Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

What You Need to Know – TN Calls for Check on “All Children”

https://parentalrights.org/what-you-need-to-know-tn-calls-for-check-on-all-children/

On August 11, the Tennessee Child Wellbeing Task Force (“Task Force”) published “a guidance document” through the Department of Education “to ensure all children are checked-in (sic) on.” The document calls on localities to mobilize their resources to “connect with each child to verify wellbeing and identify need.”

(BREAKING: While building this alert email we have also been working the phones. First we learned the Guidance Document has been removed from the Department of Education website, and we have now learned the Governor’s office is rethinking whether to put it back up. They need to hear from all Tennessee residents, and we all need to remain vigilant against similar efforts in other states who may choose to follow the example they initially set.)

The guidance document lays out the goal that “ALL Tennessee children will receive a wellbeing check” (emphasis in original, page 1), “child” being defined on page 4 as “birth through the completion of grade 12 if enrolled in school or 18 years of age. School-age children includes those who are enrolled in public schools, private schools, homebound, etc.”

The effort sounds altruistic and good. Who could be against making sure the children are okay?

But every year millions of families are caught up in child welfare investigations, an overwhelming 83% of which turn out to be false.

Why We’re Concerned

This policy guidance is not benign. It radically increases the number of innocent families unnecessarily coming to the attention of an already overloaded and ineffective child welfare system, and it will disproportionately affect the poor and minorities, as well.

It will hurt the poor because poverty is often confused with “neglect.” Nationwide in 2018 (the last year for which data is available), more than 60% of all child removals cited “neglect” as the only reason for intervention. Yet actual, willful neglect is extremely rare. The balance of those cases are families who need help, not separation.

And the policy will disproportionately harm families of color, because these already face an increased level of involvement when compared to their share of the population at large. According to federal government data gathered by the Parental Rights Foundation for 2017, African-Americans and Native Americans make up a portion of the child welfare population in Tennessee that is more than one-and-a-half times their portion of the child population in the state (1.59 and 1.51 times, respectively). Spreading a wider net will only catch more innocent families based only on the color of their skin.

The guidance document exposes a presumption by the Task Force that fit parents cannot be trusted, and that we must rely first and foremost on state and local agents to keep children safe.

This flies in the face of the legal presumption set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in Parham v. J.R., 442 US 584 (1979), that “natural bonds of affection lead parents to act in the best interests of their children.”

So while the guidance sounds good and purports to be in the interest of children, it would use the closure of Tennessee public schools as an excuse to bring a government agent into contact with every home in the state. And every contact will involve someone trained to look for any excuse to call your family in.

Here are a few things every concerned parent needs to know:

1. The “guidance” comes from the state, but its implementation will depend on the localities, each of which will apply its own procedures. Some may be more onerous than others. Some may ignore the “guidance” completely.

2. “Contacts” listed in the guidance include surveys, emails, phone calls, virtual calls, school-based visits, or home visits. Not all localities will choose to employ home visits, but they are certainly on the list.

3. The data which the Task Force hope to gather includes a “complete roster of all children (birth through grade 12) in the city/district/county,” categorized by whether they are “enrolled in school…, homebound, children too young to attend school, [or] children not enrolled in any school.” The intended scope is not limited to local public school students.

4. Parents have a right under the Fourth Amendment “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” This right extends to your privacy and to your children. You do not have to answer questions or let them in.

5. The guidance itself notes that if “the guardian does not provide permission to speak with the child, then the parent, guardian, or care taker (sic) may speak on the child’s behalf.” However, if a parent declines to let the child be interviewed directly, this will be noted and included in the data to be gathered.

6. The guidance makes clear that the preference of the Task Force is for the state or local agent to speak to each child personally and even privately. While the guidance also instructs the agent to accept “No” for an answer (while taking names), the ideal is to speak to the child, as though no parent can be trusted.

This is a breaking story, and one we are watching closely for any new developments. We are concerned, too, that it could be a harbinger of things to come. As society adopts new ways of doing things, many states may look for ways like this to take advantage of the situation.

Take Action

What can you do to halt this overreach into your fundamental rights as a parent?

1. Tennessee parents should reach out to your governor, elected officials, or local school board and express your concerns about these recommendations. You can find contact information through this convenient summary page made available by HSLDA.

(Note: We have learned the Governor’s office has taken the Guidance down and is planning to revisit it before deciding whether or not to put it back up. So do be friendly with your call, but be sure they hear from you.)

2. Stay alert and alert your friends. Share this and similar news items through your email or social media accounts this week to make others aware of what is going on.

3. Give to support this and continuing efforts of ParentalRights.org to protect your parental rights by preserving the presumption that you know your child’s needs better than a state or local agent does.

ParentalRights.org is completely donor-funded. Your gifts in the past have made it possible for us to be here to sound the alarm. With your support we will continue to stand against any threats to your family and to your parental rights.

Sincerely,

Michael Ramey
Executive Director

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**Comment**

I post information from Parentalrights.org because Lyme patients and their children are often singled out and persecuted over how they handle treatment since there is polarization within the medial community on how to treat Lyme/MSIDS.

In the case of a divorce, it’s not uncommon for one spouse to make trouble for the one overseeing the children – just because they can.  This has also happened with the issue of vaccination – one parent wants them vaccinated and the other doesn’t due to pre-existing health issues that puts them at risk for vaccine injury.

The article I posted should concern all of us because it’s another perfect example of government overreach – invading peoples’ homes and creeping on children.  We already have plenty in place to report abuse should it occur but to “check in on” every school aged child is a highly subjective endeavor with each “checker” given unlimited power to take children from their homes.  This is frightening at a major level.

For more on the Parental Rights movement:

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/04/20/why-we-need-the-parental-rights-amendment/A proposed Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (PRA) would provide that:

“the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right.”

By setting a firm constitutional standard to protect these rights, the amendment would provide clear direction for courts, doctors, child welfare workers, and other government officials. Racial bias would diminish as fewer cases are left to the discretion of a judge or other state agent.  Another provision of the proposed Amendment would protect the rights of persons with disabilities.  The proposal states:

“The parental rights guaranteed by this article shall not be denied or abridged on account of disability.”

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/12/29/shining-the-light-on-child-services-why-we-need-the-parental-rights-amendment/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/01/08/sign-petition-to-protect-parental-rights-ama-wants-to-remove-vaccine-decisions-from-parents/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/02/21/parental-rights-in-medical-settings/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/03/05/door-opened-for-international-law-to-override-parental-rights-in-u-s/?

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/12/parental-rights-come-from-the-state-says-law-professor-james-dwyer/

Lyme/MSIDS patients; unfortunately, understand this phenomenon all too well.  Children infected with tick borne illness (TBI’s) are not believed and are told it’s all in their heads, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/06/30/child-with-lymemsidspans-told-by-doctors-she-made-it-all-up/ , they are being lazy, or they just want attention.  Parents are told they have Munchausen syndrome by proxy https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/01/11/sick-shaming-of-lymemsids-patients/ and are accused of child abuse   https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/08/24/dutch-lyme-patients-accused-of-child-abuse/ .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category:

Activism, Uncategorized

Bartonella: American Academy of Pediatrics

https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/41/8/434

In Briefs

Bartonella

Beth Goodman and Patricia Whitley-Williams
Pediatrics in Review August 2020, 41 (8) 434-436; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2019-0198

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.

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  1. Beth Goodman, MD*
  2. Patricia Whitley-Williams, MD†
  1. *Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
  2. †Department of Pediatrics and Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ

  • AUTHOR DISCLOSURE

    Drs Goodman and Whitley-Williams have disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this article. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.

Pediatricians are often familiar with cat-scratch disease (CSD), but many are not familiar with the other manifestations of Bartonella infection. The Bartonella genus of bacteria are fastidious and slow-growing gram-negative bacilli. From 1889 to the present, 8 different Bartonella species have been identified, with differing manifestations. This In Brief reviews the illnesses caused by 3 of the more common Bartonella strains: henselae, quintana, and bacilliformis.

CSD, caused by Bartonella henselae, is the most common Bartonella infection, but it is also a “newer” manifestation. CSD was first reported clinically in 1950, yet B henselae was not identified as the etiologic agent until 1983.

In immunocompetent patients, typical (uncomplicated) CSD is characterized by regional lymphadenopathy, the most common manifestation of B henselae infection, along with a history of cat exposure. For most patients with CSD, regional lymphadenopathy is the only symptom. In approximately 30% of patients with CSD, mild systemic symptoms are also present, including low-grade fever, fatigue, and headache. A skin papule, vesicle, or pustule may be present at the presumed site of inoculation, which is often a bite or scratch from an infected cat. Regional lymphadenopathy develops approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the inoculation. The affected nodes are most frequently in the axillary, cervical, and inguinal areas, and the skin overlying the affected lymph nodes is often tender, warm, erythematous, and indurated, consistent with a bacterial lymphadenitis. Approximately 10% of affected nodes suppurate spontaneously.

Atypical (complicated) CSD is a disseminated infection that develops in 5% to 14% of immunocompetent patients and may involve almost any organ system. Ocular manifestations of B henselae occur in 5% to 10% …

(See link for article you can purchase)

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**Comment**

Due to the increasing prevalence of Bartonella, I hope doctors are utilizing articles like this one and learning what to look for.

Here’s 18 pediatric cases of Bartonella in a singular Hawaiian facility:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/06/20/disseminated-cat-scratch-disease-in-pediatric-patients-in-hawaii/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/02/06/uh-study-shows-hawaii-kids-more-vulnerable-to-bartonella/  University of Hawaii study shows Hawaii keiki are more than three times more likely to get severe forms of cat scratch disease than mainland kids.

This adolescent had sudden onset schizophrenia caused by Bartonella:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/21/bartonella-sudden-onset-adolescent-schizophrenia-a-case-study/

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/07/16/5-questions-to-discuss-with-your-physician-when-bartonellosis-is-suspected/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/03/bartonella-treatment/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/24/human-bartonellosis-an-underappreciated-public-health-problem/

 

 

 

 

 

Category:

Bartonella, Uncategorized

Ticks Climb the Mountains: Ixodes Tick Infestation and Infection by Tick-Borne Pathogens

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32723635/

. 2020 Sep;11(5):101489.

doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101489.Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Ticks climb the mountains: Ixodid tick infestation and infection by tick-borne pathogens in the Western Alps

Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano 1, Aleksandra Iwona Krawczyk 2, Hein Sprong 3, Luca Rossi 4, Elisa Ramassa 5, Laura Tomassone 6

Abstract

In mountain areas of northwestern Italy, ticks were rarely collected in the past. In recent years, a marked increase in tick abundance has been observed in several Alpine valleys, together with more frequent reports of Lyme borreliosis. We then carried out a four-year study to assess the distribution and abundance of ticks and transmitted pathogens and determine their altitudinal limit in a natural park area in Piedmont region.

  • Ixodes ricinus (castor bean tick) and Dermacentor marginatus (ornate sheep tick) were collected from both the vegetation and hunted wild ungulates.
  • Tick abundance was significantly associated with altitude, habitat type and signs of animal presence, roe deer’s in particular.
  • Ixodes ricinus prevailed in distribution and abundance and, although their numbers decreased with increasing altitude, we recorded the presence of all active life stages of up to around 1700 m a.s.l., with conifers as the second most infested habitat after deciduous woods.
  • Molecular analyses demonstrated the infection of questing I. ricinus nymphs with B. burgdorferi sensu lato (15.5 %), Rickettsia helvetica and R. monacensis (20.7%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.9 %), Borrelia miyamotoi (0.5 %) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (0.5 %).
  • One third of the questing D. marginatus were infected with R. slovaca.
  • We observed a spatial aggregation of study sites infested by B. burgdorferi s.l. infected ticks below 1400 m. Borrelia-infected nymphs prevailed in open areas, while SFG rickettsiae prevalence was higher in coniferous and deciduous woods.
  • Interestingly, prevalence of SFG rickettsiae in ticks doubled above 1400 m, and R. helvetica was the only pathogen detected above 1800 m a.s.l.
  • Tick infestation on hunted wild ungulates indicated the persistence of tick activity during winter months and, when compared to past studies, confirmed the recent spread of I. ricinus in the area.

Our study provides new insights into the population dynamics of ticks in the Alps and confirms a further expansion of ticks to higher altitudes in Europe. We underline the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach in order to develop effective strategies for the surveillance of tick-borne diseases, and inform the public about the hazard posed by ticks, especially in recently invaded areas.

______________________

**Comment**

Not that ticks can’t climb mountains – but migrating birds probably dropped them there:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/11/07/ticks-on-the-move-due-to-migrating-birds-and-photoperiod-not-climate-change/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/09/danish-study-shows-migrating-birds-are-spreading-ticks-their-pathogens-including-places-without-sustainable-tick-populations/

Regarding R. slovaca:

We also identified a case of R. slovaca infection in southern Rhineland-Palatinate. The patient reported a tick bite; the tick was identified as Dermacentor spp. Fever, lymphadenopathy of submandibular lymph nodes, and exanthema at the site of the tick bite developed 7 days later. Serologic examinations by using an immunofluorescent test (Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, CA, USA) showed antibody titers of 64 for immunoglobulin (Ig) M and 1,024 for IgG against rickettsiae of the spotted fever group. These results indicated an acute rickettsial infection. Because of strong cross-reactivity among all species in the spotted fever group, we cannot differentiate between antibodies against R. slovaca and other species in this group.  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/12/09-0843_article

 

 

 

Category:

Anaplasmosis, Borrelia Miyamotoi (Relapsing Fever Group), Ehrlichiosis, Lyme, research, Rickettsia, Uncategorized

The People With Hidden Immunity Against COVID-19

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200716-the-people-with-hidden-protection-from-covid-19?

The People With Hidden Immunity Against COVID-19

By Zaria Gorvett 19th July 2020
While the latest research suggests that antibodies against Covid-19 could be lost in just three months, a new hope has appeared on the horizon: the enigmatic T cell.

The clues have been mounting for a while. First, scientists discovered patients who had recovered from infection with Covid-19, but mysteriously didn’t have any antibodies against it. Next it emerged that this might be the case for a significant number of people. Then came the finding that many of those who do develop antibodies seem to lose them again after just a few months.

In short, though antibodies have proved invaluable for tracking the spread of the pandemic, they might not have the leading role in immunity that we once thought. If we are going to acquire long-term protection, it looks increasingly like it might have to come from somewhere else.  (See link for article)

___________________

**Comment**

The article points out that the researchers tested blood samples years before COVID and found T Cells specifically tailored to detect proteins on the surface of it.  They found some could test negative for antibodies but positive for T cells that identify COVID.  The finding is prevalent – 40-60% of unexposed individuals had these cells.

They now believe immunity is twice as common as previously thought.

Highly specific T cells hang around in the blood years after an infection and continue to identify and kill pathogens contributing to the immune system’s “long-term” memory, especially when it recognizes an old foe.

The article explains that the innate immune system, made up of white blood cells and chemical signals, is the first line of defense which then starts the production of antibodies weeks later. A little less than a week after infection, T cells get activated and start recognizing infected cells. The T cells or other parts of the immune system they recruit then eliminates the invaders before they can create viral factories that churn out copies.

This explains why antibody testing is fruitless at the beginning of infection, as Lyme/MSIDS patients are painfully aware.  Also, here is a picture of borrelia (Lyme) living quite happily with a macrophage:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/06/26/fluorescent-image-of-borrelia-living-quite-happily-with-a-macrophage/

There are 4 types of T cells:

  • Helper T cells cooperate with B cells in antibody production and activation of macrophages and inflammation.
  • Memory T cells persist in the blood stream to provide protection for future infections.
  • Suppressor T cells protect healthy tissues.
  • Killer T cells kill virus infected cells directly.

When it is proven & accepted that Bb infects white blood cells, it will give a potential answer to some late-disseminated Lyme cases as an immune-deficiency syndrome demonstrating why some patients have frequent and prolonged infections and may acquire new allergies as well as Mast Cell issues.

This is extremely important work that must be done if the Lyme community is to move forward.  We don’t need more climate data, we need research on pathogen persistence, better testing, better treatment, and a host of other crucial issues that will actually help Lyme patients.  Make sure you express this to Congressman Frank Pallone as well as demanding a hearing on the issues of Lyme before HHS gets another dime of tax-payer money:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/08/02/house-approves-increased-funding-for-lyme-im-not-impressed-please-contact-congressman-pallone/

 

 

Category:

Uncategorized

What Lyme & Autism Have in Common Will Surprise You

https://dariningelsnd.com/lyme-and-autism/

July 6, 2020

By Dr. Darin Ingels N.D.

When speaking with children who are chronically ill, it can be difficult to understand what is causing their symptoms.

Children, naturally, might not know how to accurately describe their pains or illness. When there are multiple symptoms, it can be even more challenging as they grow and change so quickly.

For children with autism or other language disorder, they may be limited or unable to communicate why they feel the way they feel. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Lyme disease are examples of what seem to be entirely different diseases, but they share an overlap of symptoms.

While autism is usually seen as a developmental disorder and Lyme disease and infectious disease, the two have more in common than you might think. There are interesting connections between the two, especially when diagnosed in children.

Sad boy with symptoms of lyme disease

Symptoms shared by both Autism and Lyme:

  • Neurological symptoms that include difficulty with communication and confusion, disorientation, muscle twitching, sensitivity to light, brain fog, and delayed development.
  • Psychological problems that impact behaviors, obsessive-compulsive disorder, an increased sense of doom, anxiety and outbursts.
  • Physical health issues such as muscle weakness, arthritis, and rashes.
  • Gut health issues including food allergies, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

These symptoms are common features of autism and Lyme disease.

Coincidentally, many of these symptoms are also displayed in auto-immune disorders.

Tests for Lyme can be misleading, as they have a poor accuracy. A specialist is always needed in order to get a better sense of other treatment options because both autism and Lyme can have long-term issues.

However, there are treatments that benefit Lyme and autism alike. Focusing on gut health has been an important part of treatment for both conditions. This is because we are seeing the benefits of specific diets in patients with autism and/or Lyme.

Nutritional support strengthens the integrity of the intestinal membranes, balances the billions of bacteria in our gut and improves digestion and elimination.

All of this help support the immune function of the gut, which ultimately affects brain function.

An effective nutritional protocol would support the immune system, reduce symptoms, calm the nervous system and strengthen the body’s ability to fight infections.

Autoimmune conditions such as autism and Lyme disease benefit greatly from proper diet and lifestyle modifications.

Wheat

Removing casein, dairy, sugar, processed foods and gluten from the diet will allow the body to heal and aid in the detoxification process, naturally.

Reducing environmental factors like external and emotional stressors are extremely important for both Lyme and ASD.

Stress responses increase the load on the immune & nervous system, which can lead to exhaustion and further relapse into symptoms.

Identifying these triggers help you to work around them and eventually train your nervous system to create new patterns and get rid of the old ones. Autoimmune conditions have very unique impacts on the immune system, especially Lyme and autism.

Consider speaking to a specialist about your symptoms, especially if they mimic other autoimmune conditions. And never be afraid to get a second or even third opinion, as it may be necessary in order to get to the root of problem.

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For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/12/22/identification-evaluation-and-management-of-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/09/28/toxic-metal-pollution-linked-with-development-of-autism-spectrum-disorder/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/09/05/pans-autism-the-immune-system-an-interview-with-expert-neurologist-dr-richard-frye/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/26/clinical-trial-shows-most-kids-with-autism-are-not-born-with-it/

Category:

Autism, diet and nutrition, Gut Health, Inflammation, Lyme, Psychological Aspects, Uncategorized