, prison
These mindless individuals might have a different vision
Littleport’s got a lot to offer, has all the shops we need
Butcher, baker, grocer, library for those who read
We have a new health centre, optician, dentist too
Turf accountant if you want to bet, Tattoo parlour –yes that’s true
We’ve a handy bank, Post Office and a useful launderette
Sports centre, pubs and garages, and free parking don’t forget
Two local schools and playgroups, a drop in centre too,
Chapels, Halls, St. George’s Church to suit your point of view
If you’re looking for a carpet, hardware or DIY
Special gift or wedding suit, Main Street’s the place to try
We’ve restaurants and takeaways for all who like to eat
Hairdressers and chiropodist for bad hair or troubled feet
There’s an accountant if you need one, solicitors as well
And even estate agents if you’ve a house to rent or sell
We’ve a very pleasant river, fire station that’s just fine
And a useful railway station which serves the London line
As transport links get better the employment’s not just farming
Industrial parks are growing up with a speed that’s quite alarming
But still we have the rich fen soil and dark and fertile means
Sugar beet, potatoes, wheat, barley, oats and beans
Historically there’s been an annual show where produce was displayed
But development’s meant the site has gone so locals are dismayed
For people came from miles around to celebrate the day
Even Harley riders from as far as USA
Yes, Littleport has got quite a lot, for a village its okay
It’s where I chose to make my home and where I’ll likely stay
Jean Shaw©2007
Not so Littleport – at least not normally.
However, last weekend was a bit different.
Suddenly our quite streets came alive to the distinctive sight and sound of hog riders as they rode their Harley Davidson’s
Why did they come?
Well William S Harley of the Harley-Davidson name was born here and still has relations in the area. We’ve got an expensive metal statue of a Harley bike opposite St George’s Church, an estate agent named Harleys and also a shop selling the bikes.
Yes, Littleport is doing its bit for international relations and apart from the Littleport Riots in the 1800’s and the terrible floods in 1947 that’s probably how Littleport will be remembered.
If you want to know what I think about the place you can read my poem
Littleport
Set within the fenlands is the village I call home
Littleport’s expanding fast, it certainly has grown
The locals are all friendly and most will say “hello”
They’ll smile and pass the time of day – it wasn’t always so
Back in the 1800’s that may not have been the case
For taxes led to riots causing havoc in the place
Some labourers went to prison, five hung by their necks
Others went to New South Wales, names changed to keep respect
Years have passed now senseless crime gives Littleport a name
Like vandalism, petty theft by people with no shame
If punishments as years before were deportation, hanging, prison
These mindless individuals might have a different vision
Littleport’s got a lot to offer, has all the shops we need
Butcher, baker, grocer, library for those who read
We have a new health centre, optician, dentist too
Turf accountant if you want to bet, Tattoo parlour –yes that’s true
We’ve a handy bank, Post Office and a useful launderette
Sports centre, pubs and garages, and free parking don’t forget
Two local schools and playgroups, a drop in centre too,
Chapels, Halls, St. George’s Church to suit your point of view
If you’re looking for a carpet, hardware or DIY
Special gift or wedding suit, Main Street’s the place to try
We’ve restaurants and takeaways for all who like to eat
Hairdressers and chiropodist for bad hair or troubled feet
There’s an accountant if you need one, solicitors as well
And even estate agents if you’ve a house to rent or sell
We’ve a very pleasant river, fire station that’s just fine
And a useful railway station which serves the London line
As transport links get better the employment’s not just farming
Industrial parks are growing up with a speed that’s quite alarming
But still we have the rich fen soil and dark and fertile means
Sugar beet, potatoes, wheat, barley, oats and beans
Historically there’s been an annual show where produce was displayed
But development’s meant the site has gone so locals are dismayed
For people came from miles around to celebrate the day
Even Harley riders from as far as USA
Yes, Littleport has got quite a lot, for a village its okay
It’s where I chose to make my home and where I’ll likely stay
Jean Shaw©2007
23/05/2007
No Sun Tanned Skin For Me - Doctors Orders!
I'm writing this article outside in the sunshine. Well, actually that's not completely true.
I am outside and the sun is shining beautifully but I'm sitting in the shade. As much as I'd like to feel the heat of the sun on my exposed limbs my days of sunbathing have gone - doctors orders!
Like many people I love to have a tan. It has always made me feel healthier (and slimmer) somehow, and from my mid teens until my early thirties I spent many a happy hour soaking up the sun's rays.
But not any more.
I have done so much damage to my skin over the years that if I had one of those special skin X-rays done I would look about ninety! I've had all sorts of things burned, frozen or cut out and it has to stop before I get the kind of skin cancer that cannot be treated.
Read more...
I am outside and the sun is shining beautifully but I'm sitting in the shade. As much as I'd like to feel the heat of the sun on my exposed limbs my days of sunbathing have gone - doctors orders!
Like many people I love to have a tan. It has always made me feel healthier (and slimmer) somehow, and from my mid teens until my early thirties I spent many a happy hour soaking up the sun's rays.
But not any more.
I have done so much damage to my skin over the years that if I had one of those special skin X-rays done I would look about ninety! I've had all sorts of things burned, frozen or cut out and it has to stop before I get the kind of skin cancer that cannot be treated.
Read more...
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