Don Meyers Kimberly Gochnour
Daily Herald Public Health Educator
Editorial Editor 466 N. 400 E. #302
801-344-2544 Provo, Ut 84606
dmeyers@heraldextra.com Kimberly_gochnour7@hotmail.com
Opinion Editorial: HPV Vaccine
The health of the population hangs in the balance of the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine must be considered for mandatory immunization of all girls and women age 9 and up. The HPV vaccine prevents women from getting the Human Papillomavirus which causes 70% of all cervical cancer.
Many people may take the alternative view that the HPV vaccine does not need to become mandatory. Some concerns that parents have is the efficacy of a new vaccine. . Miranda Hitti reported that in a poll where parents were asked “whether they would support a state law that requires girls to receive the HPV vaccine before entering ninth grade”, 30% were neutral and 26% strongly disagreed. Some parents argue there isn’t enough clinical research and clinical trials done, however this is an invalid argument. The FDA has proven this vaccine “safe and effective” and the CDC is promoting its use and pushing to make it a mandatory vaccine.
The Pan-American Health Organization reports 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed annually. Creating mandatory vaccination would prevent over 350,000 cases of cervical cancer annually.
The vaccination must be given by age 9 to catch girls before they become
sexually active and are at risk of acquiring HPV which can then lead to cervical cancer.
This is not a matter of “if” the girls become sexually active but “when” they
-MORE-
become sexually active. In 2005, 34% of students were sexually active by the time they reached high school according to the Child Trends Databank. And these girls must be protected against HPV before they do become sexually active.
So as public health advocates and parents concerned for the well-being of their daughters, this is a call to action for lawmakers to step up and support a bill requiring girls 9 and up to receive the HPV vaccine. Lawmakers this call to action is a plea to protect women against the debilitating disease of cervical cancer. As constituents it is imperative that this bill is lobbied for, supported and presented to Congress, and eventually signed into law to support the needs and wants of the people. If something is proven to work, prevent cancer, and save lives such as the HPV vaccine, then action must be taken by lawmakers to create mandatory immunization of girls and women age 9 and up.
XXX
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Huntsman's Donation "Gard's" Against Cervical Cancer/Lesions-E-press release
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
May 31, 2007
Contact:
Kimberly Gochnour
466 N. 400 E.
Provo, Ut 84606
Kimberly_ gochnour7@hotmail.com
Huntsman’s Donation “Gard’s” Against Cervical Cancer/Lesions
Donation promotes HPV vaccine, Gardasil, to help prevent cervical cancer and cervical lesions in women.
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) ---- Jon and Karen Huntsman donate $1 million to the Utah Department of Health on April 5 to disperse HPV education and HPV vaccinations which prevent cervical cancer and cervical lesions.
After the state of Utah did not approve House Bill 358 proposing that $1 million be allocated to provide women whose insurance do not cover the HPV vaccine, Jon and Karen Huntsman took action. They donated $1 million to educating women in Utah about cervical cancer and providing the vaccine for those unable to receive it. “My quest in life and my pledge in death… is to assist the eradication of cancer in all its ugly mannerisms, irrespective of cause,” said Jon Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corp.
A study done by the New England Journal of Medicine proves that not only does the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, protect against cervical cancer but it also reduces the risk of cervical lesions in women. From this study researchers conclude that “98% of HPV-related high-grade cervical lesions” were prevented, according the NEJM. Out of 42 women in the placebo group only 1 woman received a cervical lesion.
-MORE-
In reference to cost the study also concluded that “Everyone who gets cancer goes through a pre-cancerous stage, we spend about $3 billion each year to find and treat these precancerous stages caused by some type of HPV,” said Kevin Ault, MD.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003, approximately 11,820 women were diagnosed and 4,000 women died from cervical cancer. This high incidence of cervical cancer is exactly why Huntsman and supporters see the necessity in funding efforts to promote HPV vaccine
Cervical cancer and cervical lesions can both be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Cervical lesions rates in adolescent girls are increasing. The National Institute of Health reports that “adolescents with low and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions are about as likely as adults to have progressive disease”. Approximately out of “646 subjects 477 had low grade cervical lesions while 55 had high-grade cervical lesions,” according to Dr. Jason D. Wright, from Washington University.
For more information on the HPV vaccine, go to Gardasil.com.
About the Utah Department of Health:
The Utah Department of Health aims at keeping the residents of Utah healthy, through health programs to protect the public.
XXX
May 31, 2007
Contact:
Kimberly Gochnour
466 N. 400 E.
Provo, Ut 84606
Kimberly_ gochnour7@hotmail.com
Huntsman’s Donation “Gard’s” Against Cervical Cancer/Lesions
Donation promotes HPV vaccine, Gardasil, to help prevent cervical cancer and cervical lesions in women.
Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) ---- Jon and Karen Huntsman donate $1 million to the Utah Department of Health on April 5 to disperse HPV education and HPV vaccinations which prevent cervical cancer and cervical lesions.
After the state of Utah did not approve House Bill 358 proposing that $1 million be allocated to provide women whose insurance do not cover the HPV vaccine, Jon and Karen Huntsman took action. They donated $1 million to educating women in Utah about cervical cancer and providing the vaccine for those unable to receive it. “My quest in life and my pledge in death… is to assist the eradication of cancer in all its ugly mannerisms, irrespective of cause,” said Jon Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corp.
A study done by the New England Journal of Medicine proves that not only does the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, protect against cervical cancer but it also reduces the risk of cervical lesions in women. From this study researchers conclude that “98% of HPV-related high-grade cervical lesions” were prevented, according the NEJM. Out of 42 women in the placebo group only 1 woman received a cervical lesion.
-MORE-
In reference to cost the study also concluded that “Everyone who gets cancer goes through a pre-cancerous stage, we spend about $3 billion each year to find and treat these precancerous stages caused by some type of HPV,” said Kevin Ault, MD.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003, approximately 11,820 women were diagnosed and 4,000 women died from cervical cancer. This high incidence of cervical cancer is exactly why Huntsman and supporters see the necessity in funding efforts to promote HPV vaccine
Cervical cancer and cervical lesions can both be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Cervical lesions rates in adolescent girls are increasing. The National Institute of Health reports that “adolescents with low and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions are about as likely as adults to have progressive disease”. Approximately out of “646 subjects 477 had low grade cervical lesions while 55 had high-grade cervical lesions,” according to Dr. Jason D. Wright, from Washington University.
For more information on the HPV vaccine, go to Gardasil.com.
About the Utah Department of Health:
The Utah Department of Health aims at keeping the residents of Utah healthy, through health programs to protect the public.
XXX
Opinion Editorial: Thimerosal in Vaccine’s Does Not Cause Autism
DESERET NEWS
Jay Evenson
Health Reporter
801-237-2180
even@desnews.com
Opinion Editorial: Thimerosal in Vaccine’s Does Not Cause Autism
Autism is a heart wrenching and life long disease that brings about many challenges to the family. Because children with autism lack the ability to function normally in society, the parents undertake an entirely new role involving health care, socialization, and education. So the debate revolves around the decision to vaccinate children with the controversial vaccination accused of causing autism.
In order to resolve the controversial issue, there have been numerous studies done on the correlation of autism and the MMR vaccine which contains thimerosal. Although it’s been years since researchers have proved there is no correlation between autism and vaccines, parents still fear that there is a direct relation between autism and the vaccines containing thimerosal. The rampant fear among parents might be manifested by the state of Utah’s mere 74 percent of immunized children, which falls behind the national average. This social issue hits close to home as local parents hesitate to vaccinate their children based upon the fear of developing autism.
A recent study in 2004 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that there is no link between autism and MMR vaccine or vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative, thus providing factual evidence to calm fears of many parents. The study found that the percentage of children with autism that received the MMR vaccine was the same as the children that didn’t have autism and received the vaccine.
The benefits of giving children vaccines far out weigh the possibility of developing serious diseases. Children live longer and are healthier because of vaccines that they received in their childhood years. Before the Childhood Immunization Program in the United States, 13 to 20,000 kids developed paralytic polio every year. Prior to the development of the measles vaccination, almost everyone in the country got measles when they were a child, leading to the death of 450 children every year. Before rubella, epidemics occurred and sometimes up to 20,000 children were born with congenital rubella syndrome with 2,000 deaths and more than 1,000 miscarriages. This evidence provides hope for those concerned about vaccinations.
Along with the recent positive statistics, technology has also evolved allowing vaccines to progress. They no longer need to carry thimerosal which has been argued to cause autism. Thimerosal keeps bacteria from contaminating a vaccine and its presence is essential for larger concentrations. Because of these findings, it has caused vaccines to be packaged as single doses, which in turn causes it to be more expensive; however, it is worth the cost if it keeps parents from worrying and helping them make the smarter decision to immunize their children.
While parents face a difficult decision whether or not to vaccinate their child, evidence supported by statistics has proven to be safe and effective. It remains critical that policy makers implement a national policy supporting the vaccination of children. Its far safer for the general public to receive vaccines than to run the risk of contracting serious diseases.
Jay Evenson
Health Reporter
801-237-2180
even@desnews.com
Opinion Editorial: Thimerosal in Vaccine’s Does Not Cause Autism
Autism is a heart wrenching and life long disease that brings about many challenges to the family. Because children with autism lack the ability to function normally in society, the parents undertake an entirely new role involving health care, socialization, and education. So the debate revolves around the decision to vaccinate children with the controversial vaccination accused of causing autism.
In order to resolve the controversial issue, there have been numerous studies done on the correlation of autism and the MMR vaccine which contains thimerosal. Although it’s been years since researchers have proved there is no correlation between autism and vaccines, parents still fear that there is a direct relation between autism and the vaccines containing thimerosal. The rampant fear among parents might be manifested by the state of Utah’s mere 74 percent of immunized children, which falls behind the national average. This social issue hits close to home as local parents hesitate to vaccinate their children based upon the fear of developing autism.
A recent study in 2004 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) concluded that there is no link between autism and MMR vaccine or vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative, thus providing factual evidence to calm fears of many parents. The study found that the percentage of children with autism that received the MMR vaccine was the same as the children that didn’t have autism and received the vaccine.
The benefits of giving children vaccines far out weigh the possibility of developing serious diseases. Children live longer and are healthier because of vaccines that they received in their childhood years. Before the Childhood Immunization Program in the United States, 13 to 20,000 kids developed paralytic polio every year. Prior to the development of the measles vaccination, almost everyone in the country got measles when they were a child, leading to the death of 450 children every year. Before rubella, epidemics occurred and sometimes up to 20,000 children were born with congenital rubella syndrome with 2,000 deaths and more than 1,000 miscarriages. This evidence provides hope for those concerned about vaccinations.
Along with the recent positive statistics, technology has also evolved allowing vaccines to progress. They no longer need to carry thimerosal which has been argued to cause autism. Thimerosal keeps bacteria from contaminating a vaccine and its presence is essential for larger concentrations. Because of these findings, it has caused vaccines to be packaged as single doses, which in turn causes it to be more expensive; however, it is worth the cost if it keeps parents from worrying and helping them make the smarter decision to immunize their children.
While parents face a difficult decision whether or not to vaccinate their child, evidence supported by statistics has proven to be safe and effective. It remains critical that policy makers implement a national policy supporting the vaccination of children. Its far safer for the general public to receive vaccines than to run the risk of contracting serious diseases.
Exposure to Thimersol in the Womb Does Not Raise Risk of Autism
Exposure to Thimersol in the Womb Does Not Raise Risk of Autism
According to recent studies, vaccines containing mercury that are given to women in the last months of pregnancy who have a Rh negative blood type has been proven that there is no link between autism and thimersol.
The suggestion that the Rh protein injection containing thimersol that is commonly given to Rh negative women during late months of pregnancy has been linked to causing autism.
The Rh protein shot is given to women who lack protein on the surface of their red blood cells. By pregnant women receiving this shot it prevents Rh disease which can cause stillborns or illnesses in infants. Researchers from the University of Missouri stated, “We hypothesized that if thimerosal were associated with the development of autism, we would find a higher proportion of Rh negative mothers of children with autism born before 2002.”
To test whether or not thimersol caused autism in children, researchers took 214 mothers who had children with an autism disorder and looked to see if the mother was Rh negative and had been given the Rh protein vaccine WebMD late pregnancy.
The status of the mothers with autistic children were found to be no higher than those mothers with a Rh negative status The autistic children were not exposed thimersol-containing Rh vaccine prior to birth.
Although there is valid proof that the thimersol containing vaccine does not cause autism, it won’t change the minds of those that are convinced. Miles tells WebMD, “there is still no credible scientific proof or a link.” In 2004 the Institute of Medicine reviewed the data and came to the same conclusions. Miles concluded by saying, “It is time to move on and focus our research dollars and efforts on avenues that will be more productive.”
Children in the US are not exposed to the Rh vaccine (WebMD) and other vaccines that used to include thimersol. While children in other parts of the world are still being exposed to thimersal it is continuing to be used because it is an inexpensive preservative.
For more information on exposure to thimerosal, please visit WebMD.
About WebMD:
WebMD provides expertise in journalism, medicine, health communication and content to bring the best health information. There Independent Medical Review Board is continually reviewing the site for accuracy and timeliness.
According to recent studies, vaccines containing mercury that are given to women in the last months of pregnancy who have a Rh negative blood type has been proven that there is no link between autism and thimersol.
The suggestion that the Rh protein injection containing thimersol that is commonly given to Rh negative women during late months of pregnancy has been linked to causing autism.
The Rh protein shot is given to women who lack protein on the surface of their red blood cells. By pregnant women receiving this shot it prevents Rh disease which can cause stillborns or illnesses in infants. Researchers from the University of Missouri stated, “We hypothesized that if thimerosal were associated with the development of autism, we would find a higher proportion of Rh negative mothers of children with autism born before 2002.”
To test whether or not thimersol caused autism in children, researchers took 214 mothers who had children with an autism disorder and looked to see if the mother was Rh negative and had been given the Rh protein vaccine WebMD late pregnancy.
The status of the mothers with autistic children were found to be no higher than those mothers with a Rh negative status The autistic children were not exposed thimersol-containing Rh vaccine prior to birth.
Although there is valid proof that the thimersol containing vaccine does not cause autism, it won’t change the minds of those that are convinced. Miles tells WebMD, “there is still no credible scientific proof or a link.” In 2004 the Institute of Medicine reviewed the data and came to the same conclusions. Miles concluded by saying, “It is time to move on and focus our research dollars and efforts on avenues that will be more productive.”
Children in the US are not exposed to the Rh vaccine (WebMD) and other vaccines that used to include thimersol. While children in other parts of the world are still being exposed to thimersal it is continuing to be used because it is an inexpensive preservative.
For more information on exposure to thimerosal, please visit WebMD.
About WebMD:
WebMD provides expertise in journalism, medicine, health communication and content to bring the best health information. There Independent Medical Review Board is continually reviewing the site for accuracy and timeliness.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Maybe it’s more than just a phase
Autism has risen from 1 in 1500 to 1 in 150 in five years—that is ten times as many children being diagnosed per year. The cause of the dramatic increase (much like the cause of disease itself) is unknown. However, treatment for the childhood is available and with parents’ help the effects of the disease can be lessened.
Some think autism is not a helpable problem. Children with the disease must live with the disease and the consequences. People who think nothing can be done for the children, don’t take proactive behavior personally or in a classroom.
Not all autism cases go undetected. There are parents who notice something is wrong take children in to the doctor for a diagnosis. Once the disorder is addressed, parents work with their child to understand the problem and what can be done.
There are many treatments for autism spectrum disorder because the disorder is not the same for individuals. Some of the treatments include, speech therapy, behavior modification and vision therapy. Dr. Ivar Lovaas, founder of one behavior modification program says, “If a child can not learn the way we teach we must teach in a way the child can learn”. Vision therapy helps those unable to visually "hold still" to rely on a constant scanning of visual information to find out meaning.
Within the education system understanding and help can be given for further development. Treating autism is not pampering, “dumbing down,” or segregating children. It is using knowledge of the disorder to understand when and how to push each child toward different goals.
Every child, autistic or not, has certain needs that must be met in order to reach full potential, but it is in light of the growing trend in autistic children that special attention must be paid.
# # #
More Help For Autistic Children and Their Families
Autism rates are higher than rates of Cerebral Palsy, hearing loss, and vision impairment, but students with the disease makes up only about 3% of special education placements in public schools, according to studies done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Why this disparity? If autism is an obvious health concern, then why is it lowest on the list? Now is the time to make it a higher priority. Right now the United States Senate is deliberating over the 2007 TEACH Act (HR 2390). This bill would provide refundable tax credits for teachers to get training for teaching students with autism. With this act in place, parents of autistic children would have a huge resource for their children in public schools. It would open up a resource that is available to all of the public and in every school. All parents could afford it and have access to it. Senators and all citizens, please support this bill so that it will pass! The benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Yes, this bill would cost money, but it is important to note that prevention, or in this case early intervention, saves money. As of now, nationally, autism costs the nation $90 billion every year, according to the University of Utah. Shouldn’t this be enough incentive to increase interventions? In addition, children’s parents who would not have sought help or known to will receive help earlier. This will save both the parents and the government money by helping to avoid potential problems in the future due to a lack of early treatment.
Autism continues to be on the rise, especially in Utah. Utah ranks almost highest in the nation for overall rates and leads the country in rates of late-onset autism, according to data from Utah State University. This means that there are many people who have the condition but don’t know what to do about it. They grow up with problems that affect them in school, work, and relationships, but do not receive help. Who knows how much more difficulty and money it costs in missed work and lost wages? If this bill passes, many, many more people with autism will receive care early and regularly, setting them further on the path to success.
Help those who suffer with autism and their families. Help this bill to pass by supporting it and voting for it in the senate. Bring about this change so that all affected students can receive help and costs can be reduced nationally and for individuals.
Yes, this bill would cost money, but it is important to note that prevention, or in this case early intervention, saves money. As of now, nationally, autism costs the nation $90 billion every year, according to the University of Utah. Shouldn’t this be enough incentive to increase interventions? In addition, children’s parents who would not have sought help or known to will receive help earlier. This will save both the parents and the government money by helping to avoid potential problems in the future due to a lack of early treatment.
Autism continues to be on the rise, especially in Utah. Utah ranks almost highest in the nation for overall rates and leads the country in rates of late-onset autism, according to data from Utah State University. This means that there are many people who have the condition but don’t know what to do about it. They grow up with problems that affect them in school, work, and relationships, but do not receive help. Who knows how much more difficulty and money it costs in missed work and lost wages? If this bill passes, many, many more people with autism will receive care early and regularly, setting them further on the path to success.
Help those who suffer with autism and their families. Help this bill to pass by supporting it and voting for it in the senate. Bring about this change so that all affected students can receive help and costs can be reduced nationally and for individuals.
Autism Rates in Utah Soar
Current rates of autism in Utah are among the highest in the nation and are growing at an astounding rate, costing millions of dollars.
Salt Lake City, UT. May 25, 2007--Among several states examined, Utah came out as having the third highest incidence of autism, and has a rate of autism 20 times higher than 20 years ago, according to a CDC study conducted. This high incidence rate of autism is pricey and is expected to cost millions of dollars, possibly billions. Research, however, offers some hope in the future.
1 in 133 children in Utah has autism, according to the CDC this year. In addition, this rate is 20 times higher than it was two decades ago. These high rates of autism cost Utah millions of dollars every year and it is estimated that costs for children diagnosed in Utah will be well over $20 billion over their lifetimes, according to Dr. Judith P. Zimmerman at the University of Utah. “Add into the equation the significant emotional strain placed on families and you will begin to understand why autism is an urgent public health issue and is believed by many people to be an epidemic.” added Zimmerman in a recent Press release.
The cause of autism is not known, but researchers are working hard on finding clues. The University of Utah, in collaboration with other institutions, is currently conducting the Autism Genome Project (AGP). Among other projects, they have identified a gene called neurexin 1, which may make its carriers more susceptible to autism. Researchers working on the APG are using a new technology called gene chip technology, which allows for genes to be out in a microchip, which allows researchers to compare thousands of DNA markers and compare chromosome regions shared by people with autism. This research is very important to autism. “By combining cutting-edge CNV analysis with more traditional linkage and association (analyses), the scientists now have a promising new framework to look for autism susceptibility genes,” says Andy Shih, the chief science officer for the national organization Autism Speaks, in a recent press release.
Until causes are determined and possibly a cure for autism, the CDC recommends that parents observe their children and watch for warning signs for autism. These warning signs include repeating words over and over instead of using regular language, avoiding eye contact, and trouble relating to others a complete list of warning signs can be found on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/.
# # #
Salt Lake City, UT. May 25, 2007--Among several states examined, Utah came out as having the third highest incidence of autism, and has a rate of autism 20 times higher than 20 years ago, according to a CDC study conducted. This high incidence rate of autism is pricey and is expected to cost millions of dollars, possibly billions. Research, however, offers some hope in the future.
1 in 133 children in Utah has autism, according to the CDC this year. In addition, this rate is 20 times higher than it was two decades ago. These high rates of autism cost Utah millions of dollars every year and it is estimated that costs for children diagnosed in Utah will be well over $20 billion over their lifetimes, according to Dr. Judith P. Zimmerman at the University of Utah. “Add into the equation the significant emotional strain placed on families and you will begin to understand why autism is an urgent public health issue and is believed by many people to be an epidemic.” added Zimmerman in a recent Press release.
The cause of autism is not known, but researchers are working hard on finding clues. The University of Utah, in collaboration with other institutions, is currently conducting the Autism Genome Project (AGP). Among other projects, they have identified a gene called neurexin 1, which may make its carriers more susceptible to autism. Researchers working on the APG are using a new technology called gene chip technology, which allows for genes to be out in a microchip, which allows researchers to compare thousands of DNA markers and compare chromosome regions shared by people with autism. This research is very important to autism. “By combining cutting-edge CNV analysis with more traditional linkage and association (analyses), the scientists now have a promising new framework to look for autism susceptibility genes,” says Andy Shih, the chief science officer for the national organization Autism Speaks, in a recent press release.
Until causes are determined and possibly a cure for autism, the CDC recommends that parents observe their children and watch for warning signs for autism. These warning signs include repeating words over and over instead of using regular language, avoiding eye contact, and trouble relating to others a complete list of warning signs can be found on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/.
# # #
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
