The Healing Corner
Back To School Edition
Is Vaccination Mandatory?
A highly controversial issue, childhood vaccination is something that should be highly thought out before arriving at a decision.

Many diseases that children are protected from under vaccination are ones that are self-limiting and not life-threatening (ie. pertussis,measles, mumps). Further, if their immune systems are healthy, there should be little worry even if a child should contract one of the illnesses traditionally vaccinated for.

Under A.R.S. 15-873, parents can agree to remove their child from school during an epidemic in lieu of vaccination against a particular disease.

BLOOD TYPE RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
A Type O-Friendly Dish

BAKED FISH
1 large whitefish (2 to 3 pounds)
Lemon juice and salt to taste 1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Wash fish. Sprinkle with salt and lemon juice. Let stand for 30 minutes. Drain. Coat fish with oil and spices and place in baking pan. To prevent drying, wrap with lightly oiled foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender and easily flaked. Serves 4 to 5 people

WITH STUFFING (OPTIONAL)
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 TBSP sweet, unsalted butter
1 cup parsley
3 cloves garlic
Salt and allspice to taste

Saute nuts in butter until lightly brown. Add parsley and spices and saute for one minute. Stuff raw fish with the mixture.

Note: like many cold water fish, whitefish is high in omega-3 fatty acids which are shown to improve nervous system health in people of all age groups.

Excerpted from Eat Right 4 Your Type (D’Adamo).

  A New Angle on ADHD
Approximately four million children are taking Ritalin or a similar drug to control ADHD symptoms. Ritalin, an amphetamine, can have severe side effects, often creating dependence, setting the stage for anti-depressant and recreational drug use later on.

While many causes exist, very little attention is paid to nutrition, both in cause and treatment of this condition. Consider, for instance, that:

* Specific mineral deficiencies such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, can cause hyperactivity, lethargy, loss of focus and allergies.

*Toxic metals such as copper, lead, mercury and cadmium can severely disturb central nervous system function.

*Excessive carbohydrate and refined sugar intake can cause great swings in blood sugar, altering attention ability and calmness.

*Sensitivities even to many common foods can mimic the above symptoms as well (ie. Corn, wheat, dairy).

*Intestinal dysbiosis (ie. Candida), a highly common result of recurrent antibiotic use, can lead to chronic ear and throat infections, poor nutrient absorption, and poor metabolism.

Correction of such nutritional imbalances can cause dramatic improvements in sleep patterns, concentration, and ability to interact socially.

Recommended books on ADHD: Is Your Child Hyperactive? (Feingold), Diet, Crime and Delinquency(Schauss), Indigo Children(Carroll).

Limit nighttime computer use for improved sleep.