Your Health Matters

The federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, better known as “vaccine court,” has just awarded millions of dollars to two children with autism for “pain and suffering” and lifelong care of their injuries, which together could cost tens of millions of dollars. (via David Kirby: Vaccine Court Awards Millions to Two Children With Autism)

The recommended childhood vaccination schedule has changed dramatically over the years, with children now receiving upwards of 30 vaccines, including multiple combination vaccines, before the age of six. And in many cases, doctors and nurses administer half a dozen or more vaccines all at once during a single visit to make sure children get all these shots and to save time. But according to data compiled from the government’s Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), as many as 145,000 children or more have died throughout the past 20 years as a result of this multiple vaccine dose approach, and few parents are aware of this shocking fact. (via Multiple vaccine doses have resulted in up to 145,000 child deaths in past 20 years)

This is one of three pieces of NICE guidance addressing alcohol-related problems among people aged 10 years and older. (See also: Alcohol-use disorders in adults and young people: clinical management; and Alcohol dependence and harmful use: diagnosis and management in young people and adults.) Alcohol-related harm is a major health problem. The guidance identifies how government policies on alcohol pricing, its availability and how it is marketed could be used to combat such harm (see recommendation 1 to 3). Changes in policy in these areas is likely to be more effective in reducing alcohol-related harm among the population as a whole than actions undertaken by local health professionals. (via Alcohol-use disorders - preventing harmful drinking)

Foods that Fight Illness

It takes more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away. It turns out that eating some pretty surprising nutrients will help keep your immune system on guard. (via 9 Power Foods That Boost Immunity - Prevention.com)

Herbs can soothe the coughs and pain of the flu. Taking these herbs daily during flu season can build immunity. Taking them when you have the ful can reduce the symptoms and even shorten the duration of your stay-at-home flu days. Herbs can reduce your fever, soothe a sore throat, and calm a stomach ache. Drink a few cups of herb tea daily to stave off and prevent the flu. Try some of the suggested herbs below for flu prevention and flu symptoms relief. (via Herbal flu prevention and flu treatment remedies)

At this time of year, it can be hard to stay well. Despite your best efforts to avoid contact with bugs and encourage your immune system to work extra hard, chances are you’ll succumb at one point (or two.. or three). While it’s important to pay attention to your health, worrying your way through winter also isn’t the answer. (via 12 Common Cold And Flu Prevention Mistakes We All Make (PICTURES))

(via Are These The 50 Healthiest Foods In The World? (PICTURES))

Broccoli

“Broccoli is high in fiber, low in calories, rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene,” says Young. But that’s not all: according to Politi, the cruciferous vegetable is also rich in vitamins K, E, B and the minerals, calcium, iron, selenium and potassium. And that means broccoli is something of a wonder-food, promoting eye health and preventing macular degeneration with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin; protecting against cancer, heart disease, stroke; building strong bones, thanks to calcium; and fortifying the immune system. 

But it’s their richness in sulforaphane (what also gives them a slightly unpleasant smell) that research shows may help fight breast cancer. In fact, in one recent Chinese study, women who consumed the most cruciferous vegetables were 62 percent less likely to die of breast cancer and, if they had a history of breast cancer, were 35 percent less likely to experience a recurrence.

(via Chemists develop nose-like sensor array to ‘smell’ cancer diagnoses | In the Loop | UMass Amherst)

Despite substantial increases in the number of cases of early-stage breast cancer detected, screening mammography has only marginally reduced the rate at which women present with advanced cancer. Although it is not certain which women have been affected, the imbalance suggests that there is substantial overdiagnosis, accounting for nearly a third of all newly diagnosed breast cancers, and that screening is having, at best, only a small effect on the rate of death from breast cancer. (via Effect of Three Decades of Screening Mammography on Breast-Cancer Incidence — NEJM)

Just hearing the ‘C word’ can be frightening. When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming – and one of the hardest things can be telling other people and sharing your fears. Many people find it hard to talk to their loved-ones about how cancer makes them feel, or to talk about it at all. But getting the right support from family and friends can really help - especially when you’re facing the toughest fight of your life. (via Cancer Talk Week 2012 - Macmillan Cancer Support)