In the first hour, NYU School of Law faculty member, Mary Holland, along with attorney Kim Mack Rosenberg outlined controversies with the HPV vaccine. Called Gardasil in the US, it was introduced in 2006 as a way to prevent certain types of cancer associated with the HPV virus. Since then, the vaccine has brought in around $2.5 billion in annual sales to the pharmaceutical companies Merck and Glaxo. But serious injuries were happening even in the clinical trials (which were done without placebos), said Holland and "it's never yet, 12 years out...been proven to prevent a case of cervical or other cancer."
Holland reported that Merck has deprived individuals of informed consent because they have not been open about the real risks and injuries, which have, in addition to the US, shown up in countries as far-flung as Japan, Australia, Colombia, and India. The vaccine is given in a series of doses, and symptoms such as infection, heart palpitations, and digestive issues, may arise after one or two administrations, she cautioned.
------------------------
A clinical psychologist for over 30 years, Dr. George Pratt, specializes in helping people resolve emotional blocks and achieve success. In hours 2 & 3, he discussed how an epidemic of suicide has driven the life expectancy rates lower and why our current state of unfiltered mass communications and personal devices has handicapped our ability to communicate and resolve problems. 90% of people that commit suicide have a mental health condition they're not receiving help for, he cited, and they're also more vulnerable to opioids. Beyond mental health issues, problems associated with suicides include strained relationships, finances, substance abuse, and physical health conditions.
When people spend extended periods of time on social media the risk for depression goes up, Pratt revealed. He suggested interacting more with nature, as looking at "fractals"-- the patterns in leaves, trees, and flowers-- can have a subconscious effect that elevates a person's mood. He also talked about different energy and relaxation techniques that have therapeutic value such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)-- a rapid way to clear trauma, clinical hypnosis, and tapping (a kind of psychological acupressure). He offers a free relaxation DVD through his website.
During the last hour, 'Sound Off' Open Lines were featured.
News segment guests: John M. Curtis, Mish Shedlock