Sunday, February 22, 2009

Spread the word!

Dr. Offit’s Book, AUTISMS FALSE PROPHITS, Bad Science, Risky Medicine, And The Search For A Cure is a great resource for anyone who has questions about whether vaccines are safe, or could cause autism. It is very important, perhaps the most important book you can read about autism, vaccines, or child rearing.

Last week I was visiting with a Vice-President who works at our company. He commented that he was on the board of a local hospital. He’s an administrative type, not trained in science, so I took the opportunity to bring up this subject. Joe is about 65 years old and was unaware that this was such a hot topic. I sent him a link to Dr. Offit's book, a link to Dr. Offit on you tube and a link to the Books and Ideas pod cast on iTunes. Then I suggested that he forward the e-mail to fellow board members and that the book should be given to individuals who take birthing classes at his hospital. As a marketing professional with a science background, I believe this would be the ideal time to begin the educational process. These are individuals who are seeking information from a reliable source. They do not have as many preconceived notions as parents who already have children at home. I am confident that once an individual knows the facts, the pseudoscience is less inclined take root.

If you know someone, or if you have influence at a hospital, my request of you is the same as for the V.P. of our company. The education needs to take place before an individual has children.

If there is one thing I would like to add to Dr. Offit's book, it is this. Write your congressman, write your senator, write your local newspaper. Your children and grandchildren are being put at risk by this ignorance. We live in the richest country in the world. Unlike new parents in many countries, vaccines are available for all of our children. Whether children miss their vaccinations because of fear or lack of availability, the same tragic results are inevitable. We are beginning to see it in some parts of the country already. Don’t believe it’s a problem? Check out the links and spread the word!

USA Today Story
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-02-15-hib-kids_N.htm

You-tube video about this book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTr-HLz7dPc

Link to Paul Offit’s book:
http://cup.columbia.edu/book/978-0-231-14636-4/autisms-false-prophets

There is also a podcast on itunes by Dr. Ginger Campbell under the Books and Ideas, or you can follow Episode #25 at this link:

http://cdn2.libsyn.com/brainsciencepodcast/25-booksandideas-vaccinesAREsafe.mp3?nvb=20090214022012&nva=20090215022012&t=095a1205495c6038a3d0c

It is not overstating the facts to say that this information can save lives.