Today we’re celebrating Halloween, and in the spirit of the season, health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are trying to frighten us into getting the flu shot. This is happening as a reaction to their report that shows a marked decrease in compliance.
Now for the good news: even the FDA can’t continue to ignore triclosan’s harmful effects, and has banned it from soaps. Triclosan is a controversial chemical found in anti-bacterial soaps, toothpaste, hand sanitizers, and more.
Also, due to the dangerous side effects of the osteoporosis drug odanacatib, Merck has announced that its development will be halted.
So this Halloween, make sure you don’t fall for the fear tactics of the CDC… Now let’s get started with the latest news!
1. CDC Cites Scary Stats To Encourage Flu Shot
The CDC has doubled down on its efforts to promote the flu vaccine.
Relevant Excerpt:
“Health officials are urging Americans not to delay getting their flu shot after vaccination rates fell by 1.5 percentage points from 2014 to 2015. …
While 79 percent of health care personnel were vaccinated against the flu last year— a 1.7 percentage point increase from 2014— fewer adults overall got the flu shot in 2015 than in 2014. In 2015, 45.6 percent of adults got vaccinated, a 1.5 percentage point decrease from the previous year. Older people ages 50 to 64 saw the biggest drop in flu shot rates: a 3.3 percentage point decrease to 63.4 percent in 2015, according to the NFID.”1
This begs two questions: why did vaccination rates decrease, and why does the CDC push the vaccine so adamantly?
The first question can be answered by the simple fact that true information about the flu vaccine is becoming more prevalent. Last year, for example, we reported on the CDC’s admission as to the inefficacy of the flu shot. And it’s no secret that more and more people are aware of its dangerous side effects, despite the Establishment’s efforts to downplay them.
And here at the Save Institute, we’ve been informing you from the get-go as to the bone-damaging effects of the flu shot and the toxins it contains, and you’ve undoubtedly read about the tragic cases of severe side effects that, while rare, reveal alarming truths about the dangerous nature of this vaccine.
As this knowledge gets disseminated, the increase in people opting out of getting the vaccine is not surprising. The answer to the second question is a bit more sinister: the CDC seems to support Big Pharma’s financial goals. And the numbers are big: for the 2016-2017 season, flu shot manufacturers estimate that they will distribute 157 to 168 million doses in the U.S. alone.2
Shamefully, the CDC is resorting to scare tactics not unlike those your doctor might use when trying to convince you to take a prescription for osteoporosis drugs, such as exaggerating the nature of the condition, inflating statistics, or painting a gloomy picture of the future if you refuse to take the drugs.
In essence, what Mainstream Medicine does, whether it’s with regard to osteoporosis drugs or the flu shot, is “trick” you into believing you have a dreadful condition (or the potential to contract one) and “treat” you with prescription drugs, which they present as the only answer. This is one “trick or treat” that knowledgeable Savers should avoid!
2. FDA Bans Endocrine-Disrupting Triclosan
It’s always interesting when major government entities like the FDA make belated declarations as to the dangers of previously-approved substances, and when they procrastinate the approval process to such a degree and in such a way that the substance enters the market anyway. Triclosan is a perfect example.
Relevant Excerpt:
“Antibacterial soaps were banned from the US market on Friday in a final ruling by the Food and Drug Administration, which said that manufacturers had failed to prove the cleansers were safe or more effective than normal products.
Dr Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s center for evaluation and research, said that certain antimicrobial soaps may not actually serve any health benefits at all.
‘Consumers may think antibacterial washes are more effective at preventing the spread of germs, but we have no scientific evidence that they are any better than plain soap and water,’ she said in a statement. ‘In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients may do more harm than good over the long term.’”3
I’d like to point out a key phrase in the above excerpt: “manufacturers had failed to prove the cleansers were safe or more effective than normal products.”
But wait. Shouldn’t manufacturers have to prove a product’s or substance’s safety and effectiveness before it goes on the market? It looks like upside-down science once again.
Multiple scientific studies have confirmed the dangers of triclosan; it’s an endocrine disruptor that’s been linked to cancer and liver damage, which can ultimately damage bones, given the importance of liver health in reversing osteoporosis.
In addition, triclosan’s ubiquitous use over the last four decades has released tons of this chemical into the environment, where it has contributed to the alarming problem of antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Along these same lines, another corporate entity, this time a major pharmaceutical manufacturer has decided to revoke one of its osteoporosis drugs.
3. Merck Gives Up On Odanacatib
In light of research revealing increased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, Merck, the maker of the blockbuster osteoporosis drug Fosamax, has decided to abandon its efforts to push this drug to approval.
Relevant Excerpt:
“Merck ($MRK) is giving up on its delayed and long-troubled bone drug odanacatib after it became apparent the safety risk from using the experimental med was just too high.
Two years ago the Big Pharma announced it was to delay a filing with the FDA after Phase III results showed that while the drug could reduce fractures, it also increased the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke.
It had hoped for a 2015 U.S. approval but was forced to hold fire on the safety concerns. Today, finally, Merck has officially said it will bury the program. Odanacatib works by inhibiting cathepsin K, an enzyme that plays a key role in bone resorption.
It had once been touted as a major blockbuster potential for Merck, making this a big setback for the company, which will need to rely a little harder on its Keytruda sales.”4
As the article states, odanacatib inhibits the enzyme cathepsin K, which breaks down bone tissue during healthy bone remodeling. This may be a newer pathway, but the effect is the same as with other osteoporosis drugs: the disruption of normal bone remodeling, so that fewer old bone cells are shed.
The problem is not the normal process of bone remodeling; this is essential for healthy bone tissue to rejuvenate and renew itself. The disruption of this process causes great damage to bones, especially in the long run.
This Is Yet More Proof That No Osteoporosis Drug Can Ever Be Trusted
It’s tempting to think that this is a fluke, and that since Merck abandoned odanacatib, there’s no danger that harmful drugs will be allowed on the market. It would be nice if this were true; but it simply isn’t. The all-too-common process is for drugs to get approved without adequate proof of safety or efficacy, consumers suffer side effects, warning labels get printed, and sometimes the FDA reneges on its approval.
Take, for example, the FDA’s recantation of calcitonin salmon, the synthetic version of a naturally-occurring hormone that was found to cause cancer. If you haven’t read up on this debacle, you can do so at this link:
Another pattern that osteoporosis drugs tend to follow is the discovery of “new” side effects that continue to crop up the longer the drug is on the market. This is still happening with the oldest type of osteoporosis drug, bisphosphonates.
Reclast (zoledronic acid) is one of these. Approved in 2007 for the treatment of osteoporosis, Reclast continued to surprise the public with new and horrible side effects, as discussed in the following posts:
- Negative Side Effects Of Reclast
- ALERT: New Life-Threatening Reclast Side Effects
- ALERT: Reclast And Kidney Failure
There are others, too. Fosamax, another bisphosphonate, has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femur fracture, and the “usual” side effects, including heartburn, nausea, constipation, poor vision, joint pain and swelling, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and headache.
Then recent research revealed that Fosamax promotes infections from Clostridium difficile bacteria. If you haven’t read last month’s Bulletin, I encourage you to do so, as it covers this latest side effect in detail:
Aren’t You Glad You Can Take The Road Less Traveled?
It’s undeniable that more and more people are becoming aware that no drug is ever 100% safe, even if it’s “approved” by the FDA.
There’s simply no need to gamble as to whether you’re getting a “trick” or a “treat” with conventional osteoporosis management. If you follow the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you’re in for a treat, not a trick!
You’ll discover delicious foods that contain key Foundation Supplements to build your bones from the inside out. You’ll learn about the incredible benefits of exercise, natural ways to reduce stress and bone-damaging cortisol, and most importantly, you’ll discover scientifically-backed truths about osteoporosis.
Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss
Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
The Program covers all of this and much more. It may be unconventional, but don’t let that scare you. Instead, let go of the fear and step confidently in to a time-honored, healthful, holistic, drug-free approach to rejuvenating your bones.
Happy Halloween!
References:
1 “CDC urges adults to get the flu shot amid declining vaccination rates.” Fox 9. September 29, 2016. Web. October 28, 2016. https://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/09/29/cdc-urges-adults-to-get-flu-shot-amid-declining-vaccination-rates.html
2 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vaccinesupply.htm
3 “Antibacterial soaps banned in the US amid claims they do ‘more harm than good.’” The Guardian. September 2, 2016. Web. October 28, 2016. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/sep/02/antibacterial-soaps-banned-us-fda
4 Adams, Ben. “Merck finally ditches osteoporosis drug odanacatib after stroke risk.” Fierce Biotech. September 2, 2016. Web. October 28, 2016. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/merck-finally-ditches-osteoporosis-drug-odanacatib-after-stroke-risk
You May Also Like These Related Articles:
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- Save Our Bones Bulletin: Newly Discovered Genetic Pathway For Bone Formation; 3D Scans May Predict Fracture Risk; Evolutionary Biology And Bone Regeneration
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Osteocytes: The Ignored Yet Crucial Multitasking Bone Cells And How To Activate ThemComments on this article are closed.
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What’s your info on a new prescription that was introduced to myself: PROLIA 60MG DENOSUMAB. I HAD BLOOD WRK DONE RECENTLY REVEALING DAMAGE TO MY LIVER ENZYMES??? PLZ SHARE ANY INFO ON THIS I ALREADY HAD 3 SHOTS. IT’S A SHOT EVERY 6 MONTHS. CONCERNED
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I just want to thank you again for consistently keeping us informed with the very latest in so many important areas. I am always eager to read your current email and have shared your name many times with friends and family….
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Thanks Vivian, I live is South Africa and we have the same problems here with doctors pushing these drugs for osteoporosis. Thankfully after reading about the side affects from you i said no thank you to my doctor.
I now take a plant based Calcium supplement called Super Natural Calcium from Vibrant Health. Do you know this product, and would you recommend it?
Also it would be great if you could create an app that would set out a daily ten minute work out of your exercises. Just an idea, what do others think? -
Hi,
I’ve been on Strontium for about 6 months. I’ve been having heart pain and my
doctor says it could be the strontium. A different doctor recommended the strontium.
But I can’t find any thing that says strontium could cause heart problems. What do you
know or think?? Thanks,
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My Dr. won’t let me have a bone scan because I won’t agree to take the osteoporosis drugs.
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Wow, Nancy! That’s incredible, and also quite wrong on your doctor’s part.
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HELLO VIVIAN:
THANK YOU FOR HAVING THIS PROGRAM. I HAD A BONE DENSITY TEST LAST JULY, THE RESULTS WERE GRATE, THE OSTEOPENIA HAD DECREASE. I SENT MY DOCTOR A LETTER WITH THE GOOD NEWS; ALSO I EXPLAINED THAT I HAD NOT
BE TAKING ALANDRONATE, THE DRUG SHE PRESCRIBED; I ALSO SAID THAT I BELIEVE OSTEOPOROSIS CAN BE CURE CONSUMING FOODS CONTAINING CALCIUM. I STTOPED TAKING CALCIUM VITAMINS, BECAUSE I HEARD THEY CAN CAUSE CANCER.
REGARDS,
IRMA-
Thank you for inspiring others with your success story, Irma!
And if you’re concerned about calcium supplements, make sure you’re taking the right one. The wrong kind of calcium can indeed be harmful. Here are a couple of links to posts on that topic that you might like to read:https://saveourbones.com/can-calcium-cause-brain-lesions-kidney-stones-and-heart-attacks/
https://saveourbones.com/calcium-heart-attack/
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Did you know that the CDC wants to mandate vaccines for ALL of us, no matter the age. Not sure on which specific ones but ANY is probably bad news.
They are SO in the pocket of Big Pharma we are not safe any more.
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Hi All,
I was hoping to get some insight from the group on the bisphosphonate drug, neridronate. Has anyone taken this drug orally or had it infused? The infusion may sound odd/different, but I was recently diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) in my right leg and after doing a ton of research neridronate infusions truly appear to be the best treatment to potentially put CRPS into complete remission…
Quick background on myself as I also have been diagnosed with osteopenia and significant bone loss in my right leg. Multiple orthopedic doctors have told me the osteopenia could be due to CRPS or simple disuse (aka disuse osteopenia). I suffered a complex tibial pilon fracture about 7 months ago due to a fall from height and am otherwise a healthy 41 year old male. It’s clear if I do have CRPS it’s due to this injury and the osteopenia could very well be due to disuse. For the past 7 months I haven’t been able to put full weight on my leg, but I am undoubtedly getting better. I’ve progressed from two crutches, to one crutch, and now to a cane. I hope to ditch the cane very soon as well. Needless to say I’ve been concerned about the osteopenia and had a recent DEXA scan done to see if I have general bone issues. I’m happy to report my DEXA came back normal and my bones are strong in my spine, femoral neck, and hip (areas they checked on DEXA). So it’s somewhat clear that the osteopenia/bone loss is due to my injury and is isolated to my right leg.
So at this point it’s really me figuring out if the osteopenia is due to disuse or CRPS. I’m obviously hopeful it’s the former, but as many of you may know CRPS has been know to reabsorb bone without allowing new bone to grow in that specific body part CRPS is attacking.
My orthopedics have suggested I keep rehabbing for another month or so to see if the osteopenia improves with more activity (assuming it’s disuse osteopenia), but if CRPS is the underlying problem I’m thinking about trying the neridronate infusion. Perhaps this would not only help beat the CRPS but simultaneously help with the bone loss I’ve experienced in my right leg…thoughts? The orthos also mentioned if the bone loss/osteopenia doesn’t improve that I may be a candidate for a drug such as forteo. I’d obviously like to keep things natural which is why I’m on this site, so I’ve done my research in this regard…
Vivian – perhaps you have some direct thoughts on my situation and could pass along any experiences you’ve had with folks dealing with CRPS? Or maybe you can post my comments to a past article on your site that talks about CRPS and osteopenia/bone loss?
My final question for the group is in regards to algaecal and strontium supplements. My doctors have told me throughout my injury to take lots of calcium and vitamin D3 due to my fracture and I found algaecal and their strontium boost to have some great reviews/testimonials. It seems like a well blended product and I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on this. I’ve been taking it now for about 2-3 weeks…
Thanks and I hope to hear some feedback on my comments/questions soon!
Josh
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Josh, In March 2010, at age 55, I had an injury very similar to yours – a tib/fib plateau fracture suffered in a horseback riding accident. After surgery (a plate and screws) I was completely non-weight-bearing for 10 weeks, then started rehab. After three months, I went back to work, in a wheelchair at first, then a walker, then a crutch, then I used a cane for the rest of the year. I continued rehab for 18 months, until my insurance company cut me off. My knee heeled beautifully and hasn’t given me a bit of trouble until this month. I went back to the same surgeon and was surprised that he remembered me. He was surprised too – that I was walking so well! He said that many people with that type of injury develop severe arthritis within five years of surgery (I do have a bit of arthritis – in my other knee). Anyway, I wanted you to know that seven months out from such an injury, you’re still healing – you have a ways to go yet! I attribute my good healing to the fact that I followed my doctor’s and PT’s advice to the letter, and that I continued PT for so long. I have a normal gait with no limp and I can (finally) even run a little without looking totally ridiculous. About the only thing I can’t do is squat down all the way and stand back up, but I’m getting there. The patellar subluxation earlier this month was due to deconditioning following abdominal surgery, and is already resolved. Hang in there, be patient, and give yourself ample time to heal properly.
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Josh,
Please do some research about that injection and find out more about possible side effects. Then you can make a more knowledgeable decision.
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Thank you, Vivian, for continuing to publicize the dangers of osteoporosis drugs and the dangers of drugs in general. I live near a Merck campus and in my opinion they can’t be trusted any farther than I can throw a piano. (I’m 5’1″ and weigh 124). Among my acquaintances is a woman who would have been very pretty had she not had a very weak jaw and receding chin. I’ll bet you can guess where that came from.
My doctor keeps bringing up taking an osteoporosis drug for my supposed osteo and doesn’t seem to get it that I’m not taking anything the least bit iffy after having my shoulders destroyed by a statin drug. I take one small dose of blood pressure medication and an occasional pain killer for the shoulders and an unrelated back injury. That’s all folks.
BTW, I considered taking strontium once myself (my own idea), but in reading up, it looked to me that it operates in a similar way to the osteoporosis drugs by interfering with the normal resorption cycle and thereby creating even more brittle bones in the long run.
I believe that celiac is definitely a factor in osteoporosis, although I’m not convinced that bone density is really the issue in fracture risk. That aside, I diagnosed my own gluten sensitivity roughly ten years ago just as I have so many conditions of my own and my friends that puzzled doctors. (Note that I am a retired CPA with about thirteen years of previous experience as a psychotherapist. I have no formal medical training whatever).
Anyway, my heartfelt thanks again. I also wanted to ask if there’s an online course of “Save Our Bones” available. I bought the book, but have difficulty holding it for very long because of my bad shoulders and arthritic hands. An ebook or smaller paperback would be good, too.
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You are welcome, Mariah, and I want to thank you for sharing your insights with the community here. 🙂
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What are your views on hyaluronic acid. Is it helpful for bone health?
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Thanks for this importante information. I am very,convinced,of the dangerous side effects of chemicals,and drugs in the modern,,World
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You are welcome, Teresa. Thank you for taking the time to get informed!
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I am trying to follow your program as well as taking Evista for osteoporosis in my spine. What are your views on this medication?
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Hi Karen,
As you continue with the Program, you’ll find that it’s built around drug-free methods of reversing bone loss and overcoming osteoporosis. In your book, you’ll find discussions of individual drugs as well as osteoporosis drugs in general, and you can also search this site for the latest information on specific drugs. Here is a link on Evista to help you get started:
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My doctor stopped me taking Strontium 4 years ago. Over the last 20 years I have taken every tablet for my Osteoporosis. Now in my mid 80s I only take Calclchew and feel better for it. I was 5foot 9inches now I am 5foot. All down to Coeliac Disease which was not found until I fractured my hip.
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I am sorry you suffered a broken hip, Iona – but thankfully, the problem of intestinal malabsorption due to Celiac was discovered in the process. I am glad you feel better after giving up the drugs. 🙂
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Thank you so much for putting together this valuable information. My doctor is pushing osteoporosis drugs. A referral to a specialist only resulted in a harder push. I like resisting with the confidence to know I am doing the right thing for me.
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Same thing here Sandie. After following Save Our Bones and doing the exercises I feel stronger in mind and body.
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You are welcome, Sandie, and all of us at The Save Institute want you to know that we stand behind you! Stay strong in your convictions.
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Thanks for the valuable information.