Tag: kids

  • Lachlan Neylan: 22 month old severely brain damaged after a flu shot – Learn The Risk

    Lachlan Neylan was a happy, walking and talking 22-month-old boy…until in March 2012 he was given a flu shot that almost cost him his life. He was left unable to walk or talk and suffered severe brain damage, including seizures and swelling of the brain, known as encephalopathy, after he was accidentally given a flu shot banned for children under age five in Australia, where this story takes place.

    Lachlan began having seizures within hours of the shots. His parents were told he was unlikely to live, but he managed to pull through. But he will likely never walk or talk again.

    He just collapsed and started to have seizures. Doctors said they thought our son wouldn’t make it through the weekend. It was terrifying,” said Lachlan’s father.

    Before the injection, Lachlan had been a “walking, talking toddler.” After the flu shot, he stopped being able to sit, walk or talk  and “he was back to being a three-month-old,” according to his parents.

    Fluvax (the shot given to Lachlan) had been banned for children under five in 2010 ­after it had been found to trigger febrile ­convulsions in one in every 100 children. Despite the ban the Department of Health confirmed the banned shot had been administered to 43 children under the age of five just that year. And the shot is regularly given to children older than five and adults.

    We don’t want anyone else to go through what we have been through,” said Mr Neylan after speaking out to media.

    The family’s home has now had to be turned into a ­rehabilitation centre for Lachlan, who is now faces a lifetime of disability. The family are yet to receive compensation for this injury that has completely changed their lives.

    Studies show that the flu shot rarely protects people from getting the flu and that increased vaccination does NOT reduce mortality in any age group. “We could not correlate increasing vaccination coverage after 1980 with declining mortality rates in any age group. Because fewer than 10% of all winter deaths were attributable to influenza in any season, we conclude that observational studies substantially overestimate vaccination benefit.” (Study published in Archives of Internal Medicine)

    So is that flu shot really worth the REAL risk? Just to escape a few days of rest… Think twice before rolling up your sleeve. Actually think three times, four times, five times….

    This article originally appeared at: https://www.learntherisk.org/stories/lachlan-neylan-22-month-old-severely-brain-damaged-after-a-flu-shot/.

  • ‘Dirt Is Good’: Why Kids Need Exposure To Germs

    I was told that Grandma use to say “little dirt never hurt anybody.” It seems the more we try to sterilize our world infection,virus and bacteria the worse off our kids get. While we claim that health care is better and more advanced our children are sicker and suffering debilitating illnesses at an alarming rate. Has our fear of illness and bacteria actually weaken our kids immune systems? 
    ‘Dirt Is Good’: Why Kids Need Exposure To Germs

    As a new parent, Jack Gilbert got a lot of different advice on how to properly look after his child: when to give him antibiotics or how often he should sterilize his pacifier, for example.

    After the birth of his second child, Gilbert, a scientist who studies microbial ecosystems at the University of Chicago, decided to find out what’s actually known about the risks involved when modern-day children come in contact with germs.

    “It turned out that most of the exposures were actually beneficial,” Gilbert says. “So that dirty pacifier that fell on the floor — if you just stick it in your mouth and lick it, and then pop it back in little Tommy’s mouth, it’s actually going to stimulate their immune system. Their immune system’s going to become stronger because of it.”

    Gilbert is now the co-author of a new book called Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System. Presented in a Q&A format, the book seeks to answer many of the questions Gilbert has fielded from parents over the years.

    This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

    • Transcript

    • Interview Highlights

      What are some things that parents get wrong?
      Some of the main things are over-sterilizing their environment, keeping their children from ever getting dirty. So going out into the backyard and playing in the mud, and then as soon as they’re filthy, bringing them in and sterilizing their hands with antiseptic wipes, and then making sure that none of the dirt gets near their faces. Also, keeping them away from animals. The dogs and cats, sure, but also, other animals. It’s fine to wash their hands if there’s a cold or a flu virus around, but if they’re interacting with a dog, and the dog licks their face, that’s not a bad thing. In fact that could be extremely beneficial for the child’s health.

      What about hand sanitizer? Good or bad?
      Usually bad. Hot, soapy water is fine. Even mildly warm, soapy water is fine, and it’s probably less damaging to the child’s overall health.

      How about the five-second rule? The idea that if something falls on the ground and is there for under five seconds, it’s clean.
      The five-second rule doesn’t exist. It takes milliseconds for microbes to attach themselves to a sticky piece of jammy toast, for example. But it makes no difference. Unless you dropped it in an area where you think they could be a high risk of extremely dangerous pathogens, which in every modern American home is virtually impossible, then there’s no risk to your child.

      Wash a pacifier or lick it if it falls on the ground?
      Lick it. A study of over 300,000 children showed that parents who licked the pacifier and put it back in — their kids developed less allergies, less asthma, less eczema. Overall, their health was stronger and more robust.

      Are things like allergies an unintended consequence of trying to protect our kids too much?From Birth, Our Microbes Become As Personal As A Fingerprint

      Absolutely. In the past, we would have eaten a lot more fermented foods, which contain bacteria. We would have allowed our children to be exposed to animals and plants and soil on a much more regular basis. Now we live indoors. We sterilize our surfaces. Their immune systems then become hyper-sensitized. You have these little soldier cells in your body called neutrophils, and when they spend too long going around looking for something to do, they become grumpy and pro-inflammatory. And so when they finally see something that’s foreign, like a piece of pollen, they become explosively inflammatory. They go crazy. That’s what triggers asthma and eczema and often times, food allergies.

      Give us some advice. What should I allow my child to do?
      Oftentimes, it’s hard to get your kid to eat a healthy diet. I would strongly try to encourage the consumption of more colorful vegetables, more leafy vegetables, a diet more rich in fiber as well as reducing the sugar intake. But just generally, allow your kid to experience the world.

      Read an excerpt of Dirt Is Good
      Disclosure: While this author holds that bacteria is good – he is also pro vaccines.

  • March

    Come join us on June 17 at Julia Davis Park as IDAHO JOINS NATIONWIDE MARCH & COMMUNITY EVENT for Children’s Health!

    Join us for encouraging speakers and family activities. We will learn how toxins effect our children’s health, discover way to protect, and heal our kids from the everyday toxicity that bombards their systems. Live Music, Engaging Speakers, Family activities and a local vendor marketplace will allow us to come together as a community to invoke a change in the environment for the sake of our children’s future.

    Free Family Event with encouraging speakers and children’s activities.
     Join us in the park across from the Boise Zoo.

    Children’s March For Humanity RSVP to this free event

    Health Freedom Idaho Hosts this FREE family event in the park across from Zoo Boise! Learn about the effects of toxins we are constantly bombarded with that affect our health and the health of our children. Be encouraged with practical ways to protect and heal our kids from the everyday toxicity present in our environment and food.
     Lots of kids activities such as bounce houses, bubbles, arts and crafts, park games, live music, and yummy healthy food vendors!
     **JOIN THE PARADE! Have your kids dress up as professionals or grown ups and join our parade**

    Speakers Include: 

    9:00 am Chelsi Goddard, Health Freedom Idaho, will open with what the Children’s March For Humanity is all about as well as going over the rules and safety protocol. 9:10 am Lucas Baumbach, Treebrook Farm, will teach the kids about organic farming.9:25 am Dr Rosie Main, Main Health Solutions, will bring the solution as she educates parents and children about what to do about all of these toxins bombarding our bodies.9:40 amGovernor elect Russ Fulcher will be educating the citizens about why and how to get involved politically to protect our children.  9:55 am Miste Karlfeldt, Executive Director of Health Freedom Idaho, give a send off to the parents and children to march to the around the City.

    11:oo am Marti Hinckley, Million Mom Movement, shares about protecting our food supply

    11:10 am Julie True, Health Freedom Idaho, directions for days activities including easy action steps each family can take today to protect the future

    Afternoon Activities: Community Building. Family and Kids Activities. Information tables.

    Bring your own picnic or enjoy foods from vendors Boise Fry Company and Organic Idaho Juice and Java

    REGISTER YOUR FAMILY TODAY!

    Thanks to Our Sponsors!

  • Ketchup. That bottled stuff is not so good for you!

    Many of you are not aware of the method of labeling ingredients in food products. Namely, companies list the ingredients according to the amounts added to the food, from the most to the least.

    This is important as it gives you an opportunity to control what you consume.

    When it comes to Heinz ketchup, we strongly advise you to stay away from it, and we give the most important reasons:

    High Fructose Corn Syrup

    Heinz ketchup is loaded with high fructose corn syrup, and this would have been evident if the company did not list the same ingredients twice under a different name, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup.

    This ingredient acts as sugar in the body when metabolized, and raises the blood sugar levels, and endangers the functioning of the liver. It is derived from GMO and causes obesity, weight gain, heart diseases, diabetes, and weakened immune system.

    Distilled Vinegar and Sugar

    Despite the high fructose corn syrup, they have also added additional sugar- even 4 extra grams of sugar per tablespoon!

    In the end, they add distilled vinegar, which is another GMO corn ingredient.

    Therefore, this product contains three GMO ingredients, sugar, chemicals, and actually no place for any nutrients! Does this sound healthy, does it actually sound like a food?

    The list of ingredients continues with additives, salt, onion powder, no fiber, no protein, and no nutritional value.

    Therefore, I’d advise you to never consume this ketchup again!…

    Probiotic Ketchup – the GOOD STUFF 

    My kids are beginning to get a taste for it. I am realistic – it takes time for taste buds to change.

    Spiced, Fermented Ketchup

    The spices here can totally be optional, but I love a heavily spiced ketchup, so I went nuts.  I went heavy on the clove, because I like it and the morning glory version is noticeably clovey.  Feel free to omit any spices that you don’t love, since this is definitely a heavily spiced ode to the good ol’ MG ketchup.

    I didn’t add any salt because my kraut juice contained all the salt I wanted.  If you use a different starter, add a pinch or two of salt.

    Ingredients

    1 cup tomato paste

    1 1/2 cups drained, canned tomatoes (or sub ~4 medium, fresh, milled tomatoes), canned liquid reserved

    1 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

    1/2 teaspoon allspice

    1/2 teaspoon cayenne (omit if you don’t like heat)

    1 teaspoon clove

    1 cup sauerkraut juice

    2 tablespoons maple syrup

    How-To

    1.  Combine all ingredients except sauerkraut juice and maple syrup. Put them in a sauce pan over medium heat and cook for 40 minutes, stirring regularly. When the mixture has thickened a bit, stir in the maple syrup.

    2. Remove from heat and bring back to room temperature. If you find the mixture  has gotten thicker than you like, use the reserved canning liquid to thin it out a bit, a tablespoon at a time. Add the sauerkraut juice.

    2.  Pour into a 1 1/2 pint jar and tighten the lid.

    3.  Let it sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours or until the lid has puffed up and is a bit rigid.

    4.  I like to give it another whirl in the food processor to smooth it out even more after fermentation.

    5.  Refrigerate and consume with abandon

    http://phickle.com/ketchin-up-spiced-style/

  • Cooking with Kids Event at the Boise Co-op

    Cooking with Kids Event at the Boise Co-op

    This is a fun event for families. This Saturday, March 18th, from 10:30 – 11:45am, bring your kids to the Boise Co-op at The Village at Meridian, for a fun, inclusive event that will optimize nutrition and taste in some fun-to-eat recipes like avocado-yogurt dip, green fruit skewers and a sauce that will make sauteed broccoli more attractive and delish. All recipes are grain- and nut-free (one has dairy). 
    Cost: $12 (co-owners) and 15 (non-owners). Suggested age range: 5-10 years old. Kids up to age 12 or 13 are welcome to join us if they are not experienced cooks, this class is designed for the beginner to intermediate parent-helper.

    Adults are free with paid kid’s registration. Each child will require a purchased ticket.

    Suggested age range: 5-10 years old. Kids up to age 12 or 13 are welcome to join us if they are not experienced cooks, this class is designed for the beginner to intermediate parent-helper.

    Location: Boise Co-op at The Village, 2350 N. Eagle Rd., Meridian, ID 83646

    Register here!

    About the host: Kendy Radasky, a Nutritional Therapist and self-described foodie enjoys testing new recipes on her picky 6-year old son. Her two favorite places to spend time are the garden and the kitchen – using fresh, organic, homegrown ingredients in the meals and snacks she creates for her family. Both she and her son experience food sensitivities, so much of Kendy’s exploration with new recipes centers around gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free options. In her work as a Nutritional Therapist, Kendy guides mothers and moms-to-be, who sometimes feel depleted by the responsibilities of family and work, to deeply nourish themselves so they can reclaim their vitality and creativity, and more fully nurture those they love.

  • Get Your Kids To Eat: Spinach

    Get Your Kids To Eat: Spinach

    It is hard to beat spinach when talking about nutrient packed greens. Just one leaf contains a sampling of more than 20 different nutrients. The list of benefits is nearly as long as the amount of nutrients: cancer fighting, blood pressure beating, bone strengthening, cardiovascular helping, brain boosting, skin smoothing, vision improving, inflammation reducing, energy increasing, and more. Spinach is a green smoothie staple for all!
    We eat it raw. Fresh, Crispy and full of flavor. 
    Some kids need a bit of dressing to ‘tone down’ the boisterous flavor of spinach. For these children we make a ‘real food’ dip.
    They enjoy spinach leaves in this special ‘ranch’ dressing. 
    Thanks to Wellness Mama for this homemade healthy ranch dressing with greek yogurt, olive oil and spices and no artificial ingredients!
    Serves: 4
    Ingredients
    • ½ to ¾ cup Plain Full Fat Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
    • 1 tsp (or more to taste) of dried dill weed
    • Sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 small clove of garlic
    • 6 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 TBSP parmesan
    Instructions
    1. Put yogurt, garlic and spices in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
    2. Very slowly, add the oil so that it emulsifies.
    3. Use immediately, or store up to 1 week in the fridge
    What tricks do you use to get your kids to acquire tastes for healthy fare?
  • Get Your Kids To Eat: Celery

    Get Your Kids To Eat: Celery

    Ever heard of phytonutrients? They are what makes celery stand out among other raw greens. Phytonutrients are an antioxidant that help prevent damage done to body fat and blood vessel walls. This may not sound important, but to put it in common terms blood vessel damage leads to many of the diseases we see today. Be sure to use strong fruit to balance out the potent flavor of the celery stalks and/or leaves.
    Some love it, some can’t stand it. 
    Our family discovered that if you de-string celery, many kids will come around. Its that gag reflex with a celery string hits the back of your throat that causes the aversion to celery. 
    De-stringing celery turns into a game which makes eating food a bit more fun. Here is how to de-string your celery:
    • A simple pop and pull technique. 
    • Snap the top portion of the celery stalk. 

    • Take the cut piece and gently peel the strings away from the celery rib. As you pull the strings, it will release down the whole rib of celery.

    If you do not get all of the strings with the first pull, take a knife and gently lift a string from the end. Once you get an end sticking up, you can pull that string all the way down the rib of celery.

    There you have it – string-free celery for the whole family to enjoy!

  • Get Your Kids To Eat: Cilantro

    Get Your Kids To Eat: Cilantro

    Most fast food is dipped, cooked, and lathered in all sorts of unhealthy things that cause high blood sugar and cholesterol, but not this “fast food.” One of the remedies for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol is cilantro, and its fast and easy to add to your daily smoothie! Try it with lime juice and other tropical treats.

    Here is how our family sneaks cilantro into SMOOTHIES. 

    GREEN SMOOTHIE WITH CILANTRO: 
    1. 3 ice cubes.
    2. 1 fresh or frozen medium banana.
    3. 1/2 cup cilantro.
    4. Juice of 1/2 lime.
    5. 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil.
    6. A dash of Celtic sea salt or other high quality salt.
    7. A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
    We also love in our SALSA. Throw all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse a couple times.
    HOMEMADE SALSA:

    • 6 tomatoes of varying sizes, chopped
    • 4 small jalapeno peppers* (leave the seeds in for an extra kick)
    • ½ onion
    • ¼-1/2 cup fresh cilantro
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1½ to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ½ lemon, juiced)
    And, we love it even on our salads.
    FRESH GREENS SALAD WITH HERBS:
    • ½ head green cabbage
    • ¾ c. thinly sliced white onion
    • ½ c. fresh cilantro
    • ¼ c. vegetable oil
    • 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
    • 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tsp. Freshly ground pepper
    How do you help your kids acquire the test for healthy foods?
  • Get Your Kids To Eat: Romaine

    Get Your Kids To Eat: Romaine

    Romaine lettuce is a nutrient rich leafy green that is good for your heart and low in calories. The vitamin C and beta-carotene content help to lower cholesterol and prevent build up on artery walls, which reduces the risk of heart attack. Being low in calories also helps you lose weight while keeping you full.

     Seems easy. But not the easy stuff isn’t always so easy. 

    We tend to “hide this lettuce in: 
    • A mixed green salad
    • Upon the hamburger
    • Dipped into our favorite ranch
    • Tucked into a taco
    What do you do to help your children ‘acquire a taste’ for healthy foods ?
  • Get your Kids to Eat: Cabbage

    Get your Kids to Eat: Cabbage

    Cabbage is yet another example of a cancer fighting leafy green. One thing that may help to separate it from the pack is its popularity in home gardens and fresh markets, which makes them easy to find. It also has a hint of sweetness to go with those yummy, summer smoothies filled with berries.
    We use cabbage as a base for our salads. 
    Slice cabbage thinly (like you are making coleslaw)
    Add Carrot Shreds
    sweet red onion
    Mix ins: 
    sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries (great for color and a bit of sweetness), sesame seeds
    Create a yummy citrus salad dressing:
    1. 1 small shallot, finely chopped.
    2. ¾ cup olive oil.
    3. ¼ cup Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar.
    4. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
    5. 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice.
    6. ¼ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest.
    7. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    Add dressing just before serving and Enjoy All Year Round.