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4 years ago

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BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

I hate needles. I don’t think there’s anything in this world that can send shivers down my spine the way that a freshly unpackaged needle can. I have extremely unpleasant middle school memories of lining up to get my shots for meningococcal disease, hepatitis B and HPV. Outside of the freedom of getting out of math class for thirty minutes, I didn’t see much of a reason behind these vaccines.

Twelve years later, I can see that this heavily debated topic is something far bigger than the realm of my middle school. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that vaccines help to prevent 2-3 million deaths from a multitude of life-threatening diseases, there’s still a strong opposing voice against them.

How could that be? How could there be a voice against life-saving medicine?

Smallpox was a devastating disease thought to date back to the Egyptian Empire around the 3rd century BCE. This speculation is based on a smallpox-like rash found on three mummies, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 1967, the Intensified Eradication Program initiated with a plan to globally eliminate the illness through the introduction of a high-quality vaccine. By 1972, the United States had eradicated smallpox and on May 8th, 1980, the 33rd World Health Assembly officially declared the world free of the disease. This is considered the biggest achievement in international public health thus far.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the globe, countries around the world are anxious to get their hands on a vaccine as soon as possible. With the millions of dollars invested into the hunt for a vaccine, many researchers worldwide are aiming for approval by the beginning of 2021. The re-opening of the economy and global efforts for a cure have re-energized anti-vaccine critics who are already protesting for what they refer to as their ‘medical freedom.’ Although often dismissed, the anti-vaccination groups may have a striking argument about the awaiting COVID-19 vaccine. If vaccine development normally has to go through five vigorous stages over the course of at least ten years, how can we trust a vaccine to be safely tested and available on the market within a few months?

In an exclusive interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Toronto Caribbean Newspaper’s own Simone Smith had an in-depth conversation about the safety and efficiency of vaccinations. Kennedy, a renowned voice in the vaccine movement since 2005, founded the Children’s Health Defense (previously called World Mercury Project) to challenge and advocate against vaccine regulation, and fluoridation of drinking water.

“I am not anti-vaccine. People call me that as a way of discrediting me or marginalizing me,” he firmly states. “I support safe vaccines that are tested in the way that other products have to be tested.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has quite an unsettling reputation surrounding his claims on how harmful vaccinations can be, especially within his own family. In 2019, his siblings and niece published a piece on Politico, stating that he’s tragically wrong about vaccines. “His and others’ work against vaccines is having heartbreaking consequences. The challenge for public health officials right now is that many people are more afraid of the vaccines than the diseases, because they’ve been lucky enough to have never seen the diseases and their devastating impact. But that’s not luck; it’s the result of concerted vaccination efforts over many years. We don’t need measles outbreaks to remind us of the value of vaccination,” an excerpt from the article reads.

In the last year, a record breaking high of 1,282 individual cases of measles were diagnosed in the United States, the greatest number since 1992. The majority of cases were among people who were not vaccinated for measles, according to the CDC. Still yet, Kennedy is certain on his beliefs and says that he has observed the effects of vaccination first-hand within his own immediate family.

“In 1986, when [Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act] we were seeing an epidemic of chronic disease in Canada and the United States. I had 11 brothers and sisters. I had 77 cousins. I didn’t know of anybody with a food allergy or eczema. And yet, I have six kids and they all have allergies. Why is that? Whatever happened began in 1986. That same year, the odds of chronic disease raised from 1 in 10,000 in my generation to 1 in 34 children today.”

Chronic disease refers to a multitude of life-long illnesses such as lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and developmental disorders. Some would argue that many of these abnormalities are inherited genetically or caused by an error in the human DNA. Kennedy thinks otherwise.

“Epidemics are not caused by genes; they’re caused by toxins in the environment. Genes can give you the vulnerability, but you need to add the toxins. There are lots of new toxins. We have cellphones, and neonicotinoid pesticides. There are a lot of things you can blame for this explosion of chronic disease. But the best of science has linked the cascade of chronic disease to vaccines. I gave my kids every vaccine that was recommended. Now, I wish I could go back in time.”

There seems to be a global race amongst nations on who will get access to the COVID-19 vaccine first. Although the issue at hand is urgent, should we really be opting for a ‘quick-fix’ solution?

“Roughly a vaccine takes about fifteen years to get to the market. What if a vaccine causes cancer? You won’t know that for at least four to five years. If you only test a vaccine for forty-five days, you’re only going to see what happens in forty-five days. They’re doing a lot of shady things in these tests.”

He continues.

“The leading vaccine right now is the Moderna vaccine and it was tested on 45 people. Bill Gates is one of the investors and Dr. Anthony Fauci put half a million dollars of our taxpayer money into that vaccine. They tested it in Washington and gave it to 45 volunteers. Fifteen got the low dose, fifteen got the medium dose, and fifteen got the high dose. In the low dose group, 1 of the people got sick. That’s 6%. That’s very alarming. In the high dose group, 3 of them got sick. They’re going to give this to a billion people. If 20% of a high dose group is getting sick, then who wants to take that chance?”

Point taken – those statistics do sound pretty frightening out loud. But the question remains. If vaccination isn’t the safest way to go, then how do we battle this highly infectious virus?

“The FDA is saying that they’re going to allow vaccines that are 30-50% efficacious. Well, I can tell you a vaccine that is 99.8% efficacious – it’s called the human immune system! You can bolster your chances of not getting infected by taking vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. Generally speaking, the people who have those things in their system are not affected by COVID, or they’ll recover very quickly. That’s what we ought to be focussing on: therapeutic drugs rather than the vaccine.”

What does this have to do with the African-Caribbean Community?
Systemic racism is not only evident within the criminal justice system. According to the New York Tmes, African-American and Latin residents of the United States have been three times as likely to become infected as their white neighbours. Data shows that they are also nearly twice as likely to die from the virus as well. Mr. Kennedy took time to educate the community on what we need to know.

“Polling shows that the skepticism is the highest in the African-American community, and there’s good reason for that. There’s lots of studies that show that African-Americans are much more vulnerable to vaccine injury. Vaccine injury, along with other disease like COVID, targets people with vitamin D deficiency. You’ll notice about 95% of people who died from COVID are vitamin D deficient. And that may be one of the reasons why it is attacking African-Americans because virtually, every black person is vitamin D deficient.”

Vitamin D insufficiency is fairly prevalent among black people. Melanin lowers the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure, as it blocks out twice as much UV radiation as white skin. According to the Cooper institute, there tends to be a greater risk for chronic and potentially life-shortening conditions such as stoke, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, some of which are associated with vitamin D deficiency.

“African-Americans also have higher testosterone than caucasians. Testosterone amplifies the neurotoxicity, particularly of mercury. Estrogen tends to wrap around the mercury molecules and protect the female brain. Autism and other developmental disorders are more pronounced in the male population due to the testosterone.”

Lest we forget the horrific 1932 Tuskegee syphilis study, where 399 black men infected with syphilis were manipulated into being a part of a 40-year study. The men, who were promised: free medical exams, free meals and burial insurance, were unaware that the study was to observe the effects of the untreated infection. Even with the introduction of penicillin in the 1940s, the men were never given the drug. 28 of the original 399 black men died of syphilis, 100 died of related complications, 40 of their wives were infected, and 19 of their children were born with congenital syphilis. It’s no surprise that people of colour are inadequately represented in medicine, due to heartbreakingly having mistrust towards medical institutions from past instances like this.

“We know that African-Americans react differently to vaccines than Caucasians. They’re more sensitive to antigens. They need half the antigens that caucasians need; yet, it’s a one-size-fit-all program. Maybe some benefit from vaccines, but it’s clearly true that African-Americans are disproportionately injured by vaccines.”

So, what do we believe? The WHO claims that vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten threats to global health, so should we be the first in line once the COVID-19 vaccine is mandated? Kennedy concludes with an ominously thought-provoking line.

“Don’t trust me. Don’t trust your doctor. Don’t trust the CDC. Do your own research.”

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Dale

    August 6, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    So they will call anyone who questions the WHO’s protocol, or their real objectives, a conspiracy theorist.
    Well if you have a theory, then watch it come to fruition factually, it is no longer a theory it is a truth.
    I pray for people to pay attention, not just to prime time media, but to what is happening around you.
    It’s almost like someone who is an atheist , and Jesus Christ himself stands in front of them and slaps them in the face, then they continue to deny that He is real.
    Thank you Robert Kennedy for having the courage to tell the truth, it’s a shame many won’t believe you.

    Reply

  2. Christopher

    August 22, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    Whem he starts talking to us about economic justice and immigration reform, he can have a conversation. Until then, he can miss us with this whatever it is. I would also like to ask him if Black Lives Matter when it comes to policing.

    Reply

    • Josh Presaud

      August 25, 2020 at 10:18 pm

      Christopher, that’s said with a little bit of ignorance, there are white people that would like to help. This article and interview talks about the negative effects vaccines are having on the POC population and you say “he can miss us”?

      Take your ego down a notch and take a look, you may learn something that may save your life and your loved ones, they are prepping to vaccinate OUR PEOPLE first. Milinda Gates said it point blanc, BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD GET THE VACCINE FIRST.

      Reply

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Community News

Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

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2 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

  • United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
  • Unite Here! Local 75
  • Toronto & York Region Labour Council
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

  • Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
  • Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
  • Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
  • Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
  • Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

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Community News

What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

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2 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

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Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

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2 days ago

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December 19, 2024

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

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