Dear HPA Affiliate,

Welcome to our practitioner e-newsletter. We are open to receive news submissions you find noteworthy for practitioners of Family Wellness.

Dentists Distributing Misleading Fluoride Data, says Fluoride Action Network:

NEW YORK, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Fluoride Action Network (FAN) charges the American Dental Association (ADA) with circulating false and misleading information in its newsletter (8/15) that expressed concern over professional "opposition to community water fluoridation."(1)
References:

(1) http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2625
(2) http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11571
(3) http://www.fluoridealert.org/statement.august.2007.html
(4) http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/fluoride_report_response.pdf
(5) http://www.fluoridealert.org/thiessen-letter.pdf
(6) http://www.fluorideaction.org/statement.quotes.aug.2007.pdf
(7) http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/facts/fluoridation_facts.pdf
(8) http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/figures/s403a1t23.gif

End Fluoridation, say 600 Physicians, Dentists, Scientists and Environmentalists:

Over 600 professionals are urging Congress to stop water fluoridation until Congressional hearings are conducted. They cite new scientific evidence that fluoridation, long promoted to fight tooth decay, is ineffective and has serious health risks. Read more here: (www.fluorideaction.org/statement.august.2007.html)

Food Additives Associated with Hyperactivity in Children:

Common food additives may cause hyperactivity in children in the general population, according to a study published online in Lancet.

In a randomized crossover trial, 137 three-year-olds and 130 eight- or nine-year-olds consumed daily drinks of placebo, mix A (sodium benzoate and artificial food coloring), or mix B (similar to mix A, but with additional food coloring) for 6 weeks. Hyperactivity was evaluated using teacher and parent ratings, direct observation, and a computerized test.

Compared with placebo in adjusted analyses, mix A was associated with elevated hyperactivity scores among three-year-olds, while mix B was associated with elevated scores among eight- or nine-year-olds.

The authors write, "These findings show that adverse effects are not just seen in children with extreme hyperactivity (ie; ADHD), but can also be seen in the general population and across the range of severities of hyperactivity."

Lancet article (Free abstract with one-time registration; full text requires subscription)

Poison in Mattresses:

“Serta, the second-largest U.S. manufacturer, has been using a fire-blocking system on all its products since January that uses a blend of natural and synthetic fibers as well as chemicals. Al Klancnik , Serta group vice president, vouched for the safety of the chemicals. …

"There is an infinitesimal level of boric acid [Roach Killer] available on the surface of mattresses," he said.

“Whitney Davis, an attorney who used to sue manufacturers over injuries to children from mattress fires, petitioned the CPSC for the rule and pushed for the California standard. He said he would like the final rule to require labels disclosing the content of the fire resistant material because he thinks some manufacturers, and importers, may use unsafe chemical treatments.”

Out of his own pocket Mr. Davis bought mattresses from all the major brands and paid a lab to analyze the chemicals used to flameproof the mattresses. Being concerned he staged an event called the “Sacramento Tea Party” on the steps of the California capitol. In the press release he mailed announcing the event he stated: “The Problem: the only chemicals they can use to achieve compliance are listed as toxic to humans by the EPA.” In a San Francisco Chronicle article on the issue Whitney Davis is quoted as saying:

"You don't know until 10 years down the road and there's a problem," he said. "We feel responsible."

Visit www.PrescriptionBeds.com for information on toxic free mattresses.

HPA Collaboration: Gentle Birth World Congress and Baby EXPO

This is one multidisciplinary conference you want to attend! We are proud to be involved!

Join: obstetricians, midwives, nurses, childbirth educators, chiropractors, lactation experts, alternative health providers, risk managers, lawyers, hospital administrators, healthcare executives, birth advocates, parents and more, as we come together to discuss and create solutions to the maternity care crisis.
Special presentation by: Joe Dispenza, DC, Impacting the Biology of the Infant Mind. Visit the ICPA booth and receive your complimentary copy of Pathways.

- Oregon Convention Center, Downtown Portland Sept 28-30, 2007
www.gentlebirthworld.com call: 866-789-6488 (24 hrs)

Pathways to Family Wellness

Pathways issue #15 is being mailed this week. This informative magazine is an HPA membership benefit. It offers numerous articles and resources for both parents and practitioners. Info about our current issue is posted here:
www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org

Did you know you could order these magazines in bulk? They are great handouts for existing and potential patients. Read more about bulk copies here:
www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/why_order_bulk.html

Also Back Issues of Pathways in PDF and in print (some issues) are now available! Get your complete collection now!
www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org/backIssues.html

HPA Membership:

If you are not yet a member of the HPA, please join us! Also, encourage your like minded practitioners to come together in our common mission and movement. Our active referral directory is used by many parents seeking safe, natural care for their children. They need your services NOW! www.hpakids.org

Save the Date:

The HPA will be collaborating with the ICPA (www.icpa4kids.org) on May 9, 10 and 11, 2008 in Philadelphia for an outstanding weekend of pediatric practice skills, multiple keynotes from various disciplines and practical workshops on community education and outreach! More to be announced soon. For now, mark your calendar and stay posted for updates and news.

Jeanne Ohm, DC
HPA Executive Secretary

Visit: www.hpakids.org for numerous resources and membership benefits.

HPA Member Newsletter 003